[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 15, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-3461]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: February 15, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-227-AD]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Industrie Model A300, A300-600, 
A310, and A320 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Industrie Model 
A300, A300-600, A310, and A320 series airplanes. This proposal would 
require that certain landing gear brakes be inspected for wear and 
replaced if the wear limits prescribed in this proposal are not met, 
and that the specified wear limits be incorporated into the FAA-
approved maintenance inspection program. This proposal is prompted by 
an accident in which a transport category airplane executed a rejected 
takeoff (RTO) and was unable to stop on the runway due to worn brakes; 
and the subsequent review of allowable brake wear limits for all 
transport category airplanes. The actions specified by the proposed AD 
are intended to prevent the loss of brake effectiveness during a high 
energy RTO.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 11, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 93-NM-227-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mark Quam, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2145; fax (206) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited -

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received. -
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket. -
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 93-NM-227-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs -

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 93-NM-227-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion -

    In 1988, a McDonnell Douglas Model DC-10 series airplane was 
involved in an aborted takeoff accident in which eight of the ten 
brakes failed and the airplane ran off the end of the runway. 
Investigation revealed that there were failed pistons on each of the 
eight brakes, with O-rings damaged by over-extension due to extensive 
wear. Fluid leaking from the damaged pistons caused the hydraulic fuses 
to close, releasing all brake pressure. -
    This accident prompted a review of allowable wear limits for all 
brakes installed on transport category airplanes. The FAA and the 
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) jointly developed a set of 
dynamometer test guidelines that could be used to validate appropriate 
wear limits for all airplane brakes. It should be noted that this worn 
brake accountability determination validates brake wear limits with 
respect to brake energy capacity only and is not meant to account for 
any reduction in brake force due solely to the wear state of the brake. 
The guidelines for validating brake wear limits allow credit for use of 
reverse thrust with a critical engine inoperative to determine the 
energy level absorbed by the brake during the dynamometer test. -
    The FAA has requested that airframe manufacturers of transport 
category airplanes: (1) determine required adjustments in allowable 
wear limits for all of its brakes in use, (2) schedule dynamometer 
testing to validate wear limits as necessary, and (3) submit 
information from items (1) and (2) to the FAA so that appropriate 
rulemaking action(s) can be initiated. -
    Airbus Industrie has conducted worn brake rejected takeoff (RTO) 
dynamometer testing and analyses on various brakes installed on certain 
Model A300, A300-600, A310, and A320 series airplanes. Based on the 
results of that testing and analyses, the FAA has determined that the 
maximum brake wear limits currently recommended in the Component 
Maintenance Manual for Model A300, A300-600, A310, and A320 series 
airplanes equipped with brakes manufactured by Messier-Bugatti, 
BFGoodrich, Allied Signal (ALS) Aerospace Company (Bendix), or Aircraft 
Braking Systems (ABS) are acceptable as they relate to the 
effectiveness of the brakes during a high energy RTO. Consequently, the 
FAA has determined that the brake wear limits for Model A300, A300-600, 
A310, and A320 series airplanes must be incorporated into the FAA-
approved maintenance inspection program. -
    The FAA has determined that, in order to prevent loss of brake 
effectiveness during a high energy RTO, the following maximum brake 
wear limits are necessary for Model A300, A300-600, A310, and A320 
series airplanes equipped with Messier-Bugatti, BFGoodrich, ALS 
Aerospace Company (Bendix), or ABS brakes.

