[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 214 (Friday, November 5, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64530-64534]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24722]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19534; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-99-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series 
Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, 
and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-
600); 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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Airbus airplane models, as specified above. This proposed 
AD would require modifying the thermal insulation system of certain 
fuselage frames, and modifying the fuselage drainage system. This 
proposed AD would also require revising the FAA-approved maintenance 
inspection program to include inspections for corrosion or cracking in 
the subject areas. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of corrosion 
in the lower part of the pressure bulkhead at certain fuselage frames. 
We are proposing this AD to prevent accumulation of condensation in the 
insulation blankets of certain fuselage frames, which could cause 
corrosion that could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
fuselage and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 6, 
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 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:

[[Page 64531]]

    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-2004-19534; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-99-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 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 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 certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 
series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively 
called A300-600); and Model A310 series airplanes. The DGAC advises 
that corrosion has been found in the lower part of the pressure 
bulkhead at fuselage frame (FR) 54 and, on certain airplanes, FR 39. 
Investigation revealed that the rear face of FR 54, and the front face 
of FR 39 on certain airplanes, are completely thermally insulated; no 
drainage is provided at the insulation blankets. The lack of drainage 
results in condensation being trapped. This condition, if not 
corrected, could result in corrosion that could result in reduced 
structural integrity of the fuselage and consequent rapid decompression 
of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the service bulletins listed in the table below, 
which describe procedures for modifying the thermal insulation system 
using the specific procedures identified in the table below.

      Service Bulletins for Modifying the Thermal Insulation System
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Specific
          Airbus model              Airbus service        procedures
                                       bulletin            described
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series...........  A300-21-0116,       Permanently
                                   Revision 02,        removing
                                   dated June 13,      insulation
                                   2003.               blankets from the
                                                       front face of FR
                                                       39 and the rear
                                                       face of FR 54
                                                       between the cargo
                                                       compartment floor
                                                       and the fuselage
                                                       lower wall and
                                                       removing
                                                       insulation
                                                       blankets between
                                                       FR 54 and FR 54.1
                                                       and stringers 50
                                                       through 56
                                                       inclusive on the
                                                       left and right
                                                       sides of the
                                                       airplane;
                                                       installing
                                                       bracket
                                                       assemblies to
                                                       raise the
                                                       blankets in this
                                                       area; and
                                                       reinstalling
                                                       these insulation
                                                       blankets.
---------------------------------
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-     A300-21-6025,       Permanently
 600R series; and A300 C4-605R     Revision 01,        removing
 Variant F (collectively called    dated June 13,      insulation
 A300-600).                        2003.               blankets from the
                                                       rear face of FR
                                                       54 between the
                                                       cargo compartment
                                                       floor and the
                                                       fuselage lower
                                                       wall and removing
                                                       insulation
                                                       blankets between
                                                       FR 54 and FR 54.1
                                                       and stringers 50
                                                       through 56
                                                       inclusive on the
                                                       left and right
                                                       sides of the
                                                       airplane;
                                                       installing
                                                       bracket
                                                       assemblies to
                                                       raise the
                                                       blankets in this
                                                       area; and
                                                       reinstalling
                                                       these insulation
                                                       blankets.
---------------------------------

[[Page 64532]]

 
A310 series.....................  A310-21-2041,       Permanently
                                   Revision 02,        removing
                                   dated June 13,      insulation
                                   2003.               blankets from the
                                                       rear face of FR
                                                       54 between the
                                                       cargo compartment
                                                       floor and the
                                                       fuselage lower
                                                       wall and removing
                                                       insulation
                                                       blankets between
                                                       FR 54 and FR 54.1
                                                       and stringers 50
                                                       through 56
                                                       inclusive on the
                                                       left and right
                                                       sides of the
                                                       airplane;
                                                       installing
                                                       bracket
                                                       assemblies to
                                                       raise the
                                                       blankets in this
                                                       area; and
                                                       reinstalling
                                                       these insulation
                                                       blankets and
                                                       testing the
                                                       additional center
                                                       fuel tank, if
                                                       installed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Airbus has also issued the service bulletins listed in the table 
below, which describe procedures for modifying the fuselage drainage 
system using the specific procedures identified in the table below.

