[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 147 (Tuesday, July 31, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39429-39431]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-18467]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-234-AD; Amendment 39-12347; AD 2001-15-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, that requires 
repetitive inspections of the metallic vapor seals in the center fuel 
tank to detect holes, tears, or a change in shape; corrective action, 
if such damage is detected; and follow-up tests for leaks. This 
amendment is prompted by reports of damaged metallic vapor seals 
observed during routine maintenance. This action is necessary to detect 
and correct damage to the metallic vapor seal in the center fuel tank, 
which could lead to leakage of fuel from the center tank into the air 
conditioning pack bay located below the center tank, providing a 
potential for fuel to be in contact with fuel ignition sources. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective September 4, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 4, 2001.

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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Ave. SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A310 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on March 29, 2001 (66 
FR 17127). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections of 
the metallic vapor seals in the center fuel tank to detect holes, 
tears, or a change in shape; corrective action, if such damage is 
detected; and follow-up tests for leaks.

Comments

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

Add Terminating Action

    The commenter requests that the FAA revise the proposed rule to 
include a terminating action. The commenter notes that Airbus has 
issued Service Bulletin A310-28-2146, dated March 27, 2001. That 
service bulletin states that, once the actions therein are 
accomplished, it cancels the inspection requirements of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-28-2138, dated June 28, 2000. (The proposed rule refers 
to that service bulletin as the appropriate source of service 
information.)
    The FAA concurs. The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (which 
is the airworthiness authority for France) has approved, and Airbus has 
recommended accomplishment of, Service Bulletin A310-28-2146, which 
describes procedures for replacement of metallic vapor seal panels with 
new, thicker metallic vapor seal panels. Such replacement raises the 
current fatigue life limitation on the metallic vapor seals and 
eliminates the need for the inspections required by this AD. Therefore, 
the FAA has revised this final rule to add a new paragraph (c) (and 
reorder subsequent paragraphs accordingly) to give operators the option 
to do the actions in that service bulletin as terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections required by this AD. Also, the FAA has added 
a new paragraph to the Cost Impact section in the preamble of this 
final rule to provide an estimate of the cost of this terminating 
action should an operator elect to do it.

Remove Reporting Requirement

    The commenter requests that the FAA remove the reporting 
requirement that is specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2138, 
dated June 28, 2000. The commenter states that the airplane 
manufacturer should already have adequate sampling data to understand 
the condition of the fleet, and, therefore, the reporting requirement 
is an unnecessary burden to the operator.
    The FAA concurs with the intent of the commenter's request. 
However, the reporting requirement to which the commenter refers is not 
included in this AD, and the FAA cannot revise the referenced service 
bulletin. No change to the final rule is necessary in this regard.

Extend Repetitive Interval

    The commenter requests that the FAA extend the repetitive interval 
for the repetitive inspections in paragraph (a) of the proposed AD from 
600 to 750 flight hours. The commenter notes that its ``B''-check 
interval is 350 flight hours, and the proposed 600-flight-hour interval 
would not allow for the proposed inspections to be done at a ``2B''-
check. Thus, it would not be able to do the inspections at a normal 
scheduled maintenance visit, which would negatively affect scheduling 
and increase the cost of the requirements of the proposed AD for the 
operator.

[[Page 39430]]

    The FAA does not concur. The repetitive interval of 600 flight 
hours is based on in-service experience. Analysis has shown that damage 
of the vapor seal is related to vibration fatigue, probably caused by 
``drum beating'' of the seal during operation of the airplane. A 
damaged vapor seal may no longer prevent fuels and vapors from coming 
into contact with hot parts of the air-conditioning packs, which could 
create a fire hazard. In view of these data, and the fact that the 
operator provides no technical data to show that a 750-flight-hour 
repetitive interval provides an acceptable level of safety, the FAA 
cannot extend the repetitive interval. No change to the final rule is 
necessary in this regard.

Allow Use of Equivalent Parts and Materials

    The commenter requests that the FAA revise the proposed AD to allow 
operators to use equivalent and alternative parts and materials that 
are approved by the airplane manufacturer for repairs per this AD. The 
commenter states that this will eliminate the need for an operator to 
request an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) each time it needs 
to use materials other than those identified in the service bulletin.
    The FAA does not concur. The referenced service bulletin refers to 
the Structural Repair Manual (SRM) as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishing certain requirements of this AD. Any 
alternative part or material beyond what is allowed by the SRM must be 
considered on a case-by-case basis; therefore, approval of an AMOC 
would be appropriate. No change to the final rule is necessary in this 
regard.

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 described 
previously. 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

    The FAA estimates that 47 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish each inspection, and that the average labor rate 
is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
detailed visual inspections required by this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $22,560, or $480 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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. 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.
    Should an operator elect to accomplish the replacement of metallic 
vapor seal panels that is provided as an optional terminating action in 
this AD, it would take approximately 25 work hours to accomplish, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. The cost of required parts 
would be approximately $7,720 per airplane. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the optional terminating action would be $9,220 per 
airplane.

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2001-15-13  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12347. Docket 99-NM-234-
AD.

    Applicability: All Model A310 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 (d) 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 damage to the metallic vapor seal on the 
center fuel tank, which could lead to leakage of fuel from the 
center tank, providing a potential for fuel to be in contact with 
fuel ignition sources, accomplish the following:

Initial and Repetitive Inspection

    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 16,000 total flight hours, or 
within 600 flight hours following the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later: Conduct an initial detailed visual 
inspection of the metallic vapor seal for damage, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-
2138, dated June 28, 2000. Repeat the detailed visual inspection of 
the metallic vapor seal for damage thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 600 flight hours.

    Note 2: 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.''


    Note 3: Accomplishment of an initial inspection and applicable 
corrective actions in accordance with Airbus All Operators

[[Page 39431]]

Telex (AOT) A310-28A2139, dated April 8, 1999; or AOT A310-28A2139, 
Revision 01, dated April 26, 1999; is acceptable for compliance with 
the initial inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

Corrective Action

    (b) If damage to the metallic vapor seal is detected during any 
inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Perform applicable 
corrective actions (including a temporary repair, a permanent 
repair, or replacement of a damaged metallic vapor seal) in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-28-2138, dated June 28, 2000. Any such corrective 
action must be performed within the compliance time specified in 
Figure 1 of the service bulletin. If no compliance time is specified 
in Figure 1, the applicable corrective action must be performed 
prior to the next flight.
    (1) If a temporary repair is made to a metallic vapor seal: 
Perform the requirements of both paragraphs (b)(1)(i) and 
(b)(1)(ii).
    (i) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours.
    (ii) Within 15 months after the date of the temporary repair, 
accomplish a permanent repair with removal of the metallic vapor 
seal. Thereafter, repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of 
this AD at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours.
    (2) If all parts of a metallic vapor seal are replaced 
simultaneously with new parts: The inspection required by paragraph 
(a) of this AD may be deferred during the next 16,000 flight hours. 
Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 600 
flight hours.

Optional Terminating Action

    (c) Replacement of metallic vapor seal panels with new, improved 
metallic vapor seal panels according to Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-28-2146, dated March 27, 2001, constitutes terminating action 
for the actions required by this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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

    (e) 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

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-28-2138, dated June 28, 2000; and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-28-2146, dated March 27, 2001; as applicable. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2000-336-311(B), dated July 26, 2000.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on September 4, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 19, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-18467 Filed 7-30-01; 8:45 am]
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