 Airbus Industrie Model A300, A300-600, A310, And A320 Series Airplanes Equipped With Messier-Bugatti, BFGoodrich, Allied Signal (ALS) Aerospace Company
                                                   (Bendix), or Aircraft Braking Systems (ABS) Brakes                                                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Airplane model/series                      Brake manufacturer                 Brake part No.            Maximum brake wear limit (inch/mm)    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-B2-100-............................  Messier-Bugatti........................  286349-115                0.98'' (25.0 mm).                          
A300-B2-100.............................  Messier-Bugatti........................  286349-116--              0.98'' (25.0 mm).                          
A300-B2-100-............................  BFGoodrich-............................  2-1449--                  1.4'' (35.6 mm).                           
A300-B2-100-............................  BFGoodrich-............................  2-1449--                  1.1'' (27.9 mm) S.C.\1\                    
A300-B4-100-............................  Messier-Bugatti........................  A21329-41-7--             1.1'' (28.0 mm).                           
A300-B4-100-............................  Messier-Bugatti........................  A21329-41-17-             1.1'' (28.0 mm).                           
A300-B4-100-............................  ALS (Bendix)-..........................  2606802-3/-4/-5-          0.9'' (22.9 mm).                           
A300-B4-100-............................  ALS (Bendix)-..........................  2606802-3/-4/-5-          1.48'' (37.6 mm) S.C.\1\                   
A300-B4-100-............................  BFGoodrich-............................  2-1449--                  1.4'' (35.6 mm).                           
A300-B4-100-............................  BFGoodrich-............................  2-1449--                  1.1'' (27.9 mm) S.C.\1\----------          
A300-B4-200 & A300-600..................  Messier-Bugatti........................  C20060-100                1.1'' (28.0 mm).                           
A300-B4-200 & A300-600..................  ALS (Bendix)...........................  2607932-1                 0.9'' (22.9 mm).                           
A300-B4-200 & A300-600..................  ALS (Bendix)...........................  2607932-1                 1.48'' (37.6 mm) S.C.\1\                   
A300-B4-600R............................  Messier-Bugatti........................  C20210000-                1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A300-B4-600R............................  Messier-Bugatti........................  C20210200-                1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A310-200................................  Messier-Bugatti........................  C20089000                 1.1'' (28.0 mm).                           
A310-200-...............................  ALS (Bendix)-..........................  2606822-1-                1.26'' (32.0 mm).                          
A310-200-...............................  ALS (Bendix)-..........................  2606822-1-                1.5'' (38.2 mm) S.C.\1\                    
A310-300 -..............................  Messier-Bugatti........................  C20194000-                1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A310-300-...............................  Messier-Bugatti........................  C20194200-                1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A310-300-...............................  ABS--..................................  5010995-                  1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A320-...................................  Messier-Bugatti........................  C20225000-                1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A320-...................................  Messier-Bugatti........................  C20225200-                1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A320-220-...............................  BFGoodrich-............................  2-1526-2-                 1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A320-200-...............................  BFGoodrich-............................  2-1526-3/-4               2.68'' (68.0 mm).                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S.C. represents ``Service Configured'' brakes, which are marked according to the instructions provided in the brake manufacturer's Component Maintenance
  Manual.                                                                                                                                               

    These airplanes are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and the applicable 
bilateral airworthiness agreement. The FAA has determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require that certain 
landing gear brakes be inspected for wear and replaced if the wear 
limits prescribed in this proposal are not met, and that the specified 
wear limits be incorporated into the FAA-approved maintenance 
inspection program.
    The FAA estimates that 101 Model A300, A300-600, A310, and A320 
series airplanes of U.S. registry and 5 U.S. operators would be 
affected by this proposed AD. The FAA estimates that it would take 
approximately 20 work hours per operator, at an average labor rate of 
$55 per work hour, for each operator to incorporate the proposed 
revision of its FAA-approved maintenance inspection program. The total 
cost impact of that proposed requirement on U.S. operators of Model 
A300, A300-600, A310, and A320 series airplanes is estimated to be 
$5,500, or $1,100 per operator.
    The FAA also estimates that it would take 15 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $55 per work hour, to accomplish 
the proposed inspection. The cost of required parts to accomplish the 
change in wear limits for these airplanes (that is, the cost resulting 
from the requirement to change the brakes before they are worn to their 
previously approved limits for a one-time change) would be 
approximately $2,236 per airplane. The FAA estimates that 28 of the 101 
affected airplanes of U.S. registry would be required to accomplish the 
proposed inspection. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of 
that proposed requirement on U.S. operators of these airplanes is 
estimated to be $85,708, or $3,061 per airplane.
    These total cost figures assume that no operator has yet 
accomplished the requirements of this AD.
    The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
effects 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. Therefore, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 14 
CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES-

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
    Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 
106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 93-NM-227-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300, A300-600, A310, and A320 series 
airplanes equipped with Messier-Bugatti, BFGoodrich, Allied Signal 
(ALS) Aerospace Company (Bendix), or Aircraft Braking Systems (ABS) 
brakes; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the loss of brake effectiveness during a high energy 
rejected takeoff (RTO), accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Inspect main landing gear brakes having the brake part 
numbers listed below for wear. Any brake worn more than the maximum 
wear limit specified below must be replaced, prior to further 
flight, with a brake within that limit. 

