[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16983-16987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-8278]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-86-AD; Amendment 39-12699; AD 2002-07-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2, A300 B4, A300 B4-
600, and A300 B4-600R Series Airplanes; and Model A300 F4-605R 
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 A300 B2, A300 B4, A300 B4-600, and A300 
B4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 F4-605R airplanes. This AD 
requires repetitive inspections for cracking of certain fittings, 
corrective action if necessary, and, for certain airplanes, a 
modification. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to detect and correct propagation of cracks on the frame 40 
aft fittings due to local stress concentrations at the upper flange 
runout of frame 40, which could result in reduced structural integrity 
of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective May 14, 2002.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 14, 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 all Airbus Model A300 B2, A300 B4, 
A300 B4-600, and A300 B4-600R series airplanes; and Model A300 F4-605R 
airplanes; was published as a supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on January 4, 2002 (67 FR 
530). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections for 
cracking of certain fittings, corrective action if necessary, and, for 
certain airplanes, a modification; and would have provided for optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections.

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 in response to the second 
supplemental NPRM.

Provide Credit for Prior Inspection and Refer to Terminating Action

    One commenter asks the FAA to revise the proposed rule to provide 
credit for an inspection already performed in accordance with the 
original issue of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6048, dated January 
16, 1996, provided that the inspection is accomplished in conjunction 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6053. The commenter states that 
this would make the proposed rule consistent with the original issue of 
the corresponding French airworthiness directive, 98-481-270(B), dated 
December 2, 1998.
    The same commenter also requests that we revise the proposed rule 
to provide for optional terminating action on Model A300 B4-600 and 
A300 B4-600R series airplanes and Model A300 F4-605R airplanes. The 
commenter states that inspection and rework per

[[Page 16984]]

Airbus Service Bulletins A300-57-6052 and A300-57-6053 constitutes 
terminating action for airplanes on which no cracks are found and no 
subsequent rework is required.
    The FAA concurs with the intent of the commenter's request, but we 
have already accommodated the request previously. We added Note 2 to 
the first supplemental NPRM to provide credit for an inspection done in 
accordance with the original issue of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-
6048. In addition, we revised paragraph (b)(8) and paragraph (e) in the 
first supplemental NPRM to clarify that modification per Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-57-6053, Revision 1, dated October 31, 1995, or Revision 
02, dated June 2, 1999, terminates the proposed requirements, 
regardless of the inspection results. No change to the final rule is 
necessary.

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 as proposed in the second 
supplemental NPRM.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 70 Model A300 B2, A300 B4, A300 B4-600, and 
A300 B4-600R series airplanes; and Model A300 F4-605R airplanes; of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    For affected airplanes, it will take approximately 92 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish the required modification, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost as much as 
$874 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
required modification is estimated to be as much as $6,394 per 
airplane.
    It will take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required inspection on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $42,000, or $600 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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:

2002-07-05 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12699. Docket 99-NM-86-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A300 B2, A300 B4, A300 B4-600, and A300 
B4-600R series airplanes; and Model A300 F4-605R 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 (g) 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 propagation of cracks on the frame 40 aft 
fittings due to local stress concentrations at the upper flange 
runout of frame 40, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Modification

    (a) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 10430 has not 
been done before the effective date of this AD: Concurrently with 
the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, modify the 
profile of frame 40 aft fittings per the service information 
specified in Table 1, as follows:

                                          Table 1.--Service Information
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                                          Do the actions in
             For Model--               accordance with either--    Of Airbus Service             Dated--
                                                                       Bulletin--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A300 B2 and A300 B4 series         (i) Revision 01 or.....  A300-53-0296...........  September 30, 1998.
 airplanes.
                                       (ii) Revision 02.......  A300-53-0296...........  May 12, 1999.
(2) A300 B4-600 and A300 B4-600R       (i) Revision 01 or.....  A300-53-6048...........  September 30, 1998.
 series airplanes and Model A300 F4-   (ii) Revision 03.......  A300-53-6048...........  February 21, 2000.
 605R airplanes.
 
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    Note 2: For Model A300 B4-600 and A300 B4-600R series airplanes 
and Model A300 F4-605R airplanes: Actions performed in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6048, dated January 16, 1996; 
or Revision 02, dated May 12, 1999; are

[[Page 16985]]

acceptable for compliance with the applicable requirements of this 
AD.


    Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6048 refers to Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-53-6063 as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishment of certain repairs.

