[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 133 (Tuesday, July 13, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41925-41926]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-15366]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-12-AD; Amendment 39-13717; AD 2004-14-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-
605R Variant F, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600), and 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 A300-600 and A310 series airplanes, 
that requires modification of the attachment system of the insulation 
blankets of the forward cargo compartment and related corrective 
action. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the attachment 
system of the cargo insulation blankets, which could result in 
detachment and consequent tearing of the blankets. Such tearing could 
result in blanket pieces being ingested into and jamming the forward 
outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem, which could lead to 
cabin depressurization and adversely affect continued safe flight of 
the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective August 17, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of August 17, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus, 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 National Archives 
and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

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 A300-600 and 
A310 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 6, 
2004 (69 FR 17996). That action proposed to require modification of the 
attachment system of the insulation blankets of the forward cargo 
compartment and related corrective action.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed 
AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Revised Service Information

    Since issuance of the proposed AD, the manufacturer has revised the 
referenced service information. Therefore, we have changed paragraph 
(a) of this final rule to refer to Airbus Service Bulletins A300-21-
6045 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes) and A310-21-2059 (for Model 
A310 series airplanes), both Revision 02, both dated March 27, 2003, 
for accomplishment of the modification of the attachment system of the 
insulation blankets of the

[[Page 41926]]

forward cargo compartment. We have also noted that accomplishment of 
the modification before the effective date of this AD using Revision 01 
of the service bulletins is acceptable for compliance with that 
paragraph. Revision 02 has been identified as mandatory and contains 
procedures that are essentially the same as those in Revision 01 
(referenced in the proposed AD as the appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishment of the actions).

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the 
change described previously. This change will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 149 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by 
this AD, that it will take about 3 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the modification, and that the average labor rate is $65 per 
work hour. Required parts will cost about $198 per airplane. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $58,557, or $393 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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.

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:

2004-14-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-13717. Docket 2003-NM-12-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, 
and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600), and A310 series 
airplanes; certificated in any category; on which Airbus 
Modification 12340 or 12556 has not been done; and A310 series 
airplanes on which Airbus Modification 3881 has been done.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the attachment system of the cargo 
insulation blankets, which could result in detachment and consequent 
tearing of the blankets, resulting in blanket pieces being ingested 
into and jamming the forward outflow valve of the pressure 
regulation subsystem, which could lead to cabin depressurization and 
adversely affect continued safe flight of the airplane, accomplish 
the following:

Modification

    (a) Within 1 year after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
the attachment system of the insulation blankets of the forward 
cargo compartment by doing all the applicable actions per the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-6045 
(for Model A300-600 series airplanes) or A310-21-2059 (for Model 
A310 series airplanes), both Revision 02, both dated March 27, 2003, 
as applicable. Repair any damaged insulation blanket before further 
flight, per the applicable service bulletin. Actions accomplished 
before the effective date of this AD per Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-21-6045 or A310-21-2059, both Revision 01, both dated May 22, 
2002, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action 
required by this paragraph.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) 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

    (c) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-21-6045, Revision 02, dated March 27, 2003; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-21-2059, Revision 02, dated March 27, 2003; as 
applicable. 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, 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 National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2002-626(B) R1, dated March 19, 2003.

Effective Date

    (d) This amendment becomes effective on August 17, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-15366 Filed 7-12-04; 8:45 am]
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