[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 112 (Monday, June 13, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-13625]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: June 13, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-63-AD; Amendment 39-8931; AD 94-10-51]

 

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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) T94-10-51 that was sent 
previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of certain Airbus 
Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes by individual 
telegrams. This AD requires a detailed visual inspection to detect 
cracks, delamination, or discoloration of the bus bar of certain aft 
fixed side cockpit windows; and deactivation of the window heating 
system and repetitive detailed visual inspections, or replacement of 
the window with a modified window, if necessary. This amendment is 
prompted by a report of fracture of a fixed cockpit window that led to 
electrical arcing in the bus bar area of the window heating system on a 
Model A300 series airplane. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent decompression of the fuselage during flight due to 
failure of a window.

DATES: Effective June 28, 1994, to all persons except those persons to 
whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T94-10-51, 
issued May 3, 1994, which contained the requirements of this amendment.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 28, 1994.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before August 12, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 94-NM-63-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    The applicable service information may be obtained from Airbus 
Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. 
This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sam Grober, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-1187; fax (206) 227-1320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On May 3, 1994, the FAA issued telegraphic 
AD T94-10-51, which is applicable to certain Airbus Industrie Model 
A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. That action was prompted by 
a report of fracture of a fixed cockpit window on the right-hand aft 
side of the cockpit of a Model A300 series airplane. Embrittlement of 
the fixed cockpit window and simultaneous rupture of the two main plies 
of the window have been attributed to electrical arcing in the bus bar 
area of the window heating system. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in decompression of the fuselage during flight.
    Since the subject windows installed on Model A300-600 and A310 
series airplanes are similar in design to those on Model A300 series 
airplanes, the FAA has determined that these airplanes are also subject 
to the addressed unsafe condition.
    Airbus Industrie has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) 56-01, 
Revision 1, dated April 29, 1994, that describes procedures for a 
detailed visual inspection to detect discoloration (black or brown 
burnt spots) of the bus bar of certain aft fixed side windows; and 
either deactivation of the window heating system coupled with 
repetitive detailed visual inspections, or replacement of the window 
with a modified window, if necessary. The Direction Generale de 
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for 
France, classified this AOT as mandatory and issued French telegraphic 
airworthiness directive N 94-104-160(B), dated April 26, 1994, in order 
to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
    These airplane models 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 (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    Since the unsafe condition described is likely to exist or develop 
on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United 
States, the FAA issued telegraphic AD T94-10-51 to require a detailed 
visual inspection to detect cracks, delamination, or discoloration 
(black or brown burnt spots) of the bus bar of certain aft fixed side 
windows; and either deactivation of the window heating system and 
repetitive detailed visual inspections, or replacement of the window 
with a modified window, if necessary. The actions are required to be 
accomplished in accordance with the AOT described previously.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon were 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by individual telegrams 
issued on May 3, 1994, to all known U.S. owners and operators of 
certain Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes. These 
conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal 
Register as an amendment to Sec. 39.13 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective as to all persons.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an 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 94-NM-63-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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and is not a ``significant regulatory action'' 
under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this 
action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined 
that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will 
be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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 part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. 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:

94-10-51  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-8931. Docket 94-NM-63-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes; 
as listed in Airbus Industrie All Operators Telex (AOT) 56-01, 
Revision 1, dated April 29, 1994; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent decompression of the fuselage during flight, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a detailed visual inspection to detect cracks, delamination, or 
discoloration (black or brown burnt spots) of the bus bar of the aft 
fixed windows, in accordance with Airbus Industrie AOT 56-01, 
Revision 1, dated April 29, 1994.
    (b) If any crack or delamination is found during the inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, 
replace the affected window with a modified window, in accordance 
with Airbus Industrie AOT 56-01, Revision 1, dated April 29, 1994.
    (c) If no cracks, delamination, or discoloration is found during 
the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish 
either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD in accordance with 
Airbus Industrie AOT 56-01, Revision 1, dated April 29, 1994.
    (1) Within 7 days after accomplishing the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
7 days, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD; 
or
    (2) Prior to further flight, deactivate the side window heating 
system in accordance with the AOT.
    (d) If any discoloration is found during the inspections 
required by paragraph (a) or (c) of this AD, and that discoloration 
measures less than 10mm in diameter, accomplish paragraphs (d)(1), 
(d)(2), and (d)(3) of this AD in accordance with Airbus Industrie 
AOT 56-01, Revision 1, dated April 29, 1994.
    (1) Prior to further flight, deactivate the side window heating 
system on the affected side, in accordance with the AOT.
    (2) 7 days after deactivating the window heating system, inspect 
the affected window to detect cracks or delamination formation 
around the discolored area, in accordance with the AOT.
    (3) If any crack or delamination is found during the repeat 
inspection required by paragraph (d)(2) of this AD, prior to further 
flight, replace the window with a modified window, in accordance 
with the AOT.
    (e) If any discoloration is found during the inspection required 
by paragraph (a) or (c) of this AD, and that discoloration measures 
10mm or more in diameter, accomplish paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), and 
(e)(3) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Industrie AOT 56-01, 
Revision 1, dated April 29, 1994.
    (1) Prior to further flight, deactivate the side window heating 
system on the affected side, in accordance with the AOT.
    (2) Thereafter, at daily intervals, inspect the affected window 
to detect cracks or delamination formation around the discoloration 
area, in accordance with the AOT.
    (3) If any crack or delamination is found during the inspections 
required by paragraph (e)(2) of this AD, prior to further flight, 
replace the window with a modified window in accordance with the 
AOT.
    (f) Replacement of the aft fixed side window in accordance with 
Airbus Industrie AOT 56-01, Revision 1, dated April 29, 1994, 
constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
    (g) 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.

    (h) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (i) The inspections, deactivation, and replacement, shall be 
done in accordance with Airbus Industrie All Operators Telex (AOT) 
56-01, Revision 1, dated April 29, 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 Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (j) This amendment becomes effective on June 28, 1994, to all 
persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by telegraphic AD T94-10-51, issued May 3, 1994, which 
contained the requirements of this amendment.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 31, 1994.
Darrell M. Pederson,
 Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 94-13625 Filed 6-10-94; 8:45 am]
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