[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 41 (Thursday, March 3, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10339-10342]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-4078]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20474; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-221-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203 
Series Airplanes; Model A310 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-
600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F 
Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600)

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 transport category airplanes. This proposed AD would 
require an inspection to determine if the suspect part numbers (P/N) 
and serial numbers of certain Thales Avionics equipment is installed, 
and replacement of any suspect part with a modified part having a new 
P/N. This proposed AD is prompted by reports of loss of the digital 
distance radio magnetic indicator and subsequent loss of both very high 
frequency omnidirectional range indicators, both distance measuring 
equipment, and one centralized maintenance computer. We are proposing 
this AD to prevent loss of navigation indications on the primary flight 
display requiring continuation of the flight on emergency instruments, 
which could lead to reduced ability to control the airplane in adverse 
conditions.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 4, 2005.

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. This 
docket number is FAA-2005-20474; the directorate identifier for this 
docket is 2004-NM-221-AD.

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: 

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-2004-20474; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-221-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

[[Page 10340]]

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.

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

    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 Airbus Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203 
series airplanes with a forward facing crew cockpit configuration; 
Model A310 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-
600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R variant F airplanes 
(collectively called A300-600); equipped with certain Thales Avionics 
equipment.
    The DGAC advises that it has received a report of loss of the 
digital distance radio magnetic indicator (DDRMI) and subsequent loss 
of both very high frequency omnidirectional range (VOR) indicators, 
both distance measuring equipment (DME), and one centralized 
maintenance computer (CMC) on a Model A330 series airplane. The DGAC 
also received a similar report also with the loss of both VORs and DMEs 
on a Model A320 series airplane. In both cases, the circuit breakers 
had tripped and the computers failed. Investigations revealed that the 
power transformer had short-circuited, leading to a leakage of 115 volt 
alternating current (VAC) to systems connected to the DDRMI ARINC 429 
input buses. The reason for the transformer failure has been traced to 
a manufacturing issue, which affects a batch of transformers (i.e., 
altimeter, vertical speed indicator (VSI), radio magnetic indicator 
(RMI)/automatic direction finder (ADF) indicator, and RMI/VOR/DME 
indicator).
    Failure of the DDRMI, if not corrected, could result in loss of 
navigation indications on the primary flight display requiring 
continuation of the flight on emergency instruments, which could lead 
to reduced ability to control the airplane in adverse conditions.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    We have previously issued AD 2002-06-53, amendment 39-12724 (67 FR 
19511, April 22, 2002), applicable to Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, 
A330, and A340 series airplanes equipped with certain Thales Avionics 
DDRMIs. That AD requires deactivation of certain Thales Avionics 
DDRMIs. The actions specified in that are intended to prevent failure 
of the DDRMI, which could cause the loss of data from the affected 
computers to other systems and degradation or total failure of the 
computers, leading to reduced ability to control the airplane in 
adverse conditions.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:

                        Airbus Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              For model--                   Airbus service bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-600 series airplanes..............  A300-34A6145, Revision 01,
                                          dated October 17, 2003.
A310 series airplanes..................  A310-34A2178, Revision 01,
                                          dated October 17, 2003.
A300 B2-203 and B4-203 series airplanes  A300-34A0173, Revision 01,
                                          dated December 18, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The service bulletins describe procedures for doing an inspection to 
determine if the suspect part numbers (P/N) and serial numbers (S/N) of 
certain Thales Avionics equipment is installed, and replacement of any 
suspect part with a modified part having a new P/N. Accomplishing the 
actions specified in the service information is intended to adequately 
address the unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated the service 
information, operational restrictions, and a report; and issued French 
airworthiness directive F-2004-037, issued March 17, 2004; to ensure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
    Each Airbus service bulletin refers to the following Thales 
Avionics service bulletins as additional sources of service information 
for accomplishing the inspection and replacement if necessary.

                    Thales Avionics Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Thales Avionics service
          bulletin--             Revision--            Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
354-34-051....................           03  October 13, 2003.
354-34-053....................           02  October 10, 2003.
520-34-014....................           04  April 22, 2004.
520-34-015....................           04  July 1, 2004.
520-34-016....................           03  November 20, 2003.
520-34-017....................           03  July 1, 2004.
528-34-006....................           03  June 29, 2004.
528-34-007....................           02  October 10, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

[[Page 10341]]

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 Airbus service information 
described previously and submitting a report to the airplane 
manufacturer.

