[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 22, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36078-36081]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12303]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-211-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340-200, -300, -
500, and -600 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness 
directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A330 and A340-200, -300, 
-500, and -600 series airplanes. That action would have required a one-
time inspection of each emergency evacuation slide raft installed on 
Type ``A'' exit doors equipped with regulator valves having a certain 
part number to determine if a discrepant regulator valve is installed 
on the pressure bottle that inflates the slide/raft, and an interim 
modification of any discrepant valve if necessary. That action also 
would have required eventual modification of all affected regulator 
valves, which would have terminated the requirements of the proposed 
AD. This new action revises the original NPRM by requiring part number 
identification and a new modification for affected airplanes, removing 
the one-time inspection and interim modification, and removing certain 
airplanes from the applicability. The actions specified by this new 
proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of an emergency evacuation 
slide raft to deploy and inflate during an emergency situation, which 
could impede an evacuation and result in injury to passengers or 
crewmembers. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by July 18, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-211-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using

[[Page 36079]]

the following address: [email protected]. Comments sent via fax 
or the Internet must contain ``Docket No. 2003-NM-211-AD'' in the 
subject line and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via 
the Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in 
Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207. This information may be examined at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, ANM-
116, International Branch, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-
2797; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2003-NM-211-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 2003-NM-211-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all 
Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 
series airplanes, was published as a notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) (hereafter referred to as the ``original NPRM'') in the Federal 
Register on April 22, 2004 (69 FR 21774). The original NPRM would have 
required a one-time inspection of each emergency evacuation slide raft 
installed on Type ``A'' exit doors equipped with regulator valves 
having a certain part number, to determine if a discrepant regulator 
valve is installed on the pressure bottle that inflates the slide/raft, 
and an interim modification of any discrepant valve. The original NPRM 
also would have required eventual modification of all affected 
regulator valves, which would terminate the requirements of the AD. The 
original NPRM was prompted by in-service maintenance testing of the 
emergency escape slides on Type ``A'' exit doors, which resulted in 
failure of the slides to automatically deploy. That condition, if not 
corrected, could result in failure of an emergency evacuation slide 
raft to deploy and inflate during an emergency situation, which could 
impede an evacuation and result in injury to passengers or crewmembers.

Actions Since Issuance of Original NPRM

    Since the issuance of the original NPRM, the Direction Generale de 
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for 
France, issued French airworthiness directive 2003-213(B) R2, dated 
July 3, 2004. That airworthiness directive cancels the requirements in 
French airworthiness directive 2003-213(B) R1, is replaced by another 
French airworthiness directive issued by the DGAG: F-2004-094 R1, dated 
February 16, 2005. Airworthiness directive F-2004-094 R1 mandates a new 
modification of the Vespel piston of the regulator valve, and limits 
the applicability specified in airworthiness directive 2003-213(B) R1 
to airplanes with slide rafts and slides fitted on Type A passenger/
crew doors and Type 1 emergency doors having certain part numbers.

Explanation of New Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-25-3225, Revision 01 (for 
Model A330 series airplanes); and A340-25-4228, Revision 01 (for Model 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes); both dated September 30, 2004; and 
A340-25-5054 (for Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes), dated 
August 2, 2004. The service bulletins describe procedures for 
modification of the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft 
assemblies. Accomplishing the modification eliminates the need for the 
one-time inspection that would have been required by the original NPRM. 
The service bulletins reference Goodrich Service Bulletins 25A341, 
Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003; and 25-347, Revision 1, dated August 
30, 2004; as additional sources of service information for 
accomplishing the modification of the regulator valves. Service 
Bulletin A340-25-4228, Revision 01, recommends concurrent 
accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4152, dated August 7, 
2001; and Service Bulletin A330-25-3225, Revision 01, recommends 
concurrent accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3126, 
dated August 7, 2001.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    This proposed AD is related to AD 2003-03-06, amendment 39-13030 
(68 FR 4378, January 29, 2003). That AD references Airbus Service 
Bulletins A340-25-4152, dated August 7, 2001; and A330-25-3126, dated 
August 7, 2001; for modifying the escape slides/slide rafts on the 
passenger/crew doors and the emergency exit doors. That AD is 
applicable to Airbus Model A330 and A340 series airplanes and requires 
a one-time inspection of the rail release pins and parachute pins of 
the escape slide/raft pack assembly for correct installation; 
corrective actions if necessary; and modification of the escape slides/
slide rafts on the passenger, crew, and emergency exit doors.

Conclusion

    Since certain changes discussed above expand the scope of the 
originally proposed rule, we have determined that it is necessary to 
reopen the comment period to provide additional opportunity for public 
comment.

[[Page 36080]]

Comments

    Comments were submitted on the original NPRM. Due to the release of 
new service information, those comments are no longer applicable and 
are not addressed by this supplemental NPRM.

