[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-5701]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 22, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-225-AD; Amendment 39-8855; AD 94-06-07]

 

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Industrie Model A300 and A310 
Series Airplanes Equipped with BFGoodrich Evacuation Systems

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 and A310 series airplanes. This 
action requires modification of the evacuation system regulator 
assembly in certain escape slides and slide/rafts installed on these 
airplanes. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that the 
evacuation system regulator assembly functioned inappropriately, and 
cases of the evacuation system inflating when the regulator safety pin 
was removed. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
delayed or inadvertent inflation of an evacuation system, which could 
delay or impede the evacuation of passengers during an emergency, and 
to prevent possible injury to ground personnel during installation of 
the evacuation system.

DATES: Effective April 6, 1994.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 6, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before May 23, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 93-NM-225-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
BFGoodrich Company, Aircraft Evacuation Systems, Sustaining 
Engineering, Department 7916, Phoenix, Arizona 85040. This information 
may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East 
Spring Street, Long Beach, California; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Gfrerer, Aerospace Engineer, 
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-131L, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East 
Spring Street, Long Beach, California 90806-2425; telephone (310) 988-
5338; fax (310) 988-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has been advised that, under certain 
circumstances, the regulator valve (part number 4A3168-1, -2, -3, -4, 
or -6) of certain BFGoodrich evacuation systems that are installed on 
Airbus Model A300 and A310 series airplanes may function in a delayed 
manner. There also have been two occurrences of the evacuation system 
units inflating when the regulator safety pin was removed. Reports have 
indicated that, when the regulator safety pin is installed, it is 
possible to move the firing lanyard in such a way that the unit will 
not fire at that time, but may fire at a time when the evacuation 
system is being installed on the airplane when the safety pin is 
removed. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in delayed or 
inadvertent inflation of an evacuation system, which could delay or 
impede the evacuation of passengers during an emergency. These 
conditions could also result in the injury of ground personnel during 
installation of the evacuating system on the airplane.
    The FAA has reviewed and approved BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 25-
262, dated February 18, 1994, that describes procedures for modifying 
the evacuation system regulator assembly to ensure consistent 
operation. This modification consists of substituting Parker ``Super-O-
Lube'' for the current lubricant; installing an actuator with improved 
geometry and a cocking arm having a return spring; replacing the 
compression spring; and replacing the temperature compensator. The 
modification procedures also include relocating the safety pin hole to 
prevent the firing lanyard from being pulled while the valve is secured 
(saftied).
    This airplane model is manufactured in France and is 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.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is 
being issued to ensure the proper inflation of the evacuation system 
during an emergency evacuation. This AD requires modification of the 
evacuation system regulator assembly. The actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described 
previously.
    There currently are no Model A300 or A310 series airplanes equipped 
with the subject BFGoodrich evacuation systems on the U.S. Register. 
All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule currently are 
operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they 
are not directly affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers 
that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is 
addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported 
and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would require 6 work hours per slide and 11 
work hours per slide/raft to accomplish the required actions, at an 
average labor charge of $55 per work hour. Model A300 series airplanes 
are usually equipped with 2 slides and 6 slide/rafts of the affected 
models; Model A310 series airplanes are usually equipped with 2 slides 
and 4 slide/rafts of the affected models. Required parts would cost 
approximately $1,200 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total 
cost impact of this AD would be between $4,280 and $5,490 per airplane.
    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 
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 under the caption 
``ADDRESSES.'' All communications received on or before the closing 
date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in 
light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD 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-225-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
``ADDRESSES.''

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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:

94-06-07 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-8855. Docket 93-NM-225-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300 and A310 series airplanes; equipped 
with BFGoodrich evacuation slides and slide/rafts with regulator 
valves having part number 4A3168-1, -2, -3, -4, or -6; certificated 
in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent delayed or inadvertent inflation of the evacuation 
system, which could delay or impede the evacuation of passengers 
during an emergency, and to prevent possible injury to ground 
personnel during installation of the evacuation system, accomplish 
the following:
    (a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the escape slide regulator assembly in accordance with BFGoodrich 
Service Bulletin 25-262, dated February 18, 1994.
    (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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), 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, Los Angeles ACO.

    Note: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

    (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.
    (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with BFGoodrich 
Service Bulletin 25-262, dated February 18, 1994. This incorporation 
by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be 
obtained from BFGoodrich Company, Aircraft Evacuation Systems, 
Sustaining Engineering, Department 7916, 3414 South 5th Street, 
Phoenix, Arizona 85040 BFGoodrich, 3414. Copies may be inspected at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street, 
Long Beach, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 
800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on April 6, 1994.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 7, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-5701 Filed 3-21-94; 8:45 am]
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