[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 63 (Monday, April 4, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16981-16984]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6578]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20796; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-160-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 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), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all the Airbus models identified above. This proposed AD would 
require modifying the electrical power supply logic for the integral 
lighting of the standby horizon indicator in the cockpit; accomplishing 
repetitive operational tests of the integral lighting logic system, and 
corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a 
report of temporary loss of six cathode ray tube flight displays and 
the integral lighting of the standby horizon indicator in the cockpit 
during takeoff, due to failure of the normal electrical power circuit. 
We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of that integral lighting due 
to such failure, which could result in inability of the pilot to read 
the backup attitude information during takeoff, and possible deviation 
from the intended flight path.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 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-2005-20796; the directorate identifier for this 
docket is 2004-NM-160-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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-2005-20796; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-160-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.

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

[[Page 16982]]

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 Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an unsafe 
condition may exist on all Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 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, during takeoff 
on a Model A300 B2 series airplane, an operator reported the temporary 
loss of six cathode ray tube (CRT) flight displays and the integral 
lighting of the standby horizon indicator in the cockpit due to failure 
of the normal electrical power circuit. The temporary loss of the CRTs 
is still under investigation. Power for the integral lighting of the 
standby horizon indicator is supplied through the normal electrical 
power circuit. In the event of failure of the normal electrical power 
circuit, modifying the logic for the integral lighting of the standby 
horizon will allow automatic switching from the normal to the essential 
electrical power circuit. Loss of the integral lighting due to such 
failure could result in loss of the backup source of attitude data, 
consequent inability of the pilot to access attitude information during 
takeoff, and possible deviation from the intended flight path.
    The integral lighting logic system on Model A300 B4 series 
airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R and F4-600R series airplanes, and 
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310 series airplanes 
is identical to the integral lighting logic system on the affected 
Model A300 B2 series airplane. Therefore, those airplanes may be 
subject to the same unsafe condition identified on Model A300 B2 series 
airplanes.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed the following Airbus service bulletins:

                                          Referenced Service Bulletins
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             For model--                                        Service bulletin/date--
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A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes  A300-31-0077, dated March 2, 2004 .
                                      A300-33-0126, dated April 5, 2004.
A300 B4-600, B4-600R and F4-600R      A300-31-6105, Revision 02, dated May 27, 2003.
 series airplanes; A300 C4-605R
 Variant F airplanes.
                                      A300-33-6049, Revision 01, dated May 28, 2004.
A310 series airplanes...............  A310-31-2120, Revision 01, dated May 27, 2003.
                                      A310-33-2047, dated April 5, 2004.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Service Bulletins A300-31-0077, A300-31-6105, and A310-31-2120 
describe procedures for modifying the electrical power supply for the 
standby horizon indicator.
    Service Bulletins A300-33-0126, A300-33-6049, and A310-33-2047 
describe procedures for accomplishing repetitive operational tests 
(inspections) of the integral lighting logic system. The service 
bulletins also recommend sending an inspection report to Airbus.
    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 F-
2004-098, dated July 7, 2004, 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 us informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the DGACs 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, except as discussed under ``Differences Between 
the Proposed AD and Service Information.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Information

    Service Bulletins A300-33-0126, A300-33-6049, and A310-33-2047 
recommend sending an inspection report to Airbus, but this proposed AD 
does not contain that requirement.
    Service Bulletins A300-33-0126, A300-33-6049, and A310-33-2047 do 
not specify repair procedures for failure of the operational test, but 
this proposed AD would require you to repair those conditions using a 
method that we or the DGAC (or its delegated agent) approve. In light 
of the type of repair that would be required to address the unsafe 
condition, and consistent with existing bilateral airworthiness 
agreements, we have determined that, for this proposed AD, a repair we 
or the DGAC approve would be acceptable for compliance with this 
proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 189 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    It would take between approximately 10 and 36 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the proposed modification (depending on the 
number of kits needed), at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. 
Required parts would cost approximately between $310 and $4,880 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed 
modification is between $960 and $7,220 per airplane.
    It would take about 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the 
proposed operational test, at an average labor rate of $65 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed test 
is $12,285, or $65 per airplane, per test cycle.

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

[[Page 16983]]

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 will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD will 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-2005-20796; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
160-AD.

Comments Due Date

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

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 
series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R 
series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes 
(collectively called A300-600); and Model A310 series airplanes; 
certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report of temporary loss of six 
cathode ray tube flight displays and the integral lighting of the 
standby horizon indicator in the cockpit during takeoff, due to 
failure of the normal electrical power circuit. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent loss of that integral lighting due to such failure, 
which could result in inability of the pilot to read the backup 
attitude information during takeoff, and possible deviation from the 
intended flight path.

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.

Required Service Information

    (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the term ``service 
bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 
1 of this AD. Service Bulletins A300-33-0126, A300-33-6049, and 
A310-33-2047 specify to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, but this AD does not include that requirement.

                                           Table 1.--Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                               And, for actions
                                                                                                done before the
                                  Use Airbus service                                           effective date of
       For Airbus models--           bulletin(s)--        Revision--            Dated--       this AD, credit is
                                                                                                given for prior
                                                                                              accomplishing of--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and A300 B4 series......  A300-31-0077        Original..........  March 2, 2004.....  N/A.
                                   (Airbus
                                   Modification
                                   12513).
                                  A300-33-0126......  Original..........  April 5, 2004.....  N/A.
A300 B4-600; A300 B4-600R and F4- A300-31-6105        02................  May 27, 2003......  None.
 600R series; and A300 C4-605R     (Airbus
 Variant F airplanes.              Modifications
                                   12513 and 12730).
                                  A300-33-6049......  01................  May 28, 2004......  Original, dated
                                                                                               April 5, 2004.
A310 series.....................  A310-31-2120        01................  May 27, 2003......  Original, dated
                                   (Airbus                                                     November 19,
                                   Modification                                                2002.
                                   12513).
                                  A310-33-2047......  Original..........  April 5, 2004.....  N/A.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Modification

    (g) For airplanes on which Airbus Modifications 12513 and 12730 
have not been accomplished: Within 12 months after the effective 
date of this AD, modify the electrical power supply logic of the 
integral lighting for the standby horizon indicator in the cockpit 
in accordance with the service bulletin.

Repetitive Operational Tests

    (h) For all airplanes: Within 600 flight hours after 
accomplishing the modification required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
or within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is later, accomplish the operational test of the integral 
lighting logic system in accordance with the service bulletin. 
Repeat the test thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight 
hours.

Corrective Action

    (i) If any operational test required by paragraph (h) of this AD 
fails: Before further flight, accomplish any applicable repair per a 
method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-
116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Direction 
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated 
agent).

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 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 F-2004-098, dated July 7, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.


[[Page 16984]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6578 Filed 4-1-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P