[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 188 (Monday, September 29, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55814-55816]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-24487]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-206-AD; Amendment 39-13319; AD 2003-20-01]
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; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing 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, that currently requires replacement of Honeywell 
inertial reference units (IRU) with new or modified Honeywell IRUs. For 
certain airplanes, that existing AD also requires 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 amendment 
removes the requirement to replace the Litton IRUs, MSUs, and ISDU with 
Honeywell IRUs, MSUs, and ISDU. This amendment also allows the use of 
certain Honeywell IRUs as spare parts until the final compliance date 
of this AD. The actions specified in this AD are intended 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 29, 2003.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of September 22, 2003 (68 FR 49340, August 18, 2003).
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before October 29, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-206-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. 2003-NM-206-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 this AD 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; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Anthony Jopling, Program Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2190; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On August 6, 2003, the FAA issued AD 2003-
16-15, amendment 39-13268 (68 FR 49340, August 18, 2003), 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. That AD requires replacement of Honeywell inertial reference 
units (IRU) with new or modified Honeywell IRUs. For certain airplanes, 
that AD also requires replacement of Litton IRUs, mode selector units 
(MSU), and an inertial sensor display unit (ISDU) with new Honeywell 
IRUs, MSUs, and a new ISDU. That action was prompted by notification 
from the Direction Ge[eacute]ne[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile 
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, that an 
operator reported 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. The 
actions required by that AD are intended to prevent loss of positioning 
data and a display of incorrect attitude data.

Related Rulemaking

    It should be noted that the FAA previously issued AD 2001-13-24, 
amendment 39-12306 (66 FR 35532, July 6, 2001), applicable to certain 
Airbus Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes. The DGAC notified the 
FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A310 
series airplanes and certain Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes 
with certain Honeywell IRUs. The DGAC advised that an operator reported 
the loss of positioning data and the display of incorrect attitude data 
shortly after take-off, because the aircraft had been moved on the 
ground before the end of the IRU alignment procedure. This condition, 
if not corrected, could result in the 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. AD 2001-13-24 requires revisions to the Normal Procedures 
section of the airplane flight manual to prohibit movement of the 
airplane during IRU alignment and to provide instructions to the 
flightcrew to check the navigational display system to ensure correct 
display of all primary attitude and heading information prior

[[Page 55815]]

to flight. That action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of AD 2003-16-15, we reviewed the requirements 
of that AD and noted incorrect information concerning the removal and 
replacement of certain Litton IRU equipment. The applicability section 
of AD 2003-16-15 states that that AD is applicable to certain Airbus 
Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes equipped with certain 
Honeywell IRU part numbers. Therefore, Airbus Model A300-600 and A310 
series airplanes equipped with Litton IRUs are not subject to the 
requirements of AD 2003-16-15.
    The procedures for performing the actions required by AD 2003-16-15 
are stated in Airbus Service Bulletins A300-34-6135, Revision 01 (for 
Model A300-600 series airplanes); and 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, and were identified as mandatory 
service bulletins in French airworthiness directive 2001-303(B), dated 
July 25, 2001. Airbus Service Bulletins A300-34-6135, Revision 01; and 
A310-34-2158, Revision 01; specify prior or concurrent accomplishment 
of Airbus Service Bulletins A300-34-6082, Revision 05, dated February 
13, 1998; and A310-34-2104, dated May 12, 1995; as applicable. Service 
Bulletins A300-34-6082 and A310-34-2104 both include provisions for 
those operators who have previously replaced Litton IRUs with Honeywell 
IRUs. For several specific aircraft these service bulletins specify the 
replacement of Litton IRUs with Honeywell IRUs as required changes 
associated with mandatory service bulletins. As a result, the 
replacement of certain Litton IRUs with certain Honeywell IRUs was 
incorrectly identified as a requirement in paragraphs (c) and (d) of AD 
2003-16-15.
    Therefore, one of the purposes of this AD is to remove that 
requirement to replace certain Litton IRUs with certain Honeywell IRUs. 
The Litton IRUs are designed to provide clear indication to the 
flightcrew if the aircraft has been moved during IRU alignment, and are 
not subject to the unsafe condition addressed in AD 2003-16-15.
    In addition, we have removed paragraph (e), Parts Installation, of 
AD 2003-16-15, which prohibits the installation of certain Litton and 
Honeywell IRU part numbers. As stated previously, the Litton IRUs are 
not subject to the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Paragraph 
(e)(1) of AD 2003-16-15 requires that, as of September 22, 2003 (the 
effective date of that AD), operators no longer install Honeywell IRUs 
having part numbers HG1050BD02 and HG1050BD05. The actions required by 
AD 2003-15-16 are specified in Airbus Service Bulletins A300-34-6135, 
Revision 01; and A310-34-2158, Revision 01; both dated September 10, 
2001. These bulletins state that ``it is impossible to mix old P/Ns 
with new P/Ns.'' Therefore it is necessary for the operators to replace 
or modify all three IRUs installed on each aircraft simultaneously. It 
is the understanding of the FAA that operators often only stock one 
spare unit in each field spares location. In order to adequately 
prepare for the possibility of IRU failures in the field after the 
effective date of that AD, each operator would have to replace their 
current spare IRUs with three updated IRUs, thus increasing their 
allotment of spares threefold. It is unlikely that Honeywell will be 
able to distribute the necessary number of IRUs to the operators' field 
spares locations prior to the effective date of this AD. It is likely 
that delay of delivery of these replacement IRUs would result in flight 
delays and/or cancellations. Continued compliance with AD 2001-13-24, 
described previously, provides adequate assurance that safety will not 
be compromised by continued use of the subject Honeywell IRUs until the 
parts replacement requirements of this AD are accomplished. Therefore, 
we have determined that a Parts Installation paragraph is not required 
in this AD.

