[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 231 (Friday, November 29, 1996)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60650-60653]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30411]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-204-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Industrie Model A320, A321, 
A330, and A340 Series Airplanes Equipped With Westland-Sitec Fire 
Shutoff Valves Having Part Number EO3000

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to

[[Page 60651]]

certain Airbus Industrie Model A320, A321, A330, and A340 series 
airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive testing of certain 
fire shutoff valves (FSOV's) on the left and right engines, repetitive 
checks of certain parts on the FSOV motors, and replacement of 
discrepant valves with modified valves. It would also require 
modification of FSOV seals and motors as terminating action for the 
repetitive testing and check requirements. This proposal is prompted by 
reports indicating that FSOV's are not closing completely during 
maintenance testing. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to prevent the flow of hydraulic fluid to the engine in the 
event of fire which, if not corrected, would fuel the fire, and lead to 
the loss of fluid in associated hydraulic systems, causing those 
systems to fail.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 8, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-204-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-204-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 96-NM-204-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, recently notified the FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Industrie Model A320, 
A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that it has 
received reports indicating that fire shutoff valves (FSOV's) on the 
left and right engines of these model airplanes have failed to close 
completely during scheduled maintenance testing. The FSOV's on these 
airplanes are manufactured by Westland-Sitec, and have part number (P/
N) E03000.
    Investigation has revealed that a slight extrusion of the Teflon 
seal on the valve interferes with the valve flapper, and consequently 
keeps the valve from fully closing. When this occurs, the micro switch 
that shuts off power to the electric motor on the FSOV may not work, 
and the motor could continue to operate. Over time, this continuous 
operation can cause the FSOV motor to fail. Should a FSOV not 
completely close when a fire occurs, hydraulic fluid would continue to 
flow to the engine and fuel the fire, and lead to the loss of fluid in 
associated hydraulic systems, causing those systems to fail.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) 29-15, dated May 30, 
1995, which recommends that operators of Model A320, A321, A330, and 
A340 series airplanes equipped with Westland-Sitec FSOV's having P/N 
E03000 perform a one-time functional test (for Model A320 and A321 
series airplanes) or one-time operational test (for Model A330 and A340 
series airplanes) on each FSOV; and replace discrepant valves with 
serviceable valves. This testing is to be followed immediately by a 
check to determine if the FSOV motor properly stops.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A320-29-1071, dated 
September 21, 1995 (for Model A320 and A321 series airplanes); Service 
Bulletin A330-29-3018, dated January 17, 1996 (for Model A330 series 
airplanes); and Service Bulletin A340-29-4018, dated January 17, 1996 
(for Model A340 series airplanes). These service bulletins describe 
procedures for installing FSOV's that have been modified. These Airbus 
service bulletins also reference service bulletins issued by Westland-
Sitec, the manufacturer of these valves, as sources of additional 
procedural information.
    Westland-Sitec has issued Service Bulletin E030WS-29-1, dated 
January 12, 1996, which describes procedures for modification of the 
FSOV by replacing the existing Teflon seal with a new seal that is 
manufactured from a different material and shaped differently. This 
modification will enable the valve flapper to completely close when the 
valve is closed.
    Westland-Sitec also has issued Service Bulletin A06AWS-24-1, dated 
January 12, 1996, which describes procedures for modification of the 
electric actuator on the FSOV motor. This modification, which entails 
the installation of a different gear assembly, will increase the 
operational torque on the output shaft of the FSOV motor to improve 
closure of the valve. The procedures in this service bulletin are to be 
performed at the same time as the FSOV seal is replaced.
    The DGAC has classified these Airbus service bulletins as mandatory 
and issued French airworthiness directives (C/N) 95-145-070(B)R1, dated 
January 3, 1996 (for Model A320 and A321 series airplanes); C/N 95-146-
014(B)R1, dated May 9, 1996 (for Model A330 series airplanes); and C/N 
95-148-027(B)R1, dated May 9, 1996 (for Model A340 series airplanes); 
in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
France.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section

[[Page 60652]]

21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require repetitive testing 
of each FSOV, and replacement of any discrepant FSOV with a modified 
FSOV; and repetitive checks of the FSOV motor immediately after testing 
to determine if the motor is stopping properly. Should any valve fail a 
check, the proposed AD also would require that the discrepant valve be 
replaced with a modified FSOV. The proposed AD would require 
modification of the FSOV valve by replacement of the Teflon seal with a 
new seal of different material and different shape; and by the 
installation of a new gear train on the electrical actuator on the FSOV 
motor. These modifications would constitute terminating action for the 
requirements for the repetitive tests and checks. The actions would be 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the AOT, and the 
applicable Airbus service bulletins described previously.

