[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:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Revision level
            Page No.                 shown on page    Date shown on page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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