[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 53 (Monday, March 19, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 15365-15369]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-6648]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-267-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2, A300 B4, A310, 
A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-
600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600) 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300 B2, A300 B4, A310, 
A330, and A340 series airplanes; all Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, 
and A300 F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes; and 
all A319, A320, A321 series airplanes. That AD requires repetitive 
checks of the alternate braking system, and replacement of the braking 
dual distribution valve (BDDV) if necessary. This action would require, 
for certain airplanes, inspecting and/or replacing the BDDV cover with 
an improved cover. For all other airplanes, this action would provide 
for optional termination of the repetitive checks. This action would 
also revise the applicability of the existing AD. 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 failure of the alternate 
braking system, which could result in the airplane overrunning the end 
of the runway during landing.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 18, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-267-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

[[Page 15366]]

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-267-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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; 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 action 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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 2000-NM-267-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 2000-NM-267-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056.

Discussion

    On July 22, 1998, the FAA issued AD 98-15-51, amendment 39-10678 
(63 FR 40805, July 31, 1998), applicable to all Airbus Model A319, 
A320, A321, A300, A310, A300-600, A330, and A340 series airplanes. That 
AD requires repetitive in-flight operational checks of the alternate 
braking system, and replacement of the braking dual distribution valve 
(BDDV) with a serviceable part, if necessary. 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 failure of the alternate braking system, which 
could result in the airplane overrunning the end of the runway during 
landing.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    In the preamble to AD 98-15-51, the FAA specified that the actions 
required by that AD were considered ``interim action,'' and indicated 
that it may consider further rulemaking action. The manufacturer has 
identified the more exposed location of the BDDV on Model A319, A320, 
and A321 series airplanes as a major contributing factor to water 
ingress in the BDDV cover. The manufacturer has developed a 
modification that will positively address the unsafe condition for 
those airplanes. The FAA has determined that further rulemaking action 
is indeed necessary; this proposed AD follows from that determination.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) 32-19, Revision 04, 
dated April 29, 1999. The original version of the AOT was cited as the 
appropriate source of service information for doing the operational 
checks required by AD 98-15-51. Revision 04 was issued to provide 
operators with certain updated information; the accomplishment 
instructions remain essentially unchanged.
    Airbus has issued the following service bulletins for Model A319, 
A320, and A321 series airplanes:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Service bulletin                 Date              Actions                       Purpose
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A320-32-1199............................    1/15/99  Repetitive detailed visual  To prevent seizure of the BDDV
                                                      inspections to detect       rocker arm mechanism on
                                                      corrosion of the rocker     airplanes modified per Airbus
                                                      arm mechanism inside the    Service Bulletin A320-32-1200
                                                      BDDV cover.                 (production Modification
                                                                                  27833).
A320-32-1200............................    9/17/98  Modification of the BDDV,   To prevent water accumulation
                                                      including drilling a        in the cover and consequent
                                                      drain hole in the cover     jamming of the rocker arm
                                                      and lubricating all the     mechanism under freezing
                                                      parts.                      conditions.
                                                                                 To avoid corrosion from water
                                                                                  condensation.
                                                                                 To eliminate the need for
                                                                                  repetitive checks (currently
                                                                                  required on a weekly basis by
                                                                                  AD 98-15-51).
A320-32-1203............................     6/4/99  Replacement of the BDDV     To improve the waterproofing of
                                                      cover with a new cover      and detection of water in the
                                                      that includes a bonded      BDDV cover.
                                                      seal, new attachment       To provide a permanent solution
                                                      parts, and a transparent    for water accumulation in
                                                      drain hose.                 airplanes modified per Service
                                                                                  Bulletin A320-32-1200
                                                                                  (production Modification
                                                                                  27833).
                                                                                 To eliminate the need for the
                                                                                  repetitive checks, the
                                                                                  modification specified by
                                                                                  Service Bulletin A320-32-1200,
                                                                                  and the repetitive inspections
                                                                                  specified by Service Bulletin
                                                                                  A320-32-1199.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 15367]]

