[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15805-15808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-5938]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1162; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-099-AD;
Amendment 39-16634; AD 2011-06-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes, and
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)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
that applies to 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:
Prompted by a reported in-service event, EASA issued AD 2009-
0084 to prevent unwanted movement of pilot- or co-pilot seat in the
horizontal direction which is considered as potentially unsafe,
especially during the takeoff phase when the speed of the aeroplane
is greater than 100 knots and until landing gear retraction.
* * * * *
Uncommanded movement of the pilot and co-pilot seats during takeoff or
landing could interfere with the operation of the airplane and, as a
result, could cause loss of control of the airplane. We are issuing
this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective April 26, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of April
26, 2011.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of June
12, 2009 (74 FR 25399, May 28, 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 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 December 1, 2010 (75
FR 74665), and proposed to supersede AD 2009-11-09, Amendment 39-15919
(74 FR 25399, May 28, 2009). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
Prompted by a reported in-service event, EASA issued AD 2009-
0084 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2009-11-09] to prevent unwanted
movement of pilot- or co-pilot seat in the horizontal direction
which is considered as potentially unsafe, especially during the
takeoff phase when the speed of the aeroplane is greater than 100
knots and until landing gear retraction.
AD 2009-0084 required the deactivation of the electrical power
of SOGERMA pilot seats P/N 2510112 series and co-pilot seats P/N
2510113 series. Optional intermediate actions were also provided by
AD 2009-0084 to allow partial or full restoration of seat adjustment
functionality.
Since AD 2009-0084 was issued, a permanent solution has been
developed that terminates the de-activation requirement and
invalidates the intermediate actions.
Consequently, this AD retains requirements of EASA AD 2009-0084,
which is superseded, and requires implementing the terminating
action. In addition, this AD prohibits the (re)installation of
unmodified pilot- and co-pilot seats on any aeroplane that has been
modified in accordance with the requirements of this AD.
Uncommanded movement of the pilot and co-pilot seats during takeoff or
landing could interfere with the operation of the airplane and, as a
result, could cause loss of control of the airplane. You may obtain
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Since issuance of the NPRM, Airbus has issued Mandatory Service
Bulletin A310-25-2205, Revision 01, dated November 19, 2010. This
revision does not require any additional work. The actions described in
this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition
identified in the MCAI. We have updated this final rule to refer to
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-25-2205, Revision 01, dated
November 19, 2010. We added a new paragraph (n) of this AD to provide
credit for doing actions before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-25-2205, dated
August 31, 2009, for Airbus Model A310 series airplanes.
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 with the changes described
previously.
[[Page 15806]]
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
Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD affects
about 132 products of U.S. registry.
The actions that are required by AD 2009-11-09 and retained in this
AD take about 2 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85
per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the
currently required actions is $170 per product.
We estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to
comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $5,000 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 $704,880, or $5,340 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 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 removing Amendment 39-15919 (74 FR
25399, May 28, 2009) and adding the following new AD:
2011-06-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-16634. Docket No. FAA-2010-1162;
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-099-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April
26, 2011.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2009-11-09, Amendment 39-15919.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category; all
serial numbers having SOGERMA 2510112 series pilot electrical seats
or SOGERMA 2510113 series co-pilot electrical seats installed.
(1) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-620, and A300
B4-622, A300 B4-605R and A300 B4-622R; A300 F4-605R and A300 F4-
622R; and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324,
and -325 airplanes.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25:
Equipment/Furnishings.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Prompted by a reported in-service event, EASA issued AD 2009-
0084 to prevent unwanted movement of pilot or co-pilot seat in the
horizontal direction which is considered as potentially unsafe,
especially during the takeoff phase when the speed of the aeroplane
is greater than 100 knots and until landing gear retraction.
* * * * *
Uncommanded movement of the pilot and co-pilot seats during takeoff
or landing could interfere with the operation of the airplane and,
as a result, could cause loss of control of the airplane.
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.
Restatement of Requirements of AD 2009-11-09, With No Changes
(g) Within 15 days after June 12, 2009 (the effective date of AD
2009-11-09): Deactivate the electrical supply of SOGERMA 2510112
series pilot seats and SOGERMA 2510113 series co-pilot seats, in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT)
A310-25A2203, Revision 02, dated March 2, 2009; or Airbus AOT A300-
25A6215, Revision 02, dated March 2, 2009; as applicable.
(h) For optional intermediate action for restoration of the
electrical adjustment of the vertical seat movement only:
Deactivating the
[[Page 15807]]
electrical powered horizontal movement of SOGERMA 2510112 series
pilot seats or SOGERMA 2510113 series co-pilot seats, in accordance
with the instructions of EADS SOGERMA Alert Service Bulletin
A2510112-25-764, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2009, allows
restoration of the vertical adjustment only.
