[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 59 (Friday, March 27, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14857-14859]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8128]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-179-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A300-600, A310, 
A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A300-600, 
and A310 series airplanes, and certain Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, 
A330, and A340 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive 
visual inspections of the striker and guide valve of the passenger door 
actuators and certain emergency door actuators for corrosion, and 
corrective action, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by issuance 
of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to detect and correct corrosion of the emergency actuator 
mechanism, which could cause failure of the emergency actuator striker 
mechanism on the passenger or emergency doors, and lead to difficulty 
in opening the passenger or emergency doors during an emergency 
evacuation.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 27, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-179-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.

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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-179-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 96-NM-179-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    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 all Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series 
airplanes, and on certain Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that a failure of the emergency 
power assist feature on a passenger door has occurred on one Model A320 
series airplane. The failure of the emergency actuator, which provides 
the power assist feature, was attributed to corrosion found in the 
guide valve bore, on the striker end, and in the striker hole. The same 
emergency actuator striker mechanism part is installed on

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all of the previously mentioned models; therefore, such corrosion may 
exist or develop on these airplanes as well. This condition, if not 
detected and corrected in a timely manner, could result in difficulty 
in opening the passenger or emergency doors during an emergency 
evacuation.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-52-0168, dated December 4, 
1996 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A300-52-6052, dated December 4, 
1996 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); A310-52-2058, dated 
December 4, 1996 (for Model A310 series airplanes); All Operator Telex 
(AOT) 52-12, Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for Model A319, A320, and 
A321 series airplanes); A330-52-3038, Revision 1, dated December 2, 
1996 (for Model A330 series airplanes); and A340-52-4048, Revision 3, 
dated June 10, 1997 (for Model A340 series airplanes), which describe 
procedures for the following:
     visually inspecting the striker and guide valve of the 
passenger door actuators (for all airplanes) and emergency door 
actuators (for Model A321, A330, A340 series airplanes) for corrosion;
     cleaning and reinstalling the emergency actuator striker 
mechanism; and
     replacing the emergency actuator striker mechanism with a 
serviceable part.
    The DGAC classified this service information as mandatory and 
issued French airworthiness directives 97-062-213(B), dated February 
26, 1997; 96-093-080(B)R2, dated October 22, 1997; and 96-195-037(B)R1, 
and 96-196-048(B)R1, both dated December 3, 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 Proposed 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, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service information described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Related Foreign AD

    Operators should note that, unlike the procedures described in the 
previously cited French airworthiness directives; this proposed AD 
would not permit dispatch with a door actuator striker mechanism 
inoperative. The FAA has determined that, because of the safety 
implications and consequences associated with such inoperative 
equipment, any inoperative striker mechanism that is found to be 
corroded must be either replaced or cleaned such that proper function 
is restored prior to further flight.

Cost Impact: Model A300 and A300-600 Series Airplanes

    The FAA estimates that 85 Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes 
of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would 
take approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $45,900, or $540 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.

Cost Impact: Model A310 Series Airplanes

    The FAA estimates that 41 Model A310 series airplanes of U.S. 
registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 
approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $14,760, or $360 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.

Cost Impact: Model A319 and A320 Series Airplanes

    The FAA estimates that 128 Model A319 and A320 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 
approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
inspection and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators 
of these airplanes is estimated to be $30,720, or $240 per airplane, 
per inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Cost Impact: Model A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes

    There are currently no Model A321, A330, or A340 series airplanes 
on the U.S. Register. All of these airplanes included in the 
applicability of this proposed 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 it necessary to 
include these airplanes in the applicability of this proposed rule in 
order to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event 
that any of the subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future.
    Should an affected Model A321 series airplane be imported and 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would take approximately 
8 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspections. Based 
on an average labor rate of $60 per work hour, the cost impact of the 
proposed inspections would be $480 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    Should an affected Model A330 or A340 series airplane be imported 
and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would take 
approximately 32 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
inspections. Based on an average labor rate of $60 per work hour, the 
cost impact of the proposed inspections would be $1,920 per airplane, 
per inspection cycle.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have sufficient federalism 
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if

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promulgated, 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 copy of the draft regulatory 
evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A 
copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 96-NM-179-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series 
airplanes; and Model A319, A320, A321, A330 and A340 series 
airplanes, excluding Model A319 and A320 series airplanes on which 
Airbus Modification 26015 has been accomplished, and excluding Model 
A321 series airplanes on which both Airbus Modifications 26015 and 
26211 have been accomplished, and excluding Model A330 and A340 
series airplanes on which both Airbus Modifications 45090 and 45155 
have 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 (d) 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 detect and correct corrosion of the emergency actuator 
mechanism, which could cause failure of the emergency actuator 
striker mechanism on the passenger or emergency doors, and lead to 
difficulty in opening the passenger or emergency doors during an 
emergency evacuation, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
or within 36 months after date of manufacture, whichever occurs 
later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3 years: Perform 
the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1) and/or (a)(2) of this AD, 
as applicable, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-
0168, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model A300 series airplanes); 
A300-52-6052, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes); A310-52-2058, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model A310 
series airplanes); A330-52-3038, Revision 1, dated December 2, 1996 
(for Model A330 series airplanes); A340-52-4048, Revision 3, dated 
June 10, 1997 (for Model A340 series airplanes); or Airbus All 
Operator Telex (AOT) 52-12, Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for Model 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); as applicable.
    (1) For Model A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes: Visually 
inspect the striker and guide valve of the emergency door actuators 
for corrosion.
    (2) For all airplanes: Visually inspect the striker and guide 
valve of the passenger door actuators for corrosion.

    Note 2: Additional service information regarding the required 
inspections on Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series 
airplanes is provided in RATIER-FIGEAC Service Bulletin 701-5000-52-
9, Revision 1, dated October 10, 1996.

    (b) If corrosion is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish either 
paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-52-0168, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model 
A300 series airplanes); A300-52-6052, dated December 4, 1996 (for 
Model A300-600 series airplanes); A310-52-2058, dated December 4, 
1996 (for Model A310 series airplanes); A330-52-3038, Revision 1, 
dated December 2, 1996 (for Model A330 series airplanes); A340-52-
4048, Revision 3, dated June 10, 1997 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes), or Airbus AOT 52-12, Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for 
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); as applicable.
    (1) Clean the corroded areas of the emergency actuator striker 
mechanism to restore proper function, and re-install the mechanism; 
and, within 18 months after the corrosion is found, replace the 
mechanism with a serviceable part. Or
    (2) Replace the emergency actuator striker mechanism with a 
serviceable part.
    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a passenger door or emergency door actuator on any airplane without 
first inspecting that actuator in accordance with paragraph (a) of 
this AD, and repairing, if necessary, in accordance with paragraph 
(b) of this AD.
    (d) 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.

    (e) 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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 97-062-213(B), dated February 26, 1997; 96-
093-080(B)R2, dated October 22, 1997; and 96-195-037(B)R1 and 96-
196-048(B)R1, both dated December 3, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-8128 Filed 3-26-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U