[Federal Register: February 20, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 33)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 7792-7794]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20fe09-8]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-0613; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-066-AD;
Amendment 39-15794; AD 2009-02-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300-600 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:
One operator experienced failures of four Fuel Level Sensor-
Amplifier (FLSA) and Multi Tank Indicators (MTI) units. FLSA and MTI
failures have been identified as having been caused by incorrect
connector sleeves material fitted to the MTI units.
Degradation of the electrical insulation sleeves of the Low-
level indication lamps on the MTI on the flight deck can cause a
short circuit that might result in high voltage being conveyed to
the high and low level sensors in the outer tanks. This might cause
the level sensor to heat above acceptable limits.
* * * * *
This action is necessary to prevent overheating of the fuel level
sensors, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent
loss of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to
correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective March 27, 2009.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 27,
2009.
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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1138; 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 June 6, 2008 (73 FR
32250). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
One operator experienced failures of four Fuel Level Sensor-
Amplifier (FLSA) and Multi Tank Indicators (MTI) units. FLSA and MTI
failures have been identified as having been caused by incorrect
connector sleeves material fitted to the MTI units.
Degradation of the electrical insulation sleeves of the Low-
level indication lamps on the MTI on the flight deck can cause a
short circuit that might result in high voltage being conveyed to
the high and low level sensors in the outer tanks. This might cause
the level sensor to heat above acceptable limits.
For the reasons stated above, this Airworthiness Directive (AD)
requires the accomplishment of wiring modifications to protect the
FLSA and the Flight Warning Computers from 115V AC and 28V DC short
circuits within the MTI.
This action is necessary to prevent overheating of the fuel level
sensors, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent
loss of the airplane. You may obtain further information by examining
the MCAI in the AD docket.
Actions Since NPRM Was Issued
Since we issued the NPRM, Airbus has issued Mandatory Service
Bulletin A300-28A6096, Revision 02, dated July 4, 2008. In the NPRM, we
referred to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28A6096, Revision
01, dated April 16, 2008, as the source of service information for
doing the modification. The procedures in Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A300-28A6096, Revision 02, dated July 4, 2008, are essentially
the same as those in Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28A6096,
Revision 01, dated April 16, 2008. Therefore, we have revised paragraph
(f) of this AD to refer to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-
28A6096, Revision 02, dated July 4, 2008, as the appropriate source of
service information for doing the modification, and to give credit for
using Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28A6096, Revision 01,
dated April 16, 2008, for accomplishing the modification before the
effective date of the AD.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Request To Delay Issuance of AD
Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of its member American
Airlines (AA), and UPS and FedEx ask that we delay issuance of the AD
until the master minimum equipment list (MMEL) can be revised to
support the low-level warning configuration. AA, UPS, and FedEx state
that disconnection of the low-level warning for the left and right
outer fuel tanks requires significant changes to the Airbus A300-600
MMEL. AA, UPS, and FedEx add that the current MMEL available to U.S.
operators cannot support the disconnected low-level warning
configuration; therefore, the AD should not be released until the MMEL
has been revised.
We disagree with the commenter's request and rationale for delaying
issuance of the AD. Revision 16 of the MMEL, dated October 2008, has
been released and is available to U.S. operators. Revision 16 of the
MMEL supports the low-level warning
[[Page 7793]]
configuration. Therefore, we have made no change to the AD in this
regard.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
ATA, on behalf of its member AA, and UPS and FedEx ask that we
revise the compliance time specified in the NPRM from 90 to 180 days to
allow FAA approval of the air carrier's customized MEL after it has
been revised, and to facilitate distribution.
We disagree with the commenters. As stated above, the revised MMEL
has been released and is available to air carriers. We have determined
that the 3-month compliance time specified in this AD is adequate to
address the unsafe condition in a timely manner. We have made no change
to the AD in this regard.
Request To Include Alternate Terminating Action
ATA on behalf of its member AA, and UPS and FedEx ask that the AD
include alternative terminating action for operators that install
multi-task indicators (MTIs) that have been modified per Smiths Service
Bulletin 1410KID-28-468, and installed per Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A300-28-6101, dated June 4, 2008. AA and FedEx state that once
the MTI is modified the unsafe condition specified in the NPRM will be
addressed. UPS states that the improved sleeve installed per Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6101, dated June 4, 2008, addresses
the concerns in the NPRM.
We disagree with the commenters. Based on information provided by
Airbus, Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6101, dated June 4,
2008, does not contain a final fix for the unsafe condition specified
in the AD. Airbus is currently developing two modifications that
provide the final solution to address the unsafe condition identified
in this AD. Once these modifications are developed, approved, and
available, we might consider additional rulemaking which would
terminate the AD requirements. We 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 change described previously. We determined that this
change 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 151 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 5 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 about $0 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 parts. 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 this AD to the U.S. operators
to be $60,400, or $400 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:
2009-02-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-15794. FAA-2008-0613; Directorate
Identifier 2008-NM-066-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March
27, 2009.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
[[Page 7794]]
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300-600 airplanes,
certificated in any category; all certified models, all serial
numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
One operator experienced failures of four Fuel Level Sensor-
Amplifier (FLSA) and Multi Tank Indicators (MTI) units. FLSA and MTI
failures have been identified as having been caused by incorrect
connector sleeves material fitted to the MTI units.
Degradation of the electrical insulation sleeves of the Low-
level indication lamps on the MTI on the flight deck can cause a
short circuit that might result in high voltage being conveyed to
the high and low level sensors in the outer tanks. This might cause
the level sensor to heat above acceptable limits.
For the reasons stated above, this Airworthiness Directive (AD)
requires the accomplishment of wiring modifications to protect the
FLSA and the Flight Warning Computers from 115V AC and 28V DC short
circuits within the MTI.
This action is necessary to prevent overheating of the fuel
level sensors, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and
consequent loss of the airplane.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, within 3 months after the effective
date of this AD: Modify the wiring in the right-hand electronics
rack in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28A6096, Revision 02, dated July 4,
2008. Previous accomplishment of the modification before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A300-28A6096, dated October 19, 2007; or Revision
01, dated April 16, 2008; meets the requirements in this paragraph.
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, 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace
Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; 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 2008-0055, dated March 5, 2008, and Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A300-28A6096, Revision 02, dated July 4, 2008, for
related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28A6096,
Revision 02, dated July 4, 2008, 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 SAS--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; e-mail: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information that is
incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information 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/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 28, 2008.
Linda Navarro,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-3277 Filed 2-19-09; 8:45 am]
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