[Federal Register: April 22, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 78)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 21774-21777]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr22ap04-26]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-211-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and
A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all
[[Page 21775]]
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200, -300, -500, and -600
series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection of
each emergency evacuation slide raft installed on Type ``A'' exit doors
equipped with regulator valves having a certain part number, to
determine if a discrepant regulator valve is installed on the pressure
bottle that inflates the slide/raft, and an interim modification of any
discrepant valve. This proposal also would require eventual
modification of all affected regulator valves, which would terminate
the requirements of this AD. This action is necessary to prevent
failure of an emergency evacuation slide raft to deploy and inflate
during an emergency situation, which could impede an evacuation and
result in injury to passengers or crewmembers. This action is intended
to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Comments must be received by May 24, 2004.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-211-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. 2003-NM-211-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 or 2000 or
ASCII text.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Airbus, 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, ANM-
116, International Branch, 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:
Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example,
discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change
the service information reference as two separate issues.
For each issue, state what specific change to
the proposed AD is being requested.
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 2003-NM-211-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. 2003-NM-211-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that
an unsafe condition may exist on all Model A330 and A340 series
airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during in-service maintenance testing
of the emergency escape slides on Type ``A'' exit doors, the slides
failed to automatically deploy. The failure occurred because, when the
exit door was opened, the regulator valve on the pressure bottle that
inflates the escape slide did not activate. If the regulator valve does
not activate, there is no gas flow to the pressure regulator and
through the hoses to the aspirators that inflate the escape slide.
Preliminary investigation revealed that slide rafts that have been
manufactured by Goodrich since January 2000, and that have not been
overhauled since installation, may be affected. Failure of an escape
slide to deploy and inflate could cause the slide to be unusable during
an emergency evacuation, and result in injury to passengers or
crewmembers.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following All Operators Telexes (AOTs): AOT
25A3206, dated June 2, 2003 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series
airplanes); AOT 25A4213, dated June 2, 2003 (for Model A340-200 and -
300 series airplanes); and AOT 25A5036, Revision 01, dated July 22,
2003 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes). The AOTs describe
procedures for a one-time maintenance task (inspection) of each
emergency evacuation slide raft installed on Type ``A'' exit doors
equipped with regulator valves having part number 4A3857-1 to determine
if a discrepant regulator valve (one that does not function properly,
preventing release of gas) is installed on the pressure bottle that
inflates the slide/raft, and an interim modification of any discrepant
regulator valve. The maintenance task also includes testing the
affected regulator valve. The modification involves complete overhaul
of the regulator valve or complete overhaul of the slide raft assembly,
as applicable, including checking and reaming the inner diameter of the
Vespel piston.
The AOTs reference Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision
1, dated May 21, 2003, as an additional source of service information
for accomplishment of the inspection and modification of the regulator
valves.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the Airbus service
information is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe
condition. The DGAC classified this service information as mandatory
and issued French airworthiness directive 2003-213(B) R1, dated August
20, 2003, 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
[[Page 21776]]
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 us informed of the
situation described above. We have 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 AD
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 require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the Airbus service information described
previously, except as discussed below.
Differences Among French Airworthiness Directive, AOTs, and Proposed AD
The proposed AD would mandate eventual modification of regulator
valves having part number 4A3857-1, per a method approved by the FAA.
Accomplishment of this modification would terminate the requirements of
this proposed AD. The parallel French airworthiness directive does not
require a modification, and the AOTs provide for only an interim
modification of affected regulator valves. The manufacturer has
informed us that approval of a terminating modification that will
address the unsafe condition identified in this proposed AD is
imminent.
Mandating the terminating modification is based on our
determination that, in this case, long-term continued operational
safety would be better ensured by a modification to remove the source
of the problem, in lieu of interim action without repetitive
inspections to monitor the regulator valve. The source of the unsafe
condition (failure of an emergency evacuation slide raft to deploy and
inflate during an emergency situation) is in the design of the subject
regulator valves installed on the pressure bottle that inflates the
escape slide.
In developing the compliance time for the modification, we
considered the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject
unsafe condition as well as the availability of required parts and the
practical aspect of installing the modification within an interval of
time that parallels normal scheduled maintenance for most affected
operators. We have determined that 18 months for airplanes having
regulator valves which have been previously modified, and 6 months for
airplanes having regulator valves that have not been previously
modified, represents an appropriate interval of time in which an ample
number of required parts will be available to modify the affected fleet
without adversely affecting the safety of these airplanes.
The AOTs recommend submitting certain information to the
manufacturer, but this proposed AD does not contain such a requirement.
