[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 101 (Wednesday, May 24, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33441-33444]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-11948]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-56-AD; Amendment 39-11725; AD 2000-10-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2, A300-B2K, A300 
B4-2C, A300 B4-100, and A300 B4-200 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300 B2, A300 B2K, A300 B2-200, 
A300 B4, A300 B4-100, and A300 B4-200 series airplanes, that currently 
requires certain structural inspections and modifications. This 
amendment requires that those inspections be accomplished on additional 
airplanes. This action also requires new repetitive inspections for 
airplanes in certain configurations at revised thresholds and 
intervals. 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 detect and 
correct corrosion and cracking of the wings and fuselage, which could 
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: Effective June 28, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 28, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications, as 
listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of April 13, 1992 (57 FR 8257, March 3, 1992), 
and as of May 29, 1996 (61 FR 18661, April 29, 1996).

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), Transport Airplane 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, FAA, 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 96-08-08, 
amendment 39-9574 (61 FR 18661, April 29, 1996), which is applicable to 
all Airbus Model A300 B2, A300 B2K, A300 B2-200, A300 B4, A300 B4-100, 
and A300 B4-200 series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register 
on December 21, 1999 (64 FR 71333). The action proposed to continue to 
require certain structural inspections and modifications. The action 
proposed to require that those inspections be accomplished on 
additional airplanes. The action also proposed to require new 
repetitive inspections for airplanes in certain configurations at 
revised thresholds and intervals.

Comments Received

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Additional Affected Airbus Models

    One commenter suggests that the applicability of the proposed AD be

[[Page 33442]]

revised to include Airbus Model A300C4-200 and A300F4-200 series 
airplanes. The FAA does not concur that the applicability should be 
revised to include these airplane models, since they are not type 
certificated in the U.S. No change is made to the final rule.

Reference to French Airworthiness Directive

    One commenter suggests that the proposed AD be revised to include a 
reference to a related French airworthiness directive. The commenter 
states that the proposed AD correctly refers to French airworthiness 
directive 90-222-116(B)R4, which references service bulletins for 
certain inspections also addressed in this proposed AD, but does not 
mention 93-154-149(B), which references service bulletins for the 
modifications addressed by this AD.
    The FAA acknowledges that the modifications required by existing 
FAA AD 96-08-08 were also addressed in related French airworthiness 
directive 93-154-149(B), dated September 15, 1993. The FAA has no 
objection to including this reference in this final rule, which 
continues to require those modifications, and has revised the AD 
accordingly. However, although the FAA generally references the latest 
pertinent airworthiness directive issued by another airworthiness 
authority as an informational NOTE in the AD, this information is not 
intended to be an exhaustive list of all related mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information, and should not be considered as such.

Changes Made to Proposed AD

    To improve the readability of the AD, the FAA has added certain 
headings to the text of the AD.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously 
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 13 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 96-08-08, and 
retained in this 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 the previously required actions on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $120 per airplane, per inspection 
cycle.
    The new inspection that is required by this new AD will take 
approximately 3 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 new requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $180 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    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 a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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 39-9574 (61 FR 
18661, April 29, 1996), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11725, to read as follows:

2000-10-01  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11725. Docket 98-NM-56-
AD. Supersedes AD 96-08-08, Amendment 39-9574.

    Applicability: All Model A300 B2, A300 B2K, A300 B2-200, A300 
B4-2C, A300 B4-100, and A300 B4-200 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 (h) 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 and correct corrosion and cracking of the wings and 
fuselage, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 92-02-09

Inspections and Modifications

    (a) Accomplish the inspections and modifications contained in 
the Airbus service bulletins listed below prior to or at the 
thresholds identified in each of those service bulletins, or within 
1,000 landings or 12 months after April 13, 1992 (the effective date 
of AD 92-02-09, amendment 39-8145), whichever occurs later, except 
as provided in paragraph (d) of this AD for the service bulletin 
identified in paragraph (a)(8) of this AD. Required inspections 
shall be repeated thereafter at intervals not to exceed those 
specified in the corresponding service bulletin for the inspection. 
After April 13, 1992, the actions shall only be accomplished in 
accordance with the latest revision of the service bulletins 
specified.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-103, Revision 4, dated June 
30, 1983; or Revision 5, dated February 23, 1994;
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-126, Revision 7, dated 
November 11, 1990; or Revision 8, dated September 18, 1991;
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-146, Revision 7, dated April 
26, 1991;

    Note 2:  Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-146 provides for a 
compliance threshold of within 5 years after the date of issuance of 
French airworthiness directive 90-222-116(B), issued on December 12, 
1990, the accomplishment of which is required by AD 85-07-09, 
amendment 39-5033.


