[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 174 (Tuesday, September 9, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 53058-53061]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-22891]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-97-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-
600R Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 
B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes, that currently requires a 
one-time visual inspection for damage of the center tank fuel pumps and 
fuel pump canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel 
pump canisters with new or serviceable parts. That AD also requires 
repetitive visual inspections of the fuel pumps and repetitive eddy 
current inspections of the fuel pump canisters, and replacement of 
damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or serviceable 
parts. This action would mandate modification of the canisters of the 
center tank fuel pumps, which would terminate the repetitive 
inspections required by the existing AD. The actions specified by the 
proposed AD are intended to prevent damage to the fuel pump and fuel 
pump canister, which could result in loss of flame trap capability and 
could provide a fuel ignition source in the center fuel tank. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by October 9, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-97-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-97-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 or 2000 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: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2797; 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.

[[Page 53059]]

    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-97-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-97-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On December 23, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99-27-07, amendment 39-
11488 (65 FR 213, January 4, 2000), applicable to all Airbus Model A300 
B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes, to require a one-time visual 
inspection for damage of the center tank fuel pumps and fuel pump 
canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump 
canisters with new or serviceable parts. That action also requires 
repetitive visual inspections of the fuel pumps and repetitive eddy 
current inspections of the fuel pump canisters, and replacement of 
damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or serviceable 
parts. That action also reduces the applicability to include only those 
airplanes that have a trim tank system installed. That action was 
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The requirements of that AD 
are intended to detect damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, 
which could result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a 
fuel ignition source in the center fuel tank.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 99-27-07, the Direction 
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, has issued French airworthiness 
directive 2002-132(B) dated March 20, 2002. The French airworthiness 
directive continues to require repetitive inspections for damage of the 
center tank fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters and replacement of any 
damaged parts, and mandates modification of the canisters of the center 
tank fuel pumps, which would terminate the repetitive inspections 
required by AD 99-27-07.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-28-6069, Revision 01, dated 
May 28, 2002, which describes procedures for modification of the 
canisters of the center tank fuel pumps. The modification includes 
drilling holes on the doubler for the canister locating pins; 
installing the locating pins; preparing the fastener holes for 
electrical bonding; and installing new, improved canisters and canister 
bonding leads. The service bulletin also describes procedures for an 
operational test of the center tank fuel pumps after accomplishment of 
the modification.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A300-28-6061, Revision 04, 
dated August 1, 2002. The original issue of the service bulletin was 
referenced in the existing AD for accomplishment of certain inspections 
and corrective action. Airbus also previously issued Revision 01, dated 
May 31, 1999; Revision 02, dated October 29, 1999; and Revision 03, 
dated September 4, 2001. None of these revisions contain substantial 
changes from the original issue.
    The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued 
French airworthiness directive 2002-132(B), dated March 20, 2002, to 
ensure 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 us 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 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 supersede AD 99-27-07 to 
continue to require a one-time visual inspection for damage of the 
center tank fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, and replacement of 
damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or serviceable 
parts. The proposed AD also would continue to require repetitive visual 
inspections for damage of the fuel pumps and repetitive eddy current 
inspections of the fuel pump canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel 
pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or serviceable parts. This new 
action would mandate modification of the canisters of the center tank 
fuel pumps, which would terminate the repetitive inspections required 
by the existing AD. The actions would be required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the service bulletins described previously.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, we 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 
(AMOCs). Because we have now included this material in part 39, only 
the office authorized to approve AMOCs is identified in each individual 
AD.

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

    There are approximately 84 airplanes of U.S. registry that would be 
affected by this proposed AD.
    The inspections that are required by AD 99-27-07 take approximately 
2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of 
$65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
currently required actions

[[Page 53060]]

is estimated to be $130 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The inspections required by AD 99-27-07 were applicable to 
approximately 67 airplanes. Based on the figures discussed above, the 
cost impact of the current requirements of that AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $8,710.
    In this proposed AD, the inspections are applicable to 
approximately 17 additional airplanes. Based on the figures discussed 
above, the new costs to U.S. operators that would be imposed by this 
proposed AD are estimated to be $2,210.
    The new modification proposed in this AD action would take 
approximately 11 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
approximately $150 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed modification on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be $72,660, or $865 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or 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.

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 removing amendment 39-11488 (65 FR 
213, January 4, 2000), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Airbus: Docket 2002-NM-97-AD. Supersedes AD 99-27-07, amendment 39-
11488.

    Applicability: Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, on which Airbus 
Modification 4801 (trim tank system) has been accomplished.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, which 
could result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a 
fuel ignition source in the center fuel tank, accomplish the 
following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 99-27-07

Inspections

    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 5,000 total hours, time-in-
service, or within 250 hours, time-in-service after February 8, 2000 
(the effective date of AD 99-27-07, amendment 39-11488), whichever 
occurs later, perform a detailed inspection for damage of the center 
tank fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, in accordance with Airbus 
All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998. Repeat the 
inspection prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total hours time-in-
service, or within 250 hours time-in-service after accomplishment of 
the initial inspection, whichever occurs later. Thereafter, repeat 
the inspection at intervals not to exceed 250 hours time-in-service, 
until accomplishment of the initial inspection required by paragraph 
(b) of this AD.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.''

    (b) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1), 
(b)(2), or (b)(3) of this AD: Perform a detailed inspection to 
detect damage of the center tank fuel pumps and perform an eddy 
current inspection to detect damage of the fuel pump canisters, in 
accordance with Airbus Alert Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, dated 
February 19, 1999; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6061, Revision 
04, dated August 1, 2002. Repeat the inspections thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles, until accomplishment of 
paragraph (d) of this AD. Accomplishment of the initial inspections 
required by this paragraph constitutes terminating action for the 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 11,000 or more total 
flight cycles as of February 8, 2000: Inspect within 300 flight 
cycles after February 8, 2000.
    (2) For airplanes that have accumulated 8,500 or more total 
flight cycles, but fewer than 11,000 total flight cycles, as of 
February 8, 2000: Inspect within 750 flight cycles after February 8, 
2000.
    (3) For airplanes that have accumulated fewer than 8,500 total 
flight cycles as of February 8, 2000: Inspect prior to the 
accumulation of 7,000 flight cycles, or within 1,500 flight cycles 
after February 8, 2000, whichever occurs later.

Corrective Action

    (c) If any damage is detected during any inspection required by 
this AD, prior to further flight, replace the damaged fuel pump or 
fuel pump canister with a new or serviceable part in accordance with 
Airbus Alert Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, dated February 19, 1999; 
or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6061, Revision 04, dated August 
1, 2002.

Inspections/Corrective Action Accomplished Per Previous Issues of 
Service Bulletin

    (d) Inspections and corrective action accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD per Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6061, 
Revision 01, dated May 31, 1999; Revision 02, dated October 29, 
1999; or Revision 03, dated September 4, 2001; are considered 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified 
in this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

Modification

    (e) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
the canisters of the center tank fuel pumps (including an 
operational test) by doing all the actions per paragraphs 3.A., 
3.B., 3.C., and 3.D. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-28-6069, Revision 01, dated May 28, 2002. 
Accomplishment of this modification ends the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
    (f) Accomplishment of the modification before the effective date 
of this AD per

[[Page 53061]]

Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6069, dated September 4, 2001, is 
acceptable for compliance with the modification required by 
paragraph (d) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, is authorized to approve 
alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 99-27-07, amendment 39-11488, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with the applicable actions in 
this AD.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2002-132(B), dated March 20, 2002.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 3, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-22891 Filed 9-8-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P