[Federal Register: April 14, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 71)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 17893-17896]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ap03-14]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-39-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and
F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600) Series Airplanes; and Model A310
Series Airplanes; Equipped With Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 or 4000 Series
Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A300-
600 and A310 series airplanes, that currently requires deactivating
both thrust reversers and revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to
ensure safe and appropriate performance during certain takeoff
conditions. This action would require installing modifications that
will add an independent third line of defense on the thrust reversers,
which would enhance their redundancy and terminate the requirements of
the existing AD. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended
to prevent in-flight deployment of the thrust reversers, which could
result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by May 14, 2003.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-39-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address:
9-anm-nprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must
contain ``Docket No. 2002-NM-39-AD'' in the subject line and need not
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or
ASCII text.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Submit comments using the following format:
[sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
[sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed
AD is being requested.
[sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each
request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2002-NM-39-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 2002-NM-39-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
On December 15, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-25-51, amendment 39-
10952 (63 FR 70637, December 22, 1998), applicable to certain Airbus
Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes. That AD requires deactivating
both thrust reversers and revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to
ensure safe and appropriate performance during certain takeoff
conditions. That action was prompted by a report indicating that the
thrust reverser of engine number 1 on an Airbus Model A300-600 series
airplane deployed during climb. The requirements of that AD are
intended to prevent in-flight deployment of a thrust reverser, which
could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule
Since AD 98-25-51 was issued, Airbus issued service information
that provides instructions for reactivating the thrust reversers
through the implementation of a program that involves parts replacement
and repetitive inspections of the thrust reversers. The FAA approved
this program as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) with the
requirements of AD 98-25-51, allowing for reactivation of the thrust
reversers and removal of the AFM limitations.
The actions required by AD 98-25-51 and the reactivation program
are considered ``interim action.'' Since issuance of that AD and the
AMOC, the manufacturer has developed a modification to address the
unsafe
[[Page 17894]]
condition, and the FAA has determined that further rulemaking action is
necessary; this proposed AD follows from that determination.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus service bulletin-- For Airbus model-- Equipped with model--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-78-6017, dated August 6, 2001..... A300 B4-620 airplanes..... PWJT9D-7R4 series engines.
A300-78-6018, dated July 17, 2001...... A300 B4-622R airplanes.... PW4000 series engines.
A300-78-6020, dated August 10, 2001.... A300 B4-622 airplanes..... PW4000 series engines.
A310-78-2018, dated June 1, 2001....... A310-222 and -322 series PWJT9D-7R4 series engines.
airplanes.
A310-78-2019, dated May 2, 2001........ A310-324 and -325 series PW4000 series engines.
airplanes.
A310-78-2020, dated June 1, 2001....... A310-221 and -222 series PWJT9D-7R4 series engines.
airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
These service bulletins describe procedures for installing
modifications that will add an independent third line of defense on the
thrust reverser system and consequently enhance its redundancy. The
actions are intended to preclude a single/dual thrust reverser
deployment due to failure of the first two lines of defense, or failure
of mechanical retention means. The modifications comprise five parts:
[sbull] Retrofit of the new electrical circuit between the avionics
compartment and the forward cargo compartment at frame (FR) 38.2.
[sbull] Retrofit of the new electrical circuit between the forward
cargo compartment at FR 38.2 and the wing/pylon interfaces.
sbull Retrofit of the new electrical circuit in the engine pylons.
[sbull] Retrofit of the new electrical circuit in the avionics
compartment.
[sbull] Installation of the synchronous shaft lock system and
connection to the new electrical circuit.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The
Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, classified these service bulletins
as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 2001-523(B),
dated October 31, 2001, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in France.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would supersede AD 98-25-51 to
continue to require deactivating both thrust reversers and revising the
airplane flight manual (AFM) to ensure that safe and appropriate
performance is achieved during certain takeoff conditions. (The AMOC
described previously allows for re-activation of the thrust reversers
and removal of the AFM limitations.) The proposed AD would also require
installing modifications involving retrofit of a new electrical circuit
at four locations and installation of the synchronous shaft lock system
and connection to the new electrical circuit. The modifications would
terminate the requirements of the existing AD, as well as the
associated AMOC, which allows re-activation of the thrust reversers.
The modifications would be required to be accomplished in accordance
with the applicable service bulletins described previously.