Differences Between the Proposed Rule, AOT, and Service Bulletins

    Should an FSOV fail a test or check, the proposed AD would require 
that any discrepant valve be replaced with a modified valve; the 
installation of a modified valve also would constitute terminating 
action for the repetitive tests and checks of the FSOV and FSOV motor, 
respectively. Furthermore, within four years after the effective date 
of the final rule, the proposed AD would require that modified valves 
be installed on all affected airplanes.
    The AOT, which only calls for a one-time test and check of the 
FSOV, recommends that a discrepant valve be replaced with a serviceable 
valve. The applicable service bulletins do not recommend a specific 
time for replacing serviceable valves with modified valves.
    The FAA has determined that long-term continued operational safety 
will be better assured by modifications or design changes to remove the 
source of the problem, rather than by repetitive inspections. Long-term 
inspections may not be providing the degree of safety assurance 
necessary for the transport airplane fleet. This, coupled with a better 
understanding of the human factors associated with numerous repetitive 
inspections, has led the FAA to consider placing less emphasis on 
special procedures and more emphasis on design improvements. The 
proposed requirement to replace any discrepant valve with a modified 
valve is in consonance with these considerations.

Cost Impact: Model A320 and A321 Series Airplanes

    The FAA estimates that 102 Airbus Model A320 and A321 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 2 hours to accomplish the proposed 
testing and check of all FSOV's and motors, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these 
proposed actions on U.S. operators of these airplanes is estimated to 
be $12,240, or $120 per airplane, per testing and check.
    It would take approximately 2 hours to accomplish the proposed 
modification of the FSOV seal, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no 
charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these proposed 
modification on U.S. operators of these airplanes would be $12,240, or 
$120 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 4 hours to accomplish the proposed 
modification of the FSOV motors, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no 
charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these proposed 
modification on U.S. operators of these airplanes would be $24,480, or 
$240 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 9 hours to accomplish the proposed 
installation of modified FSOV's and motor, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
proposed action on U.S. operators of Model A320 and A321 series 
airplanes is estimated to be $55,080, or $540 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Cost Impact: Model A330 and A340 Series Airplanes

    There are currently no Model A330 or Model A340 series airplanes on 
the U.S. Register. All of these airplanes included in the applicability 
of this proposed rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators 
under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by 
this AD action. However, the FAA considers it necessary to include 
these airplanes in the applicability of this proposed rule in order to 
ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of 
the subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in 
the future.
    Should an affected Model A330 or A340 series airplane be imported 
and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would take 
approximately 4 hours to accomplish the proposed testing and check of 
all FSOV's and motors, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD is estimated 
to be $240 per airplane, per testing and check.
    It would take approximately 4 hours to accomplish the proposed 
modification of FSOV seals, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no 
charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these proposed 
modifications would be $240 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 8 hours to accomplish the proposed 
modification of the FSOV motors, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no 
charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact of these proposed 
modifications would be $480 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 19 hours to accomplish the proposed 
installation of modified FSOV's and motors, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
proposed action is estimated to be $1,140 per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1)

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is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) if promulgated, 
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 copy of the draft regulatory evaluation 
prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it 
may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided 
under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 96-NM-204-AD.

    Applicability: Model A320, A321, A330 and A340 series airplanes; 
equipped with Westland-Sitec fire shutoff valves having part number 
E03000; 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 the flow of hydraulic fluid to the engine in the 
event of a fire, which would fuel the fire and lead to the loss of 
fluid in associated hydraulic systems, causing those systems to 
fail, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within six months after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a functional test (for A320 and A321 series airplanes) or an 
operational test (for A330 and A340 series airplanes) on each fire 
shutoff valve (FSOV) for the left and right engines and immediately 
follow this test with a check to determine whether the FSOV motor is 
properly operating, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex 
(AOT) 29-15, dated May 30, 1995.
    (1) If an FSOV passes the applicable test and check, repeat the 
procedures required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 18 months.
    (2) If an FSOV fails the applicable test or check, prior to 
further flight, replace the discrepant FSOV with an FSOV modified in 
accordance with the service bulletins specified in paragraphs 
(a)(2)(i), (a)(2)(ii), and (a)(2)(iii), as applicable. Modification 
of the seal and the electrical actuator for the motor are to be 
performed at the same time. The accomplishment of these 
modifications constitutes terminating action for the repetitive 
testing and checks of this FSOV required by paragraph (a) of AD.
    (i) For Airbus A320 and A321 series airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-29-1071, dated September 21, 1995.
    (ii) For Airbus A330 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-29-3018, dated January 17, 1996.
    (iii) For Airbus A340 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-29-4018, dated January 17, 1996.

    Note 2: The Airbus service bulletins cited in paragraphs 
(a)(2)(i)-(iii) of this AD refer to Westland-Sitec Service Bulletin 
No. E030WS-29-1, dated January 12, 1996 (valve modification), and 
Westland-Sitec Service Bulletin No. A06AWS-24-1, dated January 12, 
1996 (electrical actuator modification), as additional sources of 
procedural information.

    (b) Within 4 years after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the electrical actuator for the motor and the seal of each FSOV, in 
accordance with the service bulletins specified in paragraphs 
(b)(2)(i), (b)(2)(ii), and (b)(2)(iii) of this AD, as applicable. 
The accomplishment of these modifications constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive tests and checks required by paragraph (a) 
of this AD and, thereafter, no further action is required.
    (i) For Airbus A320 and A321 series airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-29-1071, dated September 21, 1995.
    (ii) For Airbus A330 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-29-3018, dated January 17, 1996.
    (iii) For Airbus A340 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-29-4018, dated January 17, 1996.
    (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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 21, 1996.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-30411 Filed 11-27-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U