[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 29, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4378-4380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-1829]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-340-AD; Amendment 39-13030; AD 2003-03-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes 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 
amendment adds a requirement to modify the escape slides/slide rafts on 
the passenger, crew, and emergency exit doors. The actions specified by 
this 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: Effective March 5, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-
3126, dated August 7, 2001; and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4152, 
dated August 7, 2001; as listed in the regulations, is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of March 5, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin 
A330-25-3086, including Appendix 01, Revision 01, dated June 11, 1999; 
and Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A340-25-4115, including Appendix 
01, Revision 01, dated June 11, 1999; as listed in the regulations, was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
November 26, 1999 (64 FR 56963, October 22, 1999).

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) by superseding AD 99-22-07, 
amendment 39-11385 (64 FR 56963, October 22, 1999), which is applicable 
to certain Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes, was published 
in the Federal Register on September 13, 2002 (67 FR 57982). The action 
proposed 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 
action also proposed to require modification of the escape slides/slide 
rafts on the passenger, crew, and emergency exit doors.

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.

[[Page 4379]]

Request To Allow Part Installations

    Two commenters request that the notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) be revised to allow installation of an unmodified slide on Model 
A330 series airplanes, until the compliance deadline. These commenters 
state that if the AD does not allow unmodified slides to be installed 
after the effective date of the AD, all unmodified spares would become 
unserviceable at that time. This would require the personnel at the 
slide shops to complete spares modification at an accelerated rate, 
which would increase the cost of this modification.
    The FAA does not agree. This AD does not contain any provisions 
that prohibit operators from installing an unmodified slide on an 
airplane before they accomplish the modification required by paragraph 
(b) of this AD. However, once the compliance threshold (i.e., 36 months 
after the effective date of this AD) has been reached for modification, 
operators are prohibited from replacing an improved part with an old 
part under 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 39.3. No change to the 
final rule is necessary.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately nine airplanes of U.S. registry that will 
be affected by this 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 required in this AD action will take approximately 
11 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $3,136 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 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 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 removing amendment 39-11385 (64 FR 
56963, October 22, 1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-13030, to read as follows:

2003-03-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-13030. 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 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

[[Page 4380]]

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 BF 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, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3126, dated 
August 7, 2001; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4152, dated August 
7, 2001; Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A330-25-3086, including 
Appendix 01, Revision 01, dated June 11, 1999; and Airbus Industrie 
Service Bulletin A340-25-4115, including Appendix 01, Revision 01, 
dated June 11, 1999; as applicable.
    (1) This incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-25-3126, dated August 7, 2001; and Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-25-4152, dated August 7, 2001; is approved by the Director of 
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Industrie Service 
Bulletin A330-25-3086, including Appendix 01, Revision 01, dated 
June 11, 1999; and Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A340-25-4115, 
including Appendix 01, Revision 01, dated June 11, 1999; was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
November 26, 1999 (64 FR 56963, October 22, 1999).
    (3) 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 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.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 5, 2003.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 22, 2003.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-1829 Filed 1-28-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P