[Federal Register: February 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 33)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 8450-8453]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17fe06-8]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-211-AD; Amendment 39-14484; AD 2006-04-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series
Airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and Model 340-541
and -642 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes,
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model 340-541 and -642
airplanes. This AD requires identifying the part number of the
emergency evacuation slides or slide rafts installed on Type ``A'' exit
doors, and modifying the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft
assemblies if necessary. The actions specified by this AD are intended
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: Effective March 24, 2006.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the
[[Page 8451]]
regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of
March 24, 2006.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, ANM-
116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A330 and A340-
200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes was published as a
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal
Register on June 22, 2005 (70 FR 36078). The supplemental NPRM proposed
to require identifying the part number of the emergency evacuation
slides or slide rafts installed on Type ``A'' exit doors, and modifying
the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft assemblies if
necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received from one commenter.
Request To Change Applicability
The commenter, on behalf of the manufacturer, asks that we change
the applicability of the supplemental NPRM, which excludes the
following airplanes if no slide has been removed since delivery from
the manufacturer:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model-- Modified by--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 Both Airbus Modifications 52708
series airplanes. and 52811.
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes..... Airbus Modification 52708.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
He explains that airplanes modified by both Modifications 52708 and
52811 include only Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes that have the optional doors (type A door 3) installed per
Modification 40161. Airplanes modified by only Modification 52708
include some Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, as well
as all of the Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes; these airplanes
have the basic doors (type 1 door 3). He requests that the
applicability for Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes
account for both configurations: (1) those with both Modification 52708
and 52811, and (2) those with Modification 52708 only. He therefore
recommends that we revise the applicability to exclude the following
airplanes if no slide has been removed since delivery from the
manufacturer:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model-- Modified by--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200 and A340-200 and -300 series Both Airbus Modifications 52708
airplanes. and 52811, or
Only Airbus Modification 52708.
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes..... Airbus Modification 52708.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
We agree to change the applicability section in this final rule. In
the ``Actions Since Issuance of Original NPRM'' section of the
supplemental NPRM, we specify, in part, that French airworthiness
directive F-2004-094 R1, dated February 16, 2005, limits the
applicability specified in French airworthiness directive 2003-213(B)
R1, dated August 20, 2003. The new applicability is consistent with the
commenter's request; therefore we have changed the applicability in
this final rule accordingly.
Request To Remove/Change Certain Part Numbers
The commenter states that there is a discrepancy between the
supplemental NPRM and the referenced French airworthiness directive for
certain P/Ns specified in the table in paragraph (b) of the
supplemental NPRM. The commenter asks that we remove P/Ns 007/013/015/
017 for Door 3, LH and RH, and we add P/N 111 in place of P/N 113. We
agree with the commenter. We inadvertently included incorrect P/Ns in
the subject table, and we have verified that the P/Ns do not exist for
the doors identified. We have changed the final rule to match the
French airworthiness directive.
Explanation of Change to Final Rule
We have removed the reference to French airworthiness directive
2003-213(B) R2, dated July 3, 2004, from Note 1 of the supplemental
NPRM. That airworthiness directive is merely a cancellation notice and
is replaced by French airworthiness directive F-2004-094 R1, which is
also referenced in Note 1.
Explanation of Change to Applicability
We have revised the applicability of this AD to identify model
designations as published in the most recent type certificate data
sheet for the affected models.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest
require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described.
These changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator
nor increase the scope of the AD.
Cost Impact
We estimate that 17 Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes of
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
It will take about 1 work hour to accomplish the parts
identification, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the parts identification on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $1,105, or $65 per airplane.
If necessary, it will take about 13 work hours per slide (8 slides
per airplane) to accomplish the modification, at an average labor rate
of $65 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the
manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost
impact of the modification is estimated to be $6,760 per airplane.
[[Page 8452]]
Currently, there are no affected A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 airplanes on the U.S. Register.
