[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 24 (Thursday, February 5, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5878-5879]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-2641]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-188-AD; Amendment 39-10303; AD 98-03-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series 
airplanes. For certain airplanes, this amendment requires replacing the 
bearings of the throttle control levers with new sealed bearings. For 
certain other airplanes, this amendment requires replacing the throttle 
control assemblies with new assemblies. This amendment is prompted by 
the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a 
foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD 
are intended to prevent asymmetric engine thrust on the airplane when 
the autothrottle is engaged, which could result in roll and yaw 
disturbances, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective March 12, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 12, 1998.

ADDRESSES: 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 Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and 
A300-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
November 28, 1997 (62 FR 63296). For certain airplanes, that action 
proposed to require replacing the bearings of the throttle control 
levers with new sealed bearings. For certain other airplanes, the 
action proposed to require replacing the throttle control assemblies 
with new assemblies.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
two comments received.
    Both commenters support the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 66 Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    The FAA estimates that the replacement of the bearings is required 
to be accomplished on 57 airplanes. It will take approximately 24 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish that action, at an average labor rate 
of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the 
manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the replacement of the bearings required by this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $82,080, or $1,440 per airplane.
    The FAA estimates that the replacement of the throttle support 
assemblies is required to be accomplished on 9 airplanes. It will take 
approximately 28 work hours per airplane to accomplish the action, at 
an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $1,138 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the replacement of the throttle support assemblies required 
by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $25,362, or $2,818 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

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.

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

[[Page 5879]]

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:

98-03-11  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10303. Docket 97-NM-188-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
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 (b) 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 asymmetric engine thrust on the airplane when the 
autothrottle is engaged, which could result in roll and yaw 
disturbances, and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 18 months or 3,500 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish paragraph (a)(1) 
or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes: Replace 
the four bearings located on both throttle control levers with new 
sealed bearings, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-76-
0018, dated October 12, 1995, as revised by Airbus Service Bulletin 
Change Notice O.A., dated February 18, 1997 (for Model A300 series 
airplanes); Airbus Service Bulletin A300-76-6010, dated October 12, 
1995, as revised by Airbus Service Bulletin Change Notice O.A., 
dated February 18, 1997 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-76-2013, dated October 12, 1995, as 
revised by Airbus Service Bulletin Change Notice O.A., dated 
February 18, 1997; as applicable.
    (2) For Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes equipped with 
full authority digital engine control (FADEC): Replace the two 
throttle support assemblies equipped with rollers with new throttle 
support assemblies equipped with bearings, in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-76-2014, Revision 02, dated January 6, 1997 
(for Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
76-6011, Revision 02, dated January 6, 1997 (for Model A300-600 
series airplanes); as applicable.

    Note 2: Replacements accomplished prior to the effective date of 
this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-76-2014, 
Revision 1, dated March 25, 1996; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
76-6011, Revision 1, dated March 25, 1996; are considered acceptable 
for compliance with the applicable action specified in paragraph 
(a)(2) of this AD.

    (b) 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.

    (c) 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.
    (d) The replacements shall be done in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-76-0018, dated October 12, 1995, as revised by 
Airbus Service Bulletin Change Notice O.A., dated February 18, 1997; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-76-6010, dated October 12, 1995, as 
revised by Airbus Service Bulletin Change Notice O.A., dated 
February 18, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-76-2013, dated 
October 12, 1995, as revised by Airbus Service Bulletin Change 
Notice O.A., dated February 18, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-
76-2014, Revision 02, dated January 6, 1997; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-76-6011, Revision 02, dated January 6, 1997; 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 96-270-209(B), dated November 20, 1996.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 12, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 28, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-2641 Filed 2-4-98; 8:45 am]
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