[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 102 (Thursday, May 28, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 29146-29148]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14036]



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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-19-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A300-
600 and A310 series airplanes, that currently requires revising the 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to instruct the flightcrew to cross-check 
certain primary power setting parameters of the Thrust Control Computer 
(TCC) against tables of these values; and apply corrective action, if 
necessary. That AD also provides for optional terminating action for 
the AFM revisions. This proposed rule would require accomplishment of 
the previously optional terminating action. 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 prevent incorrect primary power setting 
parameters of the TCC, which could result in insufficient thrust being 
applied during takeoff.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 29, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-19-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 98-NM-19-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. 98-NM-19-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On December 29, 1997, the FAA issued AD 98-01-09, amendment 39-
10272 (63 FR 658, January 7, 1998), applicable to certain Airbus Model 
A300-600 and A310 series airplanes, to require revising the Limitations 
Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to instruct 
the flightcrew to cross-check certain primary power setting parameters 
of the Thrust Control Computer (TCC) against tables of these values; 
and apply corrective action, if necessary. That AD also provides for an 
optional terminating action for the AFM revisions. That action was 
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The requirements of that AD 
are intended to ensure that the flightcrew is provided with procedures 
for cross-checking and correcting certain primary power setting 
parameters of the TCC; incorrect parameters could result in 
insufficient thrust being applied during takeoff.

Actions Since Issuance of AD 98-01-09

    In the preamble to AD 98-01-09, the FAA specified that the actions 
required by that AD were considered interim action because French 
airworthiness directive 97-110-218(B) dated May 7, 1997, required 
modification of the TCC on A300-600 and A310 series airplanes, while AD 
98-01-09 provided for optional modification of the TCC. The FAA also 
indicated that it would consider further rulemaking action since the 
planned compliance time for that action was sufficiently long so that 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment were practicable. This 
proposed AD will require accomplishment of the previously optional 
modification.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
     A310-22-2025, dated April 18, 1989;
     A310-22-2027, dated June 8, 1990;
     A310-22-2031, dated September 2, 1991;
     A310-22-2035, Revision 1, dated July 13, 1994;
     A300-22-6010, dated April 18, 1989;
     A300-22-6011, dated June 8, 1990; and
     A300-22-6017, dated September 2, 1991.
    These service bulletins describe procedures for modification of the 
TCC to prevent sensitivity to electrical power transients. 
Accomplishment of the modification would eliminate the need for the AFM 
limitation. The modification of the TCC varies depending on the 
airplane model and engine configuration.
    Accomplishment of the action specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The 
Direction Genrale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, classified these service bulletins 
as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 97-110-218(B), 
dated May 7, 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

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certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec. 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 products of this same type design, the 
proposed AD would supersede AD 98-01-09 to continue to require a 
revision to the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM, that 
instructs the flightcrew to cross-check certain primary power setting 
parameters of the TCC. This proposed AD also would add a requirement to 
modify the TCC, which would terminate the requirement for the AFM 
revision.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 94 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    The AFM revision that is currently required by AD 98-01-09 takes 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required AFM revision on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $5,640, or $60 per airplane.
    The modification that is proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $4,300 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the modification proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $421,120, or $4,480 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
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 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 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 removing amendment 39-10272 (63 FR 
658, January 7, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 98-NM-19-AD. Supersedes AD 98-01-09, 
Amendment 39-10272.

    Applicability: Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes equipped 
with General Electric CF6-80C2 engines on which Airbus Modification 
7174, 7588, or 8246 has not been accomplished; and Model A300-600 
and A310 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW 4000 
engines on which Airbus Modification 7694 has not 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 (c) 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 incorrect primary power setting parameters of the 
Thrust Control Computer (TCC), which could result in insufficient 
thrust being applied during takeoff, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 98-01-09

    (a) Within 15 days after January 22, 1998 (the effective date of 
AD 98-01-09, amendment 39-10272), revise the Limitations Section of 
the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by inserting a copy of 
A300-600 or A310 Flight Manual Temporary Revision 4.03.00/18, 
4.03.00/19, 4.03.00/20, or 4.03.00/21, all dated November 4, 1996; 
as applicable; into the AFM.

    Note 2: When the temporary revision specified in paragraph (a) 
of this AD has been incorporated into the general revisions of the 
AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, provided the 
information contained in the general revision is identical to that 
specified in the applicable temporary revision cited in paragraph 
(a).

New Requirements of this AD

    (b) Within 15 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the TCC in accordance with the applicable Airbus service bulletins 
specified below. (The applicability of the service bulletins is 
specified in the effectivity section of each service bulletin.)
     A310-22-2025, dated April 18, 1989;
     A310-22-2027, dated June 8, 1990;
     A310-22-2031, dated September 2, 1991;
     A310-22-2035, Revision 1, dated July 13, 1994;
     A300-22-6010, dated April 18, 1989;
     A300-22-6011, dated June 8, 1990; or
     A300-22-6017, dated September 2, 1991.
    Accomplishment of the modification of the TCC constitutes 
terminating action for the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. 
After the modification has been accomplished, the temporary revision 
may be removed from the AFM.
    (c) 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

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obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (d) 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 directive 97-110-218(B), dated May 7, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 20, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-14036 Filed 5-27-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U