[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 191 (Monday, October 4, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59153-59156]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-22267]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19227; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-95-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series 
Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, and A300 
F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600) Series Airplanes; and Model A310 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 
series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, 
and A300 F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes; and 
Model A310 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires 
replacement of the transformer rectifier units (TRUs) in the avionics 
compartment with new, improved TRUs. This proposed AD would require 
replacement of the TRUs installed according to the existing AD with 
different TRUs that are improved. This proposed AD is prompted by 
analysis that has revealed that certain diodes installed in the TRUs 
are the main factor contributing to the continuing TRU failures. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent failure of the TRUs. Failure of multiple 
TRUs could result in loss of the thrust reversers, autothrottle, flaps, 
and various systems (wing/cockpit window anti-ice, trim tank pumps, and 
windshield wipers) on the airplane; or display of incorrect information 
to the flightcrew.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 3, 
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

[[Page 59154]]

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.
     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: 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-2004-19227; 
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-95-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 received 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 web site, 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 on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or 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

    On August 31, 2000, we issued AD 2000-18-07, amendment 39-11892 (65 
FR 54407, September 8, 2000), for certain Airbus Model A300, A300-600, 
and A310 series airplanes. That AD requires replacement of the 
transformer rectifier units (TRUs) in the avionics compartment with 
new, improved TRUs (having part number (P/N) F11QY3121). That AD was 
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information 
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. We issued that AD to 
prevent failure of the TRUs. Failure of multiple TRUs could result in 
loss of the thrust reversers, autothrottle, flaps, and various systems 
(wing/cockpit window anti-ice, trim tank pumps, and windshield wipers) 
on the airplane; or incorrect information being displayed to the 
flightcrew.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2000-18-07, the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale 
de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for 
France, has informed the FAA that failures have continued to occur on 
the TRUs having P/N F11QY3121, which were installed according to French 
airworthiness directive 1999-435-296(B), dated November 3, 1999. 
(French airworthiness directive 1999-435-296(B) is the parallel French 
airworthiness directive to AD 2000-18-07.) Analysis of these failures 
by the airplane manufacturer has revealed that certain diodes installed 
in the TRUs having P/N F11QY3121 are the main factor contributing to 
the continuing TRU failures.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-24-0099, A300-24-6082, and 
A310-24-2088, all Revision 01, all dated December 18, 2003. These 
service bulletins describe procedures for replacing existing TRUs, 
having P/N F11QY3121, with new, improved TRUs, having P/N F11QY3714. 
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated 
the service information and issued French airworthiness directive 2003-
082R1, dated March 31, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in France.
    The Airbus service bulletins refer to Thales Service Bulletin 
F11QY3121-24-003, dated October 15, 2002, as an additional source of 
service information for modifying the existing TRUs to the improved 
configuration. Thales Service Bulletin F11QY3121-24-003 specifies that 
Thales Service Bulletins F11QY3121-24-001, dated February 2, 1998; and 
F11QY3121-24-002, dated October 5, 2000; must be done prior to or 
concurrent with Thales Service Bulletin F11QY3121-24-003. Those service 
bulletins modify TRUs having P/N F11QY3121 to include Amendments A and 
B, respectively. Thales Service Bulletin F11QY3121-24-003 modifies TRU 
P/Ns F11QY3121 with Amendments A and B, to P/N F11QY3714 (which is the 
P/N for the improved parts that the Airbus service bulletins recommend 
installing).

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

[[Page 59155]]

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 airplanes of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would supersede AD 2000-
18-07 to require replacing existing TRUs with new, improved TRUs. The 
proposed AD would require you to use the Airbus service information 
described previously to perform these actions.

