[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 149 (Wednesday, August 2, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47356-47358]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-19265]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 65, No. 149 / Wednesday, August 2, 2000 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 47356]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-48-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 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 certain Airbus Model A310 
and A300-600 series airplanes, that currently requires wiring 
modifications to the engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) fire 
detection system. This action would require new wiring modifications 
for the engine and APU fire detection system. 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 prevent the fire warning from terminating 
prematurely, which could result in an unnoticed, uncontained engine/APU 
fire.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 1, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-48-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. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-48-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    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 Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 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.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 2000-NM-48-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. 2000-NM-48-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On December 23, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-27-10, amendment 39-
11491 (65 FR 204, January 4, 2000), applicable to certain Airbus Model 
A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, to require wiring modifications to 
the engine and auxiliary power unit (APU) fire detection system. That 
action was prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The 
requirements of that AD are intended to prevent the fire warning from 
terminating prematurely, which could result in an unnoticed, 
uncontained engine/APU fire.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 99-27-10, the FAA has received a report 
that the modification procedures, specified in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-26-2024, Revision 04, dated March 5, 1999 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes) and A300-26-6038, dated March 5, 1999, and Revision 1, dated 
September 8, 1999 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), were 
inadequate. Although those service bulletins were referenced as 
appropriate sources of information by AD 99-27-10, operators reported 
that they were unable to accomplish the hook-up procedures specified in 
those service bulletins. As a result, a later revision of French 
airworthiness directive 1999-238-286(B) R2, dated May 17, 2000, was 
issued, which references two new service bulletins that revise the 
modification procedures.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service bulletins to replace the

[[Page 47357]]

procedures specified in earlier revisions of the service bulletins, 
which were referenced in AD 99-27-10.
     310-26-2024, Revision 06, dated March 31, 2000 (for Model 
A310 series airplanes), specifies that additional work is necessary on 
certain airplanes that have accomplished Modification 06845 in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-26-2024, Revision 05, 
dated November 9, 1999. Revision 06 was issued to include improved 
hook-up and test procedures, change certain bundle part numbers, add a 
new kit number for certain airplanes, and update certain configuration 
numbers for certain airplanes.
     A300-26-6038, Revision 02, dated November 9, 1999, and 
Revision 03, dated March 30, 2000 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes) 
were issued to include improved hook-up procedures. Revision 02 
specifies an additional Kit A03, and Revision 03 changes certain bundle 
part numbers, updates certain configuration numbers, and increases the 
work hours for accomplishing the modification.
    The wiring modification procedures provided by these service 
bulletins include the use of new kits for the engine and APU fire 
detection system in relay box 282VU and the electronics rack 90VU. 
Procedures also specify new wiring modifications to the avionics 
compartment, which include the 20VU overhead panel, 282VU relay box, 
and 90VU electronics rack. After accomplishing the actions specified in 
those service bulletins, the manufacturer reports that it will no 
longer be necessary to manually disengage a faulty loop, and that the 
fire warning system will remain activated even if one loop becomes 
inoperative. The actions specified by the service bulletins are 
intended to significantly improve the airplane fire detection system.
    The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, classified these service bulletins 
as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 1999-238-286(B) 
R2, dated May 17, 2000, 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 
section 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 99-27-10 to 
propose new wiring modifications for the engine and APU fire detection 
system. Such modifications include the use of new kits for the fire 
detection system in relay box 282VU and the electronics rack 90VU, 
changes to the configuration numbers and bundle part numbers for 
certain airplanes, and revisions to the hook-up charts. The actions 
would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 113 Model A310 and A300-600 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry that would be affected by this proposed AD.
    The actions that are proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 26 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $484 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $230,972, or $2,044 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. The cost 
impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the 
time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the 
AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as 
the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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 39-11491 (65 FR 
204, January 4, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 2000-NM-48-AD. Supersedes AD 99-27-10, 
Amendment 39-11491.

    Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; except those on which Airbus 
Modifications 06267 and 07340 have been accomplished during 
production.

    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 (b)(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

[[Page 47358]]

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 the fire warning from terminating prematurely, which 
could result in an unnoticed, uncontained engine/auxiliary power 
unit (APU) fire, accomplish the following:

Modifications

    (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
accomplish the wiring modifications for the engine and APU fire 
detection system in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-26-
6038, Revision 03, dated March 30, 2000 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes); or A310-26-2024, Revision 06, dated March 31, 2000 (for 
Model A310 series airplanes); as applicable.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of the wiring modifications prior to the 
effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-26-6038, Revision 02, dated November 9, 1999, is considered 
acceptable for compliance with the applicable actions specified in 
this AD.

Alternative Method of Compliance

    (b)(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 99-27-10, 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

    (c) 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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 1999-238-286(B) R2, dated May 17, 2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 25, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-19265 Filed 8-1-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U