[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18661-18665]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9336]
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Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
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Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 83 / Monday, April 29, 1996 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 18661]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-NM-246-AD; Amendment 39-9574; AD 96-08-08]
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes
(Excluding Model A300 B4-600 and Model A300 F4-600 Series Airplanes)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes (excluding
Model A300 B4-600 series airplanes), that currently requires certain
structural inspections and modifications. This amendment requires
additional structural inspections and modifications that have been
identified as necessary to ensure the structural integrity of these
airplanes as they approach their economic design goal. This amendment
also excludes additional airplanes from the applicability of the AD.
The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent degradation of
the structural capability of the affected airplanes.
DATES: Effective May 29, 1996. -
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 29, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed
in the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the
Federal Register as of April 13, 1992 (57 FR 8257, March 3, 1992).
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules
Docket, 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: Phil Forde, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-2146; fax (206) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 92-02-09,
amendment 39-8145 (57 FR 8257, March 9, 1992), which is applicable to
all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes (excluding Model A300 B4-600
series airplanes), was published in the Federal Register on January 22,
1996 (61 FR 1528). The action proposed to continue to require certain
structural inspections and modifications specified in AD 92-02-09, and
to require other additional structural inspections and modifications,
as well.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
The commenters support the proposed rule.
Since the issuance of the proposed rule, the Direction Generale de
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for
France, has notified the FAA that it has revised the French
airworthiness directive (CN) that was parallel in its requirements to
those of the notice for this AD rulemaking action. The revised CN is CN
90-22-116(B)R2, dated July 6, 1994; it was issued to exclude Airbus
Model A300 C4-600 and A300 F4-600 series airplanes from the list of
airplanes subject to the requirements of that CN.
The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all
available information, and determined that similar action is necessary
for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in
the United States. Accordingly, the final rule for this AD action has
been revised to exclude the Model A300 F4-600 series airplanes from the
applicability of the rule. (Model A300 C4-600 series airplanes are not
typed certificated for operation in the U.S.; therefore, the FAA finds
that no change to the final rule is necessary to exclude those
airplanes from the applicability of the AD.)
The revised French CN also specifies the latest revisions of
various referenced service bulletins. These latest revisions were cited
correctly in the proposed rule. Therefore, no change to the final rule
is necessary in this regard.
The date of issuance for Revision 2 of Airbus Service Bulletin
A300-53-196 was specified incorrectly in paragraph (a)(5) of the
proposed rule. That paragraph of the final rule has been revised to
specify the correct date of March 17, 1994. Additionally, that
paragraph has been revised to indicate that Service Bulletin Change
Notice 1.A. amends Revision 1 of the service bulletin, rather than
Revision 2.
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
There are approximately 4 Model A300 series airplanes of U.S.
registry that will be affected by this proposed AD.
The recurring inspections, which were required by AD 92-02-09 and
continue to be required by this AD, take approximately 196 work hours
per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Required parts cost approximately $2,000. Based on these figures,
the cost impact on U.S. operators of the recurring inspections is
estimated to be $13,760 per airplane, or $55,040 for the affected U.S.
fleet.
The new recurring inspection procedures that are added by this new
AD will take approximately 196 additional work hours per airplane to
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required
parts will cost approximately $2,000. Based on these figures, the added
recurring inspection cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $13,760 per airplane, or $55,040 for the affected U.S.
fleet.
The modifications required by AD 92-02-09, which continue to be
required by
[[Page 18662]]
this AD, take approximately 316 work hours per airplane to accomplish,
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost for required
parts is $72,000. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this
modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be $90,960 per airplane,
or $363,840 for the affected U.S. fleet.
The modifications that are added by this new AD action will require
approximately 1,599 additional work hours per airplane to accomplish,
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost for required
parts is $145,000. Based on these figures, the added modification cost
impact of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $240,940 per
airplane, or $963,760 for the affected U.S. fleet.
Based on the figures discussed above, the cost impact of all of the
requirements of this AD is estimated to be $418,880 for the recurring
inspections and modifications required by AD 92-02-09, plus $1,018,800
for the additional inspections and modifications required by this AD.
