[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 12, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6376-6379]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-2926]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-253-AD; Amendment 39-12633; AD 2002-02-05]
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: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),

[[Page 6377]]

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 AD requires 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: Effective March 19, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 19, 2002.

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 Avenue, 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 certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and 
A300 B4; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-
600); and A310 series airplanes; was published in the Federal Register 
on November 19, 2001 (66 FR 57900). That action proposed to require 
repetitive overhaul, including associated modifications, of the ram air 
turbine (RAT).

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 153 Model A300 B2 and A300 B4; A300 B4-600, 
B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600); and Model A310 
series airplanes; of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD. It will 
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 will be required to complete the 
required overhaul at the overhaul facility will cost an average of 
approximately $67,500 per airplane, based on vendor-supplied 
information. Based on these figures, the average cost impact of the 
requirements of this 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 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 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:

2002-02-05  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12633. 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 ram air turbine (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

[[Page 6378]]

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:

                                       Table 1.--Concurrent Modifications
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           Which refers to the
                                                                                          following additional
           For model--              Modify the airplane by--    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     Airbus Service Bulletin   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                    with a modified RAT.       A300-29-0115, Revision    Service Bulletin
                                                               01, dated June 28, 2000.  ERPS26T-29-2.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) A300-600 series airplanes....  (i) Replacing the RAT      Airbus Service Bulletin   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                    blade release cable and    A300-29-6004, dated       Service Bulletin 732365-
                                    sheath and modifying the   January 31, 1985,         29-1.
                                    RAT identification plate.  including Change Notice
                                                               O.A., dated June 9,
                                                               1987.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (ii) Modifying the RAT...  Airbus Service Bulletin   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                               A300-29-6005, Revision    Service Bulletin 732365-
                                                               1, dated September 2,     29-2.
                                                               1986.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (iii) Installing a grease  Airbus Service Bulletin   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                    nipple andn a scraper      A300-29-6039, Revision    Service Bulletin
                                    seal assembly and          04, dated March 22,       ERPS26T-29-1.
                                    replacing the locking      2001.
                                    rod spring with a
                                    stronger spring.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (iv) Replacing the RAT     Airbus Service A300-29-   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                    with a modified RAT.       6046, Revision 02,        Service Bulletin
                                                               dated June 28, 2000.      ERPS26T-29-2.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) A310 series airplanes........  (i) Reidentifying RATs     Airbus Service A310-29-   [reserved]
                                    and RAT assemblies         2003, dated January 20,
                                    thatare in good            1984.
                                    condition, performing
                                    functional tests, and
                                    reidentifying certain
                                    RATs.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (ii) Replacing the blade   Airbus Service A310-29-   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                    release cablel and         2008, dated January 31,   Service Bulletin 730816-
                                    sheath and modifying the   1985, including Change    29-9.
                                    RAT identification plate.  Notice O.A., dated
                                                               October 6, 1987.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (iii) Modifying the RAT..  Airbus Service Bulletin   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                               A310-29-2011, Revision    Service Bulletin 730816-
                                                               1, dated September 2,     29-10.
                                                               1986.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (iv) Installing a grease   Airbus Service Bulletin   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                    nipple and a scraper       A310-29-2078, Revision    Service Bulletin
                                    seal assembly and          04, dated March 22,       ERPS26T-29-1.
                                    replacing the locking      2001.
                                    rod spring with a
                                    stronger spring.
                                  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   (v) Modifying the RAT....  Airbus Service Bulletin   Hamilton Sundstrand
                                                               A310-29-2084, Revision    Service Bulletin
                                                               02, dated June 28, 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.
    A310-29-2011, 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.


[[Page 6379]]



Special Flight Permits

    (d) 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

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-29-0106, Revision 04, dated March 22, 2001; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-29-0115, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2000; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0118, dated April 20, 2001; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-29-6003, dated January 31, 1985, including 
Change Notice O.A., dated June 9, 1987; Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-29-6005, Revision 1, dated September 2, 1986; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-29-6039, Revision 04, dated March 22, 2001; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-29-6046, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6049, Revision 02, dated September 
10, 2001; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2003, dated January 20, 
1984; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2008, dated January 31, 1985, 
including Change Notice O.A., dated October 6, 1987; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-29-2011, Revision 1, dated September 2, 1986; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-29-2078, Revision 04, dated March 22, 2001; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2084, Revision 02, dated June 28, 
2000; and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2087, dated April 20, 
2001; as applicable. Revision 1 of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-
6005 contains the following effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision level
            Page No.              shown on page     Date shown on page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2...........................  1..............  Sept. 2, 1986.
3..............................  Original.......  June 21, 1985.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Revision 1 of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2011 contains the 
following effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision level
            Page No.              shown on page     Date shown on page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2...........................  1..............  Sept. 2, 1986.
3, 4...........................  Original.......  June 21, 1985.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 6: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2001-212(B), dated May 30, 2001.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 19, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 30, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-2926 Filed 2-11-02; 8:45 am]
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