[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18665-18667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9932]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-245-AD; Amendment 39-9576; AD 96-09-02]


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes two existing airworthiness 
directives (AD), that are applicable to Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 
series airplanes. One AD currently requires repetitive operational 
tests of feel and limitation computers (FLC) 1 and 2; the other AD 
requires replacement of certain FLC's on Model A300-600 series 
airplanes. Those AD's were prompted by reports indicating that the 
elevator control operated with stiffness. The actions specified by 
those AD's are intended to prevent stiff operation of the elevator 
control and undetected loss of rudder travel limitation function, which 
could adversely affect the controllability of the airplane. This new 
amendment requires installation of new FLC's, which terminates the 
currently required repetitive operational tests. This amendment also 
revises the applicability of the rule to delete airplanes on which 
these new FLC's have been installed previously.

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 Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 
27-14, dated November 3, 1993, as listed in the regulations, was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
January 29, 1994 (59 FR 507, January 5 1994).
    The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-
6025, dated September 15, 1993, as listed in the regulations, was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 
20, 1994 (59 FR 23133, May 5, 1994).

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 94-NM-245-AD, 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: Tom Groves, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-1503; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 93-24-51, 
amendment 39-8783 (59 FR 507, January 5, 1994); and AD 94-09-16, 
amendment 39-8905 (59 FR 23133, May 5, 1994); was published in the 
Federal Register on January 19, 1996 (61 FR 1289). The previously-
issued AD's are applicable to Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series 
airplanes. The proposal proposed to require installation of new feel 
and limitation computers (FLC), which terminates the currently required 
repetitive operational tests of those units. The proposal also proposed 
to revise the applicability of the rule to delete airplanes on which 
these new FLC's have been installed previously.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the two comments received.
    Both commenters support the proposal.
    Recently, Airbus issued Revision 1 to Service Bulletin A300-27-
6026, dated August 31, 1995. This revision is essentially the same as 
the original release of the service bulletin (dated May 5, 1994), which 
was cited in the proposal as an appropriate source of service 
information; Revision 1, however, contains certain editorial revisions 
and an updated effectivity listing showing the current operators of the 
affected airplanes. The FAA has revised the final rule to include 
Revision 1 of this service bulletin as an additional source of service 
information.
    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 change previously 
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    The FAA estimates that approximately 55 Airbus Model A300-600 and 
A310 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    The operational tests of the FLC's, which were previously required 
by AD 93-24-51 and retained in this AD, take approximately .5 work hour 
per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators of the 
required operational tests is estimated to be $1,650, or $30 per 
airplane, per operational test.
    Installation of the modified FLC's, as required by this new AD, 
will take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be 
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators of this installation action 
is estimated to be $16,500, or $300 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.
    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.

[[Page 18666]]

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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8783 (59 FR 
507, January 5, 1994), and amendment 39-8905 (59 FR 23133, May 5, 
1994); and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-
9576, to read as follows:

96-09-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-9576. Docket 94-NM-245-AD. Supersedes 
AD 93-24-51, amendment 39-8783; and AD 94-09-16, amendment 39-8905.

    Applicability: Model A310 series airplanes on which 
Modifications 10712 and 10668 were not incorporated during 
production, or that are equipped with Feel and Limitation Computers 
(FLC) having the part numbers listed below; and Model A300-600 
series airplanes on which Modifications 10713 and 10667 were not 
incorporated during production, or that are equipped with FLC's 
having the part numbers listed below; certificated in any category.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Airplane model-                       FLC part No.        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A310-.....................................  35-900-1008-009             
  -                                         35-900-1009-011             
  -                                         35-900-1011-011             
  -                                         35-900-1011-011-A           
A300-600-.................................  35-900-2000-200             
  -                                         35-900-2000-201             
  -                                         35-900-2002-201             
  -                                         35-900-2002-201-A           
  -                                         35-900-3002-302             
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 (f)(1) 
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 stiff operation of the elevator control and 
undetected loss of rudder travel limitation function, which may 
adversely affect controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) For all airplanes: Within 7 days after January 20, 1994 (the 
effective date of AD 93-24-51, amendment 39-8783), perform an 
operational test to verify proper operation of the Feel and 
Limitation Computers (FLC) 1 and 2, in accordance with Airbus All 
Operator Telex 27-14, dated November 2, 1993.
    (1) If the operational test is successful, repeat the test at 
intervals not to exceed 7 days until the requirements of paragraph 
(c) or (d) of this AD, as applicable, are accomplished.
    (2) If any FLC fails the operational test, prior to further 
flight, accomplish the procedures specified in either paragraph (c) 
or (d) of this AD, as applicable.
    (b) Except as provided by paragraphs (c) and (d) of this AD: As 
of January 20, 1994 (the effective date of AD 93-24-51, amendment 
39-8783), no airplane shall be operated with an inoperative pitch 
feel system or inoperative pitch feel fault lights.
    (c) For Model A310 series airplanes: Within 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD, replace or modify the currently installed 
FLC's in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD. 
Installation of FLC's that incorporate both Modifications 10668 and 
10712 constitutes terminating action for the repetitive operational 
tests of the FLC's required by paragraph (a) of this AD, and for the 
operating limitations required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
    (1) Install Modification 10668 in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-27-2068, Revision 1, dated March 16, 1994, or Revision 
2, dated April 19, 1995. And
    (2) Install Modification 10712 in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-27-2070, dated May 5, 1994.
    (d) For Model A300-600 series airplanes: Accomplish the 
requirements of paragraphs (d)(1), and (d)(2) of this AD. 
Accomplishment of these actions constitutes terminating action for 
the operational tests required by paragraph (a) of this AD, and for 
the operating limitations required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
    (1) Within 45 days after May 20, 1994 (the effective date of AD 
94-09-16, amendment 39-8905), replace the FLC's, having part number 
(P/N) 35-900-2000-200 or 35-900-2000-201, serial numbers 755 and 
subsequent, with an FLC that has been previously modified, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6025, dated 
September 15, 1993, or Revision 1, dated August 31, 1994.
    (2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
or modify the FLC's in accordance with paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and 
(d)(2)(ii) of this AD. Installation of FLC's that incorporate both 
Modifications 10667 and 10713 constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive operational tests of the FLC's required by paragraph (a) 
of this AD, and for the operating limitations required by paragraph 
(b) of this AD.
    (i) Install Modification 10667 in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-27-6025, dated September 15, 1993; or Revision 1, 
dated August 31, 1994; or Revision 2, dated April 19, 1995. And Lori 
Aliment (206) 227-2115.
    (ii) Install Modification 10713 in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-27-6026, dated May 5, 1994, or Revision 1, 
dated August 31, 1995.

