[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 4 (Wednesday, January 7, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 658-660]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-115]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-333-AD; Amendment 39-10272; AD 98-01-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300-600 and A310 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300-600 and A310 series 
airplanes. This action requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) to instruct the flightcrew to crosscheck certain primary power 
setting parameters of the Thrust Control Computer (TCC) against tables 
of these values; and apply corrective action, if necessary. This 
amendment also provides for optional terminating action for the AFM 
revision. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The actions specified in this AD are intended to ensure that 
the flightcrew is provided with procedures for crosschecking and 
correcting certain primary power setting parameters of the TCC; 
incorrect parameters could result in insufficient thrust being applied 
during takeoff.

DATES: Effective January 22, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 22, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 6, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-333-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    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 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile 
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the 
FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A310 and 
A300-600 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, in three instances, 
incorrect primary power setting parameters [N1 rotor speed or engine 
pressure ratio (EPR)] have been observed on airplanes in service. These 
incorrect parameters have been attributed to inaccurate data 
computations by the Thrust Control Computer (TCC), due to electrical 
power transients occurring during the engine startup sequence. 
Incorrect primary power setting parameters in the TCC, if not 
corrected, could result in insufficient thrust being applied during 
takeoff.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued A300-600 Flight Manual Temporary Revisions 
4.03.00/18 and 4.03.00/19; and A310 Flight Manual Temporary Revisions 
4.03.00/20 and

[[Page 659]]

4.03.00/21; all dated November 4, 1996. These temporary revisions 
describe procedures for crosschecking the primary power setting 
parameters (N1 or EPR) of the TCC against tables of these values given 
in the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM); and resetting the TCC, if 
necessary.
    Airbus also has issued service bulletins which describe procedures 
for modification of the TCC on certain airplanes, to prevent its 
sensitivity to electrical power transients. Accomplishment of the 
modification eliminates the need for the AFM limitation. The 
modification of the TCC varies depending on the airplane model and 
engine configuration, as specified in each Airbus service bulletin 
below:
     A310-22-2025, dated April 18, 1989;
     A310-22-2027, dated June 8, 1990;
     A310-22-2031, dated September 2, 1991;
     A310-22-2035, Revision 1, dated July 13, 1994;
     A300-22-6010, dated April 18, 1989;
     A300-22-6011, dated June 8, 1990; and
     A300-22-6017, dated September 2, 1991.
    The DGAC classified these AFM temporary revisions and service 
bulletins as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 97-
110-218(B), dated May 7, 1997, 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 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 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, this AD is being issued to ensure that the 
flightcrew is provided with procedures for crosschecking and correcting 
certain primary power setting parameters of the TCC; incorrect 
parameters could result in insufficient thrust being applied during 
takeoff. This AD requires revising the Limitations Section of the FAA-
approved AFM by incorporating the previously described temporary AFM 
revisions, as applicable. This AD also provides for optional 
terminating action for the AFM revisions.

Interim Action

    This AD is considered to be interim action. While the French 
airworthiness directive also requires modification of the TCC on 
certain A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, in accordance with the 
previously described service bulletins, this AD provides for optional 
modification of the TCC. The FAA is currently considering requiring 
modification of the TCC. However, the planned compliance time is 
sufficiently long so that notice and opportunity for prior public 
comment will be practicable.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-333-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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.


[[Page 660]]




Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

98-01-09 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10272. Docket 97-NM-333-AD.

    Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes equipped 
with General Electric CF6-80C2 engines on which Airbus Modification 
7174, 7588, or 8246 has not been accomplished; and Model A310 and 
A300-600 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW 4000 
engines on which Airbus Modification 7694 has 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 
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 ensure that the flightcrew is provided with procedures for 
crosschecking and correcting certain primary power setting 
parameters of the Thrust Control Computer (TCC),accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) by inserting a copy of A300-600 or A310 Flight Manual 
Temporary Revision 4.03.00/18, 4.03.00/19, 4.03.00/20, or 4.03.00/
21, all dated November 4, 1996; as applicable; into the AFM.

    Note 2: When the temporary revision specified in paragraph (a) 
of this AD has been incorporated into the general revisions of the 
AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, provided the 
information contained in the general revision is identical to that 
specified in the applicable temporary revision cited in paragraph 
(a).

    (b) Accomplishment of modification of the TCC in accordance with 
the applicable Airbus service bulletins specified below constitutes 
terminating action for the requirement of paragraph (a) of this AD:
     A310-22-2025, dated April 18, 1989;
     A310-22-2027, dated June 8, 1990;
     A310-22-2031, dated September 2, 1991;
     A310-22-2035, Revision 1, dated July 13, 1994;
     A300-22-6010, dated April 18, 1989;
     A300-22-6011, dated June 8, 1990;
     A300-22-6017, dated September 2, 1991.
After the modification has been accomplished, the Temporary AFM 
Revision may be removed from the AFM.
    (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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
    (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.
    (e) The AFM revision shall be done in accordance with Airbus 
A300-600 Flight Manual Temporary Revision 4.03.00/18, dated November 
4, 1996; Airbus Model A300-600 Flight Manual Temporary Revision 
4.03.00/19, dated November 4, 1996; Airbus A310 Flight Manual 
Temporary Revision 4.03.00/20, dated November 4, 1996; or Airbus 
A310 Flight Manual Temporary Revision 4.03.00/21, dated November 4, 
1996; as applicable. The modification, if accomplished, shall be 
done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2025, dated 
April 18, 1989; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2027, dated June 8, 
1990; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2031, dated September 2, 1991; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2035, Revision 1, dated July 13, 
1994; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6010, dated April 18, 1989; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6011, dated June 8, 1990; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-22-6017, dated September 2, 1991; as 
applicable. 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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 97-110-218(B), dated May 7, 1997.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 22, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 29, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-115 Filed 1-6-98; 8:45 am]
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