[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 18709-18711]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-10504]



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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-237-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A320 series 
airplanes. This proposal would require an inspection to detect damage 
to the electrical wiring of the fuel tank of the wings and to verify if 
the proper P-clip is installed in the electrical wiring. The proposed 
AD would also require re-fitting any proper P-clip, replacing any 
improper P-clip with a new P-clip, and repairing damaged electrical 
wiring. This proposal is prompted by a report that incorrect P-clips 
were found installed in the electrical wiring of the fuel system on 
these airplanes. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended 
to ensure that the proper P-clips are installed. Improper P-clips could 
fail to adequately safeguard the fuel tank of the wing against a 
lightning strike, which could result in electrical arcing and resultant 
fire.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 10, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-237-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Huber, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 18710]]

Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2589; fax (206) 227-1149.

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 95-NM-237-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. 95-NM-237-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Direction Gonorale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, recently notified the FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A320 series 
airplanes. The DGAC advises that it has received a report that 
incorrect P-clips were found installed in the electrical wiring of the 
fuel system on these airplanes. Investigation revealed that, during 
production, skydrol-resistant ethylene propylene P-clips were installed 
instead of fuel-resistant P-clips. Skydrol- resistant ethylene 
propylene P-clips are not suitable for immersion in fuel. Such 
immersion causes these clips to swell and lose flexibility. If the 
skydrol-resistant ethylene propylene P-clips were to bend slightly, 
they could fracture and deteriorate, which could fail to adequately 
safeguard the fuel tank of the wing against a lightning strike. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in electrical arcing and 
consequent fire.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1052, Revision 1, dated 
July 7, 1993, and Revision 2, dated September 8, 1994. The service 
bulletins describe procedures for a one-time inspection to detect 
damage to the electrical wiring and to verify if the proper P-clip is 
installed in the electrical wiring at outboard rib 6 in the inner cell 
of the fuel tank of the wings. The service bulletins also describe 
procedures for re-fitting proper P-clips, and replacing improper P-
clips with a new fuel-resistant P-clip having P/N NSA5515-03NF or 
NSA5516-03NV. The DGAC classified the service bulletins as mandatory 
and issued French airworthiness directive 93-191-047(B), dated October 
27, 1993, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in France.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 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.

Explanation of the Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, the 
proposed AD would require a one-time inspection to detect damage to the 
electrical wiring and to verify if the proper P-clip is installed in 
the electrical wiring at outboard rib 6 in the inner cell of the fuel 
tank of the wings. The proposed AD would also require re-fitting proper 
P-clips, and replacing improper P-clips with certain new fuel-resistant 
P-clips. The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance 
with the service bulletin described previously. If any damage is 
detected to the electrical wiring, the repair would be required to be 
done in accordance with the Airplane Wiring Manual.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 44 Airbus Model A320 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required 
parts would cost approximately $100 per airplane. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $12,320, or $280 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of 
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in 
the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    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 
part

[[Page 18711]]

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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

Airbus Industrie: Docket 95-NM-237-AD.

    Applicability: Model A320 series airplanes, manufacturer's 
serial numbers 129 through 343 inclusive, 345 through 347 inclusive, 
and 349 through 363 inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To ensure that the proper P-clips are installed, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time inspection to detect damage to the electrical wiring and 
to verify if the proper P-clip is installed in the electrical wiring 
at outboard rib 6 in the inner cell of the fuel tank of the wings, 
in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1052, Revision 2, 
dated September 8, 1994.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions specified in this 
paragraph in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1052, 
Revision 1, dated July 7, 1993, prior to the effective date of this 
AD is considered acceptable for compliance with this paragraph.

    (1) If any damage is detected to the wiring, prior to further 
flight, repair it in accordance with the Airplane Wiring Manual.
    (2) If a P-clip having P/N NSA5515-03NF or NSA5516-03NV is 
installed, prior to further flight, re-fit it in accordance with the 
service bulletin.
    (3) If a P-clip having P/N NSA5516-03NJ is installed, prior to 
further flight, replace it with a new fuel-resistant P-clip having 
P/N NSA5515-03NF or NSA5516-03NV, in accordance with the service 
bulletin.
    (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 3: 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 
sections 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 23, 1996.
S.R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-10504 Filed 4-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P