[Federal Register: April 14, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 72)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 19756-19757]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14ap04-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-80-AD; Amendment 39-13572; AD 2004-08-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600 and A300 C4-
600 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 B4-600 and A300 C4-600 series
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to detect damage of the
pump diffuser guide slots (bayonet) of the center tank fuel pumps, the
pump diffuser housings, and the pump canisters; repetitive inspections
to detect damage of the fuel pumps and the fuel pump canisters; and
corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and
correct damage of the center tank fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters,
which could result in separation of a pump from its electrical motor
housing, loss of flame trap capability, and a possible fuel ignition
source in the center fuel tank. This action is intended to address the
identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective May 19, 2004.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 19, 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 Office of the
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington,
DC.
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: 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 B4-600
and A300 C4-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register
on December 18, 2003 (68 FR 70473). That action proposed to require a
one-time inspection to detect damage of the pump diffuser guide slots
(bayonet) of the center tank fuel pumps, the pump diffuser housings,
and the pump canisters; repetitive inspections to detect damage of the
fuel pumps and the fuel pump canisters; and corrective action, if
necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed
AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 2 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD. The detailed inspections will take about 2 work
hours per airplane, and the NDT inspection will take about 5 work hours
per airplane, per inspection cycle. The average labor rate is $65 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost per airplane is estimated
to be $130 for the detailed inspections and $325 per NDT inspection.
The FAA has been advised that the one-time detailed inspections
have already been accomplished for both of the U.S.-registered
airplanes. Therefore, the future economic cost impact of this AD on
U.S. is estimated to be only $325 per airplane, per each of the
repetitive NDT inspections.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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
[[Page 19757]]
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:
2004-08-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-13572. Docket 2003-NM-80-AD.
Applicability: Model A300 B4-601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-620, and
A300 C4-605 Variant F series airplanes; certificated in any
category; except those airplanes equipped with a fuel trim tank
system (Airbus Modification 4801).
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct damage of the center tank fuel pumps and
fuel pump canisters, which could result in separation of a pump from
its electrical motor housing, loss of flame trap capability, and a
possible fuel ignition source in the center fuel tank, accomplish
the following:
Detailed Inspections
(a) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD (unless
accomplished previously), perform detailed inspections as specified
in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with
paragraph 4.2 of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A300-600-28A6075,
dated February 20, 2003.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
(1) Inspect the lower part of the pump diffuser guide slots
(bayonet) of the center tank fuel pumps and the bottom of the pump
diffuser housings to detect cracks, fretting, and other damage.
Replace any damaged pump and the corresponding fuel pump canister
with new parts before further flight in accordance with the AOT.
(2) Inspect the center tank fuel pump canisters to detect
cracks. Replace any cracked fuel pump canister and the corresponding
fuel pump with new parts before further flight in accordance with
the AOT.
Repetitive Inspections
(b) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Perform a detailed inspection of the fuel pumps, and an eddy current
inspection of the fuel pump canisters, to detect damage. Do the
inspections in accordance with paragraph 4.3 of Airbus AOT A300-600-
28A6075, dated February 20, 2003. Replace any damaged part with a
new part before further flight in accordance with the AOT. Repeat
the inspections at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles.
(c) Within 7,000 flight cycles after canister replacement as
specified in paragraph (b) of this AD: Perform an eddy current
inspection of the fuel pump canisters to detect damage in accordance
with Airbus AOT A300-600-28A6075, dated February 20, 2003. Replace
any damaged part with a new part before further flight in accordance
with the AOT. Thereafter repeat the inspection at intervals not to
exceed 1,500 flight cycles.
Note 2: Airbus AOT A300-600-28A6075 refers to Airbus Alert
Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, Revision 04, dated August 1, 2002, as
an additional source of service information for accomplishment of
the eddy current inspection required by paragraph (b)(2) of this AD.
Reporting Requirement
(d) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (d)(1) or
(d)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of findings (both positive and
negative) of each inspection required by this AD, in accordance with
Airbus AOT A300-600-28A6075, dated February 20, 2003. Information
collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and
have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) For any inspection accomplished after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after performing that
inspection.
(2) For any inspection accomplished before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date
of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods
of compliance for this AD.
Incorporation by Reference
(f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be
done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A300-600-28A6075,
dated February 20, 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
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
telegraphic airworthiness directive 2003-085 (B), dated February 21,
2003.
Effective Date
(g) This amendment becomes effective on May 19, 2004.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 6, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8300 Filed 4-13-04; 8:45 am]
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