    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the AOT and Service 
Bulletins A320-32-1199 and A320-32-1203 is intended to adequately 
address the identified unsafe condition. The Direction Generale de l'. 
Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for 
France, classified these two service bulletins as mandatory. The DGAC 
issued French airworthiness directive 2000-258-146(B), dated June 14, 
2000, to mandate the terminating action for Model A319, A320, and A321 
series airplanes in France.
    Airbus has issued additional service bulletins that describe 
procedures to modify the emergency BDDV. The modification involves 
replacing the BDDV cover with a new, improved cover, which includes a 
bonded seal, new attachment parts, and a transparent drain hose. This 
modification, if accomplished, would eliminate the need for the 
repetitive checks. The service bulletins are identified as follows:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             Model/series                  Service bulletin          Revision level                Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4.......................  A300-32-0429...........  Original...............  September 2, 1999.
A300-600.............................  A300-32-6075...........  Original...............  September 2, 1999.
A310.................................  A310-32-2113...........  Original...............  September 2, 1999.
A330.................................  A330-32-3086...........  01.....................  June 30, 1999.
A340.................................  A340-32-4122...........  Original...............  May 21, 1999.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplanes 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 98-15-51 to 
continue to require repetitive in-flight operational checks of the 
alternate braking system, and replacement of the BDDV with a 
serviceable part if necessary. In addition, this action would:
     Require repetitive inspections to detect corrosion of the 
rocker arm mechanism inside the BDDV cover, and corrective actions if 
necessary, for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes modified per 
Service Bulletin A320-32-1200.
     Require the eventual replacement of the BDDV cover with a 
new, improved cover for all Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes, which would terminate the requirements of the AD for those 
airplanes.
     Provide for optional terminating action for the repetitive 
operational checks.
     Remove airplanes from the applicability of the existing 
AD.
The actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
service bulletins described previously.
    Operators should note that Service Bulletins A300-32-0429, A300-32-
6075, A310-32-2113, A320-32-1203, A330-32-3086, and A340-32-4122 
recommend subsequent repetitive inspections at each ``4A check'' to 
detect water inside the drain tube. However, to be consistent with the 
recommendations of the DGAC, this AD does not specify a 4A-check 
inspection, which is a task included in the airplane maintenance 
planning document.

Clarification of Model Designation

    Since the issuance of AD 98-15-51, the FAA has changed the manner 
in which it identifies the airplane models referred to as Airbus Model 
``A300 series airplanes'' and ``A300-600 series airplanes'' to reflect 
the model designation specified on the type certificate data sheet. 
This proposed AD specifies the appropriate model designations for those 
airplanes.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 367 airplanes of U.S. registry that would 
be affected by this proposed AD. Of these, approximately 311 are Model 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.
    The repetitive operational checks that are currently required by AD 
98-15-51 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 
repetitive checks is estimated to be $60 per airplane, per check.
    The new inspection that is proposed in this AD action for certain 
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes would 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 
inspection proposed by this AD is estimated to be $60 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    The new BDDV cover replacement that is proposed in this AD action 
for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes would take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be provided by 
the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed replacement on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $55,980, or $180 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

[[Page 15368]]

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 39-10678 (63 FR 
40805, July 31, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 2000-NM-267-AD. Supersedes AD 98-15-51, 
Amendment 39-10678.