Cost Impact
There are approximately 38 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be
affected by this proposed AD. The FAA provides the following cost
estimates for the actions specified in this proposed AD:
Cost Estimates
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hourly Cost per
Action Model/series Work hours labor rate Parts cost airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions currently required by AD 98-25-51
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thrust reverser deactivation........ All................... 2 $60 $0 $120
AFM revision........................ All................... 1 60 0 60
-------------------------------------
Proposed modification, per Service Bulletin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A310-78-2018........................ A310-222 and -322..... 1,433 60 16,234 102,214
A310-78-2019........................ A310-324 and -325..... 1,395 60 15,061 98,761
A310-78-2020........................ A310-221 and -222..... 1,267 60 14,848 90,868
A300-78-6017........................ A300 B4-620........... 817 60 13,810 62,830
A300-78-6018........................ A300 B4-622R.......... 1,198 60 15,141 87,021
A300-78-6020........................ A300 B4-622........... 817 60 10,760 59,780
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 17895]]
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions
in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures
discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to
perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time for
planning, gaining access and closing up, or performing other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
and (3) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact,
positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under
the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10952 (63 FR
70637, December 22, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), to read as follows:
Airbus: Docket 2002-NM-39-AD. Supersedes AD 98-25-51, Amendment 39-
10952.
Applicability: The following airplanes; certificated in any
category:
Table 1.--Applicability
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Except those modified Or modified in
in accordance with accordance with Airbus
Model-- Equipped with-- Airbus service production
bulletin-- modification--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B4-620.......................... PWJT9D-7R4 series A300-78-6017, dated 12261, 12264, and
engines. August 6, 2001. 12265.
A300 B4-622.......................... PW4000 series engines.. A300-78-6020, dated 12262, 12263, 12265,
August 10, 2001. and 12377; or 12262,
12263, and 12266.
A300 B4-622R......................... PW4000 series engines.. A300-78-6018, dated 12262, 12263, 12265,
July 17, 2001. and 12377; or 12262,
12263, and 12266.
A310-221............................. PWJT9D-7R4 series A310-78-2020, dated 12261, 12264, and
engines. June 1, 2001. 12265.
A310-222............................. PWJT9D-7R4 series A310-78-2020 or A310-78- 12261, 12264, and
engines. 2018, both dated June 12265.
1, 2001.
Airbus Model A310-324 and -325....... PW4000 series engines.. A310-78-2019, dated May 12262, 12263, 12265,
2, 2001. and 12377; or 12262,
12263, and 12266.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d)(1)
of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect
of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent in-flight deployment of a thrust reverser, which
could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish
the following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 98-25-51
(a) Within the next 4 flight cycles after December 28, 1998 (the
effective date of AD 98-25-51, amendment 39-10952), deactivate both
thrust reversers in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT)
78-08, dated November 30, 1998.
(b) Within the next 4 flight cycles after December 28, 1998,
revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) to include the following:
``The takeoff performance on wet and contaminated runways with
thrust reversers deactivated shall be determined in accordance with
Airbus Flight Operations Telex (FOT) 999.0124/98, dated November 30,
1998, as follows:
For takeoff on wet runways, use performance data in accordance
with paragraph 4.1 of the FOT.
For takeoff on contaminated runways, use performance data in
accordance with paragraph 4.2 of the FOT.
(Note: This supersedes any relief provided by the Master Minimum
Equipment List (MMEL).)
Note 2: The ``FCOM'' referenced in Airbus Flight Operations
Telex (FOT) 999.0124/98, dated November 30, 1998, is Airbus
Industrie Flight Crew Operating Manual (FCOM), Revision 27 for
Airbus Model A310 series airplanes and Revision 22 for A300-600
series airplanes. (The revision number is indicated on the List of
Effective Pages (LEP) of the FCOM.)
New Requirements of This AD
Modification
(c) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD, install
modifications related to an independent third line of defense on the
thrust reversers, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin
listed in Table 2 of this AD. The modifications involve retrofit of
a new electrical circuit at four locations and installation of the
synchronous shaft lock system and connection to the new electrical
circuit. After the modifications have been
[[Page 17896]]
installed, the thrust reversers may be reactivated, and the AFM
limitation specified by paragraph (b) of this AD may be removed from
the AFM. Table 2 follows:
Table 2.--Service Information for Modification
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install the
modification in
For Airbus model-- Equipped with accordance with
model-- Airbus service
bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B4-620 airplanes........... PWJT9D-7R4 series A300-78-6017,
engines. dated August 6,
2001.
A300 B4-622 airplanes........... PW4000 series A300-78-6020,
engines. dated August 10,
2001.
A300 B4-622R airplanes.......... PW4000 series A300-78-6018,
engines. dated July 17,
2001.
A310-221 series airplanes....... PWJT9D-7R4 series A310-78-2020,
engines. dated June 1,
2001.
A310-222 series airplanes....... PWJT9D-7R4 series A310-78-2020 or
engines. A310-78-2018,
both dated June
1, 2001.
A310-322 series airplanes....... PWJT9D-7R4 series A310-78-2018,
engines. dated June 1,
2001.
Airbus Model A310-324 and -325 PW4000 series A310-78-2019,
series airplanes. engines. dated May 2,
2001.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d)(1) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in
accordance with AD 98-25-51, amendment 39-10952, are approved as
alternative methods of compliance with the requirements of
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 2001-523(B), dated October 31, 2001.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 8, 2003.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-9015 Filed 4-11-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P