FAA's Determination

    In light of the above, we have determined that it is necessary to 
issue this supersedure AD to ensure the continued operational safety of 
the fleet.

U.S. Type Certification of the Airplanes

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type-
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.

Explanation of Requirements of 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, this AD supersedes AD 2003-16-15 to continue to 
require replacement of Honeywell IRUs with new or modified Honeywell 
IRUs. This AD removes all references to the replacement of Litton IRUs, 
MSUs, and a new ISDU with Honeywell IRUs, MSUs, and a new ISDU. This AD 
also removes paragraph (e), Parts Installation, of AD 2003-16-15, and 
allows the use of certain Honeywell IRUs as spare parts until the final 
compliance date of this AD. The actions are required to be accomplished 
in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-6135, Revision 01 
(for Model A300-600 series airplanes); and Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-34-2158, Revision 01 (for Model A310 series airplanes); both dated 
September 10, 2001.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ``ADDRESSES.'' 
All communications received on or before the closing date for comments 
will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the 
comments received. Factual information that supports the commenter's 
ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the 
effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    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 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 rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by

[[Page 55816]]

interested persons. A report that summarizes each FAA-public contact 
concerned with the substance of this AD will be filed in the Rules 
Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2003-NM-206-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

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.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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

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 removing amendment 39-13268 (68 FR 
49340, August 18, 2003), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-13319, to read as follows:

2003-20-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-13319. Docket 2003-NM-206-AD. 
Supersedes AD 2003-16-15, Amendment 39-13268.

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

                          Table--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     Equipped with         Excluding
                                   Honeywell initial  airplanes modified
             Model--                reference units      in accordance
                                    having part No.         with--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and    HG1050BD02 or       Airbus
 A300 F4-600R (collectively        HG1050BD05.         Modification
 called A300-600); and A310.                           12304 in
                                                       production; 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 Model
                                                       A310 series
                                                       airplanes); as
                                                       applicable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 Airbus 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 Airbus 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 1: 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.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (d) 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; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-34-2158, Revision 01, dated September 10, 2001; as applicable. 
This incorporation was approved previously by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of September 22, 2003 (68 FR 49340, August 18, 
2003). 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 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2001-303(B), dated July 25, 2001.

Effective Date

    (e) This amendment becomes effective upon date of publication in 
the Federal Register.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 23, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-24487 Filed 9-24-03; 1:09 pm]
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