Inspection

    (b) For all airplanes, inspect the airplane per Table 2, as 
follows:

                    Table 2.--Inspection Requirements
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Requirements                         Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Area to inspect....................  The frame 40 AFT fitting.
(2) Type of inspection.................  Nondestructive test (NDT).
(3) Compliance time....................  As specified by paragraph (c)
                                          of this AD.
(4) Discrepancies to detect............  Cracking.
(5) Service information................  Inspect in accordance with the
                                          applicable service bulletin
                                          listed in Table 1 of this AD.
(6) Follow-on actions if you find no     Repeat the inspection
 cracking.                                thereafter at the applicable
                                          interval specified by Table 3
                                          of this AD.
(7) Corrective actions if you find       Do the actions specified by
 cracking.                                paragraph (d) of this AD.
(8) Terminating action.................  The modification specified by
                                          paragraph (e) of this AD
                                          terminates the requirements of
                                          this AD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 4: An NDT per Non-destructive Testing Manual 53-15-30, Part 
6, Procedure C, is also acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD.

    (c) Perform the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD 
per the schedule in Table 3 of this AD. For airplanes on which this 
inspection has been accomplished before the effective date of this 
AD, the initial compliance time may be extended by the repetitive 
interval following the date the inspection was accomplished. Table 3 
follows:

                                    Table 3.--Compliance Times for Inspection
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                                       If the total flight
                                      cycles accumulated on                                   And repeat the
            For Model--              the airplane as of the         Then inspect--          inspection at least
                                     effective date of this                                       every--
                                             AD is--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A300 B4-600 and A300 B4-600R     (i) Fewer than 6,200..  Before the airplane          7,500 flight cycles or
 series airplanes and Model A300 F4-                          accumulates 7,700 total      17,250 flight hours,
 605R airplanes, pre-Modification                             flight cycles or 17,710      whichever occurs
 10430.                                                       total flight hours,          first.
                                                              whichever occurs first.
                                     (ii) At least 6,200     Within 1,500 flight cycles   7,500 flight cycles or
                                      and fewer than 9,700.   or 3,450 flight hours        17,250 flight hours,
                                                              after the effective date     whichever occurs
                                                              of this AD, whichever        first.
                                                              occurs first.
                                     (iii) At least 9,700..  Within 750 flight cycles or  7,500 flight cycles or
                                                              1,725 flight hours after     17,250 flight hours,
                                                              the effective date of this   whichever occurs
                                                              AD, whichever occurs first.  first.
(2) A300 B4-600 and A300 B4-600R     (i) Fewer than 19,600.  Before the airplane          7,500 flight cycles or
 series airplanes and Model A300 B-                           accumulates 21,100 total     17,250 flight hours,
 4605R airplanes, post-Modification                           flight cycles or 48,530      whichever occurs
 10430.                                                       total flight hours,          first.
                                                              whichever occurs first.
                                     (ii) At least 19,600    Within 1,500 flight cycles   7,500 flight cycles or
                                      and fewer than 23,100.  or 3,450 flight hours        17,250 flight hours,
                                                              after the effective date     whichever occurs
                                                              of this AD, whichever        first.
                                                              occurs first.
                                     (iii) At least 23,100.  Within 750 flight cycles or  7,500 flight cycles or
                                                              1,725 flight hours after     17,250 flight hours,
                                                              the effective date of this   whichever occurs
                                                              AD, whichever occurs first.  first.
(3) A300 B2 series airplanes.......  (i) Fewer than 12,00..  Before the airplane          5,500 flight cycles or
                                                              accumulates 14,000 total     5,940 flight hours,
                                                              flight cycles or 15,120      whichever occurs
                                                              total flight hours,          first.
                                                              whichever occurs first.
                                     (ii) At least 12,000    Within 2,000 flight cycles   5,500 flight cycles or
                                      and fewer than 17,000.  or 2,160 flight hours        5,940 flight hours,
                                                              after the effective date     whichever occurs
                                                              of this AD, whichever        first.
                                                              occurs first.
                                     (iii) At least 17,000.  Within 1,000 flight cycles   5,500 flight cycles or
                                                              or 1,080 flight hours        5,940 flight hours,
                                                              after the effective date     whichever occurs
                                                              of this AD, whichever        first.
                                                              occurs first.
(4) A300 B4-100 series airplanes...  (i) Fewer than 9,500..  Before the airplane          4,500 flight cycles or
                                                              accumulates 11,500 total     5,985 flight hours,
                                                              flight cycles or 15,295      whichever occurs
                                                              total flight hours,          first.
                                                              whichever occurs first.
                                     (ii) At least 9,500     Within 2,000 flight cycles   4,500 flight cycles or
                                      and fewer than 14,500.  or 2,660 flight hours        5,985 flight hours,
                                                              after the effective date     whichever occurs
                                                              of this AD, whichever        first.
                                                              occurs first.
                                     (iii) At least 14,500.  Within 1,000 flight cycles   4,500 flight cycles or
                                                              or 1,330 flight hours        5,985 flight hours,
                                                              after the effective date     whichever occurs
                                                              of this AD, whichever        first.
                                                              occurs first.