These cost impact figures assume that no operator has yet accomplished
any of the requirements of this AD. However, it can be reasonably
assumed that the majority of affected operators have already initiated
the inspections and modifications required by AD 92-02-09, and many may
have already initiated the additional inspections and modifications
that are proposed by this new AD action.
The FAA recognizes that the obligation to maintain aircraft in an
airworthy condition is vital, but sometimes expensive. Because AD's
require specific actions to address specific unsafe conditions, they
appear to impose costs that would not otherwise be borne by operators.
However, because of the general obligation of operators to maintain
aircraft in an airworthy condition, this appearance is deceptive.
Attributing those costs solely to the issuance of this AD is
unrealistic because, in the interest of maintaining safe aircraft,
prudent operators would accomplish the required actions even if they
were not required to do so by the AD.
A full cost-benefit analysis has not been accomplished for this AD.
As a matter of law, in order to be airworthy, an aircraft must conform
to its type design and be in a condition for safe operation. The type
design is approved only after the FAA makes a determination that it
complies with all applicable airworthiness requirements. In adopting
and maintaining those requirements, the FAA has already made the
determination that they establish a level of safety that is cost-
beneficial. When the FAA, as in this AD, makes a finding of an unsafe
condition, this means that the original cost-beneficial level of safety
is no longer being achieved and that the required actions are necessary
to restore that level of safety. Because this level of safety has
already been determined to be cost-beneficial, a full cost-benefit
analysis for this AD would be redundant and unnecessary.
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 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8145 (57 FR
8257, March 9, 1992), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD),
amendment 39-9574, to read as follows:
96-08-08 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-9574. Docket 94-NM-246-AD.
Supersedes AD 92-02-09, Amendment 39-8145.
Applicability: All Model A300 series airplanes, excluding Model
A300 B4-600 and Model A300 F4-600 series airplanes, 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 (d) 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 prevent degradation of the structural capability of the
airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Accomplish the inspections and modifications contained in
the Airbus service bulletins listed below prior to or at the
thresholds identified in each of those service bulletins, or within
1,000 landings or 12 months after April 13, 1992 (the effective date
of AD 92-02-09, amendment 39-8145), whichever occurs later. Required
inspections shall be repeated thereafter at intervals not to exceed
those specified in the corresponding service bulletin for the
inspection. After the effective date of this AD, the actions shall
only be accomplished in accordance with the latest revision of the
service bulletins specified.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-103, Revision 4, dated June
30, 1983; or Revision 5, dated February 23, 1994;
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-126, Revision 7, dated
November 11, 1990; or Revision 8, dated September 18, 1991;
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-146, Revision 7, dated April
26, 1991;
Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-146 provides for a
compliance threshold of within 5 years after the date of issuance of
French airworthiness directive 90-222-116(B), issued on December 12,
1990, the accomplishment of which is required by AD 85-07-09,
amendment 39-5033.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-162, Revision 4, dated
November 12, 1990; or Revision 5, dated March 17, 1994;
(5) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-196, Revision 1, dated
November 12, 1990; as amended by Service Bulletin Change Notice
1.A., dated February 4, 1991, or Revision 2, dated March 17, 1994.
Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-196 provides for a
compliance threshold of within 6,000 landings after accomplishment
of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-194,
[[Page 18663]]
accomplishment of which is required by AD 87-04-12, amendment 39-
5536.
(6) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-225, Revision 2, dated May
30, 1990;
(7) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-226, Revision 4, dated
November 12, 1990; or Revision 5, dated September 7, 1991;
Note 4: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-226 provides for a
compliance threshold of within 5 years after the issuance of French
airworthiness directive 90-222-116(B), issued on December 12, 1990;
but not later than 20 years after first delivery; the accomplishment
of which is required by AD 90-03-08, amendment 39-6481.
(8) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-278, dated November 12,
1990; or Revision 1, dated March 17, 1994;
(9) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-045, Revision 4, dated
January 31, 1990; or Revision 6, dated February 25, 1994;
(10) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-060, Revision 2, dated
September 7, 1988, and Change Notice 2.A., dated February 13, 1990;
or Revision 3, dated February 25, 1994;
(11) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-063, Revision 1, dated
April 22, 1987, and Change Notice 1.A., dated February 13, 1990; or
Revision 2, dated February 25, 1994; and
(12) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-066, Revision 1, dated
February 15, 1989, and Change Notice 1.A., dated February 13, 1990;
or Revision 2, dated February 25, 1994.
