FR Doc E7-19206

[Federal Register: October 3, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 191)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 56258-56262]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03oc07-7]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27010; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-259-AD;
Amendment 39-15214; AD 2007-20-04]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes and Model
A310 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A300 and A310 airplanes, and
certain Model A300-600 series airplanes. That AD currently requires an
inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if certain P-
clips are installed and corrective action if necessary. That AD also
requires an inspection of electrical bonding points of certain
equipment in the center fuel tank for the presence of a blue coat and
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. That AD also
requires installation of new bonding leads and electrical bonding
points on certain equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks,
as necessary. This new AD requires, for certain airplanes, installation
of bonding on an additional bracket and modification of the fuel/defuel
valves on the left-hand wing. This AD results from fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to ensure
continuous electrical bonding protection of equipment in the wing,
center, and trim fuel tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing
and center fuel tanks, due to failed P-clips used for retaining the
wiring and pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source
in the fuel tanks.

DATES: This AD becomes effective November 7, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of November 7,
2007.
On August 29, 2006 (71 FR 42026, July 25, 2006), the Director of
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
other publications listed in the AD.

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.
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, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the 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 Docket Operations
office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the ground floor of the
West Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section.

[[Page 56259]]

Discussion

The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2006-15-09,
amendment 39-14689 (71 FR 42026, July 25, 2006). The existing AD
applies to all Airbus Model A300, and Model A310 airplanes; and Model
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R
Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes).
The supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 20,
2007 (72 FR 33929). The supplemental NPRM proposed to require an
inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if certain P-
clips are installed and corrective action if necessary; an inspection
of electrical bonding points of certain equipment in the center fuel
tank for the presence of a blue coat and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary; and installation of new bonding leads
and electrical bonding points on certain equipment in the wing, center,
and trim fuel tanks, as necessary. That supplemental NPRM also proposed
to require, for certain airplanes, installation of bonding on an
additional bracket; and for certain other airplanes, modification of
the fuel/defuel valves on the left-hand wing.

Comments

We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Revise Compliance Times and To Put New Actions in a Separate
Rule

Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of its member American
Airlines (AA), is concerned with the administrative burden of the
supplemental NPRM. The commenters point out that the supplemental NPRM
contains multiple compliance periods for the required actions. The
commenters believe that the multiple compliance periods should be
consolidated into one compliance period. AA states that the scope of
the existing AD along with the work added by the supplemental NPRM
makes the proposed AD unwieldy to implement. AA states that
considerable planning and procurement schedules must be accommodated
for each additional AD, which disrupts planning that is already in
place. The commenters state that the scope change described in the
supplemental NPRM would have been more appropriately mandated as a
separate rule.
We do not agree that the compliance times should be consolidated
into one compliance period. In developing the compliance time for this
AD action, we considered not only the safety implications of the
identified unsafe condition, but the average utilization rate of the
affected fleet, the practical aspects of an orderly inspection or
modification to the fleet during regular maintenance periods, the
availability of required parts, and the time necessary for the
rulemaking process. We also considered the compliance periods specified
by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the airplane
manufacturer. We have determined that the proposed compliance times
following the effective date of the AD are appropriate. We have not
revised the AD in this regard.
However, we do agree that the scope change in the supplemental NPRM
is better mandated as a separate rule for reasons the commenters
stated. Since we issued the supplemental NPRM, the EASA has revised its
airworthiness directive to 2006-0325 R1, dated July 25, 2007. (We cited
the original issue of EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0325, dated
October 23, 2006, as the parallel airworthiness directive in the
supplemental NPRM.) Revision 1 of the EASA airworthiness directive
removes the procedures in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6064 from its
stated actions. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6064 includes
procedures for Model A300-600 series airplanes. That service bulletin
contains the scope change to which the commenters referred. R1 of the
EASA airworthiness directive also removes Model A300-600 series
airplanes from its applicability. As a result, we have revised the AD
to do the following:
Remove paragraph (k) of the supplemental NPRM. That
paragraph contains the scope change cited by the commenters. We have
re-identified subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
Remove Model A300-600 series airplanes from the
applicability. EASA is considering additional rulemaking regarding the
unsafe condition for Model A300-600 series airplanes. Once the EASA
airworthiness directive is approved, we will consider additional
rulemaking for Model A300-600 series airplanes.
Remove Model A300-600 service bulletins from Table 1 of
the supplemental NPRM.
Remove the costs information for Model A300-600 series
airplanes from the Costs of Compliance section.
Revise the Related Information (paragraph (n) of the
supplemental NPRM) to refer to Revision 1 of the EASA airworthiness
directive.

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

There are about 92 Model A300 and A310 airplanes of the affected
design in the U.S. fleet. The following table provides the estimated
costs, at an average labor rate of $80 per hour, for U.S. operators to
comply with this AD. For some actions, the estimated work hours and
cost of parts in the following table depend on the airplane
configuration.

Estimated Costs
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Number of U.S.-
Model Action Work hours Cost of parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
airplanes
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A300 airplanes................. Inspect wing and center 40................ None.............. $3,200............ 29 $92,800.
fuel tanks for P-clips
(required by AD 2006-
15-09).
Install bonding leads/ Between 136 and Between $3,800 and Between $14,680 29 Between $425,720
points in wing and 155. $5,200. and $17,600. and $510,400.
center fuel tank
(required by AD 2006-
15-09).
A310 airplanes................. Inspect wing and center 40................ None.............. $3,200............ 63 $201,600.
fuel tanks for P-clips
(required by AD 2006-
15-09).