Differences Among Supplemental NPRM, French Airworthiness Directive, 
and Service Information

    The effectivity of the French airworthiness directive includes only 
airplanes that have emergency slides or slide rafts having certain part 
numbers and fitted on certain door types and locations. This proposed 
AD would apply to all airplanes of the affected models, and would 
require determining if slides or slide rafts having the part numbers 
specified in the French airworthiness directive are installed. (No 
further action would be required if no slides or slide rafts having the 
subject part numbers are installed.) We find that it is necessary to 
expand the applicability to ensure that the modification that would be 
required by this proposed AD is performed if slides or slide rafts 
having an affected part number are installed in the future.
    Service Bulletin A340-25-4228, Revision 01, recommends concurrent 
accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4152, dated August 7, 
2001; and Service Bulletin A330-25-3225, Revision 01, recommends 
concurrent accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3126, 
dated August 7, 2001. However, consistent with French airworthiness 
directive F-2004-094 R1, dated February 16, 2004, this proposed AD 
would not require accomplishing those service bulletins. Those service 
bulletins currently are referenced for accomplishing the actions 
required by AD 2003-03-06, described previously.

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 17 Model A330 series airplanes of U.S. registry 
would be affected by this proposed AD.
    It would take about 1 work hour to accomplish the proposed parts 
identification, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed parts identification on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,105, or $65 per airplane.
    It would take about 13 work hours per slide (8 slides per airplane) 
to accomplish the proposed modification, at an average labor rate of 
$65 per work hour. Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer 
at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed modification on U.S. operators is estimated to be $114,920, or 
$6,760 per airplane.
    Currently, there are no affected A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 
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 proposed 
parts identification would take about 1 work hour, and the proposed 
modification would take about 104 work hours, at an average labor rate 
of $65 per work hour. Required parts would be provided by the 
manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, we 
estimate the cost of the proposed parts identification to be $65 per 
airplane, and the proposed modification to be $6,760 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures 
discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to 
perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

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 Impact

    The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this 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) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules 
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Airbus: Docket 2003-NM-211-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 and A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 
series airplanes; certificated in any category; except Model A330 
and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes on which Airbus Modifications 
52708 and 52811 were done during production, and Model A340-500 and 
-600 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 52708 was done 
during production, and on which no slide or slide raft has been 
removed since delivery from the manufacturer.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of an emergency evacuation slide raft to 
deploy and inflate during an emergency situation, which could impede 
an evacuation and result in injury to passengers or crewmembers, 
accomplish the following:

Service Information References

    (a) The following information pertains to the service 
information referenced in this AD:

[[Page 36081]]

    (1) The term ``service bulletin'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletins A330-25-
3225, Revision 01 (for Model A330 series airplanes), and A340-25-
4228, Revision 01 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), 
both dated September 30, 2004; and A340-25-5054 (for Model A340-500 
and -600 series airplanes), dated August 2, 2004.
    (2) The service bulletins refer to Goodrich Service Bulletins 
25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003; and 25-347, Revision 1, 
dated August 30, 2004; as additional sources of service information 
for accomplishment of the modification specified in the service 
bulletins.
    (3) Accomplishing the modification before the effective date of 
this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3225 or 
A340-25-4228, both dated August 2, 2004; is considered acceptable 
for compliance with the modification required by this AD.

Part Number Identification/Modification

    (b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Determine the part number of the emergency slides or slide rafts 
fitted on the door types and locations listed in Table 1 of this AD. 
If no affected slides or slide rafts are found installed on the 
airplane, then no further action is required by this paragraph. If 
any affected slides or slide rafts are found installed on the 
airplane: Modify the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft 
assemblies at the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or 
(b)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.
    (1) For airplanes on which the regulator valves have not been 
modified as of the effective date of this AD per Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003: Before further 
flight.
    (2) For airplanes on which the regulator valves have been 
modified as of the effective date of this AD per Goodrich Service 
Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003: Within 18 months 
after the effective date of this AD.

                         Table 1.--Part Numbers
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                                                    Goodrich slide/slide
   Door type               Door location              raft part number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A.............  1 and 4, LH and RH................  7A1508-001, -003, -
                                                     005, -007, -013, -
                                                     015, -017, -101, -
                                                     103, -105, -107, -
                                                     109, -113, -115, or
                                                     -117
A.............  2, LH.............................  7A1539-001, -003, -
                                                     005, -007, -013, -
                                                     015, -017, -101, -
                                                     103, -105, -107, -
                                                     109, -113, -115, or
                                                     -117
A.............  2, RH.............................  7A1539-002, -004, -
                                                     006, -008, -014, -
                                                     016, -018, -102, -
                                                     104, -106, -108, -
                                                     110, -114, -116, or
                                                     -118
A.............  3, LH.............................  7A1510-001, -003, -
                                                     005, -007, -013, -
                                                     015, -017, -101, -
                                                     103, -105, -107, -
                                                     109, -113, -115, or
                                                     -117; or 4A3934-1,
                                                     3
A.............  3, RH.............................  7A1510-002, -004, -
                                                     006, -008, -014, -
                                                     016, -018, -102, -
                                                     104, -106, -108, -
                                                     110, -114, -116, or
                                                     -118; or 4A3934-2,
                                                     4
1.............  3, LH and RH......................  7A1509-001, -003, -
                                                     005, -007, -013, -
                                                     015, -017, -101, -
                                                     103, -105, -107, -
                                                     109, -113, -115, or
                                                     -117
1.............  3, LH.............................  4A3928-1
1.............  3, RH.............................  4A3928-2
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parts Installation

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
regulator valve having a part number listed in the old part number 
column specified in Paragraph 1.L. of the applicable service 
bulletin on any airplane, unless that regulator valve has been 
modified in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

    Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives F-2003-213(B) R2, dated July 3, 2004, and 
F-2004-094 R1, dated February 16, 2004.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14, 2005.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-12303 Filed 6-21-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