(b) Accomplish the inspections and modifications contained in
the Airbus service bulletins listed below prior to or at the
thresholds identified in each of those service bulletins, or within
1,000 landings or 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later. Required inspections shall be repeated
thereafter at intervals not to exceed those specified in the
corresponding service bulletin for the inspection.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0194, Revision 2, including
Appendix 1, dated August 19, 1993;
Note 5: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0194 provides for a
compliance threshold of prior to the accumulation of 36,000 landings
for Model A300 B2 series airplanes on which the modification
described in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-165 has not been
accomplished and for Model A300 B2 series airplanes on which that
modification has been accomplished prior to the accumulation of
24,000 landings on the airplane. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-
0194 also provides for a compliance threshold of prior to the
accumulation of 12,000 landings after the accomplishment of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-57-165 (for Model A300 B2 series airplanes on
which the modification described in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-
165 has been accomplished on or after the accumulation of 24,000
landings on the airplane).
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-166, Revision 3, including
Appendix 1, dated July 12, 1993;
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0167, Revision 1, including
Appendix 1, dated May 25, 1993;
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0168, Revision 3, including
Appendix 1, dated November 22, 1993;
(5) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0180, Revision 1, dated
March 29, 1993;
(6) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0185, Revision 1, including
Appendix 1, dated March 8, 1993; and
Note 6: The Airbus service bulletins specified in paragraphs
(b)(2), (b)(3), (b)(4), (b)(5), and (b)(6) of this AD provide for a
compliance threshold of prior to the accumulation of 36,000 landings
(for Model A300 B2 series airplanes); 30,000 landings (for Model
A300 B4-100 series airplanes); and 25,000 landings (for Model A300
B4-200 series airplanes) after the effective date of French
airworthiness directive 93-154-149(B), issued on September 15, 1993.
(7) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-0084, dated April 21, 1994.
(c) If any discrepant condition identified in any service
bulletin referenced in this AD is found during any inspection
required by this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish the
corresponding corrective action specified in the service bulletin.
(d) 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 7: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(e) 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.-
(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the Airbus
service bulletins listed in Tables 1 and 2 of this paragraph. The
incorporation by reference of the Airbus service bulletins listed in
Table 1 were approved previously by the Director of the Federal
Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, as
of April 13, 1992 (57 FR 8257, March 3, 1992).
Table 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus service bulletin No.- Revision level - Service bulletin date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-53-103-............................. 4-........................... June 30, 1983.
A300-53-12-.............................. 7-........................... November 11, 1990.
A300-53-146-............................. 7-........................... April 26, 1991.
A300-53-162 -............................ 4-........................... November 12, 1990.
A300-53-196-............................. 1-........................... November 12, 1990.
Service Bulletin Change Notice 1.A. to (Original)-.................. February 4, 1991.
A300-53-196-.
A300-53-225-............................. 2-........................... May 30, 1990.
A300-53-226-............................. 4-........................... November 12, 1990.
A300-53-226-............................. 5-........................... September 7, 1991.
A300-53-278-............................. (Original)-.................. November 12, 1990.
A300-54-045-............................. 4-........................... January 31, 1990.
A300-54-060-............................. 2-........................... September 7, 1988.
Change Notice 2.A., to A200-54-060 -..... (Original)-.................. February 13, 1990.
A300-54-063-............................. 1-........................... April 22, 1987.
Change Notice 1.A. to A300-54-063........ (Original)-.................. February 13, 1990.
A300-54-066-............................. 1-........................... February 15, 1989.
Change Notice 1.A. to A300-54-066........ (Original)-.................. February 13, 1990.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The incorporation by reference of the Airbus service bulletins
listed in Table 2 of this paragraph was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
[[Page 18664]]
Table 2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision level shown
Airbus service - bulletin and date Page No. - on page- Date shown on page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-53-103, Revision 5, February
23, 1994.
1, 2, 4-............ 5-................... February 23, 1994.
