[Federal Register: May 12, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 91)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 24997-24999]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr12my05-22]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21189; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-055-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321
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 certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require modification of the electrical bonding
of all structures and systems installed inside the center fuel tank.
This proposed AD is prompted by results of fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. We are proposing this AD to prevent
electrical arcing in the center fuel tank due to inadequate bonding,
which could result in an explosion of the center fuel tank and
consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 13, 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-2005-21189; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2005-NM-055-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2141; 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-2005-21189;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-055-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 FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in
recent fuel tank explosions on several large transport airplanes,
including the
[[Page 24998]]
adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes
subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for
fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a
regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review,
Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements' (67
FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards for
transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule
included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88,''
Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82 and 21-83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e.,
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation: Single failures, single failures in
combination with another latent condition(s), and in-service failure
experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included
consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for
further action.
The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) has issued a regulation that
is similar to SFAR 88. (The JAA is an associated body of the European
Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) representing the civil aviation
regulatory authorities of a number of European States who have agreed
to cooperate in developing and implementing common safety regulatory
standards and procedures.) Under this regulation, the JAA stated that
all members of the ECAC that hold type certificates for transport
category airplanes are required to conduct a design review against
explosion risks.
We have determined that the actions identified in this proposed AD
are necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
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 A318, A319, A320,
and A321 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that a design review showed
that the electrical bonding in the center fuel tank of the affected
airplanes should be modified. The modification would reduce the
possibility of an electrical discharge in the fuel tank. An electrical
discharge could result in an explosion of the center fuel tank and
consequent loss of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1104, Revision
01, dated December 8, 2004. The service bulletin describes procedures
for modifying the electrical bonding of all structures and systems
installed inside the center fuel tank of the affected airplanes. The
modification consists of checking certain existing bonding points for
the presence of blue coat and installing new bonding points. If blue
coat is present at the bonding point, the service bulletin recommends
no further action. If blue coat is not present, the service bulletin
recommends measuring the electrical (ohmic) resistance between the part
and the structure. If the ohmic resistance is less than 10 milliohms,
the service bulletin recommends no further action. If the ohmic
resistance is 10 milliohms or more, the service bulletin recommends
installing the bonding.
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-
2005-028, dated February 16, 2005, 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 Between
the Proposed AD and the French Airworthiness Directive.''
Difference Between the Proposed AD and the French Airworthiness
Directive
The applicability of French airworthiness directive F-2005-028
excludes airplanes that accomplished Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-
1104 in service. However, we have not excluded those airplanes in the
applicability of this proposed AD; rather, this proposed AD includes a
requirement to accomplish the actions specified in that service
bulletin. This requirement would ensure that the actions specified in
the service bulletin and required by this proposed AD are accomplished
on all affected airplanes. Operators must continue to operate the
airplane in the configuration required by this proposed AD unless an
alternative method of compliance is approved. This difference has been
coordinated with the DGAC.
Clarification of Inspection Language
The service bulletin specifies that operators should ``check'' for
the presence of blue coat. In this proposed AD we refer to this action
as a ``general visual inspection.'' Note 1 of this proposed AD defines
this inspection.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 506 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take between 49 and 64 work hours per
airplane depending on the airplane's configuration. The average labor
rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost between $10 and
$370 per airplane, depending on the airplane's configuration. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators
is between $1,616,670 and $2,292,180, or between $3,195 and $4,530 per
airplane.
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,
[[Page 24999]]
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:
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-2005-21189; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
055-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by June 13, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321
series airplanes; certificated in any category; except airplanes
that have received Airbus Modification 31892 in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by results of fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent
electrical arcing in the center fuel tank due to inadequate bonding,
which could result in an explosion of the center fuel tank and
consequent loss 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 and Corrective Actions
(f) Within 58 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify
the electrical bonding of all structures and systems installed
inside the center fuel tank by accomplishing all of the actions in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-28-1104, Revision 01, dated December 8, 2004.
Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1104, dated December
2, 2003, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h) The Manager, 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-2005-028, dated February
16, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 5, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-9472 Filed 5-11-05; 8:45 am]
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