[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 78 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 21774-21777]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-9111]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-211-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and 
A340-200, -300, -500, and -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

[[Page 21775]]

Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 
series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection of 
each emergency evacuation slide raft installed on Type ``A'' exit doors 
equipped with regulator valves having a certain part number, to 
determine if a discrepant regulator valve is installed on the pressure 
bottle that inflates the slide/raft, and an interim modification of any 
discrepant valve. This proposal also would require eventual 
modification of all affected regulator valves, which would terminate 
the requirements of this AD. This action is necessary to prevent 
failure of an emergency evacuation slide raft to deploy and inflate 
during an emergency situation, which could impede an evacuation and 
result in injury to passengers or crewmembers. This action is intended 
to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 24, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-211-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-211-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, 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, ANM-
116, International Branch, 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:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, 
discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change 
the service information 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-211-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-211-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 all Model A330 and A340 series 
airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during in-service maintenance testing 
of the emergency escape slides on Type ``A'' exit doors, the slides 
failed to automatically deploy. The failure occurred because, when the 
exit door was opened, the regulator valve on the pressure bottle that 
inflates the escape slide did not activate. If the regulator valve does 
not activate, there is no gas flow to the pressure regulator and 
through the hoses to the aspirators that inflate the escape slide. 
Preliminary investigation revealed that slide rafts that have been 
manufactured by Goodrich since January 2000, and that have not been 
overhauled since installation, may be affected. Failure of an escape 
slide to deploy and inflate could cause the slide to be unusable during 
an emergency evacuation, and result in injury to passengers or 
crewmembers.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following All Operators Telexes (AOTs): AOT 
25A3206, dated June 2, 2003 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series 
airplanes); AOT 25A4213, dated June 2, 2003 (for Model A340-200 and -
300 series airplanes); and AOT 25A5036, Revision 01, dated July 22, 
2003 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes). The AOTs describe 
procedures for a one-time maintenance task (inspection) of each 
emergency evacuation slide raft installed on Type ``A'' exit doors 
equipped with regulator valves having part number 4A3857-1 to determine 
if a discrepant regulator valve (one that does not function properly, 
preventing release of gas) is installed on the pressure bottle that 
inflates the slide/raft, and an interim modification of any discrepant 
regulator valve. The maintenance task also includes testing the 
affected regulator valve. The modification involves complete overhaul 
of the regulator valve or complete overhaul of the slide raft assembly, 
as applicable, including checking and reaming the inner diameter of the 
Vespel piston.
    The AOTs reference Goodrich Alert Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision 
1, dated May 21, 2003, as an additional source of service information 
for accomplishment of the inspection and modification of the regulator 
valves.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the Airbus service 
information is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition. The DGAC classified this service information as mandatory 
and issued French airworthiness directive 2003-213(B) R1, dated August 
20, 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

[[Page 21776]]

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 AD

    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 Airbus service information described 
previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Among French Airworthiness Directive, AOTs, and Proposed AD

    The proposed AD would mandate eventual modification of regulator 
valves having part number 4A3857-1, per a method approved by the FAA. 
Accomplishment of this modification would terminate the requirements of 
this proposed AD. The parallel French airworthiness directive does not 
require a modification, and the AOTs provide for only an interim 
modification of affected regulator valves. The manufacturer has 
informed us that approval of a terminating modification that will 
address the unsafe condition identified in this proposed AD is 
imminent.
    Mandating the terminating modification is based on our 
determination that, in this case, long-term continued operational 
safety would be better ensured by a modification to remove the source 
of the problem, in lieu of interim action without repetitive 
inspections to monitor the regulator valve. The source of the unsafe 
condition (failure of an emergency evacuation slide raft to deploy and 
inflate during an emergency situation) is in the design of the subject 
regulator valves installed on the pressure bottle that inflates the 
escape slide.
    In developing the compliance time for the modification, we 
considered the degree of urgency associated with addressing the subject 
unsafe condition as well as the availability of required parts and the 
practical aspect of installing the modification within an interval of 
time that parallels normal scheduled maintenance for most affected 
operators. We have determined that 18 months for airplanes having 
regulator valves which have been previously modified, and 6 months for 
airplanes having regulator valves that have not been previously 
modified, represents an appropriate interval of time in which an ample 
number of required parts will be available to modify the affected fleet 
without adversely affecting the safety of these airplanes.
    The AOTs recommend submitting certain information to the 
manufacturer, but this proposed AD does not contain such a requirement.
    The French airworthiness directive specifies that slide rafts that 
have been overhauled previously are not affected. We have determined 
that the malfunction of the regulator valve is not adequately addressed 
by the overhaul procedures specified in Goodrich Component Maintenance 
Manual (CMM) 25-62-31, Revision 1, Paragraph H, which do not include 
reaming the inner diameter of the Vespel piston. Therefore, regulator 
valves installed on previously overhauled slide rafts are not exempt 
from the proposed AD.
    The compliance times for the inspection of the regulator valves of 
the slide rafts recommended in the French airworthiness directive and 
the AOTs are determined by the date of manufacture of the slide raft, 
and specify inspecting at least half of the affected valves in 3 
months, and inspecting the remainder of the valves 3 months after the 
first half are inspected. However, since the regulator valve on all 
affected slide rafts is the same design, we have determined the 
compliance time for the inspection of all regulator valves on all 
airplanes affected by this proposed AD to be within 6 months after the 
effective date of the AD. In developing an appropriate compliance time 
for this AD, we considered the degree of urgency associated with the 
subject unsafe condition and the average utilization of the affected 
fleet. In light of these factors, we find that a 6-month compliance 
time represents an appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes 
to continue to operate without compromising safety.
    These differences have been coordinated with the DGAC.

