[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 25 (Monday, February 7, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6549-6551]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-2433]
[[Page 6549]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-0801; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-054-AD;
Amendment 39-16595; AD 2011-03-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600 and A300 B4-
600R Series Airplanes, Model A300 F4-605R Airplanes, and Model A300 C4-
605R Variant F 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:
A recent Wide spread Fatigue Damage (WFD) calculation on A300-
600 aeroplanes has shown that a reinforcement of the upper fuselage
circumferential joint at FR (frame) 58 is necessary to enable the
aeroplane to reach the Extended Service Goal (ESG).
The failure of the circumferential joint of the upper fuselage
could affect the structural integrity of the aeroplane.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective March 14, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 14,
2011.
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 August 23, 2010 (75
FR 51705). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
A recent Wide spread Fatigue Damage (WFD) calculation on A300-
600 aeroplanes has shown that a reinforcement of the upper fuselage
circumferential joint at FR (frame) 58 is necessary to enable the
aeroplane to reach the Extended Service Goal (ESG).
The failure of the circumferential joint of the upper fuselage
could affect the structural integrity of the aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires the
reinforcement of the affected fuselage frame butt joint.
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 comment received.
Request To Revise Paragraph (g) of the NPRM
FedEx Express (FedEx) requested that we add the following sentence
to paragraph (g) of the NPRM: ``Accomplish modification in accordance
with the thresholds specified in [Airbus Mandatory] Service Bulletin
A300-53-6146, Revision 01, [dated June 26, 2009,] paragraph E(2),
Accomplishment Timescale.'' FedEx stated that the threshold table in
that service bulletin recommends the number of flight cycles for each
model after which the modification should be embodied; if the
modification is embodied before the recommended threshold, additional
inspections are required according to Airbus instructions. FedEx
further stated that the NPRM stipulates accomplishment before 42,500
flight cycles and FedEx agrees that following the Airbus recommendation
for the thresholds will avoid extensive inspections similar to the
Airworthiness Limitations Items (ALI) Tasks 53.16.04-01-1 and 53.16.22-
01-1.
We do not agree to add the quoted sentence to the AD because, by
doing the requirements of this AD at or before the compliance time
specified in this AD, no further inspections are required by this AD.
However, we have added a new Note 1 that states ``In case of earlier
accomplishment of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-53-6146,
Revision 01, dated June 26, 2009, before the recommended thresholds
contained in the Threshold Table in paragraph 1.E.(2) of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-53-6146, Revision 01, dated June 26,
2009, are reached, the operator should contact Airbus to define an
additional non-mandatory appropriate inspection program.'' We have
reidentified subsequent notes accordingly.
Further, we have determined that accomplishing the actions required
by this AD terminates ALI Tasks 53.16.04-01-1 and 53.16.22-01-1.
Therefore, we have added a new paragraph (h) to this AD to clarify that
doing the requirements of this AD terminates ALI Tasks 53.16.04-01-1
and 53.16.22-01-1. We have reidentified subsequent paragraphs
accordingly.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comment 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 124 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 347 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $5,670
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
[[Page 6550]]
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $4,360,460 or $35,165 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
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:
2011-03-11 Airbus: Amendment 39-16595. Docket No. FAA-2010-0801;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-054-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March
14, 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 airplanes on which modification 12699 has not
been accomplished; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes;
certificated in any category; all serial numbers.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53:
Fuselage.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
A recent Wide spread Fatigue Damage (WFD) calculation on A300-
600 aeroplanes has shown that a reinforcement of the upper fuselage
circumferential joint at FR (frame) 58 is necessary to enable the
aeroplane to reach the Extended Service Goal (ESG).
The failure of the circumferential joint of the upper fuselage
could affect the structural integrity of the aeroplane.
* * * * *
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Actions
(g) Before the accumulation of 42,500 total flight cycles, or
within 2,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later, reinforce the fuselage butt joint at FR 58
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-53-6146, Revision 01, including
Appendix 1, dated June 26, 2009.
(h) Accomplishment of the requirements of paragraph (g) of this
AD terminates Airworthiness Limitations Items (ALI) Tasks 53.16.04-
01-1 and 53.16.22-01-1 for these airplanes.
Note 1: In case of earlier accomplishment of Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A300-53-6146, Revision 01, dated June 26, 2009,
before the recommended thresholds contained in the Threshold Table
in paragraph 1.E.(2) of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-53-
6146, Revision 01, dated June 26, 2009, are reached, the operator
should contact Airbus to define an additional appropriate inspection
program.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service
information as follows:
No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(i) 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, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the
local flight standards district office/certificate holding 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.
Related Information
(j) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0007, dated January 7, 2010; and Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-53-6146, Revision 01, including
Appendix 1, dated June 26, 2009; for related information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-53-6146,
Revision 01, including Appendix 1, dated June 26, 2009, to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
[[Page 6551]]
(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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 25, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-2433 Filed 2-4-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P