[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 172 (Wednesday, September 4, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 46540-46541]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-22263]
[[Page 46540]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 95-NM-237-AD; Amendment 39-9736; AD 96-18-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320 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 A320 series airplanes, that requires
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. This amendment also requires re-fitting any
proper P-clip, replacing any improper
P-clip with a new P-clip, and repairing damaged electrical wiring. This
amendment 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 this 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: 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 A320 series
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 29, 1996 (61
FR 18709). That action proposed to 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. That action also proposed to
require re-fitting proper P-clips, replacing improper P-clips with
certain new fuel-resistant P-clips, and repairing damaged electrical
wiring.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the three comments received.
All 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 44 Airbus Model A320 series airplanes of
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required
actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required
parts will cost approximately $100 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the 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 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
96-18-12 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-9736. 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.
[[Page 46541]]
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.
(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-28-1052, Revision 2, dated September 8, 1994, which
contains the following list of effective pages:
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Revision level shown
Page No. on page Date shown on page
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1-5............ 2..................... September 8, 1994.
6-9............ Original.............. July 7, 1993.
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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. 96-22263 Filed 9-3-96; 8:45 am]
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