[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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