[[Page 33443]]


    (4) For Configuration 1 airplanes identified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-53-0162, Revision 6, dated March 20, 1996: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-53-162, Revision 4, dated November 12, 1990; 
Revision 5, dated March 17, 1994; or Revision 6, dated March 20, 
1996. After the effective date of this new AD, only Revision 6 of 
the service bulletin shall be used;
    (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-196, Revision 1, dated 
November 12, 1990; as amended by Service Bulletin Change Notice 
1.A., dated February 4, 1991, or Revision 2, dated March 17, 1994;

    Note 3:  Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-196 provides for a 
compliance threshold of within 6,000 landings after accomplishment 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-194, accomplishment of which is 
required by AD 87-04-12, amendment 39-5536.

    (6) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-225, Revision 2, dated May 
30, 1990;
    (7) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-226, Revision 4, dated 
November 12, 1990; or Revision 5, dated September 7, 1991;

    Note 4: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-226 provides for a 
compliance threshold of within 5 years after the issuance of French 
airworthiness directive 90-222-116(B), issued on December 12, 1990; 
but not later than 20 years after first delivery; the accomplishment 
of which is required by AD 90-03-08, amendment 39-6481.

    (8) For Configuration 1 and 2 airplanes identified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-53-0278, Revision 2, dated November 10, 1995: 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-278, dated November 12, 1990; or 
Revision 1, dated March 17, 1994;
    (9) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-045, Revision 4, dated 
January 31, 1990; or Revision 6, dated February 25, 1994;
    (10) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-060, Revision 2, dated 
September 7, 1988, and Change Notice 2.A., dated February 13, 1990; 
or Revision 3, dated February 25, 1994;
    (11) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-063, Revision 1, dated 
April 22, 1987, and Change Notice 1.A., dated February 13, 1990; or 
Revision 2, dated February 25, 1994;
    (12) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-066, Revision 1, dated 
February 15, 1989, and Change Notice 1.A., dated February 13, 1990; 
or Revision 2, dated February 25, 1994.

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 96-08-08

    (b) Accomplish the inspections and modifications contained in 
the Airbus service bulletins listed below prior to or at the 
thresholds identified in each of those service bulletins, or within 
1,000 landings or 12 months after March 29, 1996 (the effective date 
of AD 96-08-08, amendment 39-9574), whichever occurs later. Required 
inspections shall be repeated thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
those specified in the corresponding service bulletin for the 
inspection.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0194, Revision 2, including 
Appendix 1, dated August 19, 1993;
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-166, Revision 3, including 
Appendix 1, dated July 12, 1993;
    (3) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0167, Revision 1, including 
Appendix 1, dated May 25, 1993;
    (4) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0168, Revision 3, including 
Appendix 1, dated November 22, 1993;
    (5) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0180, Revision 1, dated 
March 29, 1993;
    (6) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0185, Revision 1, including 
Appendix 1, dated March 8, 1993; and
    (7) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-54-0084, dated April 21, 1994.

New Requirements of This AD

Inspections

    (c) For Configuration 2 airplanes identified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-53-0162, Revision 6, dated March 20, 1996: Accomplish 
the inspections contained in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0162, 
Revision 6, dated March 20, 1996, prior to or at the thresholds 
identified in the service bulletin; or within 1,000 landings or 12 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. 
Required inspections shall be repeated thereafter at intervals not 
to exceed those specified in the service bulletin for the 
inspection.
    (d) For Configuration 1 and 2 airplanes identified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-53-0278, Revision 2, dated November 10, 1995: 
Accomplish the inspections contained in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-53-0278, Revision 2, dated November 10, 1995; at the time 
specified in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD, as applicable. 
Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,600 
flight cycles. Accomplishment of the inspections required by this 
paragraph constitutes terminating action for the inspections 
required by paragraph (a)(8) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes that have not been inspected in accordance 
with paragraph (a) and (a)(8) of this AD prior to the effective date 
of this AD: Inspect at the time specified in paragraph (d)(1)(i) or 
(d)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) For Configuration 1 airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 
18,300 total landings, or within 1,000 landings or 12 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) For Configuration 2 airplanes: At the earlier of the times 
specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(ii)(A) or (d)(1)(ii)(B) of this AD.
    (A) At the time specified in paragraphs (a) and (a)(8) of this 
AD.
    (B) Prior to the accumulation of 22,000 total landings, or 
within 1,000 landings or 12 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) For airplanes that have been inspected in accordance with 
paragraph (a) and (a)(8) of this AD prior to the effective date of 
this AD: Perform the next inspection within 3,600 landings after 
accomplishing the last inspection, or within 1,000 landings or 12 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (e) For Configuration 3 airplanes identified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-53-0278, Revision 2, dated November 10, 1995: 
Accomplish the inspections contained in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-53-0278, Revision 2, dated November 10, 1995, prior to the 
accumulation of 26,000 total flight cycles; or within 1,000 landings 
or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
5,000 flight cycles.