 Airbus Industrie Model A300, A300-600, A310, and A320 Series Airplanes Equipped with Messier-Bugatti, BFGoodrich, Allied Signal (ALS) Aerospace Company
                                                   (Bendix), or Aircraft Braking Systems (ABS) Brakes                                                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Airplane model/series                      Brake manufacturer                  Brake part No.           Maximum brake wear limit (inch/mm).    
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-B2-100--...........................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  286349-115                0.98'' (25.0 mm).                          
A300-B2-100--...........................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  286349-116                0.98'' (25.0 mm).                          
A300-B2-100--...........................  BFGoodrich--...........................  2-1449                    1.4'' (35.6 mm).                           
A300-B2-100--...........................  BFGoodrich--...........................  2-1449--                  1.1'' (27.9 mm). S.C.\1\                   
A300-B4-100--...........................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  A21329-41-7--             1.1'' (28.0 mm).                           
A300-B4-100--...........................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  A21329-41-17-             1.1'' (28.0 mm).                           
A300-B4-100--...........................  ALS (Bendix)-..........................  2606802-3/-4/-5-          0.9'' (22.9 mm).                           
A300-B4-100--...........................  ALS (Bendix)-..........................  2606802-3/-4/-5-          1.48'' (37.6 mm). S.C.\1\----------        
A300-B4-100--...........................  BFGoodrich--...........................  2-1449--                  1.4'' (35.6 mm).                           
A300-B4-100--...........................  BFGoodrich--...........................  2-1449--                  1.1'' (27.9 mm). S.C.\1\                   
A300-B4-200 & A300-600..................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  C20060-100--              1.1'' (28.0 mm).                           
A300-B4-200 & A300-600..................  ALS (Bendix)-..........................  2607932-1--               0.9'' (22.9 mm).                           
A300-B4-200 & A300-600..................  ALS (Bendix)-..........................  2607932-1--               1.48'' (37.6 mm). S.C.\1\                  
A300-B4-600R-...........................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  C20210000--               1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A300-B4-600R-...........................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  C20210200--               1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A310-200--..............................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  C20089000--               1.1'' (28.0 mm).                           
A310-200--..............................  ALS (Bendix)-..........................  2606822-1--               1.26'' (32.0 mm).                          
A310-200--..............................  ALS (Bendix)-..........................  2606822-1--               1.5'' (38.2 mm). S.C.\1\                   
A310-300--..............................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  C20194000--               1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A310-300--..............................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  C20194200--               1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A310-300--..............................  ABS---.................................  5010995--                 1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A320---.................................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  C20225000--               1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A320---.................................  Messier-Bugatti-.......................  C20225200--               1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A320-220--..............................  BFGoodrich--...........................  2-1526-2--                1.97'' (50.0 mm).                          
A320-200--..............................  BFGoodrich--...........................  2-1526-3/-4-              2.68'' (68.0 mm).                          
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\S.C. represents ``Service Configured'' brakes, which are marked according to the instructions provided in the brake manufacturer's Component         
  Maintenance Manual.                                                                                                                                   

    Note 1: Measuring instructions that must be revised to 
accommodate the new brake wear limits specified above can be found 
in Chapter 32-42-27 of the Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM), in 
Chapter 32-32-( ) or 32-44-( ) of the brake manufacturer's Component 
Maintenance Manual (CMM), or in certain service bulletins (SB), as 
listed below:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        Date/revision (or later 
      Brake manufacturer                 Part No.               Document/chapter               revisions)       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For model A300-B2-100 series                                                                                    
 airplanes:                                                                                                     
  Messier-Bugatti-.............  286349-115                CMM 32-42-27..............  April 1991.              
  Messier-Bugatti-.............  286349-116                CMM 32-42-27..............  April 1991.              
  BFGoodrich--.................  2-1449 & S.C.-            CMM 32-44-37-.............  January 1993.            
                                 ........................  SB 567 (2-1449-32-4)......  January 30, 1993         
For model A300-B4-100 series                                                                                    
 airplanes:                                                                                                     
  ALS (Bendix)--...............  2606802-3--               CMM 32-42-02-.............  September 1993.          
                                 2606802-4                 SB 2606802-32-003.........  March 31, 1993. ----     
                                 2606802-5 & S.C.                                                               
  BFGoodrich...................  2-1449 & S.C.             CMM 32-44-37..............  January 1993.            
                                 ........................  SB 567 (2-1449-32-4)......  January 30, 1993.        
For model A300-B4-200 and A300-                                                                                 
 600 series airplanes:                                                                                          
  ALS (Bendix).................  2607932-1 & S.C.          CMM 32-42-27..............  September 1993.          
                                 ........................  SB 2607932-32-002.........  March 31,1993 & Revision 
                                                                                        1, dated October 1,     
                                                                                        1993.                   
For model A300-B4-600R Series                                                                                   
 Airplanes:                                                                                                     
  Messier-Bugatti-.............  C20210000 & C20210200-    Airbus SB 470-32-675......  April 6, 1990.           
For model A310-200 series                                                                                       
 airplanes:                                                                                                     
  ALS (Bendix).................  2606822-1 & S.B.          CMM 32-42-03..............  September 1993. ---- --  
                                 ........................  SB 2606822-32-002.........  March 31, 1993.          
For model A310-300 Series                                                                                       
 Airplanes:                                                                                                     
  Messier-Bugatti-.............  C20225000 & C20225200--   Airbus SB 470-32-675......  April 6, 1990.           
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    ---- -(2) Incorporate into the FAA-approved maintenance inspection 
program the maximum brake wear limits specified in paragraph (a)(1) of 
this AD.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used 
if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests 
through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add 
comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-
113.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Federal 
Aviation Regulations (FAR) 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to 
a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-3461 Filed 2-14-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U