[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 237 (Friday, December 10, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76926-76928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31040]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 237 / Friday, December 10, 2010 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 76926]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1197; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-044-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and
F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes
(Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed 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:
An operator of an A300-600 aeroplane reported finding a cracked
pylon fuel drain pipe on engine 1. * * *
* * * The pipe drains the double wall of the wing-to-pylon
junction in the event of fuel leakage.
After investigation, it was concluded that the damage of the
pylon fuel drain pipe had been caused by chafing of the pipe against
over-length screws that had been installed in accordance with the
Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) during a maintenance phase of the
Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF).
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in
combination with fuel leakage in the pylon, lead to an accumulation
of fuel in the lowest point of the LAPF. As high temperatures are
present within the LAPF, and without ventilation, this could result
in fuel (vapour) ignition and consequent fire.
* * * * *
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 24,
2011.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed 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. You may review copies of the referenced 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.
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 this proposed AD, 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.
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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2010-1197;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-044-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0085, dated May 3, 2010 (referred to after
this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
An operator of an A300-600 aeroplane reported finding a cracked
pylon fuel drain pipe on engine 1.The pipe, Part Number (P/
N) A71715020, had separated and the end was found 5.5 inches from
the pylon aft bulkhead. A similar case was also reported on an
A300F4-608ST aeroplane.
The affected pylon fuel drain pipe runs from the top of the
pylon primary structure to the aft part of the pylon rear secondary
structure and is partly attached under the pylon lower spar. The
pipe drains the double wall of the wing-to-pylon junction in the
event of fuel leakage.
After investigation, it was concluded that the damage of the
pylon fuel drain pipe had been caused by chafing of the pipe against
over-length screws that had been installed in accordance with the
Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) during a maintenance phase of the
Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF).
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in
combination with fuel leakage in the pylon, lead to an accumulation
of fuel in the lowest point of the LAPF. As high temperatures are
present within the LAPF, and without ventilation, this could result
in fuel (vapour) ignition and consequent fire.
To address and correct this unsafe condition, EASA * * *
required an inspection [for missing pipes, or distortions
[[Page 76927]]
or holes] of the pylon fuel drain pipe and the attachment screws
and, depending on findings, the necessary corrective actions. In
case over-length screws are found to be installed, depending on
location and aeroplane configuration, these must be replaced.
* * * * *
Required actions also include visually inspecting to determine the
length and part number of the drain pipe attachment screws on the LAPF
on the left- and right-hand pylons. Corrective actions include
replacing or repairing the pipe, or replacing screws with incorrect
part numbers with new screws. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision
01, including Appendices 01, 02, and 03, dated March 11, 2010; and
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-54A2040, Revision 02, including
Appendices 01, 02, and 03, dated June 10, 2010. The actions described
in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe
condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
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 proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 168 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $57,120, or $340 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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
regulation:
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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2010-1197; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-
044-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by January 24, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620,
and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes;
Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant
F airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324,
and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial
numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54:
Nacelles/pylons.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
An operator of an A300-600 aeroplane reported finding a cracked
pylon fuel drain pipe on engine 1. * * *
* * * The pipe drains the double wall of the wing-to-pylon
junction in the event of fuel leakage.
After investigation, it was concluded that the damage of the
pylon fuel drain pipe had been caused by chafing of the pipe against
over-length screws that had been installed in accordance with the
Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) during a maintenance phase of the
Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF).
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in
combination with fuel leakage in the pylon, lead to an accumulation
of fuel in the lowest point of the LAPF. As high temperatures are
present within the LAPF, and without ventilation, this could result
in fuel (vapour) ignition and consequent fire.
* * * * *
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within
[[Page 76928]]
the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been
done.
Inspection and Corrective Actions
(g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection for missing pipes, or distortions or
holes, of the fuel drain pipes of the LAPF, and if no missing pipes,
distortions, and holes are found, do a general visual inspection to
determine the length and part number of the drain pipe attachment
screws on the LAPF on the left-hand and right-hand pylons, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010
(for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-54A2040, Revision 02,
dated June 10, 2010 (for Model A310 series airplanes).
(1) If missing pipes, distortions, or holes of the fuel drain
pipes are detected during any inspection required by paragraph (g)
of this AD, before further flight, replace the drain pipe, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010
(for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-54A2040, Revision 02,
dated June 10, 2010 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or contact
Airbus for repair instructions and do the repair.
(2) If screw length is outside the measurement specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010 (for Model A300-600
series airplanes); or A310-54A2040, Revision 02, dated June 10, 2010
(for Model A310 series airplanes); or screws having incorrect part
numbers are found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, before further flight, replace the screws with screws
having part number (P/N) NAS1102E3-10, NAS1102E3-12, or NAS560HK3-2,
as applicable to location and airplane (engine) configuration, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010
(for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-54A2040, Revision 02,
dated June 10, 2010 (for Model A310 series airplanes).
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install screws
on the LAPF, other than screws having P/N NAS1102E3-10, NAS1102E3-
12, or NAS560HK3-2, as applicable to location and airplane (engine)
configuration, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated
March 11, 2010 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-
54A2040, Revision 02, dated June 10, 2010 (for Model A310 series
airplanes).
Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance with Previous Service
Information
(i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the service bulletins identified in Table 1 of this
AD are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
actions specified in this AD.
Table 1--Credit Service Bulletins
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Airbus mandatory
For Model-- service bulletin-- Revision-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-600 series airplanes.......... A300-54A6039 Original.............. January 19, 2010.
A310 series airplanes.............. A310-54A2040 Original.............. January 19, 2010.
A310 series airplanes.............. A310-54A2040 01.................... March 11, 2010.
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No Reporting
(j) Although Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletins A300-54A6039,
Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010; and A310-54A2040, Revision 02,
dated June 10, 2010; specify to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: Although the MCAI or service information tells you to
submit information to the manufacturer, paragraph (j) of this AD
does not require that information.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(k) 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.
Related Information
(l) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2010-0085, dated May 3, 2010; Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010; and Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-54A2040, Revision 02, dated June 10,
2010; for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 2, 2010.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-31040 Filed 12-9-10; 8:45 am]
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