[Federal Register: August 9, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 153)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 44737-44740]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09au07-5]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28036; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-278-AD;
Amendment 39-15145; AD 2007-16-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300
Series Airplanes; and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority
of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as failure of
an evacuation slide raft to inflate, which could delay the evacuation
of passengers in case of an emergency. We are issuing this AD to
require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 13, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 13,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, ANM-
116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-
2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce
safety risks to the public. This process continues to allow all FAA AD
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
This AD references the MCAI and related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain language principles.
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2007 (72
FR 21164). That NPRM proposed to require a set of modifications of the
slide raft assembly of each door and the slide raft, as applicable,
which consists of: continuous ``speed lacing'' cord and new soft covers
with rounded grommets; and a new shorter firing cable, a new anchor
block for the slide raft packboard and a new folding procedure. The
MCAI states that several operators have reported non-automatic
deployment of slide rafts during ground operational testing. In all
cases, the slide raft released correctly from the door but did not
inflate automatically. Pulling the manual backup handle correctly
inflated the slide raft. Investigation conducted by the slide raft
manufacturer showed that non-automatic deployments have two potential
root causes: non-opening of the lacing; and stiffness and stiction
(static friction) on the painted inflatable material. This situation,
if not corrected, could delay the evacuation of passengers in case of
an emergency. A new design solution has been developed to ensure the
automatic slide raft deployment, which consists of: continuous ``speed
lacing'' cord and new soft covers with rounded grommets (this
modification ensures that the lacing opens); and a new shorter firing
cable, a new anchor block for the slide raft packboard and a new
folding procedure (this modification ensures automatic deployment
regardless of the inflatable paint condition). Both modifications
together ensure the automatic deployment function. The MCAI requires
accomplishment of the set of modifications.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Clarification of Applicability
We have revised the applicability of this AD to match the MCAI and
the current FAA type certification data sheet for the affected
airplanes. The revision clarifies the applicability and does not add to
or change the affected airplanes.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described
previously. We determined that this change will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
[[Page 44738]]
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable in a U.S. court of
law. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively
from the information provided in the MCAI and related service
information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements, if
any, take precedence over the actions copied from the MCAI.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD affects
about 28 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it takes
about 66 work-hours per product to comply with this AD. The average
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts cost about $3,860 per
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S.
operators to be $255,920, or $9,140 per product.
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 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2007-16-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-15145. Docket No. FAA-2007-28036;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-278-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective
September 13, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) The requirements of this AD relate to those specified in AD
2006-04-03, amendment 39-14484.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 series
airplanes; and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600
series airplanes, certificated in any category; all certified
models, all serial numbers; except those with the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) specified modifications installed in
production, or the equivalent service bulletins installed in service
(as specified in Tables 1 and 2 of this AD), provided no slide has
been replaced since either airplane delivery or service bulletin
installation, as applicable.
Table 1.--Exceptions to Applicability
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Airbus modifications
Airplane model Configuration installed in
production
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A330, A340-200, -300........ With Modification 50806, 50807, 55071,
40161 (optional and 55072.
Type A door 3).
A330, A340-200, -300........ Without Modification 50806 and 55071.
40161 (Type 1 door
3).
A340-500.................... All................. Either 50806, 50807,
and 55071, or 50806
and 55071.
A340-600.................... All................. 50806, 50808, 55071,
and 55073.
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Table 2.--Exceptions to Applicability
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Airbus Service Bulletins
Airplane model installed in service
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A330.................................. A330-25-3173, Revision 01, dated
August 2, 2006; and A330-25-
3301, dated March 24, 2006.
A340-200, -300........................ A340-25-4191, Revision 01, dated
August 2, 2006; and A340-25-
4273, dated March 24, 2006.
A340-500, -600........................ A340-25-5004, Revision 01, dated
August 2, 2006; and A340-25-
5110, dated March 24, 2006.
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[[Page 44739]]
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states that several operators have reported non-automatic deployment
of slide rafts during ground operational testing. In all cases, the
slide raft released correctly from the door but did not inflate
automatically. Pulling the manual backup handle correctly inflated
the slide raft. Investigation conducted by the slide raft
manufacturer showed that non-automatic deployments have two
potential root causes: Non-opening of the lacing; and stiffness and
stiction (static friction) on the painted inflatable material. This
situation, if not corrected, could delay the evacuation of
passengers in case of an emergency. A new design solution has been
developed to ensure the automatic slide raft deployment, which
consists of: Continuous ``speed lacing'' cord and new soft covers
with rounded grommets (this modification ensures that the lacing
opens); and a new shorter firing cable, a new anchor block for the
slide raft packboard and a new folding procedure (this modification
ensures automatic deployment regardless of the inflatable paint
condition). Both modifications together ensure the automatic
deployment function. The MCAI requires accomplishment of the set of
modifications.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) For slide raft part numbers (P/Ns) 7A1508-003/-005/-007/-
023/-025/-027/ -029/-115; P/Ns 7A1539-003/-004/-005/ -006/-007/-008/
-023/-024/-025/-026/-027/ -028/-029/-030/-115/ -116; P/Ns 7A1510 -
003/-004/-005/-006/-007/-008/-023/-024/ -025/-026/-027/-028/-029/-
030/-115/-116; and P/Ns 4A3934-1/-2/-001/-002: No later than 36
months after the effective date of this AD, modify the slide raft in
accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-25-3173, A340-25-4191, or A340-25-5004, all Revision 01, all
dated August 2, 2006; as applicable; and modify the slide raft
assembly of each door in accordance with the instructions given in
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3301, A340-25-4273, or A340-25-5110,
all dated March 24, 2006; as applicable.
(2) For slide raft P/Ns 7A1508-033/-035/-037/-119/-121; P/Ns
7A1539-033/-034/ -035/-036/-037/-038/-119/-120/-121/-122; P/Ns
7A1510-033/-034/-035/-036/-037/ -038/ -119/-120/-121/-122; and P/Ns
4A3934-5/-6/-7/-8: No later than 36 months after the effective date
of this AD, modify the slide raft assembly of each door in
accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-25-3301, A340-25-4273, or A340-25-5110, all dated March 24,
2006; as applicable.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(f) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tim
Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(g) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006-0354, dated
November 28, 2006; and the Airbus Service Bulletins specified in
Table 3 of this AD for related information.
Table 3.--Airbus Service Bulletins
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Service Bulletin Revision level Date
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A330-25-3173.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A330-25-3301.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
A340-25-4191.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A340-25-4273.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
A340-25-5004.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A340-25-5110.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
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Material Incorporated by Reference
(h) You must use the service information specified in Table 4 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point, Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or
go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html
.
Table 4.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Service Bulletin Revision Date
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A330-25-3173.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A330-25-3225.......................... 01................................. September 30, 2004.
A330-25-3301.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
A340-25-4191.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A340-25-4228.......................... 01................................. September 30, 2004.
A340-25-4273.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
A340-25-5004.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A340-25-5054.......................... Original........................... August 2, 2004.
A340-25-5110.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
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[[Page 44740]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-15413 Filed 8-8-07; 8:45 am]
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