3-.................. 4-................... June 30, 1983.
5-36-............... 3-................... December 21, 1979.
A300-53-126, Revision 8, September
18, 1991.
1, 3-5, 7, 8, 10, 22 8.................... September 18, 1992.---
11-15............... 7.................... November 11, 1990.
-2.................. 6.................... October 3, 1989.
16, 21.............. 5.................... June 23, 1988.
6................... 3.................... February 23, 1983.
9, 19, 20........... 1.................... September 3, 1981.
17, 18.............. Original............. July 28, 1980.
A300-53-162, Revision 5, March 17,
1994.
1, 4................ 5.................... March 17, 1994.
2, 3, 10, 11........ 4--.................. November 12, 1990.
5, 6................ 3.................... May 16, 1983.
15.................. 2.................... September 17, 1981.
7-9, 12-14, 16-21... Original............. January 20, 1981.
A300-53-278, Revision 1, March 17,
1994.
-1, 3............... 1.................... March 17, 1994.
2, 4-15............. Original............. November 12, 1990.
A300-54-045, Revision 6, February
25, 1994.
1, 5, 15............ 6.................... February 25, 1994.
-2, 3, 6, 10-12..... 5.................... September 30, 1991.
4, 7-9, 13, 14, 16.. 4.................... January 31, 1990.
A300-54-060, Revision 3, February
25, 1994.
-1-3................ 3.................... February 25, 1994.
4-10, 13, 14, 17.... 2.................... September 7, 1988.
11, 12, 15, 16, 18.. Original............. May 11, 1987.
A300-54-063, Revision 2, February
25, 1994.
-1, 2............... 2.................... February 25, 1994. -
4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 1.................... April 22, 1987.
12,15-17.
3, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14- Original............. April 7, 1986.
A300-54-066, Revision 2, February
25, 1994.
-1, 4-8............. 2.................... February 25, 1994. -
2, 3, 9-10, 13, 22- 1.................... February 15, 1989.
24.
11-12, 14-21, 25-... Original............. November 17, 1987.
A300-57-0194, Revision 2,
(including Appendix 1), August
19, 1993.
-1-30; Appendix 2.................... August 19, 1993.
pages 1, 3, 8, 9,
10.
Appendix pages 2, 4, 1.................... June 2, 1993. -
5, 6, 7, 11 - -.
A300-57-166, Revision 3,
(including Appendix 1), July 12,
1993.
-1, 2, 5, 8, 10; 3.................... July 12, 1993.
Appendix pages 3, 4.
6, 7, 9, 13-28, 35; 2.................... March 8, 1993.
Appendix pages 1, 2
-.
3, 4, 11, 12, 29-34- 1.................... August 14, 1992.
A300-57-0167, Revision 1,
(including Appendix 1), May 25,
1993.
1-6, 8, 9, 11, 15, 1.................... May 25, 1993.
16, 19, 20, 23, 24,
27, 28, 31, 32;
Appendix pages 1-4.
7, 10, 12-14, 17, Original............. October 23, 1991. - -
18, 21, 22, 25, 26,
29, 30, 33.
A300-57-0168, Revision 3,
(including Appendix 1), November
22, 1993.
-1-5, 9, 10, 16, 20, 3.................... November 22, 1993.
24, 28, 33, 34, 36,
40-49; Appendix
pages 1-7.
6, 8, 11, 13-15, 17- 2.................... March 8, 1993.
19, 21-23, 25-27,
29-32, 35, 37-39.
7, 50-53............ 1.................... August 14, 1992.
12.................. Original............. October 24, 1991.
A300-57-0180, Revision 1, March
29, 1993.
1-12, 15-26......... 1.................... March 29, 1993.
-13, 14............. Original............. April 22, 1992.
A300-57-0185, Revision 1,
(including Appendix 1), March 8,
1993.
1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 1.................... March 8, 1993.
22; Appendix pages
1, 2, 3.
3, 6-8, 11-21....... Original............. August 14, 1992.
A300-54-0084, April 21, 1994...... 1-15................ Original............. April 21, 1994.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 18665]]
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.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on May 29, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 10, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-9336 Filed 4-26-96; 8:45 am]
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