[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 166 (Friday, August 25, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51775-51777]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-21716]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-114-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 adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and 
A300-600 series airplanes. This proposal would require replacement of 
the flight control computers (FCC) with new, improved FCC's having 
updated software installed. This proposal also would require, for some 
airplanes, modification of the wiring of the FCC's. This action is 
necessary to prevent autopilot reversions in certain flight conditions, 
which could result in misunderstanding by the flight crew and 
consequent reduced ability to take appropriate action. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 25, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-114-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-114-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 FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 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-114-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-114-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series 
airplanes. The existing design of the automatic flight system allows 
for automatic reversion to ``SPD'' (MACH) mode in certain flight phases 
when the airplane speed is not maintainable. The DGAC advises that, in 
some cases, flight crews may not immediately understand these 
reversions. For example, on approach, a reversion from ``V/S descent'' 
to ``SPD climb'' could occur in certain flight conditions, and result 
in the airplane climbing instead of descending. Such reversions, if not 
corrected, could result in misunderstanding by the flight crew and 
consequent reduced ability to take appropriate action.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    The manufacturer has issued Airbus Service Bulletins A310-22-2048, 
Revision 01, and A310-22-2049, Revision 02, each dated March 6, 2000 
(for Airbus Model A310 series airplanes) and A300-22-6038, dated August 
24, 1999 (for Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes). These service 
bulletins describe procedures for replacement of the flight control 
computers (FCC) with new, improved FCC's having updated software 
installed. The new software includes a number of design improvements to 
the automatic flight system, including changes to remove the automatic 
reversions.
    The manufacturer also has issued Airbus Service Bulletins A310-22-
2051, Revision 02, dated March 8, 2000 (for Airbus Model A310 series 
airplanes) and A300-22-6040, Revision 02, dated March 6, 2000 (for 
Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes). These service bulletins 
describe procedures for modifying the wiring in the left-hand 
electronics rack 80VU to allow the new FCC's to distinguish between an 
Airbus Model A310 and an Airbus Model A300-600 series airplane.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the Airbus service 
bulletins is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition. The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and 
issued French airworthiness directive 2000-137-305(B), dated March 22, 
2000, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes 
in France.

[[Page 51776]]

    The Airbus service bulletins reference SEXTANT Service Bulletins 
B350AAM-22-008, B470AAM-22-013, and B470ABM-22-012, each dated 
September 29, 1999, as additional sources of service information for 
accomplishing the replacement proposed by this AD.

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 require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 116 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take as much as 17 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed replacements, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts would cost as much as $5,064 per airplane. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed replacements on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be as much as $705,744, or $6,084 per 
airplane.
    It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed modification of the wiring, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,960, or 
$60 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 2000-NM-114-AD.

    Applicability: Model A310 series airplanes equipped with flight 
control computers (FCC) having part number (P/N) B350AAM4 or 
B470ABM2, and Model A300-600 series airplanes equipped with FCC's 
having P/N B470AAM2; certificated in any category; except those 
airplanes on which Airbus Modification 11899 or 11900 (Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-22-2048 or A310-22-2049 or A300-22-6038) has 
been accomplished.

    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) 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 autopilot reversions in certain flight conditions, 
which could result in misunderstanding by the flight crew and 
consequent reduced ability to take appropriate action, accomplish 
the following:

Replacement of FCC's and Modification of Wiring

    (a) Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the FCC's with new, improved FCC's having updated software 
installed; and modify the wiring, as applicable; in accordance with 
paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3), as applicable.
    (1) For Airbus Model A310 series airplanes equipped with FCC's 
having P/N B350AAM4: Replace the FCC's in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-22-2048, Revision 01, dated March 6, 2000.
    (2) For Airbus Model A310 series airplanes equipped with FCC's 
having P/N B470ABM2: Replace the FCC's in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-22-2049, Revision 02, dated March 6, 2000. 
Prior to or concurrent with the replacement, modify the wiring in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-22-2051, Revision 02, 
dated March 8, 2000.
    (3) For Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes equipped with 
FCC's having P/N B470AAM2: Replace the FCC's in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6038, dated August 24, 1999. Prior 
to or concurrent with the replacement, modify the wiring in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-6040, Revision 02, 
dated March 6, 2000.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (a) 
of this AD prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with 
Airbus Service BulletinA310-22-2048, dated December 13, 1999; A310-
22-2049, dated August 24, 1999, or Revision 01, dated December 13, 
1999; A310-22-2051, dated August 26, 1999, or Revision 01, dated 
December 13, 1999; or A300-22-6040, dated August 26, 1999, or 
Revision 01, dated December 13, 1999; is acceptable for compliance 
with the applicable actions specified in that paragraph.


    Note 3: The Airbus service bulletins reference SEXTANT Service 
Bulletins

[[Page 51777]]

B350AAM-22-008, B470AAM-22-013, and B470ABM-22-012, each dated 
September 29, 1999, as additional sources of service information for 
accomplishing the replacement required by this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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. 
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 4: 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 
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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2000-137-305(B), dated March 22, 2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 21, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-21716 Filed 8-24-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U