The French airworthiness directive specifies that slide rafts that
have been overhauled previously are not affected. We have determined
that the malfunction of the regulator valve is not adequately addressed
by the overhaul procedures specified in Goodrich Component Maintenance
Manual (CMM) 25-62-31, Revision 1, Paragraph H, which do not include
reaming the inner diameter of the Vespel piston. Therefore, regulator
valves installed on previously overhauled slide rafts are not exempt
from the proposed AD.
The compliance times for the inspection of the regulator valves of
the slide rafts recommended in the French airworthiness directive and
the AOTs are determined by the date of manufacture of the slide raft,
and specify inspecting at least half of the affected valves in 3
months, and inspecting the remainder of the valves 3 months after the
first half are inspected. However, since the regulator valve on all
affected slide rafts is the same design, we have determined the
compliance time for the inspection of all regulator valves on all
airplanes affected by this proposed AD to be within 6 months after the
effective date of the AD. In developing an appropriate compliance time
for this AD, we considered the degree of urgency associated with the
subject unsafe condition and the average utilization of the affected
fleet. In light of these factors, we find that a 6-month compliance
time represents an appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes
to continue to operate without compromising safety.
These differences have been coordinated with the DGAC.
Clarification of Inspection
The AOTs specify ``one-time maintenance'' to determine if a certain
discrepant regulator valve is installed, but we have clarified the
requirement contained in the proposed AD as a one-time general visual
inspection. Note 1 has been added to this proposed AD define that
inspection.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 14 Model A330 series airplanes of U.S. registry
would be affected by this proposed AD.
It would take about 1 work hour per slide (8 slides per airplane)
to accomplish the proposed inspection, at an average labor rate of $65
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed
inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,280, or $520 per
airplane.
It would take about 13 work hours per slide (8 slides per airplane)
to accomplish the proposed modification, at an average labor rate of
$65 per work hour. Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer
at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the
proposed modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be $94,640, or
$6,760 per airplane.
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 required to
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
Currently, there are no Model A340 series airplanes on the U.S.
Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported and placed
on the U.S. Register in the future, it would require 1 work hour per
slide (8 slides per airplane) to accomplish the proposed inspection;
and 13 work hours per slide (8 slides per airplane) to accomplish the
proposed modification, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to
operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed
inspection would be $65 per slide and the proposed modification would
be $6,760 per airplane for Model A340 operators.
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,
[[Page 21777]]
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 adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Airbus: Docket 2003-NM-211-AD.
Applicability: All Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200, -300, -
500, and -600 series airplanes; certificated in any category.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of an emergency evacuation slide raft to
deploy and inflate during an emergency situation, which could impede
an evacuation and result in injury to passengers or crewmembers,
accomplish the following:
Service Information References
(a) The following information pertains to the service
information referenced in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD:
(1) The term ``All Operators Telex'' (AOT) as used in this AD,
means the Accomplishment Instructions of AOT 25A3206, dated June 2,
2003 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); AOT 25A4213,
dated June 2, 2003 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes);
and AOT 25A5036, Revision 01, dated July 22, 2003 (for Model A340-
500 and -600 series airplanes).
(2) Accomplishment of the actions before the effective date of
this AD per AOT 25A5036, dated June 2, 2003, is considered
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified
in this AD.
(3) The AOTs refer to Goodrich Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision
1, dated May 21, 2003, as an additional source of service
information for accomplishment of the actions specified in the AOTs.
(4) Although the AOTs referenced in this AD specify to submit
certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include
such a requirement.
Inspection/Modification
(b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
one-time general visual inspection of each slide raft to determine
if a discrepant regulator valve (one that does not function
properly, preventing release of gas) is installed on the pressure
bottle that inflates the slide/raft. Do the inspection per the
applicable AOT.
(1) If any discrepant regulator valve is found: Before further
flight, do the interim modification of the regulator valve for that
slide raft only, per the applicable AOT.
(2) If no discrepant regulator valve is found, no further action
is required by this paragraph.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure,
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting,
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''
Terminating Modification
(c) Except as required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD: Modify
any regulator valve having P/N 4A3857-1, at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, per a method
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. Accomplishment of this paragraph
terminates the requirements of this AD.
(1) For airplanes on which the regulator valves have been
modified per the applicable AOT as of the effective date of this AD:
Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which the regulator valves have not been
modified per the applicable AOT as of the effective date of this AD:
Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of
compliance for this AD.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 2003-213(B) R1, dated August 20, 2003.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 2004.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-9111 Filed 4-21-04; 8:45 am]
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