[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 218 (Friday, November 12, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 61495-61497]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-29328]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-205-AD; Amendment 39-11410; AD 99-23-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes 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 requires modification of the emergency lighting 
system and a revision to the AFM to ensure the preservation of the 
airplane batteries. This action also provides, for certain airplanes, 
terminating action for the existing AFM revision, and replacement with 
a different AFM revision. This action also expands the applicability to

[[Page 61496]]

include certain model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes. 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 ensure that the emergency lighting 
is available for evacuation in an emergency situation.

DATES: Effective December 17, 1999.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of December 17, 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), TransportAirplane 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, 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) by superseding AD 88-18-01, 
amendment 39-5998 (53 FR 30975, August 17, 1988), which is applicable 
to certain Airbus Model A300 series airplanes, was published in the 
Federal Register on September 13, 1999 (64 FR 49420). That action 
proposed to continue to require certain changes to the Model A300 
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). That action also proposed to require 
modification of the emergency lighting system and a revision to the AFM 
procedures. That action also provides, for certain airplanes, 
terminating action for the existing AFM revision, and replacement with 
a different AFM revision. That action also proposed to expand the 
applicability to include certain Model A310 and A300-600 series 
airplanes.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 157 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 88-18-01, and 
retained in this 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 required in this AD action will take 
approximately 18 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$500 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
required modification of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$248,060, or $1,580 per airplane.
    The AFM revision that is required in this AD action will 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 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 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 removing amendment 39-5998 (53 FR 
30975, August 17, 1988), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11410, to read as follows:

99-23-14 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11410. 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:

[[Page 61497]]

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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-33-0119, dated March 1, 1993; Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-33-2025, dated March 1, 1993; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-33-
6013, dated March 30, 1989; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-33-6020, 
dated March 1, 1993; Airplane Flight Manual Temporary Revision 
3.02.00/7 (undated); Airplane Flight Manual Temporary Revision 
3.02.00/8 (undated); Airplane Flight Manual Temporary Revision 
3.02.00/11 (undated); 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, 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 89-107-096(B)R4, dated August 13, 1997.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on December 17, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 3, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-29328 Filed 11-10-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P