[Federal Register: May 5, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 87)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 24938-24939]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05my04-5]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-278-AD; Amendment 39-13608; AD 2004-09-19]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319 and A320 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes, that
requires modifying the electrical bonding of the fuel return line in
each wing between ribs 7 and 8. This action is necessary to reduce the
potential for electrical arcing within the fuel tank due to
insufficient electrical bonding, which could result in a fire or
explosion in the fuel tank. This action is intended to address the
identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective June 9, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of June 9, 2004.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A319 and A320
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on February 6,
2004 (69 FR 5794). That action proposed to require modifying the
electrical bonding of the fuel return line in each wing between ribs 7
and 8.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. The FAA has duly considered the single
comment received.
The commenter supports the proposed rule.
Explanation of Change to Final Rule
The proposed AD states that the subject of the proposed AD is
addressed in French airworthiness directive 2002-476(B), dated
September 18, 2002. Since the preparation of the proposed AD, the
Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, has issued French airworthiness
directive F-2002-476 R1,
[[Page 24939]]
dated January 21, 2004. This French airworthiness directive clarifies
the applicability for one subject airplane.
The new French airworthiness directive does not affect the content
of the proposed AD. Thus, the only change to this final rule as a
result of the issuance of the new French airworthiness directive is
that we have revised Note 1 of this final rule to refer to French
airworthiness directive F-2002-476 R1.
Difference Between the French Airworthiness Directive and This AD
The applicability of French airworthiness directive F-2002-476 R1
excludes airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1103 has
been accomplished in service. However, we have not excluded those
airplanes from the applicability of this AD. Rather, this AD includes a
requirement to accomplish the actions specified in that service
bulletin. Such a requirement ensures that the actions specified in the
service bulletin and required by this AD are accomplished on all
affected airplanes. Operators must continue to operate the airplane in
the configuration required by this AD unless an alternative method of
compliance is approved.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule with the change described previously.
We have determined that this change will neither increase the economic
burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 534 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by
this AD, that it will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to
accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $65
per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $100 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $157,530, or $295 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2004-09-19 Airbus: Amendment 39-13608. Docket 2002-NM-278-AD.
Applicability: Model A319 and A320 series airplanes,
certificated in any category; except those on which Airbus
Modification 31888 has been accomplished.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To reduce the potential for electrical arcing within the fuel
tank due to insufficient electrical bonding, which could result in a
fire or explosion in the fuel tank, accomplish the following:
Modification of Electrical Bonding
(a) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the electrical bonding of the fuel return line in each wing between
ribs 7 and 8, by installing a grounding tag to a certain check valve
attachment bolt; installing bonding leads between the check valve,
the fuel return line, and the adjacent rib 8; and performing an
electrical bonding resistance test; per the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1103, Revision 01,
dated April 1, 2003. If the electrical resistance test of any
bonding lead fails: Before further flight, disassemble the bonding
lead, repeat the applicable cleaning procedures, reassemble the
bonding lead, and repeat the electrical resistance test per the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
Credit for Actions Accomplished Previously
(b) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD
per Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1103, dated June 14, 2002, are
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by
paragraph (a) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1103,
Revision 01, dated April 1, 2003. This incorporation by reference
was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or
go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive F-2002-476 R1, dated January 21, 2004.
Effective Date
(e) This amendment becomes effective on June 9, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 26, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-10019 Filed 5-4-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P