[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 223 (Monday, November 19, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57900-57903]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-28795]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-253-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 B4; A300 
B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600); and Model 
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 
A300 B4; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-
600); and A310 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive 
overhaul, including associated modifications, of the ram air turbine 
(RAT). This action is necessary to prevent failure of the RAT to deploy 
or operate properly in the event of an emergency, which could result in 
reduced hydraulic pressure or electrical power on the airplane. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 19, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-253-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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-253-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 2001-NM-253-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 2001-NM-253-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056.

Discussion

    The Direction Ganerale 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 A300 B4; A300 
B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600); and A310 
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that the life limit of the ram air 
turbine (RAT) has been recently justified to 60,000 flight hours. 
Although the life limit of the RAT itself has been extended, the life 
limit of the grease must also be considered because of the possible 
development of corrosion. Therefore, periodic overhaul of the RAT has 
been recommended to ensure its proper functioning. In addition, the 
DGAC has identified certain modifications to the RAT or its associated 
systems that need to be incorporated to ensure a properly functioning 
RAT system in the event of an emergency. Failure of the RAT to deploy 
or operate properly, if not corrected, could result in reduced 
hydraulic pressure or electrical power on the airplane in the event of 
an emergency.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-29-0118, dated April 20, 
2001 (for Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes); A300-29-6049, 
Revision 02, dated September 10, 2001 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes); and A310-29-2087, dated April 20, 2001 (for Model A310 
series airplanes). These service bulletins describe procedures for 
repetitive overhaul of the RAT.
    The service bulletins refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Service 
Bulletins 730816-29-12, ERPS26T-29-4, and 732365-29-4 as additional 
sources of service information for the overhaul actions.

[[Page 57901]]

    Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0118 recommends the prior or 
concurrent accomplishment of modifications described in the following 
Airbus Service Bulletins:
     A300-29-0106, Revision 04, dated March 22, 2001, which 
describes procedures for installing a grease nipple and a scraper seal 
assembly and replacing the locking rod spring with a stronger spring. 
Service Bulletin A300-29-0106 refers to Hamilton Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin ERPS26T-29-1 as an additional source of service information 
for the actions.
     A300-29-0115, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2000, which 
describes procedures for replacing the RAT with a modified RAT. Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-29-0115 refers to Hamilton Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin ERPS26T-29-2 as an additional source of service information 
for modification of the RAT.
    Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6049 recommends the prior or 
concurrent accomplishment of modifications described in the following 
Airbus Service Bulletins:
     A300-29-6003, dated January 31, 1985, including Change 
Notice O.A., dated June 9, 1987; which describes procedures for 
replacing the RAT blade release cable and sheath and modifying the RAT 
identification plate. Service Bulletin A300-29-6003 refers to 
Sundstrand Service Bulletin 732365-29-1 as an additional source of 
service information for the actions.
     A300-29-6005, Revision 1, dated September 2, 1986, which 
describes procedures for modifying the RAT. Service Bulletin A300-29-
6005 refers to Sundstrand Service Bulletin 732365-29-2 as an additional 
source of service information for the modification.
     A300-29-6039, Revision 04, dated March 22, 2001, which 
describes procedures for installing a grease nipple and a scraper seal 
assembly and replacing the locking rod spring with a stronger spring. 
Service Bulletin A300-29-6039 refers to Hamilton Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin ERPS26T-29-1 as an additional source of service information 
for the actions.
     A300-29-6046, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000, which 
describes procedures for replacing the RAT with a modified RAT. Service 
Bulletin A300-29-6046 refers to Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin 
ERPS26T-29-2 as an additional source of service information for the 
replacement.
    Service Bulletin A310-29-2087 recommends the prior or concurrent 
accomplishment of modifications described in the following Airbus 
Service Bulletins:
     A310-29-2003, dated January 20, 1984, which describes 
procedures for reidentifying RATs and RAT assemblies that are in good 
condition, performing functional tests, and modifying and reidentifying 
certain RATs.
     A310-29-2008, dated January 31, 1985, including Change 
Notice O.A., dated October 6, 1987; which describes procedures for 
replacing the blade release cable and sheath and modifying the RAT 
identification plate. Service Bulletin A310-29-2008 refers to 
Sundstrand Service Bulletin 730816-29-9 as an additional source of 
service information for the actions.
     A310-29-2011, Revision 1, dated September 2, 1986, which 
describes procedures for modifying the RAT. Service Bulletin A310-29-
2011 refers to Sundstrand Service Bulletin 730816-29-10 as an 
additional source of service information for the modification.
     A310-29-2078, Revision 04, dated March 22, 2001, which 
describes procedures for installing a grease nipple and a scraper seal 
assembly and replacing the locking rod spring with a stronger spring. 
Service Bulletin A310-29-2078 refers to Hamilton Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin ERPS26T-29-1 as an additional source of service information 
for the actions.
     A310-29-2084, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000, which 
describes procedures for modifying the RAT. Service Bulletin A310-29-
2084 refers to Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS26T-29-2 as an 
additional source of service information for the modification.
    The following table summarizes the service information for the 
primary action, the concurrent actions, and secondary references:

