[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 207 (Wednesday, October 27, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57796-57798]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-28081]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-202-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Industrie Model A300, A310, and 
A300-600 Series Airplanes Equipped with Dowty Ram Air Turbines

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 Industrie 
Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes, that currently 
requires repetitive deployment tests of the ram air turbine (RAT) and 
checks of the adjustment of the locking rod. This action would require 
modification of the RAT, which would terminate the repetitive tests and 
checks. 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 the 
availability of the RAT in case of need.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 26, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-202-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 99-NM-202-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. 99-NM-202-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On February 7, 1994, the FAA issued AD 94-04-05, amendment 39-8823 
(59 FR 7208, February 15, 1994), applicable to certain Airbus Industrie 
Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes, to require repetitive 
deployment tests of the ram air turbine (RAT) and checks of the 
adjustment of the locking rod. That action was prompted by reports of 
failure of the RAT to rotate when necessary, due to maladjustment of 
the locking rod. The requirements of that AD are intended to ensure the 
availability of the RAT in case of need.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Since the issuance of AD 94-04-05, Airbus Industrie has issued 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0106, Revision 02 (for Model A300 
series airplanes); A310-29-2078, Revision 02 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes); and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6039, Revision 02 (for 
Model A300-600 series airplanes); all dated January 26, 1999. These 
service bulletins describe procedures for modification of the RAT by 
installing a grease nipple and a scraper seal assembly, replacing the 
locking rod spring with a stronger spring, and re-identifying the RAT 
with a new part number. Such modification would eliminate the need for 
the repetitive tests and checks specified in Airbus All Operator Telex 
(AOT) 29-09, dated November 16, 1993. Accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the applicable service bulletin is intended to adequately 
address the identified unsafe condition. The Direction Generale de 
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) classified these service bulletins as 
mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 98-448-262(B), 
dated November 18, 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 
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 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 94-04-05 to 
continue to require repetitive deployment tests of the ram air turbine 
(RAT) and checks of

[[Page 57797]]

the adjustment of the locking rod until accomplishment of the actions 
specified in the service bulletins described previously.

Explanation of Changes Made to Applicability

    The applicability of this proposed AD is different from AD 94-04-
05. Two RAT part numbers were incorrectly identified in the 
applicability of that AD: RAT 16C 116 VG and RAT 16C 117 VG. Those part 
numbers identify RAT's that have already incorporated the modifications 
that would be required by this proposed AD; therefore, they have been 
removed from the applicability.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 126 airplanes of U.S. registry that would 
be affected by this proposed AD.
    The repetitive tests and checks that were previously required by AD 
94-04-05, and retained in this proposed AD, take approximately 2 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this requirement 
of this proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $15,120, or 
$120 per airplane, per test/check cycle.
    The new modification that is proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $3,995 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $548,730, or $4,355 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.

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 39-8823 (59 FR 
7208, February 15, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 99-NM-202-AD. Supersedes AD 94-04-05, 
Amendment 39-8823.

    Applicability: Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes; 
certificated in any category; equipped with Dowty ram air turbines 
(RAT) having the following part numbers:

RAT 16C 100 VG
RAT 16C 101 VG
RAT 16C 102 VG
RAT 16C 103 VG
RAT 16C 104 VG
RAT 16C 105 VG
RAT 16C 109 VG
RAT 16C 110 VG

    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)(1) 
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 the availability of the RAT in case of need, 
accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 94-04-05

Repetitive Tests and Checks

    (a) Within 60 days after March 2, 1994 (the effective date of AD 
94-04-05, amendment 39-8823), or 500 hours time-in-service after 
March 2, 1994, whichever occurs first, perform a deployment test of 
the RAT and check the adjustment of the locking rod, in accordance 
with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 29-09, dated November 16, 1993. 
Repeat the deployment test and adjustment check thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 10 months.
    (1) If no discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, apply 
grease to the RAT leg at the entry and exit positions of the locking 
rod spring housing, in accordance with the AOT.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, 
correct it and apply grease to the RAT leg at the entry and exit 
positions of the locking rod spring housing, in accordance with the 
AOT.

New Requirements of this AD

    (b) Within 49 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the RAT by installing a grease nipple and a scraper seal assembly, 
replacing the locking rod spring with a stronger spring, and re-
identifying the RAT with a new part number; in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0106, Revision 02 (for Model A300 
series airplanes); A310-29-2078, Revision 02 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6039, Revision 02 
(for Model A300-600 series airplanes); all dated January 26, 1999; 
as applicable. Accomplishment of the modification constitutes 
terminating action for the repetitive tests and checks required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD.

    Note 2: The service bulletins refer to Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin ERPS26T-29-1 for modification instructions and new part 
numbers.

    Note 3: Accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-29-0106, Revision 01; A310-29-2078, Revision 
01; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6039, Revision 01; all dated 
September 8, 1997; as applicable; is acceptable for compliance with 
the actions required by paragraph (b) of this AD.

Spares

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a RAT having the following part numbers on any airplane:

RAT 16C 100 VG
RAT 16C 101 VG
RAT 16C 102 VG
RAT 16C 103 VG
RAT 16C 104 VG
RAT 16C 105 VG
RAT 16C 109 VG
RAT 16C 110 VG

[[Page 57798]]

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d)(1) 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 94-04-05, amendment 39-8823, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD.

    Note 4: 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 
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.

    Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 98-448-262(B), dated November 18, 1998.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-28081 Filed 10-26-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U