[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 207 (Wednesday, October 27, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57800-57802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-28083]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-130-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-
600R 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 all Airbus Model A300 B4-
600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes, that currently requires a one-
time visual inspection for damage of the center tank fuel pumps and 
fuel pump canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel 
pump canisters with new or serviceable parts. This action also would 
require repetitive visual inspections of the fuel pumps and repetitive 
eddy current inspections of the fuel pump canisters, and replacement of 
damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or serviceable 
parts. This action also would reduce the applicability to include only 
those airplanes that have a trim tank system installed. 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 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 fuel 
tank.

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-130-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-130-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-130-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On December 15, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-25-53, amendment 39-
10956 (63 FR 70639, December 22, 1998), applicable to all Airbus Model 
A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes, to require a one-time 
visual inspection for damage of the center tank fuel pumps and fuel 
pump canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump 
canisters with new or serviceable parts. That

[[Page 57801]]

action was prompted by reports of damaged center tank fuel pump 
canisters and damaged center tank fuel pumps. The requirements of that 
AD are intended 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 fuel tank.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, airplane inspections have revealed 
additional cases of damaged center tank fuel pump canisters and pumps. 
The purpose of this proposed AD is to render mandatory a program of 
repetitive inspections in order to avoid the existence of ignition 
sources in the center tank caused by damage to the center tank fuel 
pump canisters and pumps.
    In the preamble to AD 98-25-53, 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.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Alert Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, dated 
February 19, 1999, which describes procedures for repetitive visual 
inspections of the fuel pumps and repetitive eddy current inspections 
of the fuel pump canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel pumps and 
fuel pump canisters with new or serviceable parts. The Direction 
Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness 
authority for France, classified this alert service bulletin as 
mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 1999-149-280(B), 
dated April 7, 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 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 98-25-53 to 
continue to require a one-time visual inspection for damage of the 
center tank fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, and replacement of 
damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or serviceable 
parts. The proposed AD also would require repetitive visual inspections 
of the fuel pumps and repetitive eddy current inspections of the fuel 
pump canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump 
canisters with new or serviceable parts.

Reduced Applicability of the NPRM

    The proposed AD would remove airplanes from the applicability of AD 
98-25-53 to include only those airplanes that have a trim tank 
installed. This revised applicability corresponds to the applicability 
specified in the French airworthiness directive.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 67 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    The inspection that is currently required by AD 98-25-53, and 
retained in this proposed AD, takes 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 the currently required 
actions on U.S. operators is estimated to be $120 per airplane.
    The new inspections that are proposed in this AD action would 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 proposed requirement of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $8,040, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    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 39-10956 (63 FR 
70639, December 22, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 99-NM-130-AD. Supersedes AD 98-25-53, 
Amendment 39-10956.

    Applicability: Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series 
airplanes, on which Airbus Modification 4801 (trim tank system) 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

[[Page 57802]]

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 fuel tank, accomplish the 
following:

Inspections

    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 5,000 total hours time-in-
service, or within 250 hours time-in-service after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a detailed visual 
inspection for damage of the center tank fuel pumps and fuel pump 
canisters, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-
09, dated November 28, 1998. Repeat the inspection prior to the 
accumulation of 12,000 total hours time-in-service, or within 250 
hours time-in-service after accomplishment of the initial 
inspection, whichever occurs later. Thereafter, repeat the 
inspection at intervals not to exceed 250 hours time-in-service, 
until accomplishment of the initial inspection required by paragraph 
(b) of this AD.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
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.''
    (b) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1), 
(b)(2), or (b)(3) of this AD: Perform a detailed visual inspection 
to detect damage of the center tank fuel pumps and perform an eddy 
current inspection to detect damage of the fuel pump canisters, in 
accordance with Airbus Alert Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, dated 
February 19, 1999. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles. Accomplishment of the initial 
inspections required by this paragraph constitutes terminating 
action for the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 11,000 or more total 
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 
300 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,500 or more total 
flight cycles, but fewer than 11,000 total flight cycles, as of the 
effective date of this AD: Inspect within 750 flight cycles after 
the effective date of this AD.
    (3) For airplanes that have accumulated fewer than 8,500 total 
flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect prior to 
the accumulation of 7,000 flight cycles, or within 1,500 flight 
cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (c) If any damage is detected during any inspection required by 
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 Alert Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, dated February 19, 1999.

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 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

    (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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 1999-149-280(B), dated April 7, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 21, 1999.
N. B. Martenson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-28083 Filed 10-26-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P