[Federal Register: April 6, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 65)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 17340-17342]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06ap05-16]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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[[Page 17340]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20867; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-188-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and
F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes
(Collectively Called A300-600 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 certain Airbus Model A300-600 airplanes. This proposed AD would
require an inspection for evidence of chafing between the hydraulic
flexible hose and the ram air turbine (RAT) hub, and related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD is
prompted by reports of holes in the RAT hub cover. We are proposing
this AD to prevent a hole in the RAT hub cover. A hole in the RAT hub
cover could allow water to enter the RAT governing mechanism, freeze
during flight, and jam the governing mechanism. In addition, the metal
particles that result from chafing between the hydraulic flexible hose
and the RAT could mix with the lubricant grease and degrade the
governing mechanism. In an emergency, a jammed or degraded RAT could
result in its failure to deploy, loss of hydraulic pressure or
electrical power to the airplane, and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 6, 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.
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-2005-20867; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004-NM-188-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.
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-2005-20867;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-188-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.
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 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 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called A300-600 airplanes). The DGAC advises
that, during a maintenance inspection, an operator discovered a hole in
the ram air turbine (RAT) hub. Investigation revealed that the hole
resulted from chafing between the hydraulic flexible hose and RAT hub
cover. Further investigation revealed that a similar finding had been
reported during airplane production. The subsequent investigation
revealed that, when the flexible hoses for the hydraulic system were
installed, the binding had not been performed correctly. Due to the
incorrect installation of the binding, a hose chafed the RAT hub and
eventually wore a hole into the hub cover. A hole in the RAT hub cover
could allow water to enter the RAT governing mechanism, freeze during
flight, and jam the governing mechanism. In addition, the metal
particles that result from chafing
[[Page 17341]]
between the hydraulic flexible hose and the RAT could mix with the
lubricant grease and degrade the governing mechanism. In an emergency,
a jammed or degraded RAT could result in failure of RAT deployment,
loss of hydraulic pressure or electrical power to the airplane, and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-29-6054, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated November 4, 2004. The service bulletin
describes procedures for doing a one-time detailed visual inspection
for evidence of chafing between the hydraulic flexible hose and the RAT
hub, and related investigative and corrective actions. The related
investigative and corrective actions include:
If any damage is found on the RAT hub, referencing the
Airbus A300-600 Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) to determine if the
damage is within the limits specified in the CMM.
Replacing the RAT if any damage exceeds the limits
specified in the CMM.
Replacing a damaged hose.
If no damage is found on the RAT hub, measuring the
clearance between the hydraulic flexible hose and the RAT hub.
If the clearance between the hydraulic flexible hose and
the RAT hub is insufficient, and the hose is not damaged, reworking the
binding of the hose.
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-
2004-133, dated August 4, 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 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, except as discussed under ``Difference Among the
Proposed AD, French Airworthiness Directive, and Service Bulletin.''
Difference Among the Proposed AD, French Airworthiness Directive, and
Service Bulletin
Operators should note that, although the parallel French
airworthiness directive and service bulletin include a requirement to
submit inspection results to the airplane manufacturer, this proposed
AD would not require that action. Furthermore, where the service
bulletin specifies to return damaged RATs to the vendor or a repair
station, this proposed AD would not require that action.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
In this proposed AD, the ``detailed visual inspection'' specified
in the Airbus service bulletin is referred to as a ``detailed
inspection.'' We have included the definition for a detailed inspection
in a note in this proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
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Number of
Work Average Cost per U.S. -
Action hours labor rate Parts airplane registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
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Inspection...................... 1 $65 None required..... $65 12 $780
Rework binding.................. 1 65 None required..... 65 12 780
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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 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:
[[Page 17342]]
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-2005-20867; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
188-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by May 6, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and
F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called A300-600 airplanes); certificated in any
category; having serial numbers 0812, 0813, 0815 through 0818
inclusive, 0821 through 0828 inclusive, and 0836 through 0838
inclusive.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of holes in the ram air
turbine (RAT) hub. We are issuing this AD to prevent a hole in the
RAT hub cover. A hole in the RAT hub cover could allow water to
enter the RAT governing mechanism, freeze during flight, and jam the
governing mechanism. In addition, the metal particles that result
from chafing between the hydraulic flexible hose and the RAT could
mix with the lubricant grease and degrade the governing mechanism.
In an emergency, a jammed or degraded RAT could result in failure of
RAT deployment, loss of hydraulic pressure or electrical power to
the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability 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.
Inspection and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions
(f) Within 2,500 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD: Do a one-time detailed inspection for evidence of chafing
between the hydraulic flexible hose and the RAT hub, and any
applicable related investigative and corrective actions, by
accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6054,
Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, dated November 4, 2004. Any
applicable corrective actions must be accomplished before further
flight. Although the service bulletin specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, and to submit damaged RAMs to the
vendor or a repair station, this AD does not include those
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.''
Actions Accomplished Previously
(g) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-29-6054, excluding Appendix 01, dated June 8, 2004,
are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions
specified in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) 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
(i) French airworthiness directive F-2004-133, dated August 4,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 25, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6758 Filed 4-5-05; 8:45 am]
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