[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 245 (Tuesday, December 22, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70639-70641]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-33692]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-361-AD; Amendment 39-10956; AD 98-25-53]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-
600R Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment 
adopting airworthiness directive (AD) T98-25-53 that was sent to all 
known U.S. owners and operators of all Airbus Model A300 B4-600R and 
A300 F4-600R series airplanes by individual telegrams. This AD requires 
a one-time visual inspection for damage of the center fuel pumps and 
fuel pump canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel 
pump canisters with new or serviceable parts. This action is prompted 
by reports of damaged center tank fuel pump canisters and damaged 
center tank fuel pumps. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to detect damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, which could 
result in loss of flame trap

[[Page 70640]]

capability and could provide a fuel ignition source in the center fuel 
tank.

DATES: Effective December 28, 1998, to all persons except those persons 
to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T98-25-53, 
issued on December 4, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 28, 1998.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before January 21, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-361-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: Lirio Liu, International Branch, ANM-
116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-1594; fax (425) 227-
1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 4, 1998, the FAA issued 
telegraphic airworthiness directive (AD) T98-25-53, which is applicable 
to all Airbus Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes. The 
Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, advises that it has received three 
reports of damaged center tank fuel pump canisters and damaged center 
tank fuel pumps. Investigation revealed that the pump canister legs 
cracked due to fatigue. In one instance, this led to the separation of 
the upper part of the pump canister from its lower part attached at the 
center tank bottom wall. Fatigue cracking was also found at the base of 
the fuel pump diffuser housing. This condition, if not corrected, could 
result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a fuel 
ignition source in the center tank.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 
28, 1998, which describes procedures for a one-time visual inspection 
for damage of the center fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, and 
replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or 
serviceable parts. Damage of the fuel pumps or fuel pump canisters may 
include, but is not limited to, fretting, cracking of the pump 
diffuser, or separation of the pump canister from its attachment. The 
DGAC classified this AOT as mandatory and issued French telegraphic 
airworthiness directive T98-476-272(B), dated November 30, 1998, 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 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 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 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, the FAA issued telegraphic AD T98-25-53 to detect 
damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, which could result in 
loss of flame trap capability and could provide a fuel ignition source 
in the center tank. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection for 
damage of the center fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, and 
replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or 
serviceable parts. These actions are required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the AOT described previously.
    This AD also requires that operators submit a report of inspection 
findings, positive or negative, to Airbus.
    This AD is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
    Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon was 
impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause 
existed to make the AD effective immediately by telegrams issued on 
December 4, 1998, to all known owners and operators of all Airbus A300 
B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes. These conditions still 
exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an 
amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
39.13) to make it effective to all persons.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an 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-361-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

[[Page 70641]]

implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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:

98-25-53 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10956. Docket 98-NM-361-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series 
airplanes; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
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 detect damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, which 
could result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a 
fuel ignition source in the center tank, accomplish the following:
    (a) Perform a one-time visual inspection for damage of the 
center fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, in accordance with Airbus 
All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998. Perform 
the inspection at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), 
(a)(3), or (a)(4) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 20,000 or more total 
hours time-in-service as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect 
within 10 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated 12,000 or more total 
hours time-in-service, but less than 20,000 total hours time-in-
service, as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 100 
hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For airplanes that have accumulated 4,500 or more total 
hours time-in-service, but less than 12,000 total hours time-in-
service as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 500 
hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD.
    (4) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 4,500 total 
hours time-in-service as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect 
prior to the accumulation of 4,500 total hours time-in-service, or 
within 500 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later.
    (b) If any damage is detected during the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the 
damaged fuel pump or fuel pump canister with a new or serviceable 
part in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, 
dated November 28, 1998.
    (c) Within 5 days after accomplishing the inspection required by 
this AD or within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later: Report inspection findings, positive or 
negative, to Airbus, Mr. F. Poveda, AI/SE-E31, Sita Code TLSBW7X, 
fax number +33/(0)5.61.93.32.73. Information collection requirements 
contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been 
assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.
    (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 2: 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) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 
1998. 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
telegraphic airworthiness directive T98-476-272(B), dated November 
30, 1998.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on December 28, 1998, to 
all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately 
effective by telegraphic AD T98-25-53, issued on December 4, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 15, 1998.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-33692 Filed 12-21-98; 8:45 am]
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