[Federal Register: June 9, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 111)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 32250-32251]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09jn04-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-337-AD; Amendment 39-13663; AD 2004-12-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series
airplanes, that requires modification of the 107VU electronics rack in
the avionics compartment to ensure that fluid does not enter the rack.
This action is necessary to prevent the loss of electrical power during
flight, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective July 14, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of July 14, 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: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2797;
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 A300 B2 and
A300 B4 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March
5, 2004 (69 FR 10383). That action proposed to require modification of
the 107VU electronics rack in the avionics compartment to ensure that
fluid does not enter the rack.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We have determined that air safety and the public interest require
the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 120 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by
this AD, that it will take approximately 4 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 $390 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $78,000, or $650 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
[[Page 32251]]
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:
2004-12-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-13663. Docket 2002-NM-337-AD.
Applicability: Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes,
except those on which Airbus Modification 12447 has been
accomplished; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent fluid from entering the 107VU electronics rack, which
could result in the loss of electrical power during flight, and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
Modification
(a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the 107VU electronics rack in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-24-0098, dated June 13,
2002.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(b) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(c) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-24-0098, dated June 13, 2002. 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 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 2002-579(B) R1, dated February 19, 2003.
Effective Date
(d) This amendment becomes effective on July 14, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 28, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-12819 Filed 6-8-04; 8:45 am]
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