[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 159 (Monday, August 18, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49340-49342]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-20713]



[[Page 49340]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-314-AD; Amendment 39-13268; AD 2003-16-15]
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: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
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 AD requires 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 an 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: Effective September 22, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 22, 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, 
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) to include an 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, was published in the Federal 
Register on May 29, 2003 (68 FR 31996). That action proposed to require 
replacement of Honeywell inertial reference units (IRU) with new or 
modified Honeywell IRUs. For certain airplanes, that action also 
proposed to require replacement of Litton IRUs, mode selector units 
(MSU), and an inertial sensor display unit (ISDU) with new Honeywell 
IRUs, MSUs, and a new ISDU.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness 
directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to 
altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of 
compliance. However, for clarity and consistency in this final rule, we 
have retained the language of the NPRM regarding that material.

Change to Labor Rate Estimate

    We have reviewed the figures we have used over the past several 
years to calculate AD costs to operators. To account for various 
inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find it necessary to 
increase the labor rate used in these calculations from $60 per work 
hour to $65 per work hour. The cost impact information, below, reflects 
this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 89 Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the replacement 
of Honeywell IRUs with new or modified Honeywell IRUs, and that the 
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $1,000 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $106,355, or 
$1,195 per airplane.
    The FAA estimates that 47 Airbus Model A310 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take 
approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the replacement 
of Honeywell IRUs with new or modified Honeywell IRUs, and that the 
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost 
approximately $1,000 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $56,165, or 
$1,195 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.

[[Page 49341]]

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2003-16-15 Airbus: Amendment 39-13268. Docket 2001-NM-314-AD.
    Applicability: The series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, listed in the following table:

                          Table--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Equipped with
                                honeywell initial   Excluding airplanes
            Model--              reference units        modified in
                                   having part       accordance with--
                                     number--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and  HG1050BD02 or      Airbus Modification
 A300 F4-600R (collectively      HG1050BD05.        12304 in production;
 called A300-600); and A310.                        or Airbus Service
                                                    Bulletin A300-34-
                                                    6135, 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 A310 Model
                                                    A310 series
                                                    airplanes); as
                                                    applicable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    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: 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.

For Model A310 Series Airplanes: 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 05, 
dated February 13, 1998.
    (3) For the 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (h) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-6135, 
Revision 01, dated September 10, 2001, and Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-34-6082, Revision 05, dated February 13, 1998; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-34-2158, Revision 01, dated September 10, 
2001, and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-34-2104, dated May 12, 1995; 
as applicable. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-6082, Revision 05, 
dated February 13, 1998, contains the following list of effective 
pages:

[[Page 49342]]



------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision
         Page  Number            level shown      Date shown on page
                                   on page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1, 2, 5.......................  05..........  February 13, 1998
3, 4..........................  04..........  October 10, 1997
7, 8..........................  03..........  May 14, 1997
6.............................  Original....  April 20, 1995
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Effective Date

    (i) This amendment becomes effective on September 22, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 6, 2003.
Neil D. Schalekamp,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-20713 Filed 8-15-03; 8:45 am]
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