[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 216 (Wednesday, November 6, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57317-57319]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-27923]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-222-AD; Amendment 39-9804; AD 96-22-15]
RIN 2120-AA64


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 adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, 
that requires repetitive Tap Test inspections to detect debonding of 
the elevator skins, and corrective actions, if necessary. This 
amendment is prompted by a report of a debonded area of the upper skin 
of an elevator that was discovered during a visual inspection. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the presence of 
water in the elevator, which could cause debonding of the elevator 
skins and, consequently, adversely affect the structural integrity of 
the elevator.

DATES: Effective December 11, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 11, 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 and 
A300-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register as a 
supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on July 12, 1996 (61 
FR 36664). That action proposed to require repetitive Tap Test 
inspections to detect debonding of the elevator skins, and corrective 
actions, if necessary.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Request to Withdraw the Proposal

    The Air Transport Association (ATA) of America, on behalf of two of 
its member operators, and the manufacturer have no technical objection 
to the proposal, but request that the FAA withdraw the proposal. These 
commenters state that the entire affected U.S. fleet has been modified 
already, so there is no need for an AD.
    The FAA does not concur with the commenters' request to withdraw 
the proposal. Even if the current U.S.-registered fleet is in 
compliance with the requirements of the AD, the issuance of the rule is 
still necessary to ensure that any affected airplane that is imported 
and placed on the U.S. register in the future will be required to be in 
compliance as well. The manufacturer has provided no supporting data to 
the FAA demonstrating that all of the affected airplanes, worldwide, 
have been modified; therefore, the possibility exists that an 
unmodified airplane could be imported to the U.S. at some future time. 
Issuance of this AD will ensure that any such airplane is modified 
prior to the time it is permitted to operate in the U.S.

Request to Include Equipment Costs in the Economic Analysis

    Two commenters state that their fleet of airplanes have already 
accomplished the actions of the proposed rule; however, one of the 
commenters advises that the cost of the thermographic inspections 
required by the proposed rule involves the use of equipment that costs 
approximately $30,000. The commenter notes that the cost impact 
information presented in the preamble to the notice does not take this 
factor into consideration, but it should have.
    The FAA does not concur that a change to the information is 
necessary. The thermographic inspections that the commenter refers to 
are inspections that must be accomplished in the event that debonding 
is detected and the amount of it is outside the limits specified in the 
service bulletin. The economic analysis of the AD is limited only to 
the cost of actions actually required by the rule. It does not consider 
the costs of ``on condition'' actions (that is, actions taken to 
correct an unsafe condition if found), since those actions would be 
required to be accomplished, regardless of AD direction, in order to 
correct an unsafe condition identified in an airplane and to ensure 
operation of that airplane in an airworthy condition, as required by 
the Federal Aviation Regulations. In addition, the FAA has taken into 
consideration that some operators already may have the equipment at 
their main base, or that such equipment can be rented, borrowed, etc. 
The FAA also is aware that some manufacturers provide certain equipment 
on temporary loan to operators. Moreover, based on

[[Page 57318]]

the previous commenters' input that all U.S. operators have previously 
accomplished the inspections, and the fact that only a single operator 
commented on the cost of the equipment, the FAA assumes that operators 
who were required to perform the thermographic inspections found 
workable ways and means to conduct them.

Reference to Service Bulletin Revision

    The FAA has revised the final rule to include a reference to 
``Revision 1'' of Airbus Service Bulletins A310-55-2019 and A300-55-
6016. This reference to the revision level of the service bulletins was 
inadvertently omitted from the notice. (The issuance date of these 
service bulletins was correctly cited in the notice as December 18, 
1995.)

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 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.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 15 Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
inspections, 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 $4,500, or $300 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    This cost impact figure 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. However, the FAA has been advised that the 
terminating modification already has been installed on a number of 
airplanes that are subject to this AD. Therefore, the future economic 
cost impact of this rule on U.S. operators is expected to less than the 
cost impact figure indicated above.

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:

96-22-15 Airbus: Amendment 39-9804. Docket 94-NM-222-AD.

    Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes equipped 
with carbon fiber elevators having part number (P/N) A5527605500000 
(left-hand side) and P/N A5527605600000 (right-hand side), on which 
Airbus Modifications 10489 and 10533 have not 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 
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) 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 the presence of water in the elevator, which could 
cause debonding of the elevator skins and, consequently, could 
affect the structural integrity of the elevator, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Perform a thermographic inspection to detect any water that 
is trapped within the elevator structure, in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-55-2016, Revision 1, dated August 8, 1995 (for 
Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-55-
6014, Revision 1, dated August 8, 1995 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes); as applicable. Perform the inspection at the time 
specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For airplanes on which CARCOM elevators are installed: 
Perform the inspection at the later of the times specified in 
paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Prior to the accumulation of 4,500 total landings on the 
elevator, or within 5 years after the first landing on the elevator, 
whichever occurs later; or
    (ii) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which CASA elevators are installed: Perform 
the inspection at the later of the times specified in paragraphs 
(a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Prior to the accumulation of 5,000 total landings on the 
elevator, or within 6 years after the first landing on the elevator, 
whichever occurs later.
    (ii) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (b) If no water is detected, repeat the thermographic inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at the time 
specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For airplanes on which CARCOM elevators are installed: 
Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 4,500 landings or 5 
years, whichever occurs first;
    (2) For airplanes on which CASA elevators are installed: Repeat 
the inspection at intervals not to exceed 5,000 landings or 6 years, 
whichever occurs first.
    (c) If any water is detected in the elevator, and the area is 
within the limits specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-55-2016, Revision 1, dated August 8, 
1995 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-55-6014, Revision 1, dated August 8, 1995 (for Model A300-600 
series airplanes); as applicable: Prior to further flight, protect 
and/or repair the elevator in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the thermographic inspections required 
by paragraph (b) of this AD at the times specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin until 
the replacement of the elevator is accomplished as specified in 
paragraph (e) of this AD.
    (d) If any water is detected in the elevator that exceeds the 
limits specified in the

[[Page 57319]]

Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-55-2016, 
Revision 1, dated August 8, 1995 (for Model A310 series airplanes); 
or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-55-6014, Revision 1, dated August 8, 
1995 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); as applicable: 
Accomplish the requirements of either (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD, 
as applicable.
    (1) If any damage is detected that is less than or equal to 
60,000 square millimeters or 93 square inches: Prior to further 
flight, protect or repair and perform repetitive inspections in 
accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
    (2) If any damage is detected that is more than 60,001 square 
millimeters or 93 square inches: Prior to further flight, perform 
the requirements of either paragraph (d)(2)(i) or (d)(2)(ii) of this 
AD.
    (i) If the damage is within the limits of the Structural Repair 
Manual (SRM) (Ref. SRM 55-20-00), accomplish the repair in 
accordance with the SRM. Or
    (ii) Replace the elevator in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-55-2019, Revision 1, dated December 18, 1995 (for 
Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-55-
6016, Revision 1, dated December 18, 1995 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes); as applicable. After this replacement is accomplished, 
no further action is required by this AD.
    (e) Replacement of the elevator in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-55-2019, Revision 1, dated December 18, 1995 
(for Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
55-6016, Revision 1, dated December 18, 1995 (for Model A300-600 
series airplanes); as applicable; constitutes terminating action for 
the requirements of this AD.
    (f) 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.

    (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, which contain the specified list of 
effective pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Revision                                       
Service bulletin referenced and date          Page No.         level shown           Date shown on page         
                                                                 on page                                        
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A310-55-2016........................  1-55...................    .........  August 8, 1995.                     
Revision 1: August 8, 1995            Appendix 1 pages 1-8...        (\1\)  September 10, 1993.                 
                                                                                                                
A300-55-6014........................  1-55...................    .........  August 8, 1995.                     
Revision 1: August 8, 1995..........  Appendix 1 pages 1-8...    (\1\)      September 10, 1993.                 
A310-55-2019........................  1-9....................    .........  December 18, 1995.                  
Revision 1: December 18, 1995.                                                                                  
A300-55-6016........................  1-9....................    .........  December 18, 1995.                  
Revision 1: December 18, 1995.                                                                                  
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\1\ Original.                                                                                                   

    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.
    (i) This amendment becomes effective on December 11, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 24, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-27923 Filed 11-5-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U