      Service Bulletins for Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Specific
          Airbus model              Airbus service        procedures
                                       bulletin            described
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series...........  A300-53-0201,       Replacing all
                                   Revision 04,        existing drain
                                   dated May 2, 2003.  valves in the
                                                       lower fuselage
                                                       and upper deck
                                                       cargo door with
                                                       new, improved
                                                       (plastic) drain
                                                       valves;
                                                       installing one
                                                       additional drain
                                                       valve; and
                                                       drilling
                                                       additional drain
                                                       holes in the
                                                       stringers.
---------------------------------
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-     A300-53-6008,       Replacing all
 600R series; and A300 C4-605R     Revision 05,        existing drain
 Variant F (collectively called    dated July 15,      valves in the
 A300-600).                        2004.               lower fuselage
                                                       and upper deck
                                                       cargo door with
                                                       new, improved
                                                       (plastic) drain
                                                       valves;
                                                       installing one
                                                       additional drain
                                                       valve; and
                                                       drilling
                                                       additional drain
                                                       holes in the
                                                       stringers.
---------------------------------
A310 series.....................  A310-53-2027,       Replacing all
                                   Revision 04,        existing drain
                                   dated July 15,      valves in the
                                   2004.               lower fuselage
                                                       with new,
                                                       improved
                                                       (plastic) drain
                                                       valves;
                                                       installing
                                                       additional drain
                                                       valves; and
                                                       drilling
                                                       additional drain
                                                       holes in the
                                                       stringers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Airbus has also issued Maintenance Planning Documents containing 
Task Numbers 538295-0603-01 (for Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series 
airplanes), and 541531-01-1 and 531533-01-1 (for Airbus Model A300-600 
and Model A310 series airplanes). These task numbers describe 
procedures for repetitive detailed visual inspections for corrosion or 
cracking of fuselage structure from FR 38.2 to 39, and at FR 54, as 
applicable. These tasks are necessary for airplanes modified in 
accordance with the service information described previously.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the applicable service 
information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The 
DGAC mandated the service information and issued French airworthiness 
directive 2003-317(B), dated August 20, 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 we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously. This proposed AD would also require revising the 
FAA-approved maintenance inspection program to include detailed 
inspections for corrosion and cracking in the area of FRs 39 and 54, as 
described in the Maintenance Planning Document task numbers identified 
previously.

Differences Between the Proposed AD and French Airworthiness Directive

    The applicability of French airworthiness directive 2003-317(B) 
excludes airplanes that accomplished Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-
0201, A300-53-6008, or A310-53-2027 in service. However, we have not 
excluded those airplanes in the applicability of this proposed AD; 
rather, this proposed AD includes a requirement to accomplish the 
actions specified in those service bulletins. This requirement would 
ensure 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 we 
approve an alternative method of compliance.
    French airworthiness directive 2003-317(B) specifies that airplanes 
modified in accordance with the service

[[Page 64533]]

information described previously must be inspected in accordance with 
the Maintenance Planning Document tasks described previously. However, 
no compliance time is given for revising the maintenance program. This 
proposed AD would require revising the maintenance program to include 
these tasks within 90 days after doing the modifications specified in 
the service information described previously, or within 90 days after 
the effective date of the AD, whichever is later. We find that this 
represents an appropriate interval of time in which this action may be 
accomplished by all affected operators without jeopardizing continued 
flight safety.