(i) For optional intermediate action for restoration of the
electrical adjustment of the vertical seat and horizontal seat
movement: Inspecting the position of switch `S4' and the related
shim of SOGERMA 2510112 series pilot seats or SOGERMA 2510113 series
co-pilot seats, in accordance with EADS SOGERMA Inspection Service
Bulletin 2510112-25-807, dated February 20, 2009, allows
reactivation of both horizontal and vertical electrical movements,
provided the measurement results of the inspection are within the
acceptable value indicated in that service bulletin, and provided
that the inspection is repeated thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 2 months. If the measurement result of any inspection is not
within the acceptable value indicated in EADS SOGERMA Inspection
Service Bulletin 2510112-25-807, dated February 20, 2009, the
horizontal movement must be deactivated before further flight.
(j) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or
(j)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of the findings for the first
inspection done in accordance with paragraph (i) of this AD to
Airbus SAS-EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. The report must include a
detailed fleet inspection report, including measurement values, and
pin and serial numbers for each seat.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after June 12, 2009: Submit
the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was accomplished prior to June 12, 2009:
Submit the report within 30 days after June 12, 2009.
(k) Modifications made prior to June 12, 2009, in accordance
with EADS SOGERMA Alert Service Bulletin A2510112-25-764, dated
December 19, 2008, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
applicable action specified in this AD.
New Requirements of This AD
(l) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD:
Install an enlarged shim for the horizontal switch actuation on each
affected seat, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-25-6217, dated August 31,
2009 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes) or A310-25-2205, Revision
01, dated November 19, 2010 (for Model A310 series airplanes). Doing
the installation required by paragraph (l) of this AD terminates the
requirements of paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD.
(m) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
any SOGERMA 2510112 series pilot seat or SOGERMA 2510113 series co-
pilot seat, on any airplane, unless that seat has been modified in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A300-25-6217, dated August 31, 2009 (for Model
A300-600 series airplanes) or A310-25-2205, Revision 01, dated
November 19, 2010 (for Model A310 series airplanes).
(n) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD
according to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-25-2205, dated
August 31, 2009 (for Model A310 airplanes), are considered
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by
paragraphs (l) and (m) of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service
information as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(o) 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. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Branch, send it to
ATTN: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; phone: 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: A Federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.,
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
Related Information
(p) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0070, dated April 14, 2010, and the
service information specified in table 1 of this AD, for related
information.
Table 1--Related Service Information
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Document Revision Date
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Airbus All Operators Telex A300- 02.............. March 2, 2009.
25A6215.
Airbus All Operators Telex A310- 02.............. March 2, 2009.
25A2203.
Airbus Mandatory Service Original........ August 31, 2009.
Bulletin A300-25-6217.
Airbus Mandatory Service 01.............. November 19, 2010.
Bulletin A310-25-2205.
EADS SOGERMA Alert Service 1............... February 17, 2009.
Bulletin A2510112-25-764.
EADS SOGERMA Inspection Service Original........ February 20, 2009.
Bulletin 2510112-25-807.
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Material Incorporated by Reference
(q) You must use the service information contained in table 2 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise. If you do the optional actions specified in
this AD, you must use EADS SOGERMA Alert Service Bulletin A2510112-
25-764, Revision 1, dated February 17, 2009; or EADS SOGERMA
Inspection Service Bulletin 2510112-25-807, dated February 20, 2009;
as applicable; to perform those actions, unless the AD specifies
otherwise.
[[Page 15808]]
Table 2--All Material Incorporated by Reference for Required Actions
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Document Revision Date
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Airbus All Operators Telex A300-25A6215. 02....................... March 2, 2009.
Airbus All Operators Telex A310-25A2203. 02....................... March 2, 2009.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300- Original................. August 31, 2009.
25-6217.
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310- 01....................... November 19, 2010.
25-2205.
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(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A300-25-6217, dated August 31, 2009; and Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A310-25-2205, Revision 01, dated November 19, 2010; under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the
incorporation by reference of the service information contained in
table 3 of this AD on June 12, 2009 (74 FR 25399, May 28, 2009).
Table 3--Material Previously Incorporated by Reference
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Document Revision Date
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Airbus All Operators Telex A300-25A6215. 02....................... March 2, 2009.
Airbus All Operators Telex A310-25A2203. 02....................... March 2, 2009.
EADS SOGERMA Alert Service Bulletin 1........................ February 17, 2009.
A2510112-25-764.
EADS SOGERMA Inspection Service Bulletin Original................. February 20, 2009.
2510112-25-807.
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(3) For Airbus 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.
(4) For EADS SOGERMA service information identified in this AD,
contact EADS SOGERMA, Zone Industrielle de l'Arsenal, BP 60109,
17303 Rochefort, Cedex France; phone: 33 5 49 82 84 84; fax: 33 5 46
82 88 13; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.sogerma.eads.net.
(5) 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.
(6) 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 March 7, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-5938 Filed 3-21-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P