[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 98 (Friday, May 21, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 28480-28483]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-11757]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0172; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-189-AD;
Amendment 39-16308; AD 2010-11-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes;
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model A300
C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series
Airplanes); and 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:
In the past, some operators have reported difficulties to
pressurise the hydraulic reservoirs, due to leakage of the Crissair
reservoir air pressurisation check valves. * * * The leakage of the
check valves was caused by an incorrect spring material. The
affected Crissair check valves * * * were then replaced with
improved check valves P/N [part number] 2S2794-1 * * *.
More recently, similar issues were again reported on aeroplanes
with Crissair check valves P/N 2S2794-1 installed. The
investigations * * * have shown that a spring, mounted inside the
valve, does not meet the Airbus type design specifications.
This situation, if not corrected, can cause hydraulic system
functional degradation, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
aeroplane when combined with an air duct leak, air conditioning
system contamination or, if installed, malfunction of the fire
extinguishing system in the Class `C' cargo compartment.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective June 25, 2010.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 25,
2010.
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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2125; 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 February 25, 2010
(75 FR 8551). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
In the past, some operators have reported difficulties to
pressurise the hydraulic reservoirs, due to leakage of the Crissair
reservoir air pressurisation check valves. In some cases, the air
conditioning system was contaminated with hydraulic mist. The
leakage of the check valves was caused by an incorrect spring
material. The affected Crissair check valves Part Number (P/N)
2S2794 were then replaced with improved check valves P/N 2S2794-1 in
accordance with Airbus Service Information Letter 29-020.
More recently, similar issues were again reported on aeroplanes
with Crissair check
[[Page 28481]]
valves P/N 2S2794-1 installed. The investigations carried out on
those check valves have shown that a spring, mounted inside the
valve, does not meet the Airbus type design specifications.
This situation, if not corrected, can cause hydraulic system
functional degradation, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
aeroplane when combined with an air duct leak, air conditioning
system contamination or, if installed, malfunction of the fire
extinguishing system in the Class `C' cargo compartment.
For the reasons described above, EASA [European Aviation Safety
Agency] AD 2008-0166 was issued to require the inspection of the
Crissair check valves P/N 2S2794-1, to identify serial numbers (s/n)
and the replacement of the affected ones with serviceable units.
Later on, further investigation by the vendor Crissair revealed
more suspect check valves P/N 2S2794-1. Based on this, it was
concluded that EASA AD 2008-0166 did not adequately address the
unsafe condition and also did not correctly identify the Functional
Item Numbers (FIN) of the various aeroplane installations of the
affected valves. Consequently, EASA AD Cancellation Notice No.:
2008-0166-CN was issued on 29 October 2008 to cancel EASA AD 2008-
0166.
An updated list of suspect check valves with P/N 2S2794-1 has
now been issued by Crissair Inc., the manufacturer. Consequently,
this EASA AD requires the identification of the check valves by s/n
and the replacement of the affected ones with serviceable units.
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 received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
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 206 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 12 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $210,120, or $1,020 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:
2010-11-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-16308. Docket No. FAA-2010-0172;
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-189-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 25,
2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C,
B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, B4-203, B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-
605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes;
and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325
airplanes; certificated in any category, all certified models and
all serial numbers on which any Crissair check valve part number
2S2794-1 is installed.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29:
Hydraulic Power; and 26: Fire Protection.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
In the past, some operators have reported difficulties to
pressurise the hydraulic reservoirs, due to leakage of the Crissair
reservoir air pressurization check valves. In some cases, the air
conditioning system was contaminated with hydraulic mist. The
leakage of the check valves was caused by an incorrect spring
material. The affected Crissair check valves Part Number (P/N)
2S2794 were then replaced with improved check valves P/N 2S2794-1 in
accordance with Airbus Service Information Letter 29-020.
[[Page 28482]]
More recently, similar issues were again reported on aeroplanes
with Crissair check valves P/N 2S2794-1 installed. The
investigations carried out on those check valves have shown that a
spring, mounted inside the valve, does not meet the Airbus type
design specifications.
This situation, if not corrected, can cause hydraulic system
functional degradation, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
aeroplane when combined with an air duct leak, air conditioning
system contamination or, if installed, malfunction of the fire
extinguishing system in the Class `C' cargo compartment.
