[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 135 (Thursday, July 15, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42368-42370]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-16029]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18602; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-160-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and 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 (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; and certain 
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, and F4-600R 
(collectively called A300-600) series airplanes. This proposed AD would 
require an inspection of the skin panels of the wing slats for damage 
and certain repairs, and applicable related investigative/corrective 
actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by the results of an 
engineering evaluation that revealed that several repairs and some 
allowable damage limits specified in the structural repair manuals do 
not provide adequate static and/or fatigue strength for repaired wing 
slats. We are proposing this AD to find and fix previously done repairs 
of the wing slats that have inadequate static and/or fatigue strength, 
which, if not corrected, could result in loss of the slats and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 16, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     By fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD 
from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France.
    You may examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, on 
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

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:

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18602; 
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-160-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our 
docket website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about 
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS 
receives them.

Discussion

    The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), 
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series 
airplanes; and certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R 
Variant F, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes. 
The DGAC advises that the results of an engineering evaluation revealed 
that several repairs and some allowable damage limits specified in the 
structural repair manuals do not provide

[[Page 42369]]

adequate static and/or fatigue strength for repaired wing slats. Such 
inadequate static and/or fatigue strength, if not corrected, could 
result in loss of the slats and consequent reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-57-6092, Revision 2, dated 
November 21, 2002 (for Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, 
and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes); and 
Service Bulletin A300-57-0238, Revision 2, dated November 21, 2002 (for 
Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes). The service bulletins describe 
procedures for a detailed inspection of the skin panels of the wing 
slats for damage and certain repairs, and applicable related 
investigative/corrective actions if necessary. The related 
investigative actions include inspecting repaired slats to determine 
the pitch of repair fasteners. The corrective actions include 
contacting Airbus for certain repair instructions or repairing in 
accordance with the applicable structural repair manual. We have 
determined that accomplishment of the actions specified in the service 
information will adequately address the unsafe condition. The DGAC 
mandated the service information and issued French airworthiness 
directive 2003-086(B), effective March 15, 2003, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    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. According to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that AD action is 
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require doing the 
actions specified in the applicable service bulletin described 
previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between the 
Proposed AD and Service Bulletins.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletins

    Although the service bulletins specify that operators may contact 
the manufacturer for disposition of damage in certain areas, this 
proposed AD would require operators to repair those damaged areas in 
accordance with a method approved by either the FAA or the DGAC (or its 
delegated agent). In addition, the applicable service bulletin 
specifies that the related investigative action does not need to be 
done for any repair that has a Repair Approval Sheet (RAS) or specific 
Airbus approval. We have determined that, for any repair that has a 
specific Airbus approval other than an RAS signed by the DGAC (or its 
delegated agent), this proposed AD would require accomplishing the 
related investigative action. These actions are consistent with 
existing bilateral airworthiness agreements.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 120 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The proposed actions would take about 3 work hours per airplane, at an 
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $23,400, or 
$195 per airplane.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2004-18602; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-
160-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by August 16, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in in Table 1 of this AD.

                         Table 1.--Applicability
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                   Model                           Serial  numbers
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A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes............  All.
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F,     796 and earlier.
 and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600)
 series airplanes.
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Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by the results of an engineering 
evaluation that revealed that several repairs and some allowable 
damage limits specified in the structural repair manuals do not 
provide adequate static and/or fatigue strength for repaired wing 
slats. We are issuing this AD to find and fix previously done 
repairs of the wing slats that have inadequate static and/or fatigue 
strength, which, if not corrected, could result in loss of the slats 
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Service Bulletins

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
listed in Table 2 of this AD.

[[Page 42370]]



                       Table 2.--Service Bulletins
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               For model                     Airbus service bulletin
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(1) A300-600 series airplanes..........  A300-57-6092, Revision 02,
                                          dated November 21, 2002.
(2) A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes....  A300-57-0238, Revision 02,
                                          dated November 21, 2002.
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Inspection and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions

    (g) Within 18 months or 1,500 flight cycles from the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a detailed inspection of 
the skin panels of the wing slats for damage and certain repairs, 
and do all applicable related investigative/corrective actions, by 
accomplishing all the actions in the applicable service bulletin. Do 
the actions in accordance with the service bulletin, except as 
required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. Do any related 
investigative/corrective action before further flight.

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

Differences Between AD and Service Bulletin

    (h) If any damage is detected during the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, and the service bulletin recommends 
contacting Airbus for appropriate action: Before further flight, 
repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; 
or the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) 
(or its delegated agent).
    (i) If any repair that has a specific Airbus approval other than 
an Repair Approval Sheet signed by the DGAC (or its delegated agent) 
is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
and the service bulletin specifies that the related investigative 
action is not necessary: Before further flight, do the applicable 
related investigative/corrective actions required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD.
    (j) Where there are differences between this AD and the service 
bulletin, the AD prevails.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (l) French airworthiness directive 2003-086(B), effective March 
15, 2003, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 8, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-16029 Filed 7-14-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P