[Federal Register: January 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 10)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 2455-2457]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17ja06-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22035; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-016-AD;
Amendment 39-14442; AD 2006-01-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 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
Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes. This AD requires
repetitive replacement of the angle of attack (AOA) sensors with new or
overhauled AOA sensors. This AD also provides an optional terminating
action for the repetitive replacements. This AD results from reports of
several false stall warnings associated with stick-shaker activation,
occurring during take-off. We are issuing this AD to prevent false
stall warnings associated with stick-shaker activation, which could
result in increased pilot workload as the pilot tries to determine the
cause of the stall warning and possible reduction in the pilot's
ability to control the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 21, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of February 21,
2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building,
room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A300
B2 and B4 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on August 8, 2005 (70 FR 45592). That NPRM proposed to require
an inspection to determine the part number of all angle of attack (AOA)
sensors, and repetitive replacement of the AOA sensors with new or
overhauled AOA sensors if necessary.
Relevant Service Information
After the NPRM was issued, we received Airbus Service Bulletin
A300-34-0092, Revision 04, dated April 25, 2005. Revision 03, dated
November 2, 2004, was referenced as the appropriate source of service
information for accomplishing the optional terminating action specified
in paragraph (g) of the NPRM. We have reviewed Revision 04 of the
service bulletin and have determined that the procedures for replacing
the Honeywell AOA sensors with ``vane type'' AOA sensors and replacing
the current detectors in relay boxes 252VU and 107VU with new current
detectors are identical to the procedures in Revision 03 of the service
bulletin. Therefore, we have revised paragraph (g) of this AD to
reference Revision 04 of the service bulletin as the appropriate source
of service information for accomplishing the optional terminating
action. We have also moved reference to Revision 03 of the service
bulletin to paragraph (k) of this AD to give credit for actions done in
accordance with Revision 03 before the effective date of this AD.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Revise the Applicability
One commenter, the airplane manufacturer, requests that we limit
the applicability of the NPRM to certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4
series airplanes equipped with Honeywell angle of attack (AOA) sensors
having part number 965-4020-007. The commenter states that this matches
the applicability of French airworthiness directive F-2003-457 R1,
dated December 22, 2004. As justification for limiting the
applicability, the commenter asserts that operators can easily trace
the affected part on their airplanes. The commenter also states that
limiting the applicability will relieve operators from inspecting
airplanes, which are not equipped with the affected AOA sensor.
We do not agree to revise the applicability of this AD. Even if
operators could easily trace AOA sensors installed on an airplane, this
AD must be applicable to all Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes to
ensure that an affected AOA sensor is not installed on an airplane
after the effective date of this AD. However, we have added a provision
to paragraph (f) of this AD to relieve operators of the inspection
requirement. Operators may conduct a review of airplane maintenance
records, instead of doing an inspection, if the part numbers of the AOA
sensors can positively be determined from that review.
Request To Delete Compliance Time
The same commenter requests that we delete the compliance time for
replacing the AOA sensor before further flight, as specified in
paragraph (f) of the NPRM. The commenter states that it is not possible
to comply with this compliance time because Airbus Service Bulletin
A300-34-0176, Revision 01, dated
[[Page 2456]]
February 3, 2004, recommends replacing an affected AOA sensor with an
overhauled AOA sensor, which would require operators to return the
affected AOA sensor to the parts manufacturer for overhaul.
We do not agree. In developing an appropriate compliance time for
this action, we considered the safety implications, parts availability,
and normal maintenance schedules for the timely accomplishment of the
replacement. In consideration of these items, we have determined that
replacing an affected AOA sensors before further flight after
inspecting to the determine its part number will ensure an acceptable
level of safety and allow the replacement to be done during scheduled
maintenance intervals for most affected operators. Also, we point out
that paragraph (g) of this AD provides an optional terminating action
to the repetitive replacements required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
This terminating action allows operators to replace the affected AOA
sensors with ``vane type'' AOA sensors and does not require returning
an affected AOA sensor to the parts manufacturer for overhaul.
According to the manufacturer, an ample number of ``vane type'' AOA
sensors will be available to modify the U.S. fleet within the proposed
compliance time. Furthermore, according to the provisions of paragraph
(l) of this AD, we may approve requests to adjust the compliance time
if the request includes data that prove that the new compliance time
would provide an acceptable level of safety.
