[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 7 (Monday, January 12, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1738-1740]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-316]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-247-AD; Amendment 39-10282; AD 98-01-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 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 A310 and A300-600 series 
airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection of the attachment 
bolts and washers for the forward cargo container and pallet latches in 
the aft cargo compartment to determine if bolts and washers having the 
correct part numbers are installed; and replacement of the bolts and 
washers with parts having the correct part numbers, if necessary. This 
AD also requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual and certain 
supplements to specify certain cargo loading procedures that must be 
used until the inspection is accomplished. 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 prevent cargo from shifting in flight, and consequent 
structural damage and reduced controllability of the airplane.


[[Page 1739]]


DATES: Effective January 27, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 27, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before February 11, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-247-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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
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 operators have 
experienced difficulties with the installation of the latches for the 
forward cargo containers and pallets in the aft cargo compartment. 
Investigation revealed that, in some cases, incorrect part numbers for 
the attachment bolts and washers of these latches had been installed. 
If the proper attachment hardware is not installed, the forward cargo 
container or pallet latches could detach from the floor when subjected 
to high acceleration forces during takeoff, landing, and flight. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in cargo shifting in flight, 
and consequent structural damage and reduced controllability of the 
airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operator Telex (AOT) 25 05, Revision 03, 
dated June 25, 1997, which describes procedures for a one-time 
inspection of the attachment bolts and washers for the forward cargo 
container and pallet latches in the aft cargo compartment to determine 
if bolts and washers having the correct part number are installed; and 
replacement of the bolts and washers with parts having the correct part 
numbers, if necessary. The AOT also describes procedures for loading 
the aft cargo compartment for in-service operation. Accomplishment of 
the one-time inspection and any necessary corrective action eliminates 
the need for use of these loading procedures. Accomplishment of the 
actions specified in the AOT is intended to adequately address the 
identified unsafe condition. The DGAC classified this AOT as mandatory 
and issued French airworthiness directive 97-143-227(B), dated July 2, 
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 will require a one-time inspection of the 
attachment bolts and washers for the forward cargo container and pallet 
latches in the aft cargo compartment to determine if bolts and washers 
having the correct part numbers are installed; and replacement of the 
bolts and washers with parts having the correct part numbers, if 
necessary. The one-time inspection is required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the AOT described previously.
    This AD also requires revising the Limitations Sections of the FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), AFM Supplements, and Airplane 
Weight and Balance Supplements to specify certain cargo loading 
procedures. Accomplishment of the one-time inspection and any necessary 
corrective action terminates the requirement for revising the AFM, AFM 
Supplements, and Airplane Weight and Balance Supplements.

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 96-NM-247-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.

[[Page 1740]]

    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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

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

98-01-20  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10282. Docket 96-NM-247-AD.

    Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 airplanes on which Airbus 
Modification 6919 or 11849 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 prevent cargo from shifting in flight, and consequent 
structural damage and reduced controllability of the airplane, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 5 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise 
the Limitations Section of all FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manuals 
(AFM) and AFM Supplements, and the Limitations Section of all FAA-
approved Airplane Weight and Balance Supplements, to include the 
following information for loading of cargo containers or pallets in 
the aft cargo compartment. This may be accomplished by inserting a 
copy of this AD in all AFM's, AFM Supplements, and Weight and 
Balance Supplements.

``Limitations

    Do not load cargo in the most forward position in the lower deck 
aft cargo compartment, just aft of frame 54. Additionally, the 
second most forward position in the lower deck aft cargo 
compartment, if used, must be occupied by Unit Load Devices (ULD's) 
over the full width.
    If half size ULD's are loaded in the aft cargo compartment, the 
following loading procedure may be accomplished:
    On both the left and right sides of the aft cargo compartment, 
the most forward position and the second most forward position must 
be either both loaded or both empty. In the case where these 
positions are empty, all aft cargo compartment latches must be 
raised.''
    (b) Within 1,000 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD, perform a one-time inspection of the attachment bolts and 
washers for the forward cargo container and pallet latches in the 
aft cargo compartment to determine if bolts and washers having the 
correct part numbers are installed, in accordance with Airbus All 
Operator Telex (AOT) 25 05, Revision 03, dated June 25, 1997. If any 
discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, accomplish corrective 
action in accordance with the AOT. Accomplishment of this 
inspection, and corrective action, if necessary, constitutes 
terminating action for the requirement of paragraph (a) of this AD; 
after these actions are accomplished, the previously required AFM 
limitation may be removed from the AFM and AFM supplements.
    (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 2: 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 one-time inspection shall be done in accordance with 
Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 25 05, Revision 03, dated June 25, 
1997. 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 97-143-227(B), dated July 2, 1997.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 27, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 31, 1997.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-316 Filed 1-9-98; 8:45 am]
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