[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:
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Service bulletin referenced and date Page No. Revision level shown on page Date shown on page
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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]
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