[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 21 (Friday, January 31, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4889-4892]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-1831]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 21 / Friday, January 31, 2003 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 4889]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-179-AD; Amendment 39-13028; AD 2003-03-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4; A300 B4-
600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600); A310; A319; 
A320; A321; A330; and A340 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, 
and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600); A310; and certain Airbus 
Model A319; A320; A321; A330; and A340 series airplanes, that requires 
repetitive visual inspections of the striker and guide valve of the 
passenger door actuators and certain emergency door actuators for 
corrosion, and corrective action, if necessary. This AD also requires 
modification of the striker mechanism of the emergency and passenger 
door actuators, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This 
amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent corrosion of the emergency 
actuator mechanism, which could cause failure of the emergency actuator 
striker mechanism on the passenger or emergency doors, and lead to 
difficulty in opening the passenger or emergency doors during an 
emergency evacuation.

DATES: Effective March 7, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 7, 2003.

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, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, International Branch, ANM-116, 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 and B4; 
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600); A310; 
and certain Airbus Model A319; A320; A321; A330; and A340 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 17, 2002 (67 FR 
35059). That action proposed to require repetitive visual inspections 
of the striker and guide valve of the passenger door actuators and 
certain emergency door actuators for corrosion, and corrective action, 
if necessary. That action also proposed to require modification of the 
striker mechanism of the emergency and passenger door actuators, which 
would terminate 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 comment received.

Request To Allow Credit for Accomplishment of Earlier Service Bulletin

    One commenter requests that the FAA allow credit for accomplishment 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1094, Revision 1, dated June 17, 
1998, as terminating action for the repetitive inspections. We agree. 
We find that the procedures specified in that service bulletin revision 
are essentially identical to those specified in Revision 02 of the 
service bulletin (which was referenced in the notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) as an appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishment of the terminating action). Therefore, we have revised 
the final rule to include a new paragraph (g) to specify that 
modification of the striker mechanism before the effective date of this 
AD per Revision 1 of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1094 is considered 
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of 
this AD (designated as paragraph (d) in the NPRM).

Explanation of Editorial Changes

    Since the language in Notes 4 and 5 of the proposed AD is 
regulatory in nature, those notes have been redesignated as paragraphs 
(d) and (e) of this final rule, respectively (subsequent paragraphs and 
notes also have been redesignated).
    We have changed certain service bulletin citations throughout this 
final rule to exclude the Service Bulletin Acceptance/Rejection Sheet. 
The sheet is intended to be completed by operators and submitted to the 
airplane manufacturer to provide inspection reports to Airbus; however, 
this AD does not include such a requirement.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described 
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 127 Model A300 B2 and B4 and A300-600 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    For these airplanes, it will take approximately 9 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required inspections, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the inspections on U.S. operators is

[[Page 4890]]

estimated to be $68,580, or $540 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    It will take approximately 60 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Parts cost per airplane will be minimal. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the modification on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be $457,200, or $3,600 per airplane.
    The FAA estimates that 47 Model A310 series airplanes of U.S. 
registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 6 
work hours per airplane to accomplish the required inspections, and 
that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the inspections on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $16,920, or $360 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    For these airplanes, it will take approximately 20 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required modification, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Parts cost per airplane will be minimal. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the modification on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $56,400, or $1,200 per airplane.
    The FAA estimates that 887 Model A319, A320, and A330 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators of these 
airplanes is estimated to be $212,880, or $240 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    For these airplanes, it will take approximately 80 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required modification, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Parts cost per airplane will be minimal. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the modification on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $4,257,600, or $4,800 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.
    There are currently no affected Model A321 or A340 series airplanes 
on the U.S. Register. All of these airplanes included in the 
applicability of this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators 
under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by 
this AD action. However, the FAA considers it necessary to include 
these airplanes in the applicability of this rule in order to ensure 
that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of the 
subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.
    Should an affected Model A321 series airplane be imported and 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will take approximately 8 
work hours per airplane to accomplish the required inspections. Based 
on an average labor rate of $60 per work hour, the cost impact of the 
inspections would be $480 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    It will take approximately 20 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required modification on a Model A321 series airplane. Parts cost 
per airplane will be minimal. Based on an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour, the cost impact of the modification will be $1,200 per 
airplane.
    Should an affected Model A340 series airplane be imported and 
placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it will take approximately 
32 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required inspections. 
Based on an average labor rate of $60 per work hour, the cost impact of 
the inspections would be $1,920 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    It will take approximately 80 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the required modification on a Model A340 series airplane. Parts cost 
per airplane will be minimal. Based on an average labor rate of $60 per 
work hour, the cost impact of the modification would be $4,800 per 
airplane.

