[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 166 (Monday, August 27, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44990-44993]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-21223]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-204-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4, A300 B4-
600 and B4-600R, and A310 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 A300 B2 and 
B4, A300 B4-600 and B4-600R, and A310 series airplanes. This proposal 
would require modification of the terminal blocks of the starter feeder 
line of the auxiliary power unit (APU). This action is necessary to 
prevent slackness and subsequent overheat and arcing of certain wiring 
connections. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by September 26, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-204-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. 2001-NM-204-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 Number 2001-NM-204-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. 2001-NM-204-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 A300 B2 and B4, A300 B4-
600, A300 B4-600R, and A310 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that an 
operator reported a number of cases of incorrect tightening of the 
retaining nuts of the terminal blocks of the starter feeder line of the 
auxiliary power unit (APU). In some cases, arcing has been seen at the 
level of either the terminal lugs or the terminal block itself. 
Incorrect tightening of the retaining nuts, if not corrected, could 
result in slackness and subsequent overheat and arcing of certain 
wiring connections.

Background

    In July 1996, a Boeing Model 747 series airplane was involved in an 
accident. As part of re-examining all

[[Page 44991]]

aspects of the service experience of the airplane involved in the 
accident, the FAA participated in design review and testing to 
determine possible sources of ignition in center fuel tanks. As part of 
the review, the FAA examined fuel system wiring with regard to the 
possible effects that wire degradation may have on arc propagation.
    In 1997 in a parallel preceding, at the recommendation of the White 
House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security, the FAA expanded its 
Aging Transport Program to include non-structural systems and assembled 
a team for evaluating these systems. This team performed visual 
inspections of certain transport category airplanes for which 20 years 
or more had passed since date of manufacture. In addition, the team 
gathered information from interviews with FAA Principal Maintenance 
Inspectors and meetings with representatives of airplane manufacturers. 
This evaluation revealed that the length of time in service is not the 
only cause of wire degradation; inadequate maintenance, contamination, 
improper repair, and mechanical damage are all contributing factors. 
From the compilation of this comprehensive information, we developed 
the Aging Transport Non-Structural Systems Plan to increase airplane 
safety by increasing knowledge of how non-structural systems degrade 
and how causes of degradation can be reduced.
    In 1999, the FAA Administrator established a formal advisory 
committee to facilitate the implementation of the Aging Transport Non-
Structural Systems Plan. This committee, the Aging Transport Systems 
Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ATSRAC), is made up of representatives 
of airplane manufacturers, operators, user groups, aerospace and 
industry associations, and government agencies. As part of its mandate, 
ATSRAC will recommend rulemaking to increase transport category 
airplane safety in cases where solutions to safety problems connected 
to aging systems have been found and must be applied. Detailed analyses 
of certain transport category airplanes that have been removed from 
service, studies of service bulletins pertaining to certain wiring 
systems, and reviews of previously issued ADs requiring repetitive 
inspections of certain wiring systems, have resulted in valuable 
information on the cause and prevention of wire degradation due to 
various contributing factors (e.g. inadequate maintenance, 
contamination, improper repair, and mechanical damage).
    In summary, as a result of the investigations described above, the 
FAA has determined that corrective action may be necessary to minimize 
the potential hazards associated with wire degradation and related 
causal factors (e.g. inadequate maintenance, contamination, improper 
repair, and mechanical damage).

