[Federal Register: October 19, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 202)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 61639-61642]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr19oc06-4]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26083; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-185-AD;
Amendment 39-14793; AD 2006-21-08]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A340-200, and
A340-300 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A330-200, A340-200, and A340-300 airplanes. This
AD requires the installation of heatshields in the belly fairing of the
center fuselage. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by
the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent exposing any fuel
leaked from the center fuel tank to the hot temperature areas of the
air conditioning packs, which could result in a fire and consequent
fuel tank explosion.
DATES: This AD becomes effective November 3, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 3,
2006.
We must receive comments on this AD by December 18, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this 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.
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.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel
tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the
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''
(66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards
for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule
included Special Federal Aviation
[[Page 61640]]
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 a 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 co-operate 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 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the
airworthiness authority for the European Union, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A330-200, A340-200,
and A340-300 airplanes. The EASA advises that there could be
temperatures in excess of 200 degrees Celsius on surfaces in the belly
fairing of the center fuselage. Therefore, any fuel leaked from the
center fuel tank would be exposed to the hot temperature areas of the
air conditioning packs. This condition, if not corrected, could result
in a fire and consequent fuel tank explosion.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-21-3096 and A340-21-4107,
both Revision 01, both dated October 10, 2005. The service bulletins
describe procedures for the installation of heatshields in the belly
fairing of the center fuselage. The installation includes the following
actions:
Replacing existing heatshields with new heatshields fitted
with edges and draining tapping.
Adding draining systems.
Adding two heatshields.
Adding two tight insulation sleeves on the ozone reducer
and on the trim pipe.
Replacing and adding brackets.
Modifying a heatshield panel.
The EASA mandated the service information and issued airworthiness
directive 2006-0191, dated July 10, 2006, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in the European Union.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of this 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. As described in FAA
Order 8100.14A, ``Interim Procedures for Working with the European
Community on Airworthiness Certification and Continued Airworthiness,''
dated August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the EASA'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 issuing this AD to prevent exposing any fuel
leaked from the center fuel tank to the hot temperature areas of the
air conditioning packs, which could result in a fire and consequent
fuel tank explosion. This AD requires accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information described previously, except as
discussed in ``Difference Between EASA Airworthiness Directive and This
AD.''
Difference Between EASA Airworthiness Directive and This AD
The applicability of EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0191
excludes airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A330-21-3096,
Revision 01; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-21-4107, Revision 01; have
been accomplished in service. However, we have not excluded those
airplanes in the applicability of this AD; rather, this AD includes a
requirement to accomplish the actions specified in Revision 01 of those
service bulletins, as applicable. This requirement would ensure that
the actions specified in the service bulletins and required by this AD
are accomplished on all affected airplanes. Operators must continue to
operate the airplane in the configuration required by this AD unless an
alternative method of compliance is approved.
Costs of Compliance
None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S.
Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not
directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD
necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future.
The following table provides the estimated costs to comply with
this AD for any affected airplane that might be imported and placed on
the U.S. Register in the future.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average labor Cost per
Action Work hours rate per hour Parts cost airplane
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Installation................................ 65 $80 $17,290 $22,490
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[[Page 61641]]
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register.
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2006-
26083; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-185-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might
suggest a need to modify it.
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 AD. Using the search function of that 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 may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit
http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may 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 Docket Management System
receives them.
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 the 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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):
2006-21-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-14793. Docket No. FAA-2006-26083;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-185-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective November 3, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-200, A340-200, and
A340-300 airplanes, certificated in any category; except airplanes
on which Airbus Modification 49520 has been done in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent exposing any fuel
leaked from the center fuel tank to the hot temperature areas of the
air conditioning packs, which could result in a fire and consequent
fuel tank explosion.
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.
Installation of Heatshields
(f) Within 27 months after the effective date of this AD,
install heatshields in the belly fairing of the center fuselage in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A330-21-3096, Revision 01, dated October 10, 2005 (for
Model A330-200 airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-21-4107,
Revision 01, dated October 10, 2005 (for Model A340-200 and A340-300
airplanes); as applicable.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(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 Sec.
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
(h) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness
directive 2006-0191, dated July 10, 2006, also addresses the subject
of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A330-21-3096, Revision
01, dated October 10, 2005; or Airbus Service Bulletin A340-21-4107,
Revision 01, dated October 10, 2005; as applicable, to perform the
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. 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
[[Page 61642]]
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 October 10, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-17426 Filed 10-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P