[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 10, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48426-48428]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-18222]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18809; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-91-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to 
prohibit operators from performing CAT 2 or CAT 3 automatic landings or 
roll-outs at certain airports. This proposed AD also provides for an 
optional terminating action for the AFM revision. This proposed AD is 
prompted by data showing that the magnetic variation table installed in 
the Honeywell Inertial Reference System (IRS) is obsolete at certain 
airports. We are proposing this AD to prevent the airplane from 
departing the runway during a CAT 2 or CAT 3 automatic landing or roll-
out, due to magnetic and IRS deviations.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 9, 
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.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
    You can 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: 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:

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-2004-18809; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-91-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 can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can 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 can 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 the FAA that 
an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and 
A321 series airplanes with certain Honeywell

[[Page 48427]]

Inertial Reference Systems (IRS) installed. The DGAC advises that the 
magnetic variation table installed in the Honeywell IRS is obsolete at 
certain airports. Studies have shown that, for a given airport, a 
difference greater than 3 degrees between the real magnetic deviation 
and the deviation in the IRS could result in misinformation to the 
flightcrew during the phases of CAT 2 or CAT 3 automatic landing or 
roll-out. Such conditions could result in the airplane departing the 
runway during a CAT 2 or CAT 3 automatic landing or roll-out.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service information:
     Temporary Revision (TR) 2.05.00/52, dated June 13, 2003 
(for Model A318/319/320/321 series airplanes), which provides the 
flightcrew with operational limitations that prohibit operators from 
performing CAT 2 or CAT 3 automatic landings or roll-outs at airports 
where there is a difference greater than 3 degrees between the real 
magnetic deviation and the deviation in the IRS. The TR lists affected 
airports and date by which autoland/roll-out are prohibited.
     Service Bulletin A320-34-1231, Revision 02, dated October 
10, 2002 (for Model A320 series airplanes), which describes procedures 
for replacing the three existing Honeywell Air Data Inertial Reference 
Units (ADIRUs) with new Honeywell ADIRUs. The service bulletin 
recommends prior or concurrent accomplishment of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-34-1084, dated September 15, 1994. The concurrent service 
bulletin describes procedures for replacing the ADIRUs with new ADIRUs, 
and recommends prior or concurrent accomplishment of the modification 
of certain ADIRU equipment, as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-34-1010, dated September 6, 1989. The service bulletin also 
references Honeywell Service Bulletin HG1150AC-34-06, Revision 6, dated 
January 30, 2003, as an additional source of service information for 
replacing the ADIRUs. Service Bulletin A320-34-1231, Revision 02, also 
references Honeywell Service Bulletin HG1150AC-34-0007, Revision 001, 
dated September 18, 2001, an additional source of service information 
for replacing the ADIRUs.
     Service Bulletin A320-34-1240, Revision 01, dated October 
10, 2001 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes), which 
describes procedures for replacing the three existing Honeywell ADIRUs 
with new Honeywell ADIRUs. The service bulletin recommends prior or 
concurrent accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1129, 
Revision 01, dated July 22, 1997. The concurrent service bulletin 
describes procedures for replacing the three Honeywell ADIRUs with new 
Honeywell ADIRUs. Service Bulletin A320-34-1240, Revision 01, also 
references Honeywell Service Bulletin HG2030AC-34-0009, Revision 1, 
dated October 1, 2002, as an additional source of service information 
for replacing the ADIRUs.
     Service Bulletin A320-34-1249, dated June 25, 2001 (for 
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes), which describes 
procedures for replacing the three existing Honeywell ADIRUs with new, 
electrically and mechanically interchangeable Honeywell ADIRUs. The 
service bulletin recommends prior or concurrent accomplishment of 
Airbus Service Bulletins A320-34-1136, dated June 5, 1997, and A320-34-
1214, dated July 28, 2000. The concurrent service bulletins also 
describe procedures for replacing the three existing Honeywell ADIRUs 
with new ADIRUs; however, Service Bulletin A320-34-1214 describes 
procedures for replacing the Litton ADIRUs with Honeywell ADIRUs. 
Service Bulletin A320-34-1249 also references Honeywell Service 
Bulletin HG2030AD-34-0007, Revision 1, dated June 4, 2001, as an 
additional source of service information for replacing the ADIRUs.
    We have determined that accomplishing the actions specified in the 
TR will adequately address the unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated the 
TR and issued French airworthiness directive 2003-270(B), dated July 
23, 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. Pursuant 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.
    The proposed AD would require you to use the Airbus service 
information described previously to perform these actions.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 242 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The proposed AFM revision would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at 
an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the proposed AFM revision for U.S. operators is 
$15,730, or $65 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-2004-18809; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
91-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by September 9, 2004.

[[Page 48428]]

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with a Honeywell 
Air Data Inertial Reference Unit (ADIRU) having any part number (P/
N) listed in Table 1 of this AD; on which Airbus Modification 30652, 
30941, or 30942 has not been done.

                      Table 1.--Honeywell ADIRU P/N
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
HG1150AC05
HG1150AC06
HG2030AC05
HG2030AC06
HG2030AC08
HG2030AC09
HG2030AD09
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (d) This AD was prompted by data showing that the magnetic 
variation table installed in the Honeywell inertial reference system 
(IRS) is obsolete at certain airports. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent the airplane from departing the runway during a CAT 2 or CAT 
3 automatic landing or roll-out, due to magnetic and IRS deviations.

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.

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (f) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise 
the Limitations Section of the Airbus A318/319/320/321 AFM to 
prohibit operators from performing CAT 2 or CAT 3 automatic landings 
or roll-outs at certain airports by incorporating Airbus Temporary 
Revision (TR) 2.05.00/52, dated June 13, 2003, into the AFM, and 
operate the airplane in accordance with those limitations.
    (g) When the information incorporating Airbus TR 2.05.00/52, 
dated June 13, 2003, has been incorporated into the general 
revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the 
AFM, and the TR may be removed from the AFM.

Optional Terminating Action

    (h) Replacement of Honeywell ADIRUs having a P/N listed in Table 
1 of this AD with new ADIRUs having new P/Ns, by doing all the 
actions using the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-34-1231, Revision 02, dated October 10, 2002 (for 
Model A320 series airplanes); A320-34-1240, Revision 01, dated 
October 10, 2001 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); 
or A320-34-1249, dated June 25, 2001 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 
series airplanes); as applicable; terminates the AFM revision 
required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Following accomplishment of 
the replacement, the TR must be removed from the AFM.
    (i) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishment of paragraph 
(h) of this AD: Do the replacements using Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-34-1084, dated September 15, 1994 (for Model A320 series 
airplanes); A320-34-1129, Revision 01, dated July 22, 1997 (for 
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); or A320-34-1136, dated 
June 5, 1997 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); as 
applicable.
    (j) Prior to or concurrently with accomplishment of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-34-1084: Do the modification of certain ADIRU 
equipment using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1010, dated 
September 6, 1989 (for Model A320 series airplanes).
    (k) Honeywell Service Bulletins HG1150AC-34-0007, Revision 001, 
dated September 18, 2001; HG2030AC-34-0009, Revision 1, dated 
October 1, 2002; and HG2030AD-34-0007, Revision 1, dated June 4, 
2001; are referenced in the Airbus Service Bulletins specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD as additional sources of service 
information for accomplishment of the replacement of the ADIRUs.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19.

Related Information

    (m) The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness 
directive 2003-270(B), dated July 23, 2003.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 2, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-18222 Filed 8-9-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P