Other Related Rulemaking

    This proposed AD is one of a series of actions identified as part 
of the ATSRAC program initiative to maintain continued operational 
safety of aging non-structural systems in transport category airplanes. 
The program is continuing, and the FAA may consider additional 
rulemaking actions as further results of the review become available.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-24-0079, Revision 02, 
dated January 3, 2001 (for Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes); 
A300-24-6034, Revision 03, dated April 6, 2001 (for Model A300 B4-600 
and B4-600R series airplanes); and A310-24-2045, Revision 05, dated 
April 6, 2001 (for Model A310 series airplanes). The service bulletins 
describe procedures for modifying the terminal blocks of the APU 
starter feeder line. The modification involves inspecting the threaded 
portion of the terminal portion of the terminal lugs to detect damage, 
distortion, or elongation; measuring the dimensions of the studs of the 
terminal blocks; and re-identifying the terminal blocks. Corrective 
actions include replacing any discrepant terminal block with a new 
part. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins 
is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The 
DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued French 
airworthiness directive 2001-266(B), dated June 27, 2001, to ensure 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 require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 153 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD. It would take approximately 1 to 3 work 
hours per airplane (depending on configuration) to accomplish the 
proposed actions, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators 
is estimated to be $60 to $180 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 proposed 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

[[Page 44992]]

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 2001-NM-204-AD.

    Applicability: The following airplanes, certificated in any 
category:

                                             Table 1.--Applicability
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                                          Excluding those airplanes modified per Airbus modification 10212, or
               Model--                                         Airbus Service Bulletin--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes......  A300-24-0079, Revision 02, dated January 3, 2001.
A300 B4-600 and B4-600R series         A300-24-6034, Revision 03, dated April 6, 2001.
 airplanes.
A310 series airplanes................  A310-24-2045, Revision 05, dated April 6, 2001.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    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 (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 slackness and subsequent overheat and arcing of 
certain wiring connections, accomplish the following: Modification
    (a) Modify the terminal blocks (including a general visual 
inspection of the threaded portion of the lugs to detect damage, 
distortion, or elongation; measurement of stud dimensions; and re-
identification of the terminal blocks), as specified by Table 2 of 
this AD. If any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, 
replace the terminal block with a new part in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin. Table 2 follows:

                   Table 2.--Modification Requirements
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                                                     Prior to the times
                                   Perform the          specified by
                                 modification in     paragraphs (i) and
         For model--             accordance with       (ii), whichever
                                 Airbus Service       occurs later, for
                                   Bulletin--            each model:
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(1) A300 B2 and B4 series     A300-24-0079,         (i) The accumulation
 airplanes.                    Revision 02, dated    of 32,000 total
                               January 3, 2001.      flight cycles or
                                                     40,000 total flight
                                                     hours, whichever
                                                     occurs first.
                                                    (ii) 3,600 flight
                                                     cycles after the
                                                     effective date of
                                                     this AD.
(2) A300 B4-600 and B4-600R   A300-24-6034,         (i) The accumulation
 series airplanes.             Revision 03, dated    of 26,000 total
                               April 6, 2001.        flight cycles or
                                                     40,000 flight
                                                     hours, whichever
                                                     occurs first.
                                                    (ii) 3,600 flight
                                                     cycles after the
                                                     effective date of
                                                     this AD.
(3) A310 series airplanes...  A310-24-2045,         (i) The accumulation
                               Revision 05, dated    of 26,000 total
                               April 6, 2001.        flight cycles or
                                                     40,000 flight
                                                     hours, whichever
                                                     occurs first.
                                                    (ii) 3,600 flight
                                                     cycles after the
                                                     effective date of
                                                     this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''


    Note 3: Modification, prior to the effective date of this AD, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-24-0079, dated March 
15, 1993, or Revision 01, dated September 22, 1993 (for Model A300 
B2 and B4 series airplanes); A300-24-6034, dated March 15, 1993, 
Revision 01, dated September 22, 1993; or Revision 02, dated 
September 7, 1994 (for Model A300 B4-600 and B4-600R series 
airplanes); or A310-24-2045, dated March 15, 1993, Revision 01, 
dated September 22, 1993, Revision 02, dated September 7, 1994, 
Revision 03, dated February 24, 1995, or Revision 04, dated November 
24, 1995 (for Model A310 series airplanes); is acceptable for 
compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of 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, 
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.

    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.


[[Page 44993]]



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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2001-266(B), dated June 27, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 16, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-21223 Filed 8-24-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U