For the reasons described above, EASA [European Aviation Safety
Agency] AD 2008-0166 was issued to require the inspection of the
Crissair check valves P/N 2S2794-1, to identify serial numbers (s/n)
and the replacement of the affected ones with serviceable units.
Later on, further investigation by the vendor Crissair revealed
more suspect check valves P/N 2S2794-1. Based on this, it was
concluded that EASA AD 2008-0166 did not adequately address the
unsafe condition and also did not correctly identify the Functional
Item Numbers (FIN) of the various aeroplane installations of the
affected valves. Consequently, EASA AD Cancellation Notice No.:
2008-0166-CN was issued on 29 October 2008 to cancel EASA AD 2008-
0166.
An updated list of suspect check valves with P/N 2S2794-1 has
now been issued by Crissair Inc., the manufacturer. Consequently,
this EASA AD requires the identification of the check valves by s/n
and the replacement of the affected ones with serviceable units.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) At the applicable compliance time specified in Table 1 of
this AD: For Crissair check valves, P/N 2S2794-1, identify the
serial number using Appendix 1 of the applicable service bulletin
identified in Table 2 of this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
identified in Table 2 of this AD. Except as provided by paragraph
(f)(2) of this AD, for any valve having a serial number listed in
Appendix 1 of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2
of this AD, before further flight, install a new or modified check
valve in accordance with the applicable service bulletin identified
in Table 2 of this AD.
Table 1--Affected Check Valve Installation
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Affected check valve installation,
identified by FIN (Functional Item Number) Compliance time
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(i) Airplanes having Hydraulic System with Within 4 months after the
FIN 29/1388, FIN 29/2388 and FIN 29/3388. effective date of this AD.
(ii) Cargo Compartment Fire Extinguishing Within 4 months after the
System, equipped with Flow Metering effective date of this AD.
System (A310 and A300-600 airplanes
having ``post[dash]Airbus modification
06403'' only) FIN 26/0203.
(iii) Airplanes having Hydraulic System Within 30 months after the
with FIN 29/1378, FIN 29/1382 and FIN 29/ effective date of this AD.
1394.
(iv) Hydraulic System (A300 airplanes Within 30 months after the
having configuration 01 ``pre[dash]Airbus effective date of this AD.
modification 03079'' only) FIN 29/1381.
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(2) Check valves P/N 2S2794-1 marked with an ``R'' have already
been modified in accordance with Crissair Service Bulletin 20070407-
29-1 and do not need to be replaced. Check valves with P/N 2S2794
are not affected and do not need to be replaced.
(3) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
any Crissair check valve, P/N 2S2794-1, on any airplane unless it
has a serial number other than those listed in Appendix 1 of the
applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD, or
unless check valve P/N 2S2794-1 is marked with an ``R.''
Table 2--Service Information
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Use Airbus Mandatory Service
For Airbus Model-- Bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
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A300 airplanes...................... A300-29-0124, including 02 March 10, 2009.
Appendices 1, 2, and 3.
A300-600 airplanes.................. A300-29-6060, including 01 March 10, 2009.
Appendices 1, 2, and 3.
A310 airplanes...................... A310-29-2097, including 01 March 19, 2009.
Appendices 1, 2, and 3.
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(4) Submit an inspection report of the inspection required by
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD to Airbus Customer Services Directorate,
1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 33 33; fax +33 5 61 93 42 51; e-mail:
[email protected]; at the applicable time specified in
paragraph (f)(4)(i) or (f)(4)(ii) of this AD. The report must
include the information specified on the inspection report sheet
provided in the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of
this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: Although the MCAI states not to install the part
identified in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD after accomplishing the
actions specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, this AD prohibits
installation of the part as of the effective date of this AD.
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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. Before
using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal
avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal
inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC
approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(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 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has
approved the Information collection requirements and has assigned
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
[[Page 28483]]
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2009-0171, dated
August 5, 2009; and the service bulletins identified in Table 2 of
this AD; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use the service information contained in Table 3 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 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: [email protected];
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information 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.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference 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.
Table 3--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Document Revision Date
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Airbus Mandatory Service 02 March 10, 2009.
Bulletin A300-29-0124,
including Appendices 1, 2, and
3.
Airbus Mandatory Service 01 March 10, 2009.
Bulletin A300-29-6060,
including Appendices 1, 2, and
3.
Airbus Mandatory Service 01 March 19, 2009.
Bulletin A310-29-2097,
including Appendices 1, 2, and
3.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 11, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-11757 Filed 5-20-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P