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:

2003-03-04 AIRBUS: Amendment 39-13028. Docket 96-NM-179-AD.
    Applicability: All Model A300 B2 and B4; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, 
and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600); A310; A319; A320; A321; 
A330; and A340 series 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 (i) 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 corrosion of the emergency actuator mechanism, which 
could cause failure of the emergency actuator striker mechanism on 
the passenger or emergency doors, and lead to difficulty in opening 
the passenger or emergency doors during an emergency evacuation, 
accomplish the following:

[[Page 4891]]

Repetitive Inspections

    (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
or within 36 months after the airplane's date of manufacture, 
whichever occurs later: Determine if Airbus Modification(s) 45090, 
45155, 45197, 45904, 45905, 26015, 26211, 11549, or 12024, as 
applicable, has been done. If the applicable modification(s) has 
been done, no further action is required by this AD. If the 
applicable modification(s) has not been done, before further flight, 
do the inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
    (b) Perform the inspections required by paragraphs (b)(1) and/or 
(b)(2) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-52-0168, Revision 02, excluding Service Bulletin 
Acceptance/Rejection Sheet (for Model A300 B2 and B4 series 
airplanes); A300-52-6052, Revision 02, excluding Service Bulletin 
Acceptance/Rejection Sheet (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or 
A310-52-2058, Revision 02, excluding Service Bulletin Acceptance/
Rejection Sheet (for Model A310 series airplanes); all dated October 
25, 1999; A330-52-3038, Revision 01, dated December 2, 1996 (for 
Model A330 series airplanes); A340-52-4048, Revision 03, dated June 
10, 1997 (for Model A340 series airplanes); or Airbus All Operator 
Telex (AOT) 52-12, Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for Model A319, 
A320, and A321 series airplanes); as applicable. Although certain 
service bulletins reference a reporting requirement, such reporting 
is not required by this AD. Repeat the inspections thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 3 years:
    (1) For Model A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes: Do a 
detailed inspection of the striker and guide valve of the emergency 
door actuators for corrosion.
    (2) For all airplanes: Do a detailed inspection of the striker 
and guide valve of the passenger door actuators for corrosion.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
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.''


    Note 3: Additional service information regarding the required 
inspections on Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4, A300-600, and A310 
series airplanes is provided in RATIER-FIGEAC Service Bulletin 701-
5000-52-9, Revision 1, dated October 10, 1996.