    Applicability: The following airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in Table 1 of this AD:

                         Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Model/series                      Airplanes affected
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and A300 B4.......................  All.
A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-     All.
 600R (collectively called A300-600).
A310......................................  All.
A319, A320, and A321......................  Those on which Airbus
                                             Modification 28301
                                             (reference Airbus Service
                                             Bulletin A320-32-1203) has
                                             not been accomplished.
A330......................................  All.
A340......................................  All.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    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 (g)(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 failure of the alternate braking system, which could 
result in the airplane overrunning the end of the runway during 
landing, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Checks

    (a) At the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) 
and (a)(2) of this AD: Perform an in-flight operational check of the 
alternate braking system, in accordance with Airbus All Operator 
Telex (AOT) 32-19, Revision 04, dated April 29, 1999.
    (1) For Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes: Perform the 
check at the earlier of the times specified by paragraphs (a)(1)(i) 
and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the operational checks 
at intervals not to exceed 7 days.
    (i) Within 7 days after the most recent check done per AD 98-15-
51, amendment 39-10678.
    (ii) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For all other airplanes: Perform the check at the earlier of 
the times specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii). 
Thereafter, repeat the operational checks at intervals not to exceed 
500 flight hours.
    (i) Within 500 flight hours after the most recent operational 
check done per AD 98-15-51.
    (ii) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD.
    (b) If any discrepancy is found during any operational check 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to further flight, 
replace the brake dual distribution valve (BDDV) with a serviceable 
part, in accordance with AOT 32-19, Revision 04, dated April 29, 
1999.

    Note 2: The AOT refers to the following Flight Operation Telexes 
(FOT) as additional sources of service information: FOT 999.0062, 
Revision 01, dated August 20, 1998 (for Model A300 series 
airplanes), FOT 999.0061, Revision 01, dated August 20, 1998 (for 
Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes), FOT 999.0059, Revision 
02, dated September 2, 1998 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes), and FOT 999.0060, Revision 01, dated August 20, 1998 
(for Model A330 and A340 series airplanes).


    Note 3: Doing the operational checks and replacing the BDDV per 
earlier versions of Airbus AOT 32-19 (issued prior to Revision 04) 
are also acceptable for compliance with the applicable requirements 
of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.

Repetitive Inspections for Certain Airplanes

    (c) For Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes modified per 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1200 (production Modification 
27833): Within 6 months after accomplishment of the modification, or 
within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, perform a detailed visual inspection to detect 
corrosion of the rocker arm mechanism inside the BDDV cover, per 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1199, dated January 15, 1999. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at least every 6 months until the actions 
required by paragraph (e) or (f), as applicable, of this AD have 
been accomplished. If any corrosion is detected during any 
inspection required by this paragraph: Before further flight, 
replace the BDDV cover with a new cover per Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-32-1199, dated January 15, 1999.

    Note 4: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

Optional Terminating Action for Operational Checks

    (d) Modification of the BDDV, if accomplished, per the 
applicable service bulletin listed in Table 2 of this AD cancels the 
operational checks required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Table 2 
follows:

       Table 2.--Service Bulletins for Optional Terminating Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Modification of
                                     the BDDV per
            For model               airbus service          Cancels
                                       bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes.  A300-32-0429......  The operational
                                                       checks required
                                                       by paragraph (a)
                                                       of this AD.

[[Page 15369]]

 
A300-600 series airplanes.......  A300-32-6075......
A310 series airplanes...........  A310-32-2113......
A319, A320, and A320 series       A320-32-1200......
 airplanes.
A330 series airplanes...........  A330-32-3086......
A340 series airplanes...........  A340-32-4122......
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Required Terminating Action for Repetitive Inspections for Certain 
Airplanes

    (e) Except as provided by paragraph (f) of this AD: For Model 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, replace the BDDV cover with a new, 
improved cover, per Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1203, dated June 
4, 1999. This replacement terminates the requirements of this AD for 
these airplanes.
    (f) For Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes modified per 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1200 within the compliance time 
specified by paragraph (e) of this AD: Do the replacement required 
by paragraph (e) of this AD within 15 months after doing the 
modification specified by Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1200, or 
within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later. This replacement terminates the requirements of this 
AD for these airplanes.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g)(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, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 98-15-51, amendment 39-10678, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with the applicable requirements 
of this AD.

    Note 5: 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

    (h) 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 6: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2000-258-146(B), dated June 14, 2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 12, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-6648 Filed 3-16-01; 8:45 am]
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