                                          Summary of Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   And specifies the
  For the overhaul, Airbus Service       Refers to Hamilton     concurrent modification
             Bulletin--                  Sundstrand service       specified by Airbus       Which refers to--
                                           bulletin(s)--          Service Bulletin--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-29-0118........................  ERPS26T-29-4...........  A300-29-0106              Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                                                          Service Bulletin
                                                                                          ERPS26T-29-1.
                                        .....................  A300-29-0115              Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                                                          Service Bulletin
                                                                                          ERPS26T-29-2.
A300-29-6049........................  ERPS26T-29-4 and 732365- A300-29-6003              Sundstrand Service
                                       29-4.                                              Bulletin 732365-29-1.
                                        .....................  A300-29-6005              Sundstrand Service
                                                                                          Bulletin 732365-29-2.
                                        .....................  A300-29-6039              Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                                                          Service Bulletin
                                                                                          ERPS26T-29-1.
                                        .....................  A300-29-6046              Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                                                          Service Bulletin
                                                                                          ERPS26T-29-2.
A310-29-2087........................  ERPS26T-29-4 and 730816- A310-29-2003              [reserved]
                                       29-12.
                                        .....................  A310-29-2008              Sundstrand Service
                                                                                          Bulletin 730816-29-9.
                                        .....................  A310-29-2011              Sundstrand Service
                                                                                          Bulletin 730816-29-10.
                                        .....................  A310-29-2078              Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                                                          Service Bulletin
                                                                                          ERPS26T-29-1.
                                        .....................  A310-29-2084              Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                                                          Service Bulletin
                                                                                          ERPS26T-29-2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 57902]]

    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the Airbus service 
bulletins is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition. The DGAC classified the Airbus service bulletins as 
mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 2001-212(B), dated 
May 30, 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 Airbus 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 4 work hours 
per airplane to remove and replace the RAT, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Incorporation of the various modifications that 
would be required to complete the proposed overhaul at the overhaul 
facility would cost an average of approximately $67,500 per airplane, 
based on vendor-supplied information. Based on these figures, the 
average cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $67,740 per airplane, per overhaul.
    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 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-253-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300 B2 and A300 B4; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, 
and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600); and Model A310 series 
airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with Dowty or 
Hamilton Sundstrand ram air turbines (RATs).

    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 (c) 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 RAT to deploy or operate properly in 
the event of an emergency, which could result in reduced hydraulic 
pressure or electrical power on the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Overhaul

    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 20 years since the date of 
manufacture of the airplane, or within 2 years after the date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later: Overhaul the RAT in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0118, dated April 20, 2001 (for 
Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes); A300-29-6049, Revision 
02, dated September 10, 2001 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); 
or A310-29-2087, dated April 20, 2001 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes); as applicable. Thereafter, repeat the overhaul at least 
every 20 years, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.

    Note 2: Accomplishment prior to the effective date of this AD of 
the overhaul in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-
6049, dated April 20, 2001, or Revision 01, dated July 23, 2001, is 
acceptable for compliance with the initial overhaul requirement of 
paragraph (a) of this AD.


    Note 3: The service bulletins identified in paragraph (a) of 
this AD refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletins 730816-29-12, 
ERPS26T-29-4, and 732365-29-4 as additional sources of service 
information for the overhaul actions.

