[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 103 (Thursday, May 29, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31996-31999]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13387]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-314-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and 
F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600) Series Airplanes, and Airbus 
Model A310 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, 
B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes, 
and Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposal would require 
replacement of Honeywell inertial reference units (IRU) with new or 
modified Honeywell IRUs. For certain airplanes, this proposal also 
would require replacement of Litton IRUs, mode selector units (MSU), 
and inertial sensor display unit (ISDU) with new Honeywell IRUs, MSUs, 
and a new ISDU. This action is necessary to prevent loss of positioning 
data and a display of incorrect attitude data, which could compromise 
the ability of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing 
of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 30, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2001-NM-314-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

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via fax or the Internet must contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM-314-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, 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-314-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-314-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), 
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that 
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes, and 
Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, equipped with certain Honeywell 
Inertial Reference Units (IRU). The DGAC advises that an operator 
reported the loss of positioning data and the display of incorrect 
attitude data shortly after take-off because the airplane was moved on 
the ground before the IRU alignment procedure had been completed. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of positioning data 
and a display of incorrect attitude data, which could compromise the 
ability of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing of 
the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-34-6135, Revision 01 (for 
Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Service Bulletin A310-34-2158, 
Revision 01 (for Model A310 series airplanes); both dated September 10, 
2001. These service bulletins describe procedures for replacement of 
Honeywell IRUs with new or modified Honeywell IRUs.
    The service bulletins reference Honeywell Service Bulletin 
HG1050BD-34-0009, dated April 17, 2001; and Honeywell Service Bulletin 
HG1050BD-34-0010, Revision 001, dated April 16, 2001; as additional 
sources of service information for accomplishing the replacement of 
Honeywell IRUs required by this AD.
    For certain Model A300-600 series airplanes, Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-34-6135 recommends prior or concurrent accomplishment of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-6082, Revision 05, dated February 13, 
1998. Service Bulletin A300-34-6082 describes procedures for replacing 
Litton IRUs, mode selector units (MSU), and inertial sensor display 
unit (ISDU) with new Honeywell IRUs, MSUs, and a new ISDU.
    For a certain Model A310 series airplane, Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-34-2158 recommends prior or concurrent accomplishment of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-34-2104, dated May 12, 1995. Service Bulletin 
A310-34-2104 describes procedures for replacing Litton IRUs, MSUs, and 
the ISDU unit with new Honeywell IRUs, MSUs, and a new ISDU.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the Airbus service 
bulletins is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition. The DGAC classified the Airbus service bulletins as 
mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 2001-303(B), dated 
July 25, 2001, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in France.

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 require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 89 Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
replacement of Honeywell IRUs with new or modified Honeywell IRUs, and 
that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would 
cost approximately $1,000 per airplane. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$105,020, or $1,180 per airplane.

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    The FAA estimates that 47 Airbus Model A310 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
replacement of Honeywell IRUs with new or modified Honeywell IRUs, and 
that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts would 
cost approximately $1,000 per airplane. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$55,460, or $1,180 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this proposed 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 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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Airbus: Docket 2001-NM-314-AD.

    Applicability: The series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, listed in the following table:

                                              Table--Applicability
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                                       Equipped with Honeywell
              Model--                 ineritial reference units     Excluding airplanes modified in accordance
                                         having part number--                         with--
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A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300  HG1050BD02 or HG1050BD05...  Airbus Modification 12304 in production; or
 F4-600R (collectively called A300-                                Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-6135,
 600); and A310.                                                   Revision 01, dated September 10, 2001 (for
                                                                   Model A300-600 series airplanes) or Airbus
                                                                   Service Bulletin A310-34-2158, Revision 01,
                                                                   dated September 10, 2001 (for Model A310
                                                                   series airplanes); as applicable.
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    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 (f) 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 loss of positioning data and a display of incorrect 
attitude data to the flightcrew, which could compromise the ability 
of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

Replacement of Inertial Reference Units (IRU)

    (a) Within 35 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Replace the existing Honeywell IRUs with new or modified Honeywell 
IRUs, per the Accomplishment Instructions specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-34-6135, Revision 01 (for Model A300 B4-600, 
A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (collectively called A300-600 series 
airplanes)); or Service Bulletin A310-34-2158, Revision 01 (for 
Model A310 series airplanes); both dated September 10, 2001; as 
applicable.
    (b) Accomplishment of the replacement specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-34-6135 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); 
or Service Bulletin A310-34-2158 (for Model A310 series airplanes); 
both dated March 9, 2001; as applicable; is acceptable for 
compliance with the replacement requirement of paragraph (a) of this 
AD.

    Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-6135, Revision 01; and 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-34-2158, Revision 01; both dated 
September 10, 2001; reference Honeywell Service Bulletin HG1050BD-
34-0009, dated April 17, 2001; and Honeywell Service Bulletin 
HG1050BD-34-0010, Revision 001, dated April 16, 2001; as additional 
sources of service information for accomplishing the replacements 
required by this AD.

For Model A300-600 Series Airplanes: Before or Concurrent Requirements

    (c) For Model A300-600 series airplanes with manufacturer's 
serial numbers 0284, 0294, 0301, 0307, 0312, 0317, 0321, 0336, 0341, 
0348, 0351, 0555, 0559, 0625, 0677, 0743, 0744, and 0749: Before or 
concurrently with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD, 
replace the Litton IRUs, mode selector units (MSU), and inertial 
sensor display unit (ISDU) with new Honeywell IRUs, MSUs, and a new 
ISDU, per Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-6082, Revision 05, dated 
February 13, 1998. If this service bulletin is being performed 
concurrently with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD, the 
new or modified Honeywell IRUs required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
should be installed in lieu of the Honeywell part numbers listed in 
Revision 05 of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-6082.

[[Page 31999]]

For Model A310 Series Airplanes: Before or Concurrent Requirements

    (d) For the Model A310 airplane with manufacturer's serial 
number 0172: Before or concurrently with the requirements of 
paragraph (a) of this AD, replace the Litton IRUs, MSUs, and ISDU 
with new Honeywell IRUs, MSUs, and a new ISDU, per Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-34-2104, dated May 12, 1995.

Parts Installation

    (e) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall 
install, on any airplane, any part listed in paragraphs (e)(1), 
(e)(2), or (e)(3) of this AD; as applicable:
    (1) For Model A300-600 series airplanes and Model A310 series 
airplanes: Honeywell IRUs having part number HG1050BD02 or 
HG1050BD05.
    (2) For Model A300-600 airplanes listed in paragraph (c) of this 
AD: Litton IRUs, MSUs, or ISDU having a part number identified in 
paragraph 3.A. of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-6082, Revision 5, 
dated February 13, 1998.
    (3) For Model A310 airplane listed in paragraph (d) of this AD: 
Litton IRUs having part number 4618000200-2201 or 461800-02-102; 
MSUs having part number 461630-02; and an ISDU having part number 
461640-08-03.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) 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 Avionics Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: 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

    (g) 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2001-303(B), dated July 25, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 22, 2003.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-13387 Filed 5-28-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P