[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46541-46542]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-22260]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-175-AD; Amendment 39-9734; AD 96-18-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300-600 and A310 Series 
Airplanes Equipped With General Electric Model CF6-80 Engines

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 A300-600 and A310 series airplanes, 
that requires an inspection to detect defects of the directional pilot 
valves (DPV); and replacement of any defective DPV with a new DPV, or 
deactivation of the thrust reverser system, if necessary. This 
amendment is prompted by a report indicating that, during a maintenance 
check, an uncommanded deployment and stowage of the thrust reverser 
occurred due to improperly modified DPV's. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded deployment and stowage of 
the thrust reverser during maintenance activities, as a result of 
improperly modified DPV's, which could result in injury to maintenance 
personnel or other people on the ground.

DATES: Effective October 9, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 9, 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 A300-600 and 
A310 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 
29, 1996 (61 FR 18699). That action proposed to require a one-time 
inspection to detect defects of the DPV. If a defective DPV is 
detected, it will be required to be replaced with a new DPV, or the 
thrust reverser system will be required to be deactivated until the DPV 
is replaced.
    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 43 Airbus Model A300-600 and A310 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish the 
required one-time inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $25,800, or $600 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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

[[Page 46542]]

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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

96-18-10  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-9734. Docket 95-NM-175-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300B4-601, -603, -605R, A300-F4-605R, and 
A310-203, -203C, -204, -304, -308 series airplanes, equipped with 
General Electric Model CF6-80 engines; on which General Electric 
Service Bulletin 78-031 has been accomplished; 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 (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 prevent uncommanded deployment and stowage of the thrust 
reverser during maintenance activities, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform an inspection to detect defects of the directional pilot 
valves (DPV), in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 
78-05, Revision 01, February 8, 1995.
    (1) If no defects are detected, no further action is required by 
this AD.
    (2) If any defect is detected, prior to further flight, either 
replace the defective DPV with a new DPV in accordance with the AOT; 
or deactivate the thrust reverser system in accordance with approved 
procedures of the Minimum Equipment List (MEL) until the DPV is 
replaced.
    (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 2: 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.
    (d) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 78-05, Revision 01, February 
8, 1995. 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.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 9, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 26, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-22260 Filed 9-3-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U