[[Page 56260]]

Install bonding leads/ Between 248 and Between $8,840 and Between $28,680 63 Between $1,806,840
points in wing and 285. $9,190. and $31,990. and $2,015,370.
center fuel tank
(required by AD 2006-
15-09).
Inspect and install Between 53 and 61. Between $50 and Between $4,290 and 63 Between $270,270
bonding leads/points $70. $4,950. and $311,850.
in the trim fuel tank
(required by AD 2006-
15-09).
Install bonding for 2................. $30............... $190.............. 63 $11,970.
slat track 11 canister
bracket (new action).
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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. 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
removing amendment 39-14689 (71 FR 42026, July 25, 2006) and by adding
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2007-20-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-15214. Docket No. FAA-2007-27010;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-259-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This AD becomes effective November 7, 2007.

Affected ADs

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-15-09.

Applicability

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to ensure continuous electrical
bonding protection of equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel
tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing and center fuel
tanks, due to failed P-clips used for retaining the wiring and
pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the
fuel tanks.

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.

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2006-15-09

Service Bulletin References

(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletins identified in
Table 1 of this AD, as applicable.

Table 1.--Service Bulletin References
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And the actions Use Airbus Service
For Airbus-- specified in-- Bulletin-- Dated--
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Model A300 airplanes............... paragraph (g) of this A300-28-0081.......... July 20, 2005.
AD.
paragraph (h) of this A300-28-0079.......... September 29, 2005; or
AD. Revision 01, dated June 6,
2006. After the effective
date of this AD, only
Revision 01 may be used.
Model A310 airplanes............... paragraph (g) of this A310-28-2143.......... July 20, 2005.
AD.
paragraph (h) of this A310-28-2142.......... August 26, 2005; or
AD. Revision 01, dated July
17, 2006. After the
effective date of this AD,
only Revision 01 may be
used.

[[Page 56261]]

paragraph (i) of this A310-28-2153.......... July 20, 2005.
AD.
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Inspection and Corrective Actions

(g) Within 59 months after August 29, 2006 (the effective date
of AD 2006-15-09): Do a general visual inspection of the right and
left wing fuel tanks and center fuel tank, if applicable, to
determine if any NSA5516-XXND- and NSA5516-XXNJ-type P-clips are
installed for retaining wiring and pipes in any tank, and do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight after the
inspection, by accomplishing all the actions specified in the
service bulletin.

Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''

Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for Wing and Center Fuel
Tanks

(h) Within 59 months after August 29, 2006: Do the actions
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, by
accomplishing all the actions specified in the service bulletin.
(1) In the center fuel tank, if applicable, do a general visual
inspection of the electrical bonding points of the equipment
identified in the service bulletin for the presence of a blue coat,
and do all related investigative and corrective actions before
further flight after the inspection.
(2) In the left and right wing fuel tanks and center fuel tank,
if applicable, install bonding leads and electrical bonding points
on the equipment identified in the service bulletin.

Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for the Trim Fuel Tank

(i) For Model A310 airplanes equipped with a trim fuel tank:
Within 59 months after August 29, 2006, install a new bonding
lead(s) on the water drain system of the trim fuel tank and install
electrical bonding points on the equipment identified in the service
bulletin in the trim fuel tank, by accomplishing all the actions
specified in the service bulletin, as applicable.

New Requirements of This AD

Installation of Bonding for Slat Track Canister 11 Bracket

(j) For all Model A310 airplanes on which the actions specified
in Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, dated August 26, 2005, have
been done before the effective date of this AD: Within 50 months
after the effective date of this AD, install bonding for the slat
track canister 11 bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 01,
dated July 17, 2006.

Parts Installation

(k) As of August 29, 2006, no person may install any NSA5516-
XXND-or NSA5516-XXNJ-type P-clip for retaining wiring and pipes in
any wing, center, or trim fuel tank, on any airplane.

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) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
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.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2006-15-09
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

Related Information

(m) European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness directive
2006-0325 R1, dated July 25, 2007, also addresses the subject of
this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(n) You must use the service information listed in Table 2 of
this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise.

Table 2.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
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Airbus Service Bulletin-- Revision level-- Date--
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A300-28-0079.......................... Original........................... September 29, 2005.
A300-28-0079.......................... 01................................. June 6, 2006.
A300-28-0081.......................... Original........................... July 20, 2005.
A310-28-2142.......................... Original........................... August 26, 2005.
A310-28-2142.......................... 01................................. July 17, 2006.
A310-28-2143.......................... Original........................... July 20, 2005.
A310-28-2153.......................... Original........................... July 20, 2005.
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(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the service bulletins listed in Table
3 of this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

Table 3.--New Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin-- Revision level-- Date--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-28-0079.......................... 01................................. June 6, 2006.
A310-28-2142.......................... 01................................. July 17, 2006.
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[[Page 56262]]

(2) On August 29, 2006 (71 FR 42026, July 25, 2006), the
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of the service bulletins listed in Table 4 of this AD.

Table 4.--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin-- Dated--
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A300-28-0079........................ September 29, 2005.
A300-28-0081........................ July 20, 2005.
A310-28-2142........................ August 26, 2005.
A310-28-2143........................ July 20, 2005.
A310-28-2153........................ July 20, 2005.
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(3) Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information. 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
.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 21, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-19206 Filed 10-2-07; 8:45 am]

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