[Federal Register: September 29, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 188)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 56814-56818]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29se05-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20796; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-160-AD;
Amendment 39-14299; AD 2005-20-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 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
Series Airplanes); and Model A310-200 and -300 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
the Airbus models identified above. This AD requires modifying the
electrical power supply logic for the integral lighting of the standby
horizon indicator in the cockpit, accomplishing repetitive operational
tests of the integral lighting logic system, and performing corrective
action if necessary. This AD is prompted by a report of temporary loss
of six cathode ray tube (CRT) flight displays and the integral lighting
of the
[[Page 56815]]
standby horizon indicator backlight in the cockpit during takeoff, due
to failure of the normal electrical power circuit. That power circuit
supplies power to both the CRTs and the standby horizon indicator
backlight. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the integral
lighting due to failure of the normal electrical power circuit, which
could result in inability of the pilot to read the backup attitude
information during takeoff, and possible deviation from the intended
flight path.
DATES: This AD becomes effective November 3, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
November 3, 2005.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
Docket: The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any
final disposition. 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 located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2005-20796; the directorate
identifier for this docket is 2004-NM-160-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39
with an AD for all Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 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 series
airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. That action, published in
the Federal Register on April 4, 2005 (70 FR 16981), proposed to
require modifying the electrical power supply logic for the integral
lighting of the standby horizon indicator in the cockpit, accomplishing
repetitive operational tests of the integral lighting logic system, and
performing corrective action if necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been
submitted on the NPRM.
Support for Proposed AD
One commenter supports the intent and actions specified in the
NPRM.
Request To Revise Service Information/Change Certain Requirements
One commenter states that it has no objection to the intent of the
NPRM--to prevent loss of integral lighting; however, the commenter has
several concerns. Each of the commenter's concerns is followed by an
FAA response.
1. The NPRM and the referenced French airworthiness directive are
based on one operator, one airplane, and one event. The commenter notes
that the Airbus solution was to issue the referenced service
information, and adds that the reported multiple cathode ray tube (CRT)
failure seems to be a mystery. Per the Discussion section in the NPRM,
``The temporary loss of the CRTs is still under investigation.''
However, the referenced service bulletin specifies ``This inspection
service bulletin (ISB) recommends checking the standby horizon integral
lighting logic supply. Accomplishment of this ISB will avoid the loss
of the standby horizon indicator integral lighting.'' The commenter
notes that there is no CRT reference in the service bulletin. The
commenter would like to see the modification specified in the service
bulletins be compatible with the modification required by the NPRM; for
this to occur, the service bulletins must be revised to specify if the
CRT issue is corrected with the modification.
Airbus has issued the following revised service bulletins (the
previous versions were referenced in the NPRM as the appropriate
sources of service information for accomplishing certain required
actions):
Revised Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Model-- Service Bulletin date--
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A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes... A300-31-0077, Revision 01,
dated January 28, 2005.
A300 B4-600, B4-600R and F4-600R series A300-31-6105, Revision 03,
airplanes; A300 C4-605R Variant F dated December 20, 2004.
airplanes.
A300-33-6049, Revision 02,
dated April 25, 2005.
A310 series airplanes.................. A310-31-2120, Revision 02,
dated January 28, 2005; and
Revision 03, dated June 22,
2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have added the revisions above to this final rule as the sources
of service information for accomplishing certain actions. These
revisions add no further work to the previous issues of the service
bulletins; operators are merely informed that the revised service
bulletins are mandatory. We have changed paragraph (f) of this AD to
add credit for actions done in accordance with the previous issues of
the service bulletins.
For clarification, the standby horizon indicator provides backup
attitude information to the pilot and is illuminated by integral
lighting (a backlight). The purpose of modifying the electrical power
supply logic for the integral lighting is to provide automatic
switching to a different power circuit if there is a failure of the
normal power circuit. This switching will allow the pilot to read
attitude information from the standby indicator in low light conditions
with a failure of the normal power circuit. The technical content of
the referenced service bulletins is correct and contains adequate
information and procedures to accomplish the modification of the
electrical power supply logic; however, this modification will not
correct the temporary loss of the CRTs, which is still under
investigation. We have changed the Summary section and paragraph (d) of
this AD to add this clarification.
2. The modification of the integral lighting power supply logic of
the standby horizon is still not the ultimate ``fix'' since the NPRM
requires indefinite repetitive operational tests of
[[Page 56816]]
the modification. The commenter argues that the referenced service
bulletins were issued by Airbus as a data collection device to verify
that the modification fixed the problem. Further explanation of the
necessity of the repetitive operational tests, by the FAA or the
Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is
the airworthiness authority for France, is requested.
We acknowledge the commenter's concern regarding accomplishing
repetitive operational tests indefinitely, but we disagree with the
comment that the service bulletins were issued by Airbus as a data
collection device to verify that the modification fixed the problem.
