[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 20 (Friday, January 30, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4565-4568]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1970]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-301-AD; Amendment 39-10296; AD 98-03-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 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), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes. This 
action requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit 
use of the autobrake during landing on contaminated runways. This 
action also requires replacement of the brake and steering control unit 
(BSCU) with a new BSCU, which eliminates the need for the AFM revision. 
For certain airplanes, this action also requires installation of new 
brakes. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent 
insufficient braking capability, which could increase the potential for 
landing overrun.

DATES: Effective February 17, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of February 17, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before March 2, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-301-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 A330 and 
A340 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that some operators reported 
braking discrepancies at low taxi speed. Investigation has revealed 
anomalies in the standard of software associated with the brake and 
steering control unit (BSCU), which could result in insufficient 
braking capability. This condition, if not corrected, could increase 
the potential for landing overrun.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has released A330 Flight Manual Temporary Revision 4.03.00/
05, dated July 12, 1996, and A340 Flight Manual Temporary Revision 
4.03.00/13, dated July 12, 1996. These temporary revisions describe a 
revision to the Limitations Section of the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 
to prohibit use of the autobrake during landing on contaminated 
runways.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletins A330-32-3062, Revision 2 
(for Model A330 series airplanes), and A340-32-4087, Revision 2 (for 
Model A340 series airplanes), both dated May

[[Page 4566]]

27, 1997. These service bulletins describe procedures for installation 
of an improved S6D standard BSCU, which will improve braking 
capability.
    Additionally, Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-32-3061, 
Revision 1, dated May 6, 1997 (for Model A330 series airplanes), and 
A340-32-4086, Revision 2, dated June 13, 1997 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes). These service bulletins, applicable to airplanes equipped 
with Bendix brakes, describe procedures for installation of improved 
Bendix brakes, which will reduce susceptibility to braking 
discrepancies at low taxi speed. For airplanes equipped with Bendix 
brakes, Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3061 must be accomplished prior 
to or concurrently with the accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-32-3062; and Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-4086 must be 
accomplished prior to or concurrently with the accomplishment of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-32-4087.
    Accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-3062 or A340-32-
4087, as applicable, eliminates the need for the AFM revision. 
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition.
    The DGAC classified these service bulletins and the temporary 
revisions as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directives 97-
086-046(B)(R1) and 97-142-048(B), both dated July 2, 1997 (for Model 
A330 series airplanes); and 97-087-056(B), dated March 12, 1997 (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 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.19) 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 the 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 requires accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the service information described previously.

Cost Impact

    None of the airplanes affected by this action is on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this 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 that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe 
condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes 
are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, estimated costs are provided as follows.
    It would require approximately 1 work hour to accomplish the 
temporary revision of the AFM, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the temporary revision 
of the AFM required by this AD would be $60 per airplane.
    It would require approximately 3 work hours to install an improved 
BSCU, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts 
would be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the BSCU installation 
required by this AD would be $180 per airplane.
    For airplanes equipped with Bendix brakes, it would require 
approximately 8 work hours to install new Bendix brakes, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be provided by 
the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the brake installation required by this AD would be 
$480 per airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and 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-301-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.
    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.

[[Page 4567]]

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:

98-03-04  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10296. Docket 97-NM-301-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 and A340 series airplanes on which 
Airbus Modification 45006 has not been installed, 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 (e) 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 insufficient braking capability, which could increase 
the potential for landing overrun, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable. This action may be accomplished by inserting a copy of 
this AD into the applicable AFM.
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Revise the AFM to include 
the following:

``AUTOBRAKE

    Do not use the autobrake on contaminated runway (runway covered 
with more than 3 millimeters of water or slush or snow or ice) and 
on suspected slippery runway (for example, runway having heavy 
rubber traces).
    On contaminated runway or on suspected slippery runway:

--Apply manual braking only after the nose landing gear is on 
ground.
--Increase the landing distance by 4% (1% on icy runway).''

    Note 2: This AFM revision also may be accomplished by inserting 
into the Limitations Section of the AFM a copy of Airbus A330 Flight 
Manual Temporary Revision 4.03.00/05, dated July 12, 1996.

    (2) For Model A340 series airplanes: Revise the AFM to include 
the following:

``AUTOBRAKE

    Do not use the autobrake on contaminated runway (runway covered 
with more than 3 millimeters of water or slush or snow or ice) and 
on suspected slippery runway (for example, runway having heavy 
rubber traces).
    On contaminated runway or on suspected slippery runway:

--Apply manual braking only after the nose landing gear is on 
ground.
--Increase the landing distance by 5% (1% on icy runway).''

    Note 3: This AFM revision also may be accomplished by inserting 
into the Limitations Section of the AFM a copy of Airbus A340 Flight 
Manual Temporary Revision 4.03.00/13, dated July 12, 1996.
    (b) For airplanes equipped with Bendix brakes: Prior to or 
concurrently with the accomplishment of paragraph (c) of this AD, 
replace existing Bendix brakes with new Bendix brakes in accordance 
with paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Install Bendix brakes 
having increased zero torque pressure, in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-32-3061, Revision 1, dated May 6, 1997.
    (2) For Model A340 series airplanes: Install Bendix brakes 
having increased zero torque pressure, in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-32-4086, Revision 2, dated June 13, 1997.
    (c) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the existing brake and steering control unit (BSCU) with a BSCU 
having part number C2029336D6D6D, in accordance with paragraph 
(c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Accomplishment of this 
modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of 
paragraph (a) of this AD; after the modification has been 
accomplished, the temporary AFM limitation may be removed.
    (1) For Model A330 series airplanes: Replace the BSCU with a 
modified BSCU, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-
3062, Revision 2, dated May 27, 1997.
    (2) For Model A340 series airplanes: Replace the BSCU with a 
modified BSCU, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-32-
4087, Revision 2, dated May 27, 1997.
    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a BSCU having P/N C2029335B5B5B on any airplane.
    (e) 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (f) 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.
    (g) The replacements shall be done in accordance with the 
following Airbus service bulletins, as applicable, which contain the 
specified effective pages:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Service bulletin referenced and date    Page No.    Revision level shown on page        Date shown on page     
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-32-3061, Revision 1, May 6, 1997          1-4  1............................  May 6, 1997.                 
                                               5-8  Original.....................  Oct. 22, 1996.               
A330-32-3062, Revision 2, May 27,              1-8  2............................  May 27, 1997.                
 1997.                                                                                                          
A340-32-4086, Revision 2, June 13,            1, 2  2............................  June 13, 1997.               
 1997.                                                                                                          
                                               3-8  1............................  Feb. 10, 1997.               
A340-32-4087, Revision 2, May 27,              1-8  2............................  May 27, 1997.                
 1997.                                                                                                          
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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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 97-086-046(B)(R1) and 97-142-048(B), both 
dated July 2, 1997; and 97-087-056(B), dated March 12, 1997.


[[Page 4568]]


    (h) This amendment becomes effective on February 17, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-1970 Filed 1-29-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U