Clarification of Inspection

    The AOTs specify ``one-time maintenance'' to determine if a certain 
discrepant regulator valve is installed, but we have clarified the 
requirement contained in the proposed AD as a one-time general visual 
inspection. Note 1 has been added to this proposed AD define that 
inspection.

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 14 Model A330 series airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take about 1 work hour per slide (8 slides per airplane) 
to accomplish the proposed inspection, at an average labor rate of $65 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,280, or $520 per 
airplane.
    It would take about 13 work hours per slide (8 slides per airplane) 
to accomplish the proposed modification, at an average labor rate of 
$65 per work hour. Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer 
at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be $94,640, or 
$6,760 per airplane.
    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.
    Currently, there are no Model A340 series airplanes on the U.S. 
Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported and placed 
on the U.S. Register in the future, it would require 1 work hour per 
slide (8 slides per airplane) to accomplish the proposed inspection; 
and 13 work hours per slide (8 slides per airplane) to accomplish the 
proposed modification, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. 
Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to 
operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
inspection would be $65 per slide and the proposed modification would 
be $6,760 per airplane for Model A340 operators.

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,

[[Page 21777]]

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-211-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200, -300, -
500, and -600 series airplanes; certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of an emergency evacuation slide raft to 
deploy and inflate during an emergency situation, which could impede 
an evacuation and result in injury to passengers or crewmembers, 
accomplish the following:

Service Information References

    (a) The following information pertains to the service 
information referenced in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD:
    (1) The term ``All Operators Telex'' (AOT) as used in this AD, 
means the Accomplishment Instructions of AOT 25A3206, dated June 2, 
2003 (for Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes); AOT 25A4213, 
dated June 2, 2003 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); 
and AOT 25A5036, Revision 01, dated July 22, 2003 (for Model A340-
500 and -600 series airplanes).
    (2) Accomplishment of the actions before the effective date of 
this AD per AOT 25A5036, dated June 2, 2003, is considered 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified 
in this AD.
    (3) The AOTs refer to Goodrich Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision 
1, dated May 21, 2003, as an additional source of service 
information for accomplishment of the actions specified in the AOTs.
    (4) Although the AOTs referenced in this AD specify to submit 
certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include 
such a requirement.

Inspection/Modification

    (b) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
one-time general visual inspection of each slide raft to determine 
if a discrepant regulator valve (one that does not function 
properly, preventing release of gas) is installed on the pressure 
bottle that inflates the slide/raft. Do the inspection per the 
applicable AOT.
    (1) If any discrepant regulator valve is found: Before further 
flight, do the interim modification of the regulator valve for that 
slide raft only, per the applicable AOT.
    (2) If no discrepant regulator valve is found, no further action 
is required by this paragraph.

    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.''

Terminating Modification

    (c) Except as required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD: Modify 
any regulator valve having P/N 4A3857-1, at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, per a method 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. Accomplishment of this paragraph 
terminates the requirements of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes on which the regulator valves have been 
modified per the applicable AOT as of the effective date of this AD: 
Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which the regulator valves have not been 
modified per the applicable AOT as of the effective date of this AD: 
Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2003-213(B) R1, dated August 20, 2003.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 2004.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-9111 Filed 4-21-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P