The FAA, DGAC, and Airbus regard the modification of the integral
lighting power supply logic of the standby horizon indicator a final
fix to ensure adequate lighting. During operation under normal
electrical power, background lighting of the stand-by attitude is
supplied through a specific power circuit. However, the modification
provides automatic switching to a different power circuit if there is a
failure of the normal power circuit. This feature is hidden as long as
the normal power circuit is operating. Consequently, to limit the
exposure time of a hidden failure of the automatic switching feature to
meet safety objectives, a periodic operational test is required.
3. The NPRM requires indefinite repetitive operational tests of the
modification at 600-flight-hour intervals. The commenter has an
established B-check maintenance schedule of 350 flight hours and would
like to propose that the test interval be changed to a 700-flight-hour
interval. This would allow for routine scheduling of aircraft and add
only 1.5 man hours to its current B-check workload.
We agree that the test interval can be changed to a 700-flight-hour
interval. The manufacturer has completed a reassessment of the
probability of the loss of the automatic switching feature. As a result
of a detailed Failure Mode Effect Analysis, and inclusion of the latest
fleet cumulative flight-hour data, the necessary safety objective can
be met with an extension of the maximum exposure time to 700 flight
hours. We have changed paragraph (h) of this AD accordingly.
4. Of the 189 airplanes of U.S. registry that are affected by the
NPRM, the commenter currently operates 107, with 8 more in a passenger-
to-freighter conversion process. All of these airplanes will require
the proposed modification. The referenced service bulletins specify
that obtaining the kits to accomplish the modification will take a 4-
month lead-time from receipt of order. This makes scheduling and
accomplishing the modification on all its airplanes within the 12 month
compliance time virtually impossible. The commenter proposes a 36-month
compliance time to allow the commenter to take advantage of its C-check
intervals, which are Airbus specified at 910 days or 3,500 flight
hours, whichever occurs first. The proposed compliance time also takes
into consideration that maintenance facilities are down for host-
country holidays, and limited maintenance is accomplished in the U.S.
from October through January for maximum airlift during that time.
We agree to extend the compliance time for the modification to
within 18 months after the effective date of this AD. We find that, for
the airplane models affected by this AD, operators should be able to
accomplish the modification within 18-months. For operators that
encounter difficulty accomplishing the modification within this
timeframe, under the provisions of paragraph (j) of this AD, we may
approve a request for further adjustment to the compliance time if data
are submitted to substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an
acceptable level of safety.
5. The cost estimates for the NPRM differ from the cost estimates
specified in the referenced service bulletins. The service bulletins
specify a minimum of two Airbus kits, and some airplanes will need
three, depending on whether other modifications are embodied. The
commenter has computed a required parts price range of $5,410 to
$9,350, with an associated work hour range of 31 to 36. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost for the proposed modification would be
between $7,425 and $11,690 per airplane. The service bulletins also
indicate that the operational test will require 1.5 work hours to
accomplish, which is an additional $97.50 per airplane, per test cycle.
We do not agree, the cost of the kits and the number of work hours
are the same as those specified in the referenced service bulletins.
The cost analysis in AD rulemaking actions typically does not include
incidental costs such as the time required to gain access and close up,
time necessary for planning, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions. Because the work hours may vary significantly
from operator to operator, depending on the airplane configuration,
they are almost impossible to calculate. We have made no change to the
AD in this regard.
6. The corrective action specified in paragraph (i) of the NPRM is
too vague and will slow the repair process, as follows: ``If any
operational test required by paragraph (h) of this AD fails: Before
further flight, accomplish any applicable repair per a method approved
by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate; or the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de
l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent).'' The literal
interpretation of this, as written, is that when a test fails, the
airplane is grounded until the FAA grants an approved method that would
restore the airplane to an operational condition. This prevents the
operator from using established maintenance practices until an
``approved method'' is granted by the FAA or DGAC. The approval
required is implied to be per airplane, since the operational test is
done by individual airplane. Allowing the use of standard maintenance
practices would allow an operator to restore the affected airplane on-
site and expedite the return to operational status. The FAA-approved
operator's general maintenance manual, aircraft maintenance manual,
illustrated parts catalog, wire diagram manual, and system schematic
manual, have always been accepted tools to troubleshoot and restore an
airplane to operational status. Instances of a failed test in which
standard maintenance practices do not solve the problem should be the
only time an AMOC would be required by the FAA or DGAC.
We agree that, in the case of a failed test in which standard
maintenance practices do not solve the problem, a repair approved by us
or the DGAC is required. The service bulletins for the test do not
provide formal repair/trouble shooting instructions if a test fails.
