[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 178 (Friday, September 13, 2002)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57982-57984]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-23292]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 67, No. 178 / Friday, September 13, 2002 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 57982]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-340-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 supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A330 
and A340 series airplanes, that currently requires a one-time 
inspection of the rail release pins and parachute pins of the escape 
slide/raft pack assembly for correct installation, and corrective 
actions, if necessary. This action would add a requirement to modify 
the escape slides/slide rafts on the passenger, crew, and emergency 
exit doors. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent improper deployment of the escape slide/raft and blockage of 
the door in the event of an emergency evacuation. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 15, 2002.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-340-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-340-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, Customer Services Directorate, 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:
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] 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-340-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-340-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On October 14, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-22-07, amendment 39-11385 
(64 FR 56963, October 22, 1999), applicable to certain Airbus Model 
A330 and A340 series airplanes, to require a one-time inspection of the 
rail release pins and parachute pins of the escape slide/raft pack 
assembly for correct installation, and corrective actions, if 
necessary. That action was prompted by reports of the escape slide/raft 
failing to deploy and blocking the passenger and crew doors due to 
incorrect installation of the rail release pins of the escape slide/
raft pack assembly or because the parachute pin of the escape slide/
raft assembly had been pulled out before the door was open. The 
requirements of that AD are intended to prevent the escape slide/raft 
from deploying improperly and blocking the doors in the event of an 
emergency evacuation.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, the FAA has been advised by the 
Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is 
the airworthiness authority for France, of reports from the 
manufacturer and operators of Model A330 and A340 series airplanes 
indicating that the rail release pins for the emergency evacuation 
slides were incorrectly installed. If an incorrectly installed rail 
release pin were to rotate from its correct orientation, the pin could 
lock in the release rail and prevent the door from opening.
    The FAA has been advised that the release pin/rail retention 
mechanism has been redesigned to improve the alignment of the rail 
release pin and

[[Page 57983]]

reduce the possibility of blockage of the door or unwanted rotation of 
the rail release pin even if the pin is not completely installed in the 
rail. The rail bushing has been redesigned to allow the rail release 
pin to be extracted from the rail when the door is being opened. The 
rail adapter has been redesigned to prevent its jamming inside the rail 
slot when the door is being opened.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-25-3126 (for Model A330 
series airplanes) and A340-25-4152 (for Model A340 series airplanes), 
both dated August 7, 2001, which reflect the new designs discussed 
above. The service bulletins describe procedures for modifying the 
escape slides/slide rafts on the passenger/crew doors and the emergency 
exit doors. The modification involves replacing--with new or modified 
parts--the alignment bushing in the release rails, the existing rail 
release pin lanyards from the girt or girt attachment, and the existing 
rail adapters from the packboard. 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-
465(B) R1 and 2001-464(B) R1, both dated October 17, 2001, to ensure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
    The Airbus service bulletins refer to Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-
306, dated July 30, 2001, as an additional source of service 
information for the modification.

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 supersede AD 99-22-07 to 
continue to require a one-time inspection of the rail release pins and 
parachute pins of the escape slide/raft pack assembly for correct 
installation, and corrective actions, if necessary. The proposed AD 
would also require modification of the escape slides/slide rafts on the 
passenger, crew, and emergency exit doors. The actions would be 
required to be accomplished in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin described previously.

Explanation of Increased Number of U.S.-Registered Airplanes

    At the time AD 99-22-07 was issued, there were no Model A330 or 
A340 series airplanes registered in the United States. Nine Model A330 
series airplanes have since been imported into the United States, and 
would be affected by this proposed AD.

Explanation of Change to Inspection Definition

    The FAA has clarified the inspection requirement contained in AD 
99-22-07. Whereas that AD requires a detailed visual inspection, this 
proposed AD specifies a detailed inspection and provides a note that 
defines that inspection.

Explanation of Change to Applicability of Existing AD

    The applicability of this proposed AD has been revised to 
correspond to that of French airworthiness directives 2001-465(B) R1 
and 2001-464(B) R1, which consider airplanes manufactured since AD 99-
22-07 was issued and those that received the subject modification in 
production.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately nine airplanes of U.S. registry that would 
be affected by this proposed AD.
    The inspection currently required by AD 99-22-07 takes 
approximately 7 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required actions on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $3,780, or $420 per airplane.
    The modification proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 11 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $3,136 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $34,164, or $3,796 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or proposed 
requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish 
those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

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 removing amendment 39-11385 (64 FR 
56963, October 22, 1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Airbus: Docket 2001-NM-340-AD. Supersedes AD 99-22-07, Amendment 39-
11385.
    Applicability: Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; excluding those modified in production 
by

[[Page 57984]]

Airbus Modification 48840, 48841, 48842, or 48843.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 improper deployment of the escape slide/raft and 
blockage of the door in the event of an emergency evacuation, 
accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 99-22-07

Inspection

    (a) Within 2,000 flight hours or 6 months after November 26, 
1999 (the effective date of AD 99-22-07, amendment 39-11385), 
whichever occurs later, except as provided by paragraph (b) of this 
AD: Perform a one-time detailed inspection of the rail release pins 
and parachute pins of the escape slide/raft pack assembly installed 
on all passenger/crew doors (type A) and emergency exit doors (type 
A or type 1) for correct installation, in accordance with Airbus 
Industrie Service Bulletin A330-25-3086 (for Model A330 series 
airplanes) or A340-25-4115 (for Model A340 series airplanes), both 
Revision 01, both dated June 11, 1999.
    (1) During the inspection performed in accordance with paragraph 
(a) of this AD, if a rail release pin of the escape slide/raft pack 
assembly is found to be missing or incorrectly installed: Prior to 
further flight, re-install the rail release pin into the release 
rail, or, if re-installation is not possible, remove the discrepant 
escape slide/raft pack assembly and replace with a new pack assembly 
of the same part number; in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.
    (2) During the inspection performed in accordance with paragraph 
(a) of this AD, if a parachute pin of the escape slide/raft pack 
assembly is found to be missing or incorrectly installed: Prior to 
further flight, remove the discrepant escape slide/raft pack 
assembly and replace with a new pack assembly of the same part 
number; in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.

New Requirements of This AD

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

Modification

    (b) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
the escape slides/slide rafts on the passenger, crew, and emergency 
exit doors. The modification includes replacing--with new or 
modified parts--the alignment bushing in the release rails, the 
existing rail release pin lanyards from the girt or girt attachment, 
and the rail adapters from the packboard. Do the modification in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3126 (for Model A330 
series airplanes) or A340-25-4152 (for Model A340 series airplanes), 
both dated August 7, 2001. If the modification is done within the 
compliance time for the inspection specified in paragraph (a) of 
this AD, the inspection is not required.

    Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletins A330-25-3126 and A340-25-4152 
refer to Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-306, dated July 30, 2001, as 
an additional source of service information for the modification.

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, FAA. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 2001-465(B) R1 and 2001-464(B) R1, both 
dated October 17, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 5, 2002.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-23292 Filed 9-12-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P