[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 241 (Wednesday, December 16, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69188-69189]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33103]
[[Page 69188]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-302-AD; Amendment 39-10944; AD 98-26-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A321 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Model A321 series airplanes. This action
requires modification and re-identification of the evacuation slide
systems at left-and right-hand emergency exits 2 and 3. This amendment
is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions
specified in this AD are intended to prevent the loss of the evacuation
slides during flight, which could result in damage to the empennage, or
inability of airplane occupants to use certain exit doors during an
emergency.
DATES: Effective December 31, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of December 31, 1998.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before January 15, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-302-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
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 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.
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: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the
FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A321
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that two operators of Model A321
series airplanes reported the loss of an evacuation slide during
flight. The loss of the slide was attributed to a leak of pressurized
cabin air into the inflation line of the evacuation slide, which
resulted in detachment of the door to the container in which the slide
was stored (``blow out door''). Deployment or separation from the
airplane of an evacuation slide during flight could result in damage to
the empennage, or inability of airplane occupants to use certain exit
doors during an emergency.
Other Relevant Rulemaking
On January 3, 1997, the FAA issued AD 97-01-09, amendment 39-9880
(62 FR 2009, January 15, 1997), which requires repetitive inspections
to detect cracking and delamination of the doors that contain the left
and right emergency evacuation slides, and repair or replacement, if
necessary. That AD requires accomplishment of the actions specified in
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1167, dated June 24, 1996, which, among
other things, includes procedures for modification of the escape slide
system, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspection requirements in that AD.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-25-1199, dated March 25,
1998, which describes procedures for modification and re-identification
of the emergency evacuation slide systems at left- and right-hand
emergency exits number 2 and 3. The modification includes replacement
of the pressure check valve and the O-ring on the aspirator with new or
serviceable components. (Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1199, dated
March 25, 1998, references Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. 005-25-
07, dated September 2, 1997, as an additional source of service
information for accomplishment of the modification and re-
identification.) Accomplishment of the action specified in the Airbus
service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified
unsafe condition.
The DGAC classified the Airbus service bulletin as mandatory and
issued French airworthiness directive 98-292-117(B), dated July 29,
1998, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes
in France.
FAA's Conclusions
This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.19) 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 the Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent the loss of
the evacuation slides during flight, which could result in damage to
the empennage, or inability of airplane occupants to use certain exit
doors during an emergency. This AD requires accomplishment of the
actions specified in the Airbus service bulletin described previously.
Cost Impact
None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S.
Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule
currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry;
therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However,
the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe
condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes
are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.
Register in the future, it would require approximately 8 work hours (4
doors at 2 hours each) to accomplish the required modification, at an
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of the modification proposed by this AD
would be $480 per airplane.
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic
[[Page 69189]]
impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior
notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment
may be made effective in less than 30 days after publication in the
Federal Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this
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 under the caption
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional
rulemaking action would be needed.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the 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 that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 98-NM-302-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
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:
98-26-03 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10944. Docket 98-NM-302-AD.
Applicability: Model A321 series airplanes, except those on
which Airbus Modification 27036 has been installed; or on which the
action described in Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-25-1199,
dated March 25, 1998, has 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 the loss of the evacuation slides during flight,
which could result in damage to the empennage, or inability of
airplane occupants to use certain exit doors during an emergency;
accomplish the following:
(a) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD:
Accomplish the modification and re-identification of the evacuation
slide systems at left- and right-hand emergency exits 2 and 3, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1199, dated March
25, 1998.
(b) The modification required by paragraph (b) of AD 97-01-09,
amendment 39-9880 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1167,
dated June 24, 1996), must be accomplished prior to or
simultaneously with the modification required by this AD.
Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1199, dated March 25,
1998, references Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B. 005-25-07, dated
September 2, 1997, as an additional source of service information
for accomplishment of the modification and re-identification of the
evacuation slide systems specified in this AD.
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
on any airplane, an evacuation slide system having part number
62292-101, 62292-102, 62293-101, 62293-102, 62292-103, 62292-104,
62293-103, or 62293-104.
(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
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) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-25-1199, dated March 25, 1998. 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 98-292-117(B), dated July 29, 1998.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on December 31, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 8, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-33103 Filed 12-15-98; 8:45 am]
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