[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 186 (Friday, September 25, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51275-51277]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-25472]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-42-AD; Amendment 39-10796; AD 98-20-29]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Industrie Model A320 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to all Airbus Industrie Model A320 series airplanes,
that currently requires a revision to the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
to prohibit automatic landings in configuration 3 (CONF 3). This
amendment limits the applicability of the existing AD, and adds a new
revision to the AFM to indicate that automatic landings in CONF 3 are
prohibited and to specify an
[[Page 51276]]
increased minimum runway visual range for airplanes on which certain
modifications have not been accomplished. This amendment also requires
eventual replacement of the existing spoiler elevator computers with
improved parts, and insertion of new pages into the AFM that correct
landing distances required for automatic landings in CONF 3. 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 pitch-up of the airplane
due to activation of the spoilers during an automatic landing, which,
if not corrected, could result in tail strikes and structural damage to
the airplane.
DATES: Effective October 30, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of October 30, 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) by superseding AD 92-19-13,
amendment 39-8371 (57 FR 40601, September 4, 1992), which is applicable
to all Airbus Industrie Model A320 series airplanes, was published in
the Federal Register on July 23, 1998 (63 FR 39540). The action
proposed to continue to require a revision to the Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM) to prohibit automatic landings in configuration 3 (CONF
3). The action also proposed to limit the applicability of the existing
AD, and add a new revision to the AFM to indicate that automatic
landings in CONF 3 are prohibited and to specify an increased minimum
runway visual range for airplanes on which certain modifications have
not been accomplished. The action also proposed to require eventual
replacement of the existing spoiler elevator computers with improved
parts, and insertion of new pages into the AFM that correct landing
distances required for automatic landings in CONF 3.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
The 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
There are approximately 93 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be
affected by this AD.
The incorporation of the temporary revision into the AFM that is
currently required by AD 92-19-13, and retained in this AD, 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 this requirement of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to
be $5,580, or $60 per airplane.
The incorporation of the new temporary revision into the AFM that
is required in this AD will take 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 this requirement of this AD on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $5,580, or $60 per airplane.
The replacement of the spoiler elevator computers (SEC's) that is
required in this AD action will take approximately 3 work hours per
airplane to accomplish, 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 this requirement
of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $16,740, or $180 per
airplane.
The incorporation of AFM Section 5.06.00, pages 06 and 6A, into the
AFM that is required in this AD action will take 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 this requirement
of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $5,580, or $60 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 removing amendment 39-8371 (57 FR
40601, September 4, 1992), and by adding a new airworthiness directive
(AD), amendment 39-10796, to read as follows:
98-20-29 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10796. Docket 97-NM-42-AD.
Supersedes AD 92-19-13, Amendment 39-8371.
Applicability: Model A320 series airplanes on which Airbus
Industrie Modification
[[Page 51277]]
23132, 24348, or 24511 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 (d)(1)
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 pitch-up of the airplane due to activation of the
spoilers during an automatic landing, which, if not corrected, could
result in tail strikes and structural damage to the airplane,
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 60 days after October 9, 1992 (the effective date of
AD 92-19-13, amendment 39-8371), revise the Limitations Section of
the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the
following statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of
this AD into the AFM.
``Use of automatic landing in configuration 3 (CONF 3) is
prohibited.''
(b) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the FAA-approved Airbus A320 AFM by inserting Airbus A319/320/321
AFM Temporary Revision 9.99.99/02, Issue 02, dated April 8, 1997,
into the AFM. After revising the AFM, the AFM revision required by
paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
(c) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of
this AD. After the actions specified by paragraph (c) of this AD
have been accomplished, the AFM revision required by paragraph (b)
of this AD (Airbus A320 AFM Temporary Revision 9.99.99/02, Issue 02,
dated April 8, 1997) may be removed from the AFM.
(1) Replace the existing spoiler elevator computers (SEC's) in
the aft and forward electronics racks with new, improved SEC's, in
accordance with Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-27-1081,
Revision 2, dated September 6, 1995; or A320-27-1073, dated January
20, 1995; as applicable.
(2) After the accomplishment of the actions specified by
paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, prior to further flight, revise Section
5.06.00 of the Airbus A320 AFM by inserting Section 5.06.00, page
06, dated February 10, 1996, and page 6A, dated January 20, 1997.
Note 2: Operators should ensure that the units in which the
distance measurements are listed in AFM Section 5.06.00, pages 06
and 6A, are consistent with the units of measurement that the
operators use in their operations.
(d)(1) 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.
(d)(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in
accordance with AD 92-19-13, amendment 39-8371, are approved as
alternative methods of compliance with this AD.
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 Secs. 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.
(f) Except as provided by paragraphs (a) and (c)(2) of this AD,
the actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus A319/320/321 AFM
Temporary Revision (TR) 9.99.99/02, Issue 02, dated April 8, 1997;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1081, Revision 2, dated September 6,
1995; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1073, dated January 20,
1995; as applicable. Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1081, Revision
2, dated September 6, 1995, contains the following list of effective
pages:
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Revision level
Page No. shown on page Date shown on page
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1, 3, 4, 6-10, 13-15............ 2................. Sept. 6, 1995.
2, 5, 11, 12.................... Original.......... Jan. 16, 1995.
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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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 93-203-049(B)R3, dated July 2, 1997.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on October 30, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 17, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-25472 Filed 9-24-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U