[Federal Register: November 5, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 214)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 64530-64534]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05no04-21]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-19534; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-99-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series
Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes,
and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-
600); and Model A310 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus airplane models, as specified above. This proposed
AD would require modifying the thermal insulation system of certain
fuselage frames, and modifying the fuselage drainage system. This
proposed AD would also require revising the FAA-approved maintenance
inspection program to include inspections for corrosion or cracking in
the subject areas. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of corrosion
in the lower part of the pressure bulkhead at certain fuselage frames.
We are proposing this AD to prevent accumulation of condensation in the
insulation blankets of certain fuselage frames, which could cause
corrosion that could result in reduced structural integrity of the
fuselage and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 6,
2004.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide Rulemaking Web Site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-
401, on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
[[Page 64531]]
Technical Information: 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.
Plain Language Information: Marcia Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19534;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-99-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our
docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street
address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4
series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series
airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively
called A300-600); and Model A310 series airplanes. The DGAC advises
that corrosion has been found in the lower part of the pressure
bulkhead at fuselage frame (FR) 54 and, on certain airplanes, FR 39.
Investigation revealed that the rear face of FR 54, and the front face
of FR 39 on certain airplanes, are completely thermally insulated; no
drainage is provided at the insulation blankets. The lack of drainage
results in condensation being trapped. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in corrosion that could result in reduced
structural integrity of the fuselage and consequent rapid decompression
of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the service bulletins listed in the table below,
which describe procedures for modifying the thermal insulation system
using the specific procedures identified in the table below.
Service Bulletins for Modifying the Thermal Insulation System
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specific
Airbus model Airbus service procedures
bulletin described
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series........... A300-21-0116, Permanently
Revision 02, removing
dated June 13, insulation
2003. blankets from the
front face of FR
39 and the rear
face of FR 54
between the cargo
compartment floor
and the fuselage
lower wall and
removing
insulation
blankets between
FR 54 and FR 54.1
and stringers 50
through 56
inclusive on the
left and right
sides of the
airplane;
installing
bracket
assemblies to
raise the
blankets in this
area; and
reinstalling
these insulation
blankets.
---------------------------------
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4- A300-21-6025, Permanently
600R series; and A300 C4-605R Revision 01, removing
Variant F (collectively called dated June 13, insulation
A300-600). 2003. blankets from the
rear face of FR
54 between the
cargo compartment
floor and the
fuselage lower
wall and removing
insulation
blankets between
FR 54 and FR 54.1
and stringers 50
through 56
inclusive on the
left and right
sides of the
airplane;
installing
bracket
assemblies to
raise the
blankets in this
area; and
reinstalling
these insulation
blankets.
---------------------------------
[[Page 64532]]
A310 series..................... A310-21-2041, Permanently
Revision 02, removing
dated June 13, insulation
2003. blankets from the
rear face of FR
54 between the
cargo compartment
floor and the
fuselage lower
wall and removing
insulation
blankets between
FR 54 and FR 54.1
and stringers 50
through 56
inclusive on the
left and right
sides of the
airplane;
installing
bracket
assemblies to
raise the
blankets in this
area; and
reinstalling
these insulation
blankets and
testing the
additional center
fuel tank, if
installed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus has also issued the service bulletins listed in the table
below, which describe procedures for modifying the fuselage drainage
system using the specific procedures identified in the table below.
Service Bulletins for Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Specific
Airbus model Airbus service procedures
bulletin described
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series........... A300-53-0201, Replacing all
Revision 04, existing drain
dated May 2, 2003. valves in the
lower fuselage
and upper deck
cargo door with
new, improved
(plastic) drain
valves;
installing one
additional drain
valve; and
drilling
additional drain
holes in the
stringers.
---------------------------------
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4- A300-53-6008, Replacing all
600R series; and A300 C4-605R Revision 05, existing drain
Variant F (collectively called dated July 15, valves in the
A300-600). 2004. lower fuselage
and upper deck
cargo door with
new, improved
(plastic) drain
valves;
installing one
additional drain
valve; and
drilling
additional drain
holes in the
stringers.
---------------------------------
A310 series..................... A310-53-2027, Replacing all
Revision 04, existing drain
dated July 15, valves in the
2004. lower fuselage
with new,
improved
(plastic) drain
valves;
installing
additional drain
valves; and
drilling
additional drain
holes in the
stringers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus has also issued Maintenance Planning Documents containing
Task Numbers 538295-0603-01 (for Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series
airplanes), and 541531-01-1 and 531533-01-1 (for Airbus Model A300-600
and Model A310 series airplanes). These task numbers describe
procedures for repetitive detailed visual inspections for corrosion or
cracking of fuselage structure from FR 38.2 to 39, and at FR 54, as
applicable. These tasks are necessary for airplanes modified in
accordance with the service information described previously.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the applicable service
information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The
DGAC mandated the service information and issued French airworthiness
directive 2003-317(B), dated August 20, 2003, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
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. We have examined the DGAC's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously. This proposed AD would also require revising the
FAA-approved maintenance inspection program to include detailed
inspections for corrosion and cracking in the area of FRs 39 and 54, as
described in the Maintenance Planning Document task numbers identified
previously.
