[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 200 (Friday, October 16, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55520-55522]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-27482]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-187-AD; Amendment 39-10840; AD 98-21-32]
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 supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series 
airplanes, that currently requires performing a ram air turbine (RAT) 
extension test; removing and disassembling the RAT uplock mechanism; 
performing an inspection to detect corrosion of the RAT uplock 
mechanism, and replacement with a new assembly, if necessary; and 
cleaning all the parts of the RAT control shaft and its bearing 
component parts. This amendment requires modification of the RAT 
unlocking control unit, which constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive tests and inspections. This amendment also limits the 
applicability of the existing AD. 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 corrosion of the RAT uplock pin/shaft and needle, 
which could result in failure of the RAT to deploy and consequent loss 
of emergency hydraulic power to the flight controls in the event that 
power is lost in both engines.

DATES: Effective November 20, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 20, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as 
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of December 2, 1997 (62 FR 55726, October 28, 
1997).

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 97-22-06, 
amendment 39-10177 (62 FR 55726, October 28, 1997), which is applicable 
to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes, was 
published in the Federal Register on August 13, 1998 (63 FR 43349). The 
action proposed to continue to require performing a ram air turbine 
(RAT) extension test; removing and disassembling the RAT uplock 
mechanism; performing an inspection to detect corrosion of the RAT 
uplock mechanism, and replacement with a new assembly, if necessary; 
and cleaning all the parts of the RAT control shaft and its bearing 
component parts. The action also proposed to require modification of 
the RAT unlocking control unit, which constitutes terminating action 
for the repetitive tests and inspections. Additionally, the action 
proposed to limit the applicability of the existing AD.

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.

Explanation of Correction Made to This Final Rule

    In paragraph (a) of the proposed rule, the FAA inadvertently 
referenced Airbus Service Bulletins A300-29-0108, dated April 1, 1996; 
A310-29-2076, dated April 1, 1996; and A300-29-6037, dated April 1, 
1996; for accomplishment of the action required by paragraph (a)(1) of 
the NPRM. However, the Airplane Maintenance Manual is the correct 
reference for accomplishment of the action required by paragraph 
(a)(1). Paragraph (a) of this final rule has been revised accordingly.

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 with the change previously 
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 126 Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry that will be affected by this AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 97-22-06, and 
retained in this AD, take approximately 10 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 the previously required 
actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $75,600, or $600 per 
airplane.
    The new modification that is required in this AD action will take 
approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average

[[Page 55521]]

labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$1,972 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
modification required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$316,512, or $2,512 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 39-10177 (62 FR 
55726, October 28, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-10840, to read as follows:

98-21-32 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10840. Docket 98-NM-187-AD. 
Supersedes AD 97-22-06, Amendment 39-10177.

    Applicability: Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes 
on which Airbus Modification 11527 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) 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 corrosion of the ram air turbine (RAT) uplock pin/
shaft and needle, which could result in failure of the RAT to deploy 
and consequent loss of emergency hydraulic power to the flight 
controls in the event that power is lost in both engines, accomplish 
the following:

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 97-22-06

    (a) Within 30 months since the date of manufacture, or within 3 
months after December 2, 1997 (the effective date of AD 97-22-06, 
amendment 39-10177), whichever occurs later, accomplish the 
requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, 
repeat these actions at intervals not to exceed 30 months.
    (1) Perform a RAT extension test on the ground, in accordance 
with the procedures specified in the Airplane Maintenance Manual.
    (2) Disassemble and remove the uplock mechanism of the RAT and 
perform a visual inspection of the uplock mechanism to detect 
corrosion, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0108, 
dated April 1, 1996 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A310-29-2076, 
dated April 1, 1996 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-29-
6037, dated April 1, 1996 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); as 
applicable.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, the RAT uplock mechanism 
includes both the lever assembly and uplock unit.

    (i) If no corrosion is detected: Prior to further flight, clean 
and lubricate the uplock mechanism and its associated parts, 
reinstall the assembly, and perform a retraction/extension/
retraction of the RAT, in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.
    (ii) If any corrosion is detected in any part of the uplock 
mechanism, prior to further flight, accomplish either paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii)(A) or (a)(2)(ii)(B) of this AD in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin.
    (A) Replace the uplock mechanism with a new part and perform a 
retraction/extension/retraction of the RAT, in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin. Or
    (B) Clean and lubricate the uplock mechanism and its associated 
parts. Within 30 days following accomplishment of this cleaning and 
lubrication, replace the uplock mechanism with a new part and 
perform a retraction/extension/retraction of the RAT.
    (b) Initial accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD that have been performed in accordance with Airbus 
All Operator Telex 29-16, Revision 01, dated January 10, 1996, is 
considered acceptable for compliance with the initial RAT extension 
test and an initial visual inspection as required by paragraph (a) 
of this AD. However, the first repetitive inspection, as required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, must be performed within 30 months after 
that RAT extension test and visual inspection were conducted, and 
repeated thereafter at intervals not to exceed 30 months.

New Requirements of This AD

    (c) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the RAT unlocking control unit in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-29-0109 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A310-29-
2077 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-29-6038 (for Model 
A300-600 series airplanes); all dated January 27, 1997; as 
applicable. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes 
terminating action for the repetitive test and inspection 
requirements 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.
    (f) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, the 
actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-29-0108, dated April 1, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-
2076, dated April 1, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6037, 
dated April 1, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0109, dated 
January 27, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2077, dated 
January 27, 1997; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6038; dated 
January 27, 1997; as applicable.

[[Page 55522]]

    (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-29-0109, dated January 27, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-
29-2077, dated January 27, 1997; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
29-6038; dated January 27, 1997; is approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-29-0108, dated April 1, 1996; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-
2076, dated April 1, 1996; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6037, 
dated April 1, 1996; was approved previously by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of December 2, 1997 (62 FR 55726, October 28, 
1997).
    (3) 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 95-163-182(B)R3, dated May 7, 1997.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on November 20, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 7, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-27482 Filed 10-15-98; 8:45 am]
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