[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 176 (Monday, September 13, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49420-49422]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-23742]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-205-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 
series airplanes, that currently requires certain changes to the 
procedures in the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) related to operation of 
the emergency lighting system. This action would require modification 
of the emergency lighting system and a revision to the AFM to ensure 
the preservation of the airplane batteries. This proposal would also 
provide, for certain airplanes, terminating action for the existing AFM 
revision, and replacement with a different AFM revision. This proposal 
would also expand the applicability to include certain Model A310 and 
A300-600 series airplanes. This proposal is prompted by issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are 
intended to ensure that the emergency lighting is available for 
evacuation in an emergency situation.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 13, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-205-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.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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.

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:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed 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 above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 98-NM-205-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 98-NM-205-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

[[Page 49421]]

Discussion

    On August 8, 1988, the FAA issued AD 88-18-01, amendment 39-5998 
(53 FR 30975, August 17, 1988), applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 
series airplanes, to require certain changes to the procedures in the 
FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) related to operation of the 
emergency lighting system. That action was prompted by pilot reports 
that the emergency lighting system did not illuminate with loss of AC 
power, and that the AFM did not contain compensating procedures which 
would ensure that the lights would be turned on by the flightcrew prior 
to the need for an emergency evacuation. The requirements of that AD 
are intended to ensure that emergency lighting for evacuation of the 
airplane's occupants would be provided in an emergency when the 
airplane's normal AC power is interrupted.
    In the preamble to AD 88-18-01, the FAA indicated that the actions 
required by that AD were considered ``interim action'' and that further 
rulemaking action was being considered. The FAA now has determined that 
further rulemaking action is indeed necessary, and this proposed AD 
follows from that determination.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, the manufacturer has developed new 
service information that addresses the unsafe condition.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-33-0119 (for Model A300 
series airplanes), A310-33-2025 (for Model A310 series airplanes), and 
A300-33-6020 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); all dated March 1, 
1993; and A300-33-6013, dated March 30, 1989 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes). These service bulletins describe procedures for 
modification of the wiring of the emergency lighting system. The two 
service bulletins for Model A300-600 series airplanes apply to 
different groups of airplanes. Airbus has also issued temporary 
revisions 3.02.00/7, 3.02.00/8, and 3.02.00/11 to the applicable AFM to 
ensure the preservation of the airplane batteries. Accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletins (and incorporation of 
the AFM temporary revisions) is intended to adequately address the 
identified unsafe condition. The Direction Generale de l'Aviation 
Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, 
classified these service bulletins as an acceptable means of compliance 
with French airworthiness directive 89-107-096(B)R4, dated August 13, 
1997, which was issued to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in France.

Applicability of Proposed AD

    The applicability of the existing AD has been expanded in this 
proposed AD to correspond to that of the French airworthiness 
directive.

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 Proposed 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 proposed AD would supersede AD 88-18-01 to 
continue to require certain changes to the Model A300 AFM until the 
emergency lighting system is modified. The proposed AD would also 
require, for all affected airplanes, modification of the emergency 
lighting system and a revision to the AFM procedures in order to 
preserve battery power. This proposed AD would provide, for certain 
airplanes, terminating action for the existing AFM revision, and 
replacement with a different AFM revision.

Difference Between Proposed Rule and Foreign AD

    The proposed AD would differ from the parallel French airworthiness 
directive in that the French airworthiness directive mandates a 
different set of service bulletins than this proposed AD. The DGAC has 
approved the service bulletins that the FAA proposes to require as an 
equivalent means of satisfying the requirements of the French 
airworthiness directive, however. The modifications described by the 
service bulletins mandated by the French airworthiness directive do not 
fully satisfy the FAA requirements for emergency lighting as specified 
in section 25.812 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 25). 
Therefore, Airbus produced a set of service bulletins that modified the 
system in such a manner that it would comply with the FAA requirements. 
However, the modification specified in the service bulletins specified 
in this proposed AD requires that an AFM change be introduced that 
would ensure that, in the event of the loss of both engines or both 
engine electrical generators, the flightcrew would take the necessary 
action to ensure that emergency lighting would be available when 
needed. The modification specified in the service bulletins mandated by 
the French airworthiness directive does not require the AFM changes. 
The service bulletins proposed to be required by this AD action and 
those mandated by the French airworthiness directive are different, but 
they address the same unsafe condition.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 157 airplanes of U.S. registry that would 
be affected by this proposed AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 88-18-01, and 
retained in this proposed AD, take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the currently required 
actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $60 per airplane.
    The modification that is proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 18 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $500 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed modification of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $248,060, or $1,580 per airplane.
    The AFM revision that is proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed AFM revision of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $9,420, or $60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