Concurrent Modification Requirements

    (b) Prior to or concurrently with the overhaul required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD: Perform the applicable modifications 
specified in the following table:

[[Page 57903]]



                                       Table 1.--Concurrent Modifications
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Which refers to the
                                       Modify the airplane by--                            following additional
             For Model--                                          In accordance with--      source of service
                                                                                               information:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A300 series airplanes............  (i) Installing a grease  Airbus Service Bulletin  Hamilton Sundstrand
                                        nipple and a scraper     A300-29-0106, Revision   Service Bulletin
                                        seal assembly and        04, dated March 22,      ERPS26T-29-1.
                                        replacing the locking    2001.
                                        rod spring with a
                                        stronger spring.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       (ii) Replacing the RAT   A300-29-0115, Revision   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                        with a modified RAT.     01, dated June 28,       Service Bulletin
                                                                 2000.                    ERPS26T-29-2.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) A300-600 series airplanes........  (i) Replacing the RAT    A300-29-6003, dated      Hamilton Sundstrand
                                        blade release cable      January 31, 1985,        Service Bulletin
                                        and sheath and           including Change         732365-29-1.
                                        modifying the RAT        Notice O.A., dated
                                        identification plate.    June 9, 1987.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       (ii) Modifying the RAT.  A300-29-6005, Revision   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                                 1, dated September 2,    Service Bulletin
                                                                 1986.                    732365-29-2.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       (iii) Installing a       A300-29-6039, Revision   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                        grease nipple and a      04, dated March 22,      Service Bulletin
                                        scraper seal assembly    2001.                    ERPS26T-29-1.
                                        and replacing the
                                        locking rod spring
                                        with a stronger spring.
                                       (iv) Replacing the RAT   A300-29-6046, Revision   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                        with a modified RAT.     02, dated June 28,       Service Bulletin
                                                                 2000.                    ERPS26T-29-2.
(3) A310 series airplanes............  (i) Reidentifying RATs   A310-29-2003, dated      [reserved].
                                        and RAT assemblies       January 20, 1984.
                                        that are in good
                                        condition, performing
                                        functional tests, and
                                        modifying and
                                        reidentifying certain
                                        RATs.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       (ii) Replacing the       A310-29-2008, dated      Hamilton Sundstrand
                                        blade release cable      January 31, 1985,        Service Bulletin
                                        and sheath and           including Change         730816-29-9.
                                        modifying the RAT        Notice O.A., dated
                                        identification plate.    October 6, 1987.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       (iii) Modifying the RAT  A310-29-2011, Revision   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                                 1, dated September 2,    Service Bulletin
                                                                 1986.                    730816-29-10.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       (iv) Installing a        A310-29-2078, Revision   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                        grease nipple and a      04, dated March 22,      Service Bulletin
                                        scraper seal assembly    2001.                    ERPS26T-29-1.
                                        and replacing the
                                        locking rod spring
                                        with a stronger spring.
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       (v) Modifying the RAT..  A310-29-2084, Revision   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                                 02, dated June 28,       Service Bulletin
                                                                 2000.                    ERPS26T-29-2.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 4: The following Airbus service bulletins are also 
acceptable for compliance with the applicable requirements of 
paragraph (b) of this AD:

    A300-29-0106, Revision 01, dated September 8, 1997; Revision 02, 
dated January 26, 1999; and Revision 03, dated June 28, 2000.
    A300-29-0115, dated September 14, 1998.
    A300-29-6003, dated January 31, 1985.
    A300-29-6005, dated June 21, 1985.
    A300-29-6039, Revision 01, dated September 8, 1997; Revision 02, 
dated January 26, 1999; and Revision 03, dated June 28, 2000.
    A300-29-6046, dated September 14, 1998; and Revision 01, dated 
December 16, 1998.
    A310-29-2008, dated January 31, 1985.
    A310-29-2011, dated June 21, 1985.
    A310-29-2078, Revision 01, dated September 8, 1997; Revision 02, 
dated January 26, 1999; and Revision 03, dated June 28, 2000.
    A310-29-2084, dated September 14, 1998; and Revision 01, dated 
December 16, 1998.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) 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 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

    (d) 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 2001-212(B), dated May 30, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 9, 2001.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-28795 Filed 11-16-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U