[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 152 (Monday, August 9, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43061-43063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-20325]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-189-AD, Amendment 39-11249, AD 99-16-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 
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) that 
is applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series 
airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection of the autopilot 
systems for proper engagement to determine if the main electro valve 
electrical connectors of the yaw, roll, and pitch autopilot actuators 
are correctly installed; and corrective actions, if necessary. 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 erratic movements of the 
ailerons, elevator, and/or rudder that are commanded by discrepant 
autopilot actuators, which could result in reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 24, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 24, 1999.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before September 8, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-189-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.

[[Page 43062]]

    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Airbus Industrie, Customer Services Directorate, 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, recently 
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Airbus Model 
A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes. One operator of an Airbus 
Model A300-600 reported high rudder forces and uncommanded rudder 
inputs during final approach. The uncommanded rudder inputs caused 
deflections of the rudder control surface resulting in yawing of the 
airplane. Investigation of the incident is ongoing, but preliminary 
results indicate that failure of both the main valve and the clutch 
valve of the autopilot yaw actuator can lead to the actuator generating 
uncommanded rudder deflections. The DGAC advises that the same 
autopilot actuator is used for roll and pitch control during autopilot 
operation, and this failure scenario can result in uncommanded 
deflections of the aileron and elevator control surfaces.
    Preliminary results of the investigation of the incident airplane's 
autopilot yaw actuator indicate that the electrical connectors between 
the actuator's two main valves and the airplane's two flight control 
computers (FCC) were crossed between side 1 and side 2. This hidden 
failure in combination with a failure of the clutch valve resulted in 
the autopilot yaw actuator remaining engaged when the crew disconnected 
the autopilot, allowing the actuator to remain hydraulically 
pressurized and provide inputs to the rudder and the rudder pedals.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in uncommanded 
deflections of the ailerons, elevator, and/or rudder, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus Industrie has issued All Operator Telexes (AOT) A300-22A0114 
(for Model A300 series airplanes), A310-22A2050 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes), and A300-600-22A6039 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); 
each dated May 27, 1999. These AOT's describe procedures for a one-time 
inspection of the autopilot systems for proper engagement to determine 
if the main electro valve electrical connectors of the yaw, roll, and 
pitch autopilot actuators are correctly installed. If autopilot systems 
1 and 2 cannot be engaged, then the AOT's describe a visual inspection 
of the main electro valve electrical connectors of all autopilot 
actuators to determine whether any electrical connection is incorrectly 
installed; and corrective action by restoring the correct installation, 
if necessary. The DGAC classified these AOT's as mandatory and issued 
French airworthiness directive 1999-268-292(B), dated June 30, 1999; 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 
Sec. 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, this AD is being issued to prevent erratic 
movements of the ailerons, elevator, and/or rudder commanded by 
discrepant autopilot actuators, which could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane. This AD requires accomplishment of the 
actions specified in the AOT's described previously.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

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 99-NM-189-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.
    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

[[Page 43063]]

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:

99-16-14  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11249. Docket 99-NM-189-AD.
    Applicability: All Model A300, A310, and A300-600 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 (b) 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 erratic movements of the ailerons, elevator, and/or 
rudder that are commanded by discrepant autopilot actuators, which 
could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish 
the following:

Inspection

    (a) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a one-time inspection of the auto pilot systems for proper 
engagement to determine if the main electro valve electrical 
connectors of the yaw, roll, and pitch autopilot actuators are 
correctly installed, in accordance with the procedure specified in 
paragraph 4.2 of Airbus Industrie All Operators Telex (AOT) A300-
22A0114 (for Model A300 series airplanes), A310-22A2050 (for Model 
A310 series airplanes), or A300-600-22A6039 (for Model A300-600 
series airplanes); each dated May 27, 1999; as applicable. If 
autopilot systems 1 and 2 cannot be engaged: Prior to further 
flight, perform a detailed inspection of the main electro valve 
electrical connectors of the yaw, roll, and pitch autopilot 
actuators for proper installation, and correct any discrepancy; in 
accordance with paragraph 4.2 of the applicable AOT.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (c) 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All 
Operators Telex A300-22A0114, dated May 27, 1999; Airbus All 
Operators Telex A310-22A2050, dated May 27, 1999; and Airbus All 
Operators Telex A300-600-22A6039, dated May 27, 1999; as applicable. 
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, Customer Services 
Directorate, 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 1999-288-292(B) dated June 30, 1999.

    (e) This amendment becomes effective on August 24, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-20325 Filed 8-6-99; 8:45 am]
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