    Note 5: Accomplishment of the inspections specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-53-0278, Revision 2, dated November 10, 1995, 
is considered acceptable for compliance with the significant 
structural details (SSD) inspection 536206 of ``Airbus Industrie 
A300 Supplemental Structural Inspection Document'' (SSID), Revision 
2, dated June 1994, required by AD 96-13-11, amendment 39-9679 (61 
FR 35122, July 5, 1996).

Corrective Actions for All Inspections

    (f) If any discrepant condition identified in any service 
bulletin referenced in this AD is found during any inspection 
required by this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish the 
corresponding corrective action specified in the service bulletin, 
except as specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (g) If any crack is found during any inspection required by this 
AD; and the applicable service bulletin specifies to contact Airbus 
for appropriate action: Prior to further flight, repair in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the 
Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated 
agent). For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, as required by this paragraph, the 
Manager's approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (h) 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 6: 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

    (i) 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

    (j) Except as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, the actions 
shall be done in accordance with the Airbus service bulletins listed 
in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-53-0162, Revision 6, dated March 20, 1996, and Airbus

[[Page 33444]]

Service Bulletin A300-53-0278, Revision 2, dated November 10, 1995, 
is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of the Airbus service 
bulletins listed in Table 1 was approved previously by the Director 
of the Federal Register as of April 13, 1992 (57 FR 8257, March 9, 
1992).

                                                     Table 1
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      Airbus service bulletin No.              Revision level                   Service bulletin date
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A300-53-103............................  4                          June 30, 1983.
A300-53-126............................  7                          November 11, 1990.
A300-53-146............................  7                          April 26, 1991.
A300-53-162............................  4                          November 12, 1990.
A300-53-196............................  1                          November 12, 1990.
A300-53-225............................  2                          May 30, 1990.
Service Bulletin Change Notice 1.A. to   (Original)                 February 4, 1991.
 A300-53-196.
A300-53-226............................  4                          November 12, 1990.
A300-53-226............................  5                          September 7, 1991.
A300-53-278............................  (Original)                 November 12, 1990.
A300-54-045............................  4                          January 31, 1990.
A300-54-060............................  2                          September 7, 1988.
Change Notice 2.A. to A300-54-060......  (Original)                 February 13, 1990.
A300-54-063............................  1                          April 22, 1987.
Change Notice 1.A. to A300-54-063......  (Original)                 February 13, 1990.
A300-54-066............................  1                          February 15, 1989.
Change Notice 1.A. to A300-54-066......  (Original)                 February 13, 1990.
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    (3) The incorporation by reference of the Airbus service 
bulletins listed in Table 2 was approved previously by the Director 
of the Federal Register as of May 29, 1996 (61 FR 18661, April 29, 
1996).

                                                     Table 2
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      Airbus service bulletin No.              Revision level                   Service bulletin date
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A300-53-103............................  5                          February 23, 1994.
A300-53-126............................  8                          September 18, 1991.
A300-53-162............................  5                          March 17, 1994.
A300-53-278............................  1                          March 17, 1994.
A300-54-045............................  6                          February 25, 1994.
A300-54-060............................  3                          February 25, 1994.
A300-54-063............................  2                          February 25, 1994.
A300-54-066............................  2                          February 25, 1994.
A300-57-0194...........................  2                          August 19, 1993.
A300-57-166............................  3                          July 12, 1993.
A300-57-0167...........................  1                          May 25, 1993.
A300-57-0168...........................  3                          November 22, 1993.
A300-57-0180...........................  1                          March 29, 1993.
A300-57-0185...........................  1                          March 8, 1993.
A300-54-0084...........................  (Original)                 April 21, 1994.
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    (4) 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 7: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 93-154-149(B), dated September 15, 1993, 
and 90-222-116(B)R4, dated March 27, 1996.


    (k) This amendment becomes effective on June 28, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2000.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-11948 Filed 5-23-00; 8:45 am]
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