[[Page 49422]]

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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 removing amendment 39-5998 (53 FR 
30975, August 17, 1988), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 98-NM-205-AD. Supersedes AD 88-18-01, 
Amendment 39-5998.
    Applicability: Model A300 and A310 series airplanes, except 
those on which Airbus Modification 10002 has been accomplished; and 
Model A300-600 series airplanes, except those on which Airbus 
Modification 7738 or 10002 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 ensure that the emergency lighting is available for 
evacuation in an emergency situation, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 88-18-01, Amendment 39-5998

AFM Revision

    (a) For Model A300 series airplanes (excluding Model A300-600 
series airplanes): Within 10 days after September 2, 1988 (the 
effective date of AD 88-18-01, amendment 39-5998), the following 
procedures must be applied and a copy of this AD or the changes 
indicated below must be inserted in the appropriate Section of the 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), as indicated below:
    (1) This sentence is to be inserted facing 3-02-00 page 11:
``EMERGENCY PROCEDURES-DITCHING
    When ditching, the MIN CABIN LT selector (if installed) must be 
switched ON.''
    (2) This sentence is to be inserted facing 3-02-00 page 12:
``EMERGENCY PROCEDURES-EMERGENCY EVACUATION
    When the procedure EMERGENCY EVACUATION is applied, the EMER 
EXIT LT selector must be selected `ON' after parking brake is ON.''
    (3) This sentence is to be inserted facing 4-03-00 page 1:
``NORMAL PROCEDURES-TAXI
    Prior to push back, the MIN CABIN LT selector (if installed) 
must be switched `ON' and remain ON until gear retraction.''
    (4) This sentence is to be inserted facing 4-03-00 page 4:
``NORMAL PROCEDURES-LANDING
    Before landing, the MIN CABIN LT selector (if installed) must be 
switched `ON' and should remain ON until engine shutdown or until 
parked.''

New Requirements of This AD

Modification

    (b) For all airplanes: Within 6 months after the effective date 
of this AD, modify the emergency lighting system, in accordance with 
the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (b)(1), 
(b)(2), (b)(3), or (b)(4), of this AD.
    (1) For Model A300 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-33-0119, dated March 1, 1993.
    (2) For Model A310 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-33-2025, dated March 1, 1993.
    (3) For Model A300-600 series airplanes listed in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-33-6013, dated March 30, 1989: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-33-6013, dated March 30, 1989.
    (4) For Model A300-600 series airplanes listed in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-33-6020, dated March 1, 1993: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-33-6020, dated March 1, 1993.

AFM Revisions

    (c) Prior to further flight following accomplishment of the 
modification required by paragraph (b) of this AD: Revise the FAA-
approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by adding the temporary 
revision (TR) specified in paragraph (c)(1), (c)(2), or (c)(3), as 
applicable, of this AD.
    (1) For Model A300 series airplanes: Insert AFM TR 3.02.00/7. 
After accomplishment of the modification required by paragraph (b) 
of this AD, the TR required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be 
removed [paragraph (a) applies to Model A300 series airplanes only].
    (2) For Model A310 series airplanes: Insert AFM TR 3.02.00/8.
    (3) For Model A300-600 series airplanes: Insert AFM TR 3.02.00/
11.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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 Operations 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.

Special Flight Permits

    (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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 89-107-096(B)R4, dated August 13, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 7, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-23742 Filed 9-10-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P