Differences Between French Airworthiness Directive and the Proposed AD

    The French airworthiness directive mandates a revision to the 
Minimum Equipment List (MEL) to require that operation of certain 
navigation units (i.e., altimeter, vertical speed indicator, RMI/ADF 
indicator, and RMI/VOR/DME indicator) is necessary for dispatch of the 
airplane, until the actions specified in the Airbus service information 
described previously are done. This proposed AD does not contain this 
restriction because the FAA's Master MEL already contains these 
operational restrictions for these navigation units.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 158 Model A310 series 
airplanes, and Model A300-600 series airplanes of U.S. registry. The 
proposed inspection 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 AD for these U.S. operators is $10,270, 
or $65 per airplane.
    Currently, there are no affected Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203 
series airplanes on the U.S. Register. However, if an affected airplane 
is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, the required 
actions would take about 1 work hour, at an average labor rate of $65 
per work hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD 
for Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203 series airplanes to be $65 per 
airplane.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

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-2005-20474; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
221-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by April 4, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the airplanes in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(3) of this AD certificated in any category, equipped 
with at least one of the Thales Avionics equipment part numbers 
listed in Table 1 of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, and Model C4-605R variant F airplanes (collectively 
called A300-600);
    (2) Airbus Model A310 series airplanes; and
    (3) Airbus Model A300 B2-203 and B4-203 series airplanes with a 
forward facing crew cockpit configuration.

              Table 1.--Affected Thales Avionics Equipment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Equipment                        Part number (P/N)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Altimeter indicator....................  65205-211-2, -3, or -4; 65205-
                                          230-1, -2, or -3; or 65205-235-
                                          1.
Radio magnetic indicator (RMI)/          63540-040-1 or 63540-031-2
 automatic direction finder (ADF)
 indicator.
RMI/very high frequency omnidirectional  63540-170-2 or 63540-156-3.
 range (VOR) indicators/distance
 measuring equipment (DME).
Vertical speed indicator (VSI).........  65285-220-2 or 65285-230-1.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of loss of the digital 
distance radio magnetic indicator and subsequent loss of both VORs, 
both DMEs, and one centralized maintenance computer. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent loss of navigation indications on the primary 
flight display requiring continuation of the flight on emergency 
instruments, which could lead to reduced ability to control the 
airplane in adverse conditions.

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 10342]]

Service Bulletins

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

                   Table 2.--Airbus Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              For Model--                   Airbus service bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) A300-600 series airplanes..........  A300-34A6145, Revision 01,
                                          dated October 17, 2003.
(2) A310 series airplanes..............  A310-34A2178, Revision 01,
                                          dated October 17, 2003.
(3) A300 B2-203 and B4-203 series        A300-34A0173, Revision 01,
 airplanes.                               dated December 18, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (g) Each Airbus service bulletin in Table 2 of this AD refers to 
the Thales Avionics service bulletins in Table 3 of this AD as 
additional sources of service information for accomplishing the 
inspection and replacement if necessary.

               Table 3.--Thales Avionics Service Bulletins
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Thales Avionics service
          bulletin--             Revision--            Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) 354-34-051................           03  October 13, 2003.
(2) 354-34-053................           02  October 10, 2003.
(3) 520-34-014................           04  April 22, 2004.
(4) 520-34-015................           04  July 1, 2004.
(5) 520-34-016................           03  November 20, 2003.
(6) 520-34-017................           03  July 1, 2004.
(7) 528-34-006................           03  June 29, 2004.
(8) 528-34-007................           02  October 10, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inspection and Replacement

    (h) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do an 
inspection to determine if the suspect P/Ns and serial number (S/N) 
of the Thales Avionics equipment is installed, in accordance with 
the Airbus service bulletin. If any suspect P/N and S/N is found, 
within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the 
suspect part with a modified part having a new P/N, in accordance 
with the Airbus service bulletin.

Parts Installation

    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
any Thales Avionics equipment specified in Table 1 of this AD on any 
airplane.

Reporting Requirement

    (j) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, submit 
a report of all P/Ns and S/N of overhauled equipment found during 
the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD to Airbus, 1 
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; fax 011-
33-561934251. Information collection requirements contained in this 
AD have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) 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

    (l) French airworthiness directive F-2004-037, issued March 17, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 18, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-4078 Filed 3-2-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P