However, if an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, the parts identification will take about 1 work
hour, and the modification will take about 104 work hours, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts will be
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the parts identification to be $65 per
airplane, and the modification to be $6,760 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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.
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 Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2006-04-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-14484. Docket 2003-NM-211-AD.
Applicability: Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243
airplanes; Model A330-301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343
airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes; Model A340-311,
-312, and -313 airplanes; Model A340-541 airplanes; and Model 340-
642 airplanes; certificated in any category; except Model A330-200
and -300 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes on which both Airbus
Modifications 52708 and 52811 were done during production, or only
Airbus Modification 52708 was done during production, and Model
A340-541 and -642 airplanes on which Airbus Modification 52708 was
done during production, and on which no slide or slide raft has been
removed since delivery from the manufacturer.
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 this AD:
(1) The term ``service bulletin'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletins A330-25-
3225, Revision 01 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes),
and A340-25-4228, Revision 01 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series
airplanes), both dated September 30, 2004; and A340-25-5054 (for
Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes), dated August 2, 2004.
(2) The service bulletins refer to Goodrich Alert Service
Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003; and Goodrich
Service Bulletin 25-347, Revision 1, dated August 30, 2004; as
additional sources of service information for accomplishment of the
modification specified in the service bulletins.
(3) Accomplishing the modification before the effective date of
this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3225 or
A340-25-4228, both dated August 2, 2004; is considered acceptable
for compliance with the modification required by this AD.
Part Number Identification/Modification
(b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD:
Determine the part number of the emergency slides or slide rafts
fitted on the door types and locations listed in Table 1 of this AD.
If no affected slides or slide rafts are found installed on the
airplane, then no further action is required by this paragraph. If
any affected slides or slide rafts are found installed on the
airplane: Modify the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft
assemblies at the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or
(b)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
(1) For airplanes on which the regulator valves have not been
modified as of the effective date of this AD per Goodrich Alert
Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003: Before
further flight.
(2) For airplanes on which the regulator valves have been
modified as of the effective date of this AD per Goodrich Alert
Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003: Within 18
months after the effective date of this AD.
Table 1.--Part Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodrich slide/slide raft
Door type Door location part number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................... 1 and 4, left-hand 7A1508-001, -003, -005, -
(LH) and right-hand 007, -013, -015, -017, -
(RH). 101, -103, -105, -107, -
109, -113, -115, or -117.
[[Page 8453]]
A................... 2, LH................. 7A1539-001, -003, -005, -
007, -013, -015, -017, -
101, -103, -105, -107, -
109, -113, -115, or -117.
A................... 2, RH................. 7A1539-002, -004, -006, -
008, -014, -016, -018, -
102, -104, -106, -108, -
110, -114, -116, or -118.
A................... 3, LH................. 7A1510-001, -003, -005, -
007, -013, -015, -017, -
101, -103, -105, -107, -
109, -113, -115, or -117;
or 4A3934-1 or -3.
A................... 3, RH................. 7A1510-002, -004, -006, -
008, -014, -016, -018, -
102, -104, -106, -108, -
110, -114, -116, or -118;
or 4A3934-2 or -4.
1................... 3, LH and RH.......... 7A1509-001, -003, -005, -
101, -103, -105, -107, -
109, -111, -115, or -117.
1................... 3, LH................. 4A3928-1.
1................... 3, RH................. 4A3928-2.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parts Installation
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
regulator valve having a part number listed in the old part number
column specified in Paragraph 1.L. of the applicable service
bulletin on any airplane, unless that regulator valve has been
modified in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive F-2004-094 R1, dated February 16, 2004.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be
done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3225,
Revision 01, dated September 30, 2004; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
25-4228, Revision 01, dated September 30, 2004; or Airbus Service
Bulletin A340-25-5054, dated August 2, 2004; as applicable. This
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. To get copies of this service information, contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. To inspect
copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or
to 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
.
Effective Date
(f) This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2006.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 1, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-1411 Filed 2-16-06; 8:45 am]
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