[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 118 (Monday, June 19, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37845-37848]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-15182]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-351-AD; Amendment 39-11791; AD 2000-12-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 
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 certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes, that currently requires revising the FAA-approved Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) to increase monitoring of the

[[Page 37846]]

flight path of the airplane to detect certain software anomalies of the 
flight management guidance system, and take appropriate corrective 
actions. This amendment adds a requirement to either modify the 
existing on-board replaceable modules of the flight management guidance 
computers (FMGC) to incorporate software changes, or replace the FMGC's 
with new, improved FMGC's; which would terminate the requirements for 
the AFM revision. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of 
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil 
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended 
to prevent erroneous navigational calculations, which could result in 
an increased risk of collision with terrain or other airplanes.

DATES: Effective July 24, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of July 24, 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 November 3, 1997 (62 FR 53939, October 17, 
1997).

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 97-21-10, 
amendment 39-10163 (62 FR 53939, October 17, 1997), which is applicable 
to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, was 
published in the Federal Register on April 14, 2000 (65 FR 20105). The 
action proposed to continue to require a revision to the Airplane 
Flight Manual (AFM) to increase monitoring of the flight path of the 
airplane to detect certain software anomalies of the flight management 
guidance system, and take appropriate corrective actions. The action 
proposed to add a requirement to either modify all existing on-board 
replaceable modules of the FMGC's to incorporate software changes, or 
replace all existing FMGC's with new, improved FMGC's; which would 
terminate the requirements for the AFM revision. The action also 
proposed to limit the applicability of the existing AD to airplanes on 
which a certain modification has been installed or service bulletin has 
been accomplished, and to exclude airplanes on which another 
modification has been installed or service bulletin has been 
accomplished.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Support for the Proposal

    One commenter, the manufacturer, concurs with the content of the 
proposal.

Later Revision of French Airworthiness Directive

    The same commenter states that related French airworthiness 
directive 1999-411-140(B) has been revised to Revision 1, dated May 3, 
2000, to include in the applicability Airbus Model A319 and A320 series 
airplanes having Airbus Modification 26717. The commenter notes that 
the proposed AD already includes these airplanes in its applicability, 
but suggests that the AD be revised to refer to the latest revision of 
the French airworthiness directive.
    The FAA concurs that Revision 1 of the related French airworthiness 
directive matches the applicability of this AD and should be referenced 
for completeness. Note 4 of the final rule has been revised to include 
a reference to Revision 1 of the French airworthiness directive.

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 change previously 
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 200 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this AD.
    The actions that are currently required by AD 97-21-10 take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the 
manufacturer at no charge to the operators. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the previously required actions on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $60 per airplane.
    The new actions that are required by this new AD 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 new requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $12,000, 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 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:

[[Page 37847]]

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 39-10163 (62 FR 
53939, October 17, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-11791, to read as follows:

2000-12-13  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11791. Docket 99-NM-351-
AD. Supersedes AD 97-21-10, Amendment 39-10163.

    Applicability: Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; 
certificated in any category; on which any of the Airbus 
modifications has been installed or any of the Airbus service 
bulletins has been accomplished, as listed in the following table; 
except those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 26716, 26799, 
26968, or 27831 has been installed; or except those airplanes on 
which Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1063, A320-22-1064, A320-22-
1065, A320-22-1067, A320-22-1068, or A320-22-1069 has been 
accomplished:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Affected model(s)              Airbus modification installed
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A319 and A321.....................  25469 (reference Airbus Service
                                     Bulletin A320-22-1054).
A319, A320, and A321..............  26093.
A320..............................  24065 (reference Airbus Service
                                     Bulletin A320-22-1040) or 24067
                                     (reference Airbus Service Bulletin
                                     A320-22-1039).
A320..............................  25314 (reference Airbus Service
                                     Bulletin A320-22-1051) or 25315
                                     (reference Airbus Service Bulletin
                                     A320-22-1050).
A320 and A321.....................  24064 (reference Airbus Service
                                     Bulletin A320-22-1034) or 24066
                                     (reference Airbus Service Bulletin
                                     A320-22-1029).
A320 and A321.....................  25199 (reference Airbus Service
                                     Bulletin A320-22-1045) or 25200
                                     (reference Airbus Service Bulletin
                                     A320-22-1046).
A320 and A321.....................  25240 (reference Airbus Service
                                     Bulletin A320-22-1033) or 25274
                                     (reference Airbus Service Bulletin
                                     A320-22-1056).
A319, A320, and A321..............  26243.
A319 and A320.....................  26717.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    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 (e)(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 prevent erroneous navigational calculations, which could 
result in an increased risk of collision with terrain or other 
airplanes, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 97-21-10

