[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 207 (Wednesday, October 27, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62627-62629]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24033]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19451; Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-138-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4; A300 B4-
600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600); and 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 all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4; A300 
B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600); and A310 
series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires identification of 
the part number and serial number of the parking brake operated valve 
(PBOV); and, if necessary, inspections of the PBOV, including a 
functional check of the PBOV, and follow-on and corrective actions. The 
existing AD also provides for optional terminating action for the 
requirements of that AD. This proposed AD would require modification of 
all affected PBOVs, or replacement with new, nonaffected PBOVs, which 
would terminate the requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD 
is prompted by a decision by the FAA and a civil airworthiness 
authority to require modification or replacement of all affected PBOVs. 
We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of the yellow hydraulic 
system, which provides all the hydraulics for certain spoilers; 
elements of the hydraulics for flaps, stabilizer, pitch and yaw feel 
systems, pitch and yaw autopilot, and yaw damper; and elevator, rudder, 
and aileron.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26, 
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.
     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 in person 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: Technical information: 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.
    Plain language information: Marcia Walters, [email protected].

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 relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-19451; 
Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-138-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

[[Page 62628]]

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 April 12, 2002, we issued AD 2002-08-14, amendment 39-12722 (67 
FR 19655, April 23, 2002), for all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4; A300 
B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600); and A310 
series airplanes. That AD requires identification of the part number 
and serial number of the parking brake operated valve (PBOV); and, if 
necessary, inspections of the PBOV, including a functional check of the 
PBOV, and follow-on and corrective actions. That AD also provides for 
optional terminating action for the requirements of that AD. That AD 
was prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information by the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), 
which is the airworthiness authority for France. We issued that AD to 
prevent loss of the yellow hydraulic system, which provides all the 
hydraulics for certain spoilers; elements of the hydraulics for flaps, 
stabilizer, pitch and yaw feel systems, pitch and yaw autopilot, and 
yaw damper; and elevator, rudder, and aileron.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2002-08-14 indicated that the FAA and the DGAC 
were considering a requirement to replace all affected PBOVs. We and 
the DGAC have determined that modification or replacement of all 
affected PBOVs should be required, and this proposed AD follows from 
that determination. The parallel French airworthiness directive is 
2001-510(B) R1, dated May 15, 2002.

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 us 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.
    This proposed AD would supersede AD 2002-08-14. This proposed AD 
would retain certain requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD 
would also require modification of all affected PBOVs, or replacement 
with new, nonaffected PBOVs, which would terminate the requirements of 
the existing AD. Accomplishment of the modification or replacement 
would be required in accordance with the service bulletins referenced 
in AD 2002-08-14 (Airbus Service Bulletins A300-32A0441, A300-32A6087, 
or A310-32A2124; all dated September 10, 2001; as applicable).

Change to Existing AD

    This proposed AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2002-08-
14. Since AD 2002-08-14 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and 
certain paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding 
paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed in 
the following table:

                      Revised Paragraph Identifiers
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                                             Corresponding  requirement
       Requirement in AD 2002-08-14              in this proposed AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
paragraph (a).............................  paragraph (f).
paragraph (b).............................  paragraph (g).
paragraph (d).............................  paragraph (h).
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Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD. This proposed AD would affect about 
168 airplanes of U.S. registry.

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                           Average
                  Action                     Work hours   labor rate              Parts                Cost per
                                                           per hour                                    airplane
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Inspection of PBOV part number/serial                 2           65  None.........................         $130
 number (required by AD 2002-08-14).
Modification/replacement (new proposed                4           65  No Charge....................          260
 action).
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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.

[[Page 62629]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing amendment 39-12722 (67 FR 
19655, April 23, 2002) and adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2004-19451; Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-
138-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by November 26, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2002-08-14, amendment 39-12722 (67 FR 
19655, April 23, 2002).
    Applicability: (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2 
and B4; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-
600); and A310 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a decision by the FAA and a civil 
airworthiness authority to require modification or replacement of 
all affected parking brake operated valves (PBOV). We are issuing 
this AD to prevent loss of the yellow hydraulic system, which 
provides all the hydraulics for certain spoilers; elements of the 
hydraulics for flaps, stabilizer, pitch and yaw feel systems, pitch 
and yaw autopilot, and yaw damper; and elevator, rudder, and 
aileron.
    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.

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 2002-08-14

Inspection and Functional Check

    (f) Within 7 days after May 8, 2002 (the effective date of AD 
2002-08-14, amendment 39-12722), identify the part and serial number 
of the PBOV to determine whether the PBOV is an affected part, as 
identified by Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32A0441 (for Model A300 
B2 and B4 series airplanes), A300-32A6087 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes), or A310-32A2124 (for Model A310 series airplanes), all 
dated September 10, 2001; as applicable.
    (1) If the PBOV is NOT an affected part, no further action is 
required by this AD.
    (2) If the PBOV is an affected part: Except as required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, prior to further flight, test the PBOV in 
accordance with the applicable service bulletin; and thereafter 
perform follow-on and corrective actions (including repetitive tests 
and repair of the PBOV or replacement with a serviceable PBOV) at 
the time specified by and in accordance with the service bulletin, 
as applicable.
    (g) If the applicable service bulletin identified in paragraph 
(f) of this AD specifies to contact ``SEE32'' for corrective action: 
Prior to further flight, perform the corrective action in accordance 
with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, 
ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, or the Direction 
Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent).

Parts Installation

    (h) As of May 8, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002-08-14) no 
person may install an affected PBOV on any airplane, unless that 
PBOV is in compliance with all applicable requirements of this AD. 
Affected PBOVs are identified by Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
32A0441 (for Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes), A300-32A6087 
(for Model A300-600 series airplanes), or A310-32A2124 (for Model 
A310 series airplanes), all dated September 10, 2001; as applicable.

New Requirements of This AD

PBOV Modification/Replacement

    (i) Within 7 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify 
all affected PBOVs, or replace them with new PBOVs, in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32A0441 (for Model A300 B2 and B4 
series airplanes), A300-32A6087 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes), or A310-32A2124 (for Model A310 series airplanes), all 
dated September 10, 2001; as applicable. The modification or 
replacement of all affected PBOVs terminates the requirements of 
this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j) 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

    (k) French airworthiness directive 2001-510(B) R1, dated May 15, 
2002, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 18, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-24033 Filed 10-26-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P