[Federal Register: December 10, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 236)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 69610-69612]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10de07-19]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-27982; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-009-AD;
Amendment 39-15288; AD 2007-25-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes,
Model A300-600 Series Airplanes, and Model A310 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) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
* * * accidents which occurred to in-service aircraft caused by
the violent opening of a passenger door, related to excessive
residual pressurization in the cabin on ground.
* * * * *
This unsafe condition could result in injury to crew members opening
the passenger door. We are issuing this AD to require actions to
correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective January 14, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 14,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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: 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:
Discussion
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 24, 2007 (72
FR 20289). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
The modification rendered mandatory by this Airworthiness
Directive (AD) falls within the scope of a set of corrective
measures undertaken by AIRBUS subsequent to accidents which occurred
to in-service aircraft caused by the violent opening of a passenger
door, related to excessive residual pressurization in the cabin on
ground.
In order to prevent the flight crews operating in manual mode
when discrete spoilers signals are true and ensures OFV (outflow
valve) or depress valve are driven open after landing, this
modification consists of introducing an automatic opening logic
either for the forward and aft OFV or for the single depress valve,
when the aircraft is on ground, immediately after landing.
The MCAI requires the modification described previously. This unsafe
condition could result in injury to crew members opening the passenger
door. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the
AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Request To Include Revised Service Information
Airbus asks that Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-6049, Revision 02,
dated April 16, 2007, be incorporated into the NPRM. (We referred to
Revision 01, dated September 15, 2006, as the appropriate source of
service information for accomplishing certain actions specified in the
NPRM.)
We agree with Airbus and have changed paragraph (f)(1) of this AD
to refer to Revision 02 of Service Bulletin A300-21-6049 for
accomplishing certain actions, as no additional work is required by
this revision. We have also changed paragraph (f)(2) of this AD to give
credit to operators who have accomplished the actions in accordance
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-6049, Revision 01, dated September
15, 2006.
Request To Withdraw the NPRM
The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of its member
American Airlines, asks that the NPRM be withdrawn. American Airlines
states that the NPRM is unnecessary in light of the associated
mitigating actions and crew training. The commenters also cite actions
in previous service bulletins and rulemaking that already address the
requirements in the NPRM.
We acknowledge that previous service bulletins and rulemaking have
been issued to address certain aspects of the subject unsafe condition.
However, we do not agree with the requests to withdraw the NPRM. The
modification required by this AD alleviates some of the demands on the
crews' time and attention during an emergency situation. It was
determined that this modification addresses the unsafe condition
because previous actions implemented changes that still required the
attention and action of the crew. During an emergency situation and if
the cabin pressure control system is in manual mode, the crew could be
distracted enough that the necessary steps to prevent opening of a door
with the fuselage still under some level of pressurization may be
inadvertently missed. This would be avoided with the ``OFV Automatic
Opening Logic'' installed. The purpose of the OFV opening logic is to
offset a crew missing the required action (OFV full opening before
landing is required by the procedure). Following an evaluation of the
OFV opening logic, we have determined that the modification must be
mandated. This modification, in combination with previous
accomplishment of related modifications, will ensure that the
unresolved safety issue is addressed. We
[[Page 69611]]
have made no change to the AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We 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 determined that these
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of the AD.
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 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 highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 191 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take up to 34 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost up to $5,470
per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs
that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no
charge for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S.
operators to be up to $1,564,290, or $8,190 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 this AD:
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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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:
2007-25-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-15288. Docket No. FAA-2007-27982;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-009-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January
14, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the following airplanes, certificated in
any category:
(1) Model A300 series airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers
0202, 0205, 0225, 0299, and 0302, in forward facing crew cockpit
configuration, except airplanes which have received in service
application of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-0132.
(2) Model A310 series airplanes, all certified models, all
serial numbers, except airplanes which have received in service
application of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-21-2062.
(3) Model A300-600 series airplanes, all certified models, all
serial numbers, on which Airbus Modification 03881 is embodied,
except airplanes which have received either incorporation of Airbus
Modification 12942 during production, or application of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-21-6049 in service.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21: Air
conditioning.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
The modification rendered mandatory by this Airworthiness
Directive (AD) falls within the scope of a set of corrective
measures undertaken by AIRBUS subsequent to accidents which occurred
to in-service aircraft caused by the violent opening of a passenger
door, related to excessive residual pressurization in the cabin on
ground.
In order to prevent the flight crews operating in manual mode
when discrete spoilers signals are true and ensures OFV (outflow
valve) or depress valve are driven open after landing, this
modification consists of introducing an automatic opening logic
either for the forward and aft OFV or for the single depress valve,
when the aircraft is on ground, immediately after landing.
This unsafe condition could result in injury to crew members opening
the passenger door.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD:
Install an automatic opening logic either for the forward and aft
OFV (outflow valve) or for the single depress valve, as applicable,
by introducing the use of discrete spoiler signals, driving one
(Model A300 airplanes) or two (Model A310 airplanes and Model A300-
600 series airplanes) time delay relays, in accordance
[[Page 69612]]
with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-0132, dated
July 28, 2006; A310-21-2062, dated July 20, 2006; or A300-21-6049,
Revision 02, dated April 16, 2007; as applicable.
(2) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-6049, dated August
31, 2005; or Revision 01, dated September 15, 2006, are acceptable
for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) 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: Tom
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington, 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1622; 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
(h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2007-0005, dated January 8, 2007; and Airbus Service
Bulletins A300-21-0132, dated July 28, 2006; A300-21-6049, Revision
02, dated April 16, 2007; and A310-21-2062, dated July 20, 2006; for
related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the applicable Airbus service information
specified in Table 1 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 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Airbus Service Bulletin Revision Date
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A300-21-0132.......................... Original........................... July 28, 2006.
A300-21-6049.......................... 02................................. April 16, 2007.
A310-21-2062.......................... Original........................... July 20, 2006.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 23, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-23462 Filed 12-7-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P