However, the manufacturer has confirmed that their intent was that any
repair/trouble shooting following such failure should be performed per
basic maintenance practices, using standard Airbus documentation. We
have included the aircraft wiring manual, trouble shooting manual, and
aircraft maintenance manual as approved methods for accomplishing the
repairs specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.
Explanation of Change to Applicability
We have revised the applicability of the NPRM to identify model
designations as published in the most recent type certificate data
sheet for the affected models.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments that have been submitted, and
[[Page 56817]]
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD with the changes described previously. We have determined that these
changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 189 airplanes of U.S. registry.
It will take between approximately 10 and 36 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the modification (depending on the number of
kits needed), at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required
parts will cost approximately between $310 and $4,880 per airplane.
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the modification is
between $960 and $7,220 per airplane.
It will take about 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the
operational test, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the estimated cost of the test is $12,285, or $65 per
airplane, per test cycle.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2005-20-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-14299. Docket No. FAA-2005-20796;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-160-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective November 3, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-
3C, and B2-203 and A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; Model
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622, A300 B4-605R and B4-622R,
A300 F4-605R and F4-622R, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and
Model A310-203, -204, -221, and -222 and -304, -322, -324, and -325
airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report of temporary loss of six
cathode ray tube (CRT) flight displays and the integral lighting of
the standby horizon indicator in the cockpit during takeoff, due to
failure of the normal electrical power circuit. That power circuit
supplies power to both the CRTs and standby horizon indicator
backlight. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the integral
lighting due to failure of the normal electrical power circuit,
which could result in inability of the pilot to read the backup
attitude information during takeoff, and possible deviation from the
intended flight path.
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.
Required Service Information
(f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the term ``service
bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table
1 of this AD. Airbus Service Bulletins A300-33-0126, A300-33-6049,
and A310-33-2047 specify to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, but this AD does not include that requirement.
Table 1.--Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And, for actions
done before the
Use Airbus Service effective date of
For Airbus Models-- Bulletin(s)-- Revision-- Dated-- this AD, credit is
given for prior
accomplishing of--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and A300 B4 series..... A300-31-0077 01................. January 28, 2005.. Original, dated
(Airbus March 2, 2004.
Modification
12513).
A300-33-0126...... Original........... April 5, 2004..... N/A.
A300 B4-600; A300 B4-600R and A300-31-6105 03................. December 20, 2004. Revision 02, dated
F4-600R series; and A300 C4- (Airbus May 27, 2003.
605R Variant F airplanes. Modifications
12513 and 12730).
A300-33-6049...... 02................. April 25, 2005.... Original, dated
April 5, 2004;
Revision 01,
dated May 28,
2004.
A310 series.................... A310-31-2120 03................. June 22, 2005..... Original, dated
(Airbus November 19,
Modification 2002; Revision
12513). 01, dated May 27,
2003; Revision
02, dated January
28, 2005.
[[Page 56818]]
A310-33-2047...... Original........... April 5, 2004..... N/A.
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Modification
(g) For airplanes on which Airbus Modifications 12513 and 12730
have not been accomplished: Within 18 months after the effective
date of this AD, modify the electrical power supply logic of the
integral lighting for the standby horizon indicator in the cockpit
in accordance with the service bulletin.
Repetitive Operational Tests
(h) For all airplanes: Within 700 flight hours after
accomplishing the modification required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
or within 700 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
whichever is later, accomplish the operational test of the integral
lighting logic system in accordance with the service bulletin.
Repeat the test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 700 flight
hours.
Corrective Action
(i) If any operational test required by paragraph (h) of this AD
fails: Before further flight, accomplish any applicable repair per a
method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-
116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated
agent). Airbus A300-600 and A310 Trouble Shooting Manuals; Airbus
A300-600 and A310 Aircraft Wiring Manuals; and Airbus A300-600 and
A310 Aircraft Maintenance Manuals, are approved methods for
accomplishing the repair, as applicable. Except, in the case of a
failed test in which standard maintenance practices do not solve the
problem, a repair approved by the FAA or the DGAC is required.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(j) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance
with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(k) French airworthiness directive F-2004-098, dated July 7,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use the applicable service bulletin identified in
Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Table 2.--Service Bulletins Incorporated by Reference
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Airbus Service Bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-31-0077............................ 01.......................... January 28, 2005.
A300-31-6105............................ 03.......................... December 20, 2004.
A300-33-0126, excluding Appendix 01..... Original.................... April 5, 2004.
A300-33-6049, excluding Appendix 01..... 02.......................... April 25, 2005.
A310-31-2120............................ 03.......................... June 22, 2005.
A310-33-2047, excluding Appendix 01..... Original.................... April 5, 2004.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation
by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information.
You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401,
Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the internet at http://dms.dot.gov
; or at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 20, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-19229 Filed 9-28-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U