[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 161 (Monday, August 19, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42777-42779]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-21871]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-241-AD; Amendment 39-9715; AD 96-17-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, that requires 
repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the slat universal 
joint and steady bearing assemblies, and replacement of any discrepant 
assembly with a new, like assembly. This amendment also requires 
replacement of all slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies 
with improved assemblies, which would terminate the repetitive 
inspections. This amendment is prompted by reports of broken or missing 
inner races on the slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies 
of the slat transmission system. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent cracking of the inner race, which could cause it to 
break off and, consequently, allow the slat universal joint and steady 
bearing assemblies to become worn; this situation could result in 
failure of the shaft of the slat transmission system, and subsequent 
uncommanded movement of the associated slat.

DATES: Effective September 23, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 23, 1996.

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: Charles Huber, Aerospace Engineer, 
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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 8, 1996 (61 FR 
20762). That action proposed to require repetitive visual inspections 
to detect discrepancies of the slat universal joint and steady bearing 
assemblies, and replacement of any discrepant assembly with a new,

[[Page 42778]]

like assembly. That action also proposed to require replacement of all 
slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies with new assemblies, 
which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspection 
requirements.
    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 proposed rule.

Conclusion

    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 as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 26 Airbus Model A310 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    It will take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required inspection on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,800, or $300 per airplane, per 
inspection.
    It will take approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $48,108 per airplane. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required replacement on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,264,848, or $48,648 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.

Regulatory Impact

    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 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


39.13   [Amended]

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

96-17-06 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-9715. Docket 95-NM-241-AD.

    Applicability: Model A310 series airplanes, on which Airbus 
Modification 6022 or 6485 has not been installed; certificated in 
any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 (c) 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 failure of the shaft of the slat transmission system, 
and subsequent uncommanded movement of the associated slat, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 2,000 landings or 500 flight 
hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, 
perform a visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the slat 
universal joint and steady bearing assemblies, in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2040, Revision 2, dated January 5, 
1995.

    Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2040 inadvertently 
references LUCAS/LIEBHERR Service Bulletin 551A-27-6010 as the 
appropriate source for accomplishing the inspection. LUCAS/LIEBHERR 
Service Bulletin 551A-27-610 is the appropriate source of 
information.

    (1) If no discrepancy is found, repeat the inspection thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 2,000 landings.
    (2) If any discrepancy is detected and the groove depth on the 
shaft is greater than or equal to 1 mm (0.04 in.), prior to further 
flight, replace the discrepant bearing assembly with a new, like 
assembly, in accordance with the service bulletin. After 
replacement, repeat the visual inspection thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 2,000 landings.
    (3) If any discrepancy is detected and the groove depth on the 
shaft is less than 1 mm (0.04 in.), prior to 50 landings after 
accomplishing the initial inspection, replace the discrepant bearing 
assembly with a new, like assembly, in accordance with the service 
bulletin. After the replacement, repeat the visual inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 landings.
    (b) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies with new 
assemblies, in accordance with LUCAS/LIEBHERR Service Bulletin 523-
27-M523-1, dated April 25, 1986. Accomplishment of the replacement 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (c) 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.

    (d) 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.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-27-2040, Revision 2, dated January 5, 1995, and LUCAS/
LIEBHERR Service Bulletin 523-27-M523-1, dated April 25, 1986. 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

[[Page 42779]]

Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 23, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 9, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-21871 Filed 8-16-96; 8:45 am]
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