Differences Between the Proposed AD and French Airworthiness Directive
The applicability of French airworthiness directive 2003-317(B)
excludes airplanes that accomplished Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-
0201, A300-53-6008, or A310-53-2027 in service. However, we have not
excluded those airplanes in the applicability of this proposed AD;
rather, this proposed AD includes a requirement to accomplish the
actions specified in those service bulletins. This requirement would
ensure that the actions specified in the service bulletins and that
would be required by this proposed AD are accomplished on all affected
airplanes. Operators must continue to operate the airplane in the
configuration that would be required by this proposed AD unless we
approve an alternative method of compliance.
French airworthiness directive 2003-317(B) specifies that airplanes
modified in accordance with the service
[[Page 64533]]
information described previously must be inspected in accordance with
the Maintenance Planning Document tasks described previously. However,
no compliance time is given for revising the maintenance program. This
proposed AD would require revising the maintenance program to include
these tasks within 90 days after doing the modifications specified in
the service information described previously, or within 90 days after
the effective date of the AD, whichever is later. We find that this
represents an appropriate interval of time in which this action may be
accomplished by all affected operators without jeopardizing continued
flight safety.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
In this proposed AD, the ``detailed visual inspections'' specified
in Maintenance Planning Document Task Numbers 538295-0603-01 (for
Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes), and 541531-01-1 and
531533-01-1 (for Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series
airplanes, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called
A300-600); and Model A310 series airplanes), are referred to as
``detailed inspections.'' We have included the definition for a
detailed inspection in a note in the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this proposed AD, at an average labor rate of $65 per
work hour.
Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of U.S.-
Action Models Work hours Parts Cost per registered Fleet cost
airplane airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modifying the Thermal Insulation System... A300 B2/B4.................. 5 $567 $892 23 $20,516
Modifying the Thermal Insulation System... A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4- 4 567 827 116 95,932
600R series; and A300 C4-
605R Variant F
(collectively called A300-
600).
Modifying the Thermal Insulation System... A310........................ 4 567 827 47 38,869
Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System.... A300 B2/B4.................. 38 1,857 4,327 23 99,521
Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System.... A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4- 36 1,378 3,718 116 431,288
600R series; and A300 C4-
605R Variant F
(collectively called A300-
600).
Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System.... A310........................ 27 1,451 3,206 47 150,682
Maintenance Program Revision.............. All......................... 1 None 65 186 12,090
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Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2004-19534; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
99-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by December 6, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2 and
B4 series airplanes; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series
airplanes, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called
A300-600); and A310 series airplanes; certificated in any category;
except those on which Airbus Modification 5946 was done during
production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion in the lower
part of the pressure bulkhead at fuselage frames (FR) 39 and 54. We
are issuing this AD to prevent accumulation of condensation in the
insulation blankets of certain fuselage FRs, which could cause
corrosion that could result in reduced structural integrity of the
fuselage and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
Compliance: (e) You are responsible for having the actions
required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified,
unless the actions have already been done.
[[Page 64534]]
Modification of Thermal Insulation and Fuselage Drainage Systems
(f) Within 22 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the thermal insulation system of applicable fuselage frames and
modify the fuselage drainage system, by doing all actions in the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletins
specified in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Relevant Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modify the thermal And modify the
insulation fuselage drainage
For Airbus models according to system according
Airbus Service to Airbus Service
Bulletin Bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series........... A300-21-0116, A300-53-0201,
Revision 02, Revision 04,
dated June 13, dated May 2,
2003. 2003.
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4- A300-21-6025, A300-53-6008,
600R series; A300 C4-605R Revision 01, Revision 05,
Variant F (collectively called dated June 13, dated July 15,
A300-600). 2003. 2004.
A310 series..................... A310-21-2041, A310-53-2027,
Revision 02, Revision 04,
dated June 13, dated July 15,
2003. 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modifications Accomplished According to Previous Issues of Service
Bulletins
(g) Modifications accomplished before the effective date of this
AD according to Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6008, Revision 03,
dated November 6, 1990, or Revision 04, dated April 28, 2003 (for
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes; and A300
C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600)); or
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2027, Revision 02, dated November 6,
1990, or Revision 03, dated May 2, 2003 (for Model A310 series
airplanes); are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding action specified in this AD.
Maintenance Program Revision
(h) Within 90 days after doing the actions required by paragraph
(f) of this AD, or within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD, whichever is later: Incorporate into the FAA-approved
maintenance inspection program repetitive detailed inspections for
corrosion or cracking of fuselage structure from FR 38.2 to 39, and
at FR 54, as applicable, as described in Airbus Maintenance Planning
Document Task Numbers 538295-0603-01 (for Airbus Model A300 B2 and
B4 series airplanes), and 541531-01-1 and 531533-01-1 (for Airbus
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and A300
C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600); and
Model A310 series airplanes). Then, thereafter, comply with the
applicable requirements.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(j) French airworthiness directive 2003-317(B), dated August 20,
2003, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-24722 Filed 11-4-04; 8:45 am]
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