Difference Between the French Airworthiness Directive and This Proposed 
AD

    The applicability of French airworthiness directive 2003-082R1 
excludes airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A300-24-0099 (for 
Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes), A300-24-6082 (for Model A300-
600 series airplanes), or A310-24-2088 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes), has been accomplished in service. However, we have not 
excluded those airplanes from the applicability of this proposed AD. 
Rather, this proposed AD would include a requirement to accomplish the 
actions specified in those service bulletins. Such a requirement 
ensures that the actions specified in the service bulletins and that 
would be required by this proposed AD are accomplished on all affected 
airplanes. Operators must continue to operate the airplane in the 
configuration that would be required by this proposed AD unless an 
alternative method of compliance is approved.

Clarification of Inspections Referenced in Thales Service Bulletin

    The Accomplishment Instructions of Thales Service Bulletin 
F11QY3121-24-003 specify to ``complete implementation of the [Service 
Information Letter] SIL F11QY3121-24-004.'' We reviewed that Thales 
Service Information Letter (SIL), which contains recommendations about 
TRU overhaul. We have coordinated this issue with Airbus, and they have 
clarified that it was not their intent to require the recommendations 
in the SIL. Therefore, this proposed AD does not require doing the SIL.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    We have revised the applicability of the existing AD to identify 
model designations as published in the most recent type certificate 
data sheet for the affected models.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 165 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The new proposed actions would take about 2 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. The parts 
manufacturer would provide required parts free of charge. Based on 
these figures, the estimated cost of the new actions specified in this 
proposed AD for U.S. operators is $21,450, or $130 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 removing 39-11892 (65 FR 54407, 
September 8, 2000) and adding the following new airworthiness directive 
(AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2004-19227; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-
95-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by November 3, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2000-18-07, amendment 39-11892.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; 
Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, and A300 F4-600R 
(collectively called A300-600) series airplanes; and Model A310 
series airplanes; certificated in any category; except those on 
which Airbus Modification 12540 has been accomplished.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by analysis that has revealed that 
certain diodes installed in the transformer rectifier units (TRUs) 
are the main factor contributing to the continuing TRU failures. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of multiple TRUs, which could 
result in loss of the thrust reversers, autothrottle, flaps, and 
various systems (wing/cockpit window anti-ice, trim tank pumps, and 
windshield wipers) on the airplane; or display of incorrect 
information to the flightcrew.

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.

Replacement of TRUs

    (f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the existing TRUs, having P/N F11QY3121, in the avionics 
compartment with new, improved TRUs having P/N F11QY3714, according 
to the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
27-0099 (for Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes), A300-24-6082 
(for Model A300-600 series airplanes), or A310-24-2088 (for Model 
A310 series airplanes); all Revision 01; all dated December 18, 
2003; as applicable.

    Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-0099, A300-24-6082, or 
A310-24-2088; all Revision 01; refer to Thales Service Bulletin 
F11QY3121-24-003, dated October 15, 2002, as an additional source of 
service information for modifying the existing TRUs to the improved 
configuration. Thales Service Bulletin F11QY3121-24-003 specifies 
that Thales Service Bulletins F11QY3121-24-001, dated February 2, 
1998; and F11QY3121-24-002, dated October 5, 2000; must be done to 
add Amendments A and B, respectively, to P/N F11QY3121 before the 
TRU can be modified to P/N F11QY3714 according to Thales Service 
Bulletin F11QY3121-24-003.


    Note 2: The Accomplishment Instructions of Thales Service 
Bulletin F11QY3121-24-003 specify to ``complete implementation of 
the [Service Information Letter] SIL F11QY3121-24-004.'' This AD 
does not require doing the Service Information Letter.


[[Page 59156]]



Actions Accomplished Previously

    (g) Replacements done before the effective date of this AD 
according to Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-0099 (for Model A300 B2 
and B4 series airplanes), A300-24-6082 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes), or A310-24-2088 (for Model A310 series airplanes); dated 
October 11, 2002; as applicable; are acceptable for compliance with 
the corresponding action required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

Related Information

    (i) French airworthiness directive 2003-082R1, dated March 31, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 27, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-22267 Filed 10-1-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P