    Note 2: The accomplishment of paragraph (d)(1) of this AD 
entails installing FLC's that incorporate Modification 10667, as 
does the accomplishment of paragraph (d)(2)(i). Paragraph (d)(2)(i) 
is included in this AD because the list of part numbers of affected 
FLC's in paragraph (d)(1), as well as in the parallel requirement of 
AD 94-09-16, is not comprehensive. Additional affected FLC part 
numbers were identified subsequent to the issuance of AD 94-09-16; 
FLC's having those part numbers are subject to the requirements of 
paragraph (d)(2) of this AD.
    (e) As of the effective date of this AD, operational tests in 
accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD may be discontinued on 
modified FLC's having the part numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD.

                                 Table 1                                
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Airplane model-                       FLC part No.        
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A310-.....................................  35-900-1010-011             
  --                                        35-900-1012-011             
  --                                        35-900-1012-011-A           
A300-600-.................................  35-900-3004-302             
  --                                        35-900-2001-201             
  --                                        35-900-2003-201             
  --                                        35-900-2003-201-A           
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (f) (1) 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved in accordance 
with AD 93-24-51, amendment 398783; or AD 94-09-16, amendment 39-
8905, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with this 
AD.

    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.

    (g) 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.
    (h) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following 
Airbus Service Bulletins, having the indicated list of effective 
pages:

[[Page 18667]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Revision level shown                                   
   Service bulletin and date -          Page No.- -             on page                Date shown on page       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Operator Telex (AOT) 27-14,    1-4-................  (Original)-.........  November 3, 1993.                
 November 3, 1993.                                                                                              
A310-27-2068, Revision 1, March    1, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10...  1...................  March 16, 1994.                  
 16, 1994.                         2-3, 6, 11-.........  (Original)-.........  December 13, 1993.               
A310-27-2068, Revision 2, April    1-2, 4-5............  2...................  April 19, 1995.                  
 19, 1995.                         7-10................  1...................  March 16, 1994.-                 
                                   3, 6, 11............  (Original)..........  December 13, 1993. -             
A310-27-2070, May 5, 1994 -......  1-11-...............  (Original)-.........  May 5, 1994.                     
A300-27-6025, September 15, 1993-  1-9-................  (Original)-.........  September 15, 1993.              
A300-27-6025, Revision 1, August   1-4--...............  1...................  August 31, 1994.                 
 31, 1994.                         5-9 ---.............  (Original)..........  September 15, 1993.              
A300-27-6025, Revision 2, April    1, 3--..............  2...................  April 19, 1995. -                
 19, 1995 -.                       2, 4-...............  1-..................  August 31, 1994.                 
                                   5-9.................  (Original...........  September 15, 1993.              
A300-27-6026, May 5, 1994-.......  1-9-................  (Original)-.........  May 5, 1994.                     
A300-27-6026, Revision 1, August   1-3--...............  1...................  August 31, 1995.                 
 31, 1995.                         4-9--...............  (Original)..........  May 5, 1994.                     
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    The incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operator Telex 
(AOT) 27-14, dated November 3, 1993, was 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 January 29, 1994 (59 FR 507, January 5, 
1994). The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-27-6025, dated September 15, 1993, was 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 May 20, 1994 (59 FR 23133, May 5, 
1994). The incorporation by reference of the other service 
bulletins, listed above, 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.
    (i) This amendment becomes effective on May 29, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 17, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-9932 Filed 4-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U