Request To Reduce the Compliance Time
One commenter states that a compliance time of 4,500 flight hours
or 36 months is too long given that the unsafe condition could result
in increased pilot workload as the pilot tries to determine the cause
of the stall warning and possible reduction in the pilot's ability to
control the airplane. We infer the commenter would like us to reduce
the compliance time.
We disagree. After considering all the available information, we
have determined that the compliance time, as proposed, represents an
appropriate interval of time for accomplishing the required actions in
a timely manner within the affected fleet, while still maintaining an
adequate level of safety. In developing an appropriate compliance time,
we considered the safety implications, parts availability, and normal
maintenance schedules for timely accomplishment of the inspection.
Furthermore, we arrived at the compliance time of 4,500 flight hours or
36 months, whichever is first, with concurrence from the manufacturer
and the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France. Reducing the
compliance time would necessitate (under the provisions of the
Administrative Procedure Act) reissuing the notice, reopening the
period for public comment, considering additional comments subsequently
received, and eventually issuing a final rule. That procedure could
take as long as four months. We have determined that further delay of
this AD is inappropriate. However, if additional data are presented
that would justify a shorter compliance time, we may consider further
rulemaking on this issue.
Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph
We have revised this AD to clarify the appropriate procedure for
notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on any
airplane to which the AMOC applies.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and 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
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Average Number of
Work labor Cost per U.S.-
Action hours rate per Parts airplane registered Fleet cost
hour airplanes
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Inspection................... 1 $65 None............ $65 20 $1,300.
Replacement, per replacement 2 65 $3,300 ($1,100 3,430 20 $68,600, per
cycle. per sensor). replacement
cycle.
Optional terminating action.. 7 65 $8,780.......... 9,235 20 $184,700.
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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 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 and placed it in the AD docket.
[[Page 2457]]
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2006-01-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-14442. Docket No. FAA-2005-22035;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-016-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective February 21, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-
3C, and B2-203 airplanes; and Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203
airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of several false stall
warnings associated with stick-shaker activation, occurring during
take-off. We are issuing this AD to prevent false stall warnings
associated with stick-shaker activation, which could result in
increased pilot workload as the pilot tries to determine the cause
of the stall warning and possible reduction in the pilot's ability
to control 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.
Repetitive Replacements
(f) Within 4,500 flight hours or 36 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever is first: Inspect zone 120 to determine
the part numbers (P/Ns) of all three angle of attack (AOA) sensors,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-34-0176, Revision 01, dated February 3, 2004. Instead
of inspecting zone 120 to determine the P/Ns of the AOA sensors, a
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the P/Ns of
the AOA sensors can be conclusively determined from that review. If
no Honeywell AOA sensor having part number (P/N) 965-4020-007 is
found, then no further action is required by this paragraph. If any
Honeywell AOA sensor having P/N 965-4020-007 is found, before
further flight, replace the AOA sensor with a new or overhauled AOA
sensor having P/N 965-4020-007, in accordance with the service
bulletin. Repeat the replacement thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 8,000 flight hours or 96 months, whichever is first.
Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD
terminates the repetitive replacements.
Optional Terminating Action
(g) Replacement of all Honeywell AOA sensors having P/N 965-
4020-007 between frame (FR)18 and FR19 with ``vane type'' AOA
sensors; and replacement of the current detectors in relay boxes
252VU and 107VU with new current detectors; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0092,
Revision 04, dated April 25, 2005; terminate the repetitive
replacements required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
No Reporting Requirement
(h) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0176, Revision 01,
dated February 3, 2004, specifies to submit certain information to
the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
Parts Installation
(i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an AOA sensor having P/N 965-4020-007 on any airplane, unless it is
new or overhauled. Thereafter repetitively replace the new or
overhauled AOA sensor in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD.
Credit for Previously Accomplished Actions
(j) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0176, dated July 9,
2003, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
Credit for Optional Terminating Action
(k) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-092, Revision 2,
dated July 18, 1985, or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0092,
Revision 03, dated November 2, 2004, are acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(1) 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.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(m) French airworthiness directive F-2003-457 R1, dated December
22, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0176, Revision
01, excluding Appendix 01, dated February 3, 2004, to perform the
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. The optional terminating action provided by paragraph (g)
of this AD, if accomplished, must be done in accordance with Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-34-0092, Revision 04, dated April 25, 2005.
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 January 5, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-315 Filed 1-13-06; 8:45 am]
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