[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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Revision level shown                                  
    Page No.             on page                Date shown on page      
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-5............  2.....................  September 8, 1994.             
6-9............  Original..............  July 7, 1993.                  
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U