[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 97 (Wednesday, May 20, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 27674-27675]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13292]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-13-AD; Amendment 39-10535; AD 98-11-08]
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 certain Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series 
airplanes, that requires replacement of the non-return valves located 
in the engine fuel feed lines on the outer fuel tank with new return 
valves; and, for certain airplanes, replacement of the inner tank 
booster pump canisters with modified canisters. This amendment is 
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by 
this AD are intended to prevent sticking of non-return valves located 
in the fuel system, which could result in an internal fuel transfer 
from the center tank to the inner or outer tank. Such a transfer of 
fuel could lead to fuel spillage overboard through the vent system, and 
consequent insufficient fuel for the airplane to reach its flight 
destination.

DATES: Effective June 24, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 24, 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 certain Airbus Model A300, A310, 
and A300-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
March 27, 1998 (63 FR 14849). That action proposed to require 
replacement of the non-return valves located in the engine fuel feed 
lines on the outer fuel tank with new return valves; and, for certain 
airplanes, replacement of the inner tank booster pump canisters with 
modified canisters.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received.
    The commenter supports the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
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 103 Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    The FAA estimates that the required replacement of the non-return 
valves will take approximately 66 work hours

[[Page 27675]]

per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to 
the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this action 
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $407,880, or 
$3,960 per airplane.
    The FAA estimates that the required replacement of the inner fuel 
tank booster pump canisters will take approximately 12 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Required parts will be supplied by the manufacturer at no cost to the 
operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this action 
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $74,160, or 
$720 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 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:

98-11-08  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10535. Docket 98-NM-13-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes; 
on which Airbus Modification 8928 or 6094 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 (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 sticking of non-return valves located in the fuel 
system, which could result in fuel spillage overboard and consequent 
insufficient fuel for the airplane to reach its flight destination, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 8928 has not been 
installed: Replace the non-return valves located in the engine fuel 
feed lines on the outer fuel tank with new non-return valves, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0063, Revision 01 
(for Model A300 series airplanes); Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-
2053, Revision 01 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-28-6031, Revision 01 (for Model A300-600 
series airplanes); all dated January 15, 1997; as applicable.
    (2) For extended range twin-engine operations (ETOPS) airplanes, 
or airplanes equipped with auxiliary tanks; on which Airbus 
Modification 6094 has not been installed: Replace the inner tank 
booster pump canisters with modified canisters, in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0071 (for Model A300 series 
airplanes); A310-28-2124 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-
28-6054 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); all dated January 15, 
1997; as applicable.
    (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 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.

    (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 actions shall be done in accordance with the following 
Airbus Service Bulletins, as applicable:
     A300-28-0063, Revision 01, dated January 15, 1997;
     A310-28-2053, Revision 01, dated January 15, 1997;
     A300-28-6031, Revision 01, dated January 15, 1997;
     A300-28-0071, dated January 15, 1997;
     A310-28-2124, dated January 15, 1997; and
     A300-28-6054, dated January 15, 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 97-082-215(B), dated March 12, 1997.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on June 24, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 13, 1998.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-13292 Filed 5-19-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U