[[Page 16986]]

 
(5) A300 B4-200 series airplanes...  (i) Fewer than 8,500..  Before the airplane          4,000 flight cycles or
                                                              accumulates 10,500 total     8,320 flight hours,
                                                              flight cycles or 21,840      whichever occurs
                                                              total flight hours,          first.
                                                              whichever occurs first.
                                     (ii) At least 8,500     Within 2,000 flight cycles   4,000 flight cycles or
                                      and fewer than 13,500.  or 4,160 flight hours        8,320 flight hours,
                                                              after the effective date     whichever occurs
                                                              of this AD, whichever        first.
                                                              occurs first.
                                     (iii) At least 13,500.  Within 1,000 flight cycles   4,000 flight cycles or
                                                              or 2,080 flight hours        8,320 flight hours,
                                                              after the effective date     whichever occurs
                                                              of this AD, whichever        first.
                                                              occurs first.
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    Note 5: An NDT inspection is also required by AD 98-25-07, 
amendment 39-10933, to be repetitively performed on Model A300 B4-
600 and A300 B4-600R series airplanes and Model A300 F4-605R 
airplanes on which Airbus Modification 10453 has not been installed. 
For those airplanes, if the inspection is done within the applicable 
compliance time specified by paragraph (c) of this AD, the threshold 
for the initial inspection of paragraph (b) of this AD may be 
extended by 1,500 flight cycles.

Corrective Actions

    (d) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (b) of this AD: Except as required by paragraph (f) of 
this AD, prior to further flight, perform all applicable corrective 
actions in accordance with the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 1 of this AD.

Terminating Action

    (e) Accomplishment of the applicable modification in accordance 
with the applicable service bulletin specified by paragraph (e)(1) 
or (e)(2) of this AD terminates the requirements of this AD.
    (1) For Model A300 B4-600 and A300 B4-600R series airplanes: In 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6053, Revision 1, 
dated October 31, 1995; or Revision 02, dated June 2, 1999.
    (2) For Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes: In 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0297, Revision 2, 
dated October 31, 1995.

Exception to Service Bulletin Instructions

    (f) During any inspection required by this AD, if the service 
bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for an appropriate 
action: Prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Direction Generale de l'Aviation 
Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent).

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g) 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. 
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 6: 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

    (h) 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

    (i) Except as required by paragraph (f) of this AD, the required 
actions shall be done in accordance with the applicable service 
documents identified in Table 4 and Table 5 of this AD, as follows:

                           Table 4.--Referenced Service Documents for Required Actions
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                                                                Revision level shown on
      Service bulletin and date              Page numbers               the page            Date shown on page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0296,  1-38...................  01.....................  September 30, 1998.
 Revision 01, September 30, 1998.
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0296,  1-3, 8, 15, 16,18, 20,   02.....................  May 12, 1999.
 Revision 02, May 12, 1999.             22, 23,24.
                                       4-7, 9-14, 17, 19, 21,   01.....................  September 30, 1998.
                                        25, 26, 27-38.
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6048,  1-31...................  01.....................  September 30, 1998.
 Revision 01, September 30, 1998.
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6048,  1-32...................  03.....................  February 21, 2000.
 Revision 03, February 21, 2000.
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                     Table 5.--Referenced Service Documents for Optional Terminating Action
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Revision level shown on the
     Service bulletin and date            Page numbers                   page               Date shown on page
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-     1, 7-9, 11-15, 19-24,   1..........................  October 31, 1995.
 6053, Revision 1, October 31, 1995.  35, 36, 41, 42, 45-47.
                                     2-6, 10, 16-18, 25-34,  Original...................  February 21, 1995.
                                      37-40, 43, 44.

[[Page 16987]]

 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-     1-6, 8, 23, 23a, 46,    02.........................  June 2, 1999.
 6053, Revision 02, June 2, 1999.     47.
                                     7, 9, 11, 12, 13-15,    1..........................  October 31, 1995.
                                      19-22, 35, 36, 41,
                                      42, 45.
                                     10, 16-18, 25, 26, 27-  Original...................  February 21, 1995.
                                      34, 37-40, 43, 44.
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-     1-60..................  2..........................  October 31, 1995.
 0297, Revision 2, October 31, 1995.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 7: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 1998-481-270(B) R1, dated July 12, 2000.

Effective Date

    (j) This amendment becomes effective on May 14, 2002.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2002.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-8278 Filed 4-8-02; 8:45 am]
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