[Federal Register: April 4, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 63)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 16981-16984]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr04ap05-19]
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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]
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);
and Model A310 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all the Airbus models identified above. This proposed AD would
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
corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a
report of temporary loss of six cathode ray tube 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.
We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of that integral lighting due
to such failure, 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: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 4, 2005.
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. 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:
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-2005-20796;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-160-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 website, 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.
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 located on the plaza
[[Page 16982]]
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 Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an unsafe
condition may exist on 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);
and Model A310 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during takeoff
on a Model A300 B2 series airplane, an operator reported the temporary
loss of six cathode ray tube (CRT) flight displays and the integral
lighting of the standby horizon indicator in the cockpit due to failure
of the normal electrical power circuit. The temporary loss of the CRTs
is still under investigation. Power for the integral lighting of the
standby horizon indicator is supplied through the normal electrical
power circuit. In the event of failure of the normal electrical power
circuit, modifying the logic for the integral lighting of the standby
horizon will allow automatic switching from the normal to the essential
electrical power circuit. Loss of the integral lighting due to such
failure could result in loss of the backup source of attitude data,
consequent inability of the pilot to access attitude information during
takeoff, and possible deviation from the intended flight path.
The integral lighting logic system on Model A300 B4 series
airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R and F4-600R series airplanes, and
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310 series airplanes
is identical to the integral lighting logic system on the affected
Model A300 B2 series airplane. Therefore, those airplanes may be
subject to the same unsafe condition identified on Model A300 B2 series
airplanes.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed the following Airbus service bulletins:
Referenced Service Bulletins
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For model-- Service bulletin/date--
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A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes A300-31-0077, dated March 2, 2004 .
A300-33-0126, dated April 5, 2004.
A300 B4-600, B4-600R and F4-600R A300-31-6105, Revision 02, dated May 27, 2003.
series airplanes; A300 C4-605R
Variant F airplanes.
A300-33-6049, Revision 01, dated May 28, 2004.
A310 series airplanes............... A310-31-2120, Revision 01, dated May 27, 2003.
A310-33-2047, dated April 5, 2004.
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Service Bulletins A300-31-0077, A300-31-6105, and A310-31-2120
describe procedures for modifying the electrical power supply for the
standby horizon indicator.
Service Bulletins A300-33-0126, A300-33-6049, and A310-33-2047
describe procedures for accomplishing repetitive operational tests
(inspections) of the integral lighting logic system. The service
bulletins also recommend sending an inspection report to Airbus.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated
the service information and issued French airworthiness directive F-
2004-098, dated July 7, 2004, 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 us informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the DGACs 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, except as discussed under ``Differences Between
the Proposed AD and Service Information.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information
Service Bulletins A300-33-0126, A300-33-6049, and A310-33-2047
recommend sending an inspection report to Airbus, but this proposed AD
does not contain that requirement.
Service Bulletins A300-33-0126, A300-33-6049, and A310-33-2047 do
not specify repair procedures for failure of the operational test, but
this proposed AD would require you to repair those conditions using a
method that we or the DGAC (or its delegated agent) approve. In light
of the type of repair that would be required to address the unsafe
condition, and consistent with existing bilateral airworthiness
agreements, we have determined that, for this proposed AD, a repair we
or the DGAC approve would be acceptable for compliance with this
proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 189 airplanes of U.S. registry.
It would take between approximately 10 and 36 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the proposed modification (depending on the
number of kits needed), at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Required parts would cost approximately between $310 and $4,880 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed
modification is between $960 and $7,220 per airplane.
It would take about 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the
proposed operational test, at an average labor rate of $65 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed 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
[[Page 16983]]
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 proposed AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed 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 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-2005-20796; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
160-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by May 4, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 B4
series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R
series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called A300-600); and Model A310 series airplanes;
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report of temporary loss of six
cathode ray tube 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. We are issuing this
AD to prevent loss of that integral lighting due to such failure,
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. 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
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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--
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A300 B2 and A300 B4 series...... A300-31-0077 Original.......... March 2, 2004..... N/A.
(Airbus
Modification
12513).
A300-33-0126...... Original.......... April 5, 2004..... N/A.
A300 B4-600; A300 B4-600R and F4- A300-31-6105 02................ May 27, 2003...... None.
600R series; and A300 C4-605R (Airbus
Variant F airplanes. Modifications
12513 and 12730).
A300-33-6049...... 01................ May 28, 2004...... Original, dated
April 5, 2004.
A310 series..................... A310-31-2120 01................ May 27, 2003...... Original, dated
(Airbus November 19,
Modification 2002.
12513).
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 12 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 600 flight hours after
accomplishing the modification required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
or within 600 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 600 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 (or its delegated
agent).
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.
[[Page 16984]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6578 Filed 4-1-05; 8:45 am]
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