Corrective Action

    (c) If any corrosion is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (b) of this AD, before further flight, accomplish either 
paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-52-0168, Revision 02, excluding Service 
Bulletin Acceptance/Rejection Sheet (for Model A300 B2 and B4 series 
airplanes); A300-52-6052, Revision 02, excluding Service Bulletin 
Acceptance/Rejection Sheet (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or 
A310-52-2058, Revision 02, excluding Service Bulletin Acceptance/
Rejection Sheet (for Model A310 series airplanes); all dated October 
25, 1999; A330-52-3038, Revision 01, dated December 2, 1996 (for 
Model A330 series airplanes); A340-52-4048, Revision 03, dated June 
10, 1997 (for Model A340 series airplanes); or Airbus AOT 52-12, 
Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes); as applicable. Although certain service bulletins 
reference a reporting requirement, such reporting is not required by 
this AD.
    (1) Clean the corroded areas of the emergency actuator striker 
mechanism to restore proper function, and re-install the mechanism; 
and, within 18 months after the corrosion is found, replace the 
mechanism with a serviceable part; or
    (2) Replace the emergency actuator striker mechanism with a 
serviceable part.
    (d) Inspections and corrective action done before the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-
0168, dated December 4, 1996, or Revision 01, dated March 26, 1998; 
A300-52-6052, dated December 4, 1996, or Revision 01, dated March 
26, 1998; or A310-52-2058, dated December 4, 1996, or Revision 01, 
dated March 26, 1998; are considered acceptable for compliance with 
the applicable actions specified in this amendment.
    (e) Inspections and corrective action accomplished prior to the 
effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus A320 Maintenance 
Planning Document, task number 521000-13-1, are considered 
acceptable for compliance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD.

Terminating Action

    (f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
the striker mechanism of the emergency and passenger door actuators 
(includes replacement of the existing copper diaphragm in the 
striker mechanism with an aluminum diaphragm and re-identification 
of the actuators) in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
52-0173, Revision 01, dated September 7, 2000 (for Model A300 B2 and 
B4 series airplanes); A300-52-6061, Revision 01, dated September 7, 
2000 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); A310-52-2065, Revision 
01, dated September 7, 2000 (for Model A310 series airplanes); A330-
52-3048, Revision 01, dated December 2, 1998 (for Model A330 series 
airplanes); A340-52-4059, Revision 01, dated December 2, 1998 (for 
Model A340 series airplanes); or A320-52-1094, Revision 02, dated 
April 7, 1999 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); as 
applicable.
    (g) Modification of the striker mechanism accomplished prior to 
the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-52-1094, Revision 1, dated June 17, 1998, is 
considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph (f) of this AD.

Part Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a passenger door or emergency door actuator on any airplane without 
first inspecting that actuator in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD; and repairing, if necessary, in accordance with paragraph 
(c) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (i) 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

    (j) 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

    (k) The actions shall be done per the applicable Airbus service 
information in the following table:

                                           Table.--Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Revision
        Airbus service information           level              Excluding                       Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All Operator Telex (AOT) 52-12...........          1  not applicable..............  May 9, 1996.
Service Bulletin A300-52-0168............         02  Service Bulletin Acceptance/  October 25, 1999.
                                                       Rejection Sheet.
Service Bulletin A300-52-0173............         01  not applicable..............  September 7, 2000.
Service Bulletin A300-52-6052............         02  Service Bulletin Acceptance/  October 25, 1999.
                                                       Rejection Sheet.
Service Bulletin A300-52-6061............         01  not applicable..............  September 7, 2000.

[[Page 4892]]

 
Service Bulletin A310-52-2058............         02  Service Bulletin Acceptance/  October 25, 1999.
                                                       Rejection Sheet.
Service Bulletin A310-52-2065............         01  not applicable..............  September 7, 2000.
Service Bulletin A320-52-1094............         02  not applicable..............  April 7, 1999.
Service Bulletin A330-52-3038............         01  not applicable..............  December 2, 1996.
Service Bulletin A330-52-3048............         01  not applicable..............  December 2, 1998.
Service Bulletin A340-52-4048............         03  not applicable..............  June 10, 1997.
Service Bulletin A340-52-4059............         01  not applicable..............  December 2, 1998.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) 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.
    (2) 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 1998-482-122(B) R1, dated April 21, 1999; 
1999-410-294(B) R1, dated November 17, 1999; and 98-507-085(B) and 
98-508-106(B), both dated December 16, 1998.

Effective Date

    (l) This amendment becomes effective on March 7, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 22, 2003.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-1831 Filed 1-30-03; 8:45 am]
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