[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 57 (Wednesday, March 24, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 13763-13765]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-6502]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-52-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 Series Airplanes; 
Model A300 B4 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4 605R 
Variant F, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600) 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 all Airbus Model A300 B2 series 
airplanes; Model A300 B4 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, C4 605R Variant F, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) 
series airplanes. This proposal would require inspection of the label 
of certain slat friction brakes for correct label wording, and 
corrective actions if necessary. This proposal also provides for 
optional terminating actions for certain repetitive corrective actions. 
These actions are necessary to find and fix incorrect labels on the 
housings of the slat friction brakes, which may lead to the use of 
unapproved oil in the brakes. Use of unapproved oil could affect the 
efficiency of the brakes and lead to failure of the brakes to maintain 
proper slat orientation in the event of a rupture of the slat drive 
shaft, consequent uncommanded retraction of the slat, and reduced 
controllability of the airplane. These actions are intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 23, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-52-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-52-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted

[[Page 13764]]

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, 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:
     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.
     For each issue, state what specific change to 
the proposed AD is being requested.
     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 2003-NM-52-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. 2003-NM-52-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 B2 series 
airplanes; Model A300 B4 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, C4 605R Variant F, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) 
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that one operator reported that the 
oil of the slat friction brakes was replaced with oil not qualified for 
use on these components; consequently the brakes had to be replaced 
before the next flight. Further, the brake vendor shipped spares of 
brakes among which was one with an incorrect label. Additionally, there 
is no traceability of how many brake units have been released with an 
incorrect label. The incorrect label, if not corrected, may lead to the 
use of unapproved oil in the brake unit, which could affect the 
efficiency of the brake and lead to failure of the brake to maintain 
proper slat orientation in the event of a rupture of the slat drive 
shaft. This failure could result in uncommanded retraction of the slat 
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) 27A0199, Revision 01, 
dated February 5, 2003 (for Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series 
airplanes); and AOT 27A6055, Revision 01, dated February 5, 2003 (for 
Model A300-600 series airplanes); which describe procedures for 
inspection of the label on the housing of the slat friction brake for 
correct label wording, and corrective actions if necessary. The 
corrective actions include replacement of incorrect labels with new 
labels, replacement of brake oil with Exxon 2120, repetitive 
verification of correct operational torque of the brakes, and 
replacement of the brakes with new brakes; as applicable. The AOTs also 
describe procedures for analysis of suspect brake oil and replacement 
of brakes with new brakes, which, if accomplished, would eliminate the 
need for certain repetitive corrective actions. Accomplishment of the 
actions specified in the applicable AOT is intended to adequately 
address the identified unsafe condition. The DGAC classified these AOTs 
as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 2003-48(B), 
effective February 5, 2003, 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 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 applicable AOT described previously, 
except as described below. The proposed AD also provides for optional 
terminating actions for certain repetitive corrective actions.

Difference Between Proposed Rule and Referenced AOTs

    Operators should note that, although the referenced AOTs describe 
procedures for submitting oil drained from the friction brakes to the 
brake manufacturer for analysis, this proposed AD would not require 
that the manufacturer be the sole source of such analysis.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 120 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
hour to accomplish the proposed label inspection, and that the average 
labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,800, 
or $65 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has accomplished any of the proposed requirements of this 
AD

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action, and that no operators 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 2003-NM-52-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A300 B2 series airplanes; Model A300 B4 
series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4 605R Variant F, 
and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes; 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent the possible use of unqualified oil in the slat 
friction brakes, which could cause failure of the brakes to maintain 
proper slat orientation in the event of a rupture of the slat drive 
shaft, consequent uncommanded retraction of the slats, and reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

All Operators Telex (AOT) Reference

    (a) The term AOT as used in this AD means paragraph 4.3, 
``Description,'' of the following, as applicable:
    (1) For Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes: Airbus AOT 
27A0199, Revision 01, dated February 5, 2003.
    (2) For Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, and F4-
600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes: Airbus AOT 
27A6055, Revision 01, dated February 5, 2003.

Inspection

    (b) Within 3 weeks from the effective date of this AD, perform a 
general visual inspection of the label on the housings of the slat 
friction brakes for correct wording, in accordance with the 
applicable AOT.

    Note 1:
    For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is 
defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection 
area. This level of inspection is made under normally available 
lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, 
or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

Corrective Actions

    (c) If the wording of the label is found to be incorrect during 
the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, prior to 
further flight, remove the label then perform the actions specified 
in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD in accordance 
with the applicable AOT.
    (1) Within 500 flight hours after removing the incorrect label, 
apply a correctly worded label to the housing.
    (2) Prior to further flight after removing the label, drain the 
friction brake and refill with Exxon 2120 oil.
    (3) Prior to further flight after removing the label, verify the 
torque of the friction brake.
    (i) If the torque is within the limits specified in the 
applicable AOT, repeat the torque verification thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours, until the optional 
terminating actions specified in paragraph (d) of this AD have been 
accomplished.
    (ii) If the torque is not within the limits specified in the 
applicable AOT, prior to further flight, replace the friction brake 
with a new brake in accordance with the applicable AOT. 
Accomplishment of this replacement terminates the requirement for 
the repetitive torque verification for that brake.

Optional Terminating Actions

    (d) Accomplishment of either paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this 
AD terminates the repetitive torque verification required by 
paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this AD.
    (1) Analyze the oil drained from the friction brake.
    (i) If the oil is Exxon 2120, no further action is required by 
this AD.
    (ii) If the oil is not Exxon 2120, prior to further flight, 
replace the friction brake as specified in paragraph (d)(2) of this 
AD.
    (2) Replace the friction brake with a new brake in accordance 
with the applicable AOT.

Analysis of Brake Oil

    (e) Although the referenced AOTs describe procedures for 
submitting oil drained from the friction brakes to the brake 
manufacturer for analysis, this AD does not require that the 
manufacturer be the sole source of such analysis.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) 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.

    Note 2:
    The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness 
directive 2003-48(B), dated February 5, 2003.



    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 15, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-6502 Filed 3-23-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P