[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 198 (Friday, October 12, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52066-52068]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-25619]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-154-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 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 A330 and A340 
series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive inspections 
for foreign objects between the slider and the girt bar attachment 
fittings of the emergency escape slides, and corrective actions, if 
necessary. This proposal also would eventually require a one-time 
inspection to determine whether the release mechanism of the emergency 
escape slides and girt bar attachment fittings are adjusted correctly, 
which would terminate the repetitive inspections for foreign objects 
between the slider and the girt bar attachment fittings; a one-time 
test to ensure that the girt bar extends through the sliders correctly; 
and corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary to 
prevent failure of an emergency escape slide, which could delay 
evacuation in an emergency and result in injury to passengers or crew. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 13, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-154-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-154-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-154-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-154-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 A330 and A340 series 
airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during escape slide deployment tests 
on a Model A330 series airplane, the girt bar of the emergency escape 
slide became detached from the airplane when the escape slide was 
deployed. Such detachment of the girt bar has been attributed to 
various factors, including a foreign object between the slider and girt 
bar attachment fitting, incorrect adjustment of the escape slide 
release mechanism, and incorrect installation of both girt bar 
attachment fittings. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
failure of an emergency escape slide, which could delay evacuation in 
an emergency and result in injury to passengers or crew.
    The girt bar installation on certain Model A340 series airplanes is 
identical to that on the affected Model A330 series airplanes. 
Therefore, those Model A340 series airplanes may be subject to the same 
unsafe condition revealed on the Model A330 series airplanes.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-52-3064 and A340-52-4076, 
both dated April 4, 2001. Those service bulletins describe procedures 
for the following:
     Repetitive visual inspections for foreign objects between 
the slider and the girt bar attachment fittings of the emergency escape 
slides, removal of any

[[Page 52067]]

foreign object, and determination that the girt bar attachment fittings 
are clean.
     A one-time inspection to determine whether the release 
mechanism of the emergency escape slides and girt bar attachment 
fittings are adjusted correctly, which eliminates the need for the 
repetitive inspections for foreign objects between the slider and the 
girt bar attachment fittings, and adjustment of the release mechanism 
or girt bar attachment fittings, if necessary.
     A one-time test to ensure that the girt bar extends 
through the sliders correctly, and rework or replacement of the girt 
bar, if necessary.
    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 directives 2001-190(B) and 2001-191(B), both dated May 
16, 2001, 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 
Sec. 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 applicable service bulletin described 
previously, except as discussed below.

Difference Between Service Bulletins and This Proposed AD

    The service bulletins refer to the three inspections that would be 
required by this proposed AD as a ``visual inspection,'' an 
``inspection,'' and a ``check,'' respectively. The FAA finds that all 
three inspections should be described as ``general visual'' 
inspections. Note 2 has been included in this proposed AD to define 
this type of inspection.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 5 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed inspection for foreign objects between the slider and the 
girt bar attachment fittings of the emergency escape slide, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of this inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$600, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    It would take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed inspection to determine whether the release mechanism for 
the emergency escape slide and girt bar attachment fittings are 
adjusted correctly, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of this inspection on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $1,200, or $240 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed inspection to determine whether the girt bar of the 
emergency escape slide extends through the sliders correctly, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of this inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$1,200, or $240 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 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 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-154-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 series airplanes, as listed in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A330-52-3064, dated April 4, 2001; and Model A340 
series airplanes, as listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A340-52-4076, 
dated April 4, 2001; 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 prevent failure of the emergency escape slide, which could 
delay evacuation in an emergency and result in injury to passengers 
or crew, accomplish the following:

[[Page 52068]]

Repetitive Inspections for Foreign Objects

    (a) For all passenger/crew doors (Type A) and emergency exit 
doors (Type A and Type 1): Within 550 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection for 
foreign objects between the slider and the girt bar attachment 
fittings of the emergency escape slide, according to Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-52-3064 or A340-52-4076, both dated April 4, 2001, as 
applicable. Repeat the inspection at least every 7 days until 
paragraph (b) of this AD is done. If any foreign object is found 
during any inspection per this paragraph, before further flight, 
remove the object and ensure that the girt bar attachment fittings 
are clean, according to the applicable service bulletin.

    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.''

One-Time Inspection of Slide Release Mechanism and Girt Bar Attachment 
Fittings

    (b) For all passenger/crew doors (Type A) and emergency exit 
doors (Type A and Type 1): Within 18 months after the effective date 
of this AD, perform a one-time general visual inspection to 
determine whether the release mechanism for the emergency escape 
slide and girt bar attachment fittings are adjusted correctly, 
according to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-3064 or A340-52-4076, 
both dated April 4, 2001, as applicable. If the slide mechanism or 
girt bar attachment fittings are not adjusted correctly, before 
further flight, adjust them correctly, according to the applicable 
service bulletin. This inspection terminates the repetitive 
inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

One-Time Inspection of Girt Bar Attachment Fittings

    (c) For all passenger/crew doors (Type A) and emergency exit 
doors (Type A ONLY): Within 18 months after the effective date of 
this AD, perform a one-time general visual inspection to determine 
whether the girt bar of the emergency escape slide extends through 
the sliders correctly, according to Airbus Service Bulletin A330-52-
3064 or A340-52-4076, both dated April 4, 2001, as applicable. If 
the girt bar does not extend correctly, before further flight, 
rework or replace the girt bar, according to the applicable service 
bulletin.

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, 
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 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

    (e) 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 directives 2001-190(B) and 2001-191(B), both dated May 
16, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 4, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-25619 Filed 10-11-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U