[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 4, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33416-33418]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-13977]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-50-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

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 B2 and 
B4; A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (collectively called 
A300-600); A310; A319; A320; A321; A330; and A340 series airplanes; 
equipped with certain PPG Aerospace windshields. This proposal would 
require replacement of certain windshields manufactured by PPG 
Aerospace with new windshields. This action is necessary to prevent 
failure of both structural plies of the windshield caused by 
overheating of the power lead wire, which could cause reduced 
structural integrity of the windshield assembly, and consequent loss of 
the windshield during flight. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 7, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-50-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. 2002-NM-50-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: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1137; 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 2002-NM-50-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. 2002-NM-50-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Direction Generale 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 B2 and B4; A300 B4-
600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (collectively called A300-600); 
A310; A319; A320; A321; A330; and A340 series airplanes; equipped with 
certain windshields manufactured by PPG Aerospace. The DGAC advises 
that, after landing, an operator reported breakage (failure of both 
structural plies) of a windshield. Investigations performed by the 
manufacturer identified the cause of the failure of both structural 
plies as abnormal localized overheating of the power lead wire located 
between the structural plies of the windshield. The localized 
overheating was caused by electrical arcing between the power lead 
wires that supply power to the upper bus bar from the terminal block 
due to damage to the wire during manufacturing rework in production. 
During rework, the wire migrated away from the windshield interlayer 
and was accidentally damaged by a sharp tool during removal of the 
windshield pressure seal. Failure of both structural plies of the 
windshield caused by overheating of the power lead wire, if not 
corrected, could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
windshield assembly, and consequent loss of the windshield during 
flight.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the All Operators Telexes (AOT) specified in 
Table 1 of this AD, which describe procedures for replacement of 
certain windshields

[[Page 33417]]

manufactured by PPG Aerospace with new windshields. Accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the AOTs is intended to adequately address the 
identified unsafe condition. The DGAC classified these AOTs as 
mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 2001-606(B), dated 
December 12, 2001, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in France.
    The Airbus AOTs reference PPG Aerospace Service Bulletin NP-175201-
56-001, dated September 26, 2001, as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishing the replacement proposed in this AD.

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. We have examined the findings of the 
DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of these type designs 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 designs registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the AOTs described previously.

Clarification of AOT Document Number

    Operators should note that the French airworthiness directive 
incorrectly references the document number for the AOT applicable to 
Model A300-600 series airplanes as Airbus AOT A300-56A6004. The correct 
document number is A300-600-56A6004.

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 622 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected 
by this proposed AD. Currently, there are no Model A340 series 
airplanes on the U.S. registry.
    The following table shows the estimated cost impact to do the 
proposed actions for airplanes affected by this proposed AD. The 
following table also shows the estimated cost impact for Model A340 
series airplanes affected by this proposed AD, should an affected 
airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future. The 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour, and there are 2 windshields 
per airplane. The estimated maximum cost for all airplanes affected by 
this proposed AD is $11,979,720 (assuming both windshields must be 
replaced on all affected airplanes); however, some warranty relief may 
be available.

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                                          Number of  U.S.-   Work hours  per   Parts cost  per    Maximum cost
                  Model                      registered        windshield        windshield       per airplane
                                              airplanes        (estimated)       (estimated)       (estimated)
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A300 B2 and B4, A300-600, A310, A319,                  622                 8            $9,150           $19,260
 A320, A321, A330.......................
A340....................................                 0                 8             9,150            19,260
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    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 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. The manufacturer may cover the cost of 
replacement parts associated with this proposed AD, subject to warranty 
conditions. As a result, the costs attributable to the proposed AD may 
be less than stated above.

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 2002-NM-50-AD.

    Applicability: Airplanes listed in Table 1 of this AD, certified 
in any category, as follows:

[[Page 33418]]



                         Table 1.--Applicability
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                                        Equipped with PPG Aerospace
                                           windshields having--
             Model--             ---------------------------------------
                                                      And Serial Nos. (S/
                                   Part Nos. (P/N)--   N) as listed in--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes.  NP-175201-1, NP-    Airbus All
                                   175201-2, or NP-    Operators Telex
                                   175201-4.           A300-56A0011,
                                                       dated October 2,
                                                       2001.
A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and    NP-175201-1, NP-    Airbus All
 A300 F4-600R (collectively        175201-2, or NP-    Operators Telex
 called A300-600 airplanes.        175201-4.           A300-600-56A6004,
                                                       dated October 2,
                                                       2001.
A310 series airplanes...........  NP-175201-1, NP-    Airbus All
                                   175201-2, or NP-    Operators Telex
                                   175201-4.           A310-56A2005,
                                                       dated October 2,
                                                       2001.
A319, A320, and A321 series       NP-165311-2, NP-    Airbus All
 airplanes.                        165311-3, NP-       Operators Telex
                                   165311-4, NP-       A320-56A1010,
                                   165311-5, or NP-    Revision 01,
                                   165311-6.           dated October 1,
                                                       2001.
A330 series airplanes...........  NP-175201-1, NP-    Airbus All
                                   175201-2, or NP-    Operators Telex
                                   175201-4.           A330-56A3005,
                                                       dated October 2,
                                                       2001.
A340 series airplanes...........  NP-175201-1, NP-    Airbus All
                                   175201-2, or NP-    Operators Telex
                                   175201-4.           A340-56A4005,
                                                       dated October 2,
                                                       2001.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    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 (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 failure of both structural plies of the windshield 
caused by overheating of the power lead wire, which could cause 
reduced structural integrity of the windshield assembly, and 
consequent loss of the windshield during flight, accomplish the 
following:

Windshield Replacement

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
windshields manufactured by PPG Aerospace having certain P/Ns and S/
Ns listed in the applicable Airbus all operators telex (AOT) listed 
in Table 1 of this AD with new windshields, per the applicable 
Airbus AOT listed in Table 1 of this AD.

    Note 2: The Airbus AOTs reference PPG Aerospace Service Bulletin 
NP-175201-56-001, dated September 26, 2001, as an additional source 
of service information for accomplishing the replacement required by 
this AD.

Part Installation

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a windshield manufactured by PPG Aerospace having a 
certain P/N and S/N listed in the applicable AOT listed in Table 1 
of this AD.

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 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

    (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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2001-606(B), dated December 12, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 28, 2003.
Vi L. Lipski,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-13977 Filed 6-3-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P