[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 33 (Friday, February 19, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8232-8233]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-3725]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-301-AD; Amendment 39-11043; AD 99-04-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300-600 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes, that 
requires removal of the fuel level sensing amplifier (FLSA) of the trim 
tank system, modification of the polarization pin code in the 
electronics bay, and installation of a new, improved FLSA. 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 continuous aft transfer of 
fuel due to the FLSA not supplying electrical power to the trim tank 
overflow sensor, which could result in potential loss of fuel during 
flight.

DATES: Effective March 26, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 26, 1999.

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) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300-600 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 18, 
1998 (63 FR 70068). That action proposed to require removal of the fuel 
level sensing amplifier (FLSA) of the trim tank system, modification of 
the polarization pin code in the electronics bay, and installation of a 
new, improved FLSA.

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 indicates that it has completed the subject 
modifications in accordance with French airworthiness directive 98-249-
252(B).

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 as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 61 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 3 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the 
manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $10,980, or 
$180 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

99-04-18  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11043. Docket 98-NM-301-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300-600 series airplanes on which Airbus 
Modification 4801 was accomplished during production and on which 
Airbus Modification 10778 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
31-6051, dated June 28, 1996) has been accomplished; except those 
airplanes on which Airbus Modification 11683 (reference Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-28-6055, dated January 28, 1997, and Revision 
01, dated July 24, 1998) has been accomplished; certificated in any 
category.


[[Page 8233]]


    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 continuous aft transfer of fuel due to the fuel level 
sensing amplifier (FLSA) not supplying electrical power to the trim 
tank overflow sensor, which could result in potential loss of fuel 
during flight, accomplish the following:
    (a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, within 2 
months after the effective date of this AD, remove the FLSA of the 
trim tank system, modify the polarization pin code in the 
electronics bay, and install a new, improved FLSA, in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6055, Revision 01, dated July 
24, 1998.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (a) 
of this AD, prior to the effective date of this AD, in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6055 dated January 28, 1997, is 
considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable actions 
specified in this AD.

    (b) For airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A300-31-6051, 
dated June 28, 1996, is accomplished after the effective date of 
this AD: Concurrent with the accomplishment of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-31-6051, accomplish the actions required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-
6055, Revision 01, dated July 24, 1998.
    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a FLSA having part number 722-295-2, on any airplane.
    (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) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-28-6055, Revision 01, dated July 24, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 98-249-252(B), dated July 1, 1998.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 26, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 1999.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-3725 Filed 2-18-99; 8:45 am]
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