Clarification of Inspection Terminology

    In this proposed AD, the ``detailed visual inspections'' specified 
in Maintenance Planning Document Task Numbers 538295-0603-01 (for 
Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes), and 541531-01-1 and 
531533-01-1 (for Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called 
A300-600); and Model A310 series airplanes), are referred to as 
``detailed inspections.'' We have included the definition for a 
detailed inspection in a note in the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD, at an average labor rate of $65 per 
work hour.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          Number of U.S.-
                  Action                               Models               Work hours         Parts         Cost per       registered      Fleet cost
                                                                                                             airplane        airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modifying the Thermal Insulation System...  A300 B2/B4..................               5            $567            $892              23         $20,516
Modifying the Thermal Insulation System...  A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-              4             567             827             116          95,932
                                             600R series; and A300 C4-
                                             605R Variant F
                                             (collectively called A300-
                                             600).
Modifying the Thermal Insulation System...  A310........................               4             567             827              47          38,869
Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System....  A300 B2/B4..................              38           1,857           4,327              23          99,521
Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System....  A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-             36           1,378           3,718             116         431,288
                                             600R series; and A300 C4-
                                             605R Variant F
                                             (collectively called A300-
                                             600).
Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System....  A310........................              27           1,451           3,206              47         150,682
Maintenance Program Revision..............  All.........................               1            None              65             186          12,090
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-2004-19534; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
99-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by December 6, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.
    Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2 and 
B4 series airplanes; A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, and A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called 
A300-600); and A310 series airplanes; certificated in any category; 
except those on which Airbus Modification 5946 was done during 
production.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion in the lower 
part of the pressure bulkhead at fuselage frames (FR) 39 and 54. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent accumulation of condensation in the 
insulation blankets of certain fuselage FRs, which could cause 
corrosion that could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
fuselage and consequent rapid decompression 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.

[[Page 64534]]

Modification of Thermal Insulation and Fuselage Drainage Systems

    (f) Within 22 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the thermal insulation system of applicable fuselage frames and 
modify the fuselage drainage system, by doing all actions in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletins 
specified in Table 1 of this AD.

                  Table 1.--Relevant Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Modify the thermal    And modify the
                                      insulation       fuselage drainage
        For Airbus models            according to      system according
                                    Airbus Service     to Airbus Service
                                       Bulletin            Bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series...........  A300-21-0116,       A300-53-0201,
                                   Revision 02,        Revision 04,
                                   dated June 13,      dated May 2,
                                   2003.               2003.
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-     A300-21-6025,       A300-53-6008,
 600R series; A300 C4-605R         Revision 01,        Revision 05,
 Variant F (collectively called    dated June 13,      dated July 15,
 A300-600).                        2003.               2004.
A310 series.....................  A310-21-2041,       A310-53-2027,
                                   Revision 02,        Revision 04,
                                   dated June 13,      dated July 15,
                                   2003.               2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Modifications Accomplished According to Previous Issues of Service 
Bulletins

    (g) Modifications accomplished before the effective date of this 
AD according to Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6008, Revision 03, 
dated November 6, 1990, or Revision 04, dated April 28, 2003 (for 
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes; and A300 
C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600)); or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2027, Revision 02, dated November 6, 
1990, or Revision 03, dated May 2, 2003 (for Model A310 series 
airplanes); are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding action specified in this AD.

Maintenance Program Revision

    (h) Within 90 days after doing the actions required by paragraph 
(f) of this AD, or within 90 days after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever is later: Incorporate into the FAA-approved 
maintenance inspection program repetitive detailed inspections for 
corrosion or cracking of fuselage structure from FR 38.2 to 39, and 
at FR 54, as applicable, as described in Airbus Maintenance Planning 
Document Task Numbers 538295-0603-01 (for Airbus Model A300 B2 and 
B4 series airplanes), and 541531-01-1 and 531533-01-1 (for Airbus 
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and A300 
C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600); and 
Model A310 series airplanes). Then, thereafter, comply with the 
applicable requirements.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i) 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

    (j) French airworthiness directive 2003-317(B), dated August 20, 
2003, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-24722 Filed 11-4-04; 8:45 am]
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