    (a) Within 10 days after November 3, 1997 (the effective date of 
AD 97-21-10, amendment 39-10163), revise the Normal Procedures 
Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) by 
inserting a copy of Model A319/320/321 Flight Manual Temporary 
Revision 4.03.00/02, dated May 28, 1997, into the AFM.

    Note 2: When the temporary revision specified in paragraph (a) 
of this AD has been incorporated into the general revisions of the 
AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, provided the 
information contained in the general revisions is identical to that 
specified in Model A319/320/321 Flight Manual Temporary Revision 
4.03.00/02.

New Requirements of this AD

    (b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1063, Revision 01, 
dated October 8, 1999; A320-22-1064, dated September 15, 1998; A320-
22-1065, dated October 28, 1998; A320-22-1067, Revision 01, dated 
July 7, 1999; A320-22-1068, dated December 9, 1998; or A320-22-1069, 
dated February 1, 1999; as applicable. Following accomplishment of 
either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, the AFM revision 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
    (1) Modify all existing on-board replaceable modules of the 
flight management guidance computers (FMGC) to incorporate software 
changes in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable service bulletin.
    (2) Replace all existing FMGC's with new, improved FMGC's in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable 
service bulletin.
    (c) Accomplishment of either the modification or replacement 
action required by paragraph (b) of this AD constitutes terminating 
action for the AFM requirements of paragraph (a) of AD 98-19-08, 
amendment 39-10750. Following accomplishment of either of those 
actions, remove the FAA-approved AFM revision required by that AD 
(Airbus A319/320/321 Airplane Flight Manual Temporary Revision 
9.99.99/44, Issue 2, dated March 3, 1998).

Spares

    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
any FMGC part number B546BAM0205, B546CAM0101, B546BCM0204, 
B398BAM0207, B398AAM0410, B546CCM0101, B546CCM0102, B546CCM0103, or 
B398BCM0107; unless it has been modified in accordance with this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e)(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 97-21-10, amendment 39-10163, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD.

    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

    (f) 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

    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Model A319/320/
321 Flight Manual Temporary Revision 4.03.00/02, dated May 28, 1997; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1063, Revision 01, dated October 8, 
1999; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1064, dated September 15, 
1998; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1065, dated October 28, 1998; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-22-1067, Revision 01, dated July 7, 
1999; Airbus

[[Page 37848]]

Service Bulletin A320-22-1068, dated December 9, 1998; and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-22-1069, dated February 1, 1999; as 
applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-22-1063, Revision 01, dated October 8, 1999; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-22-1064, dated September 15, 1998; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-22-1065, dated October 28, 1998; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-22-1067, Revision 01, dated July 7, 1999; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-22-1068, dated December 9, 1998; and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-22-1069, dated February 1, 1999; 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 Model A319/320/321 Flight 
Manual Temporary Revision 4.03.00/02, dated May 28, 1997, was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
November 3, 1997 (62 FR 53939, October 17, 1997).
    (3) 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 1999-411-140(B), dated October 20, 1999, and 
Revision 1, dated May 3, 2000.

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on July 24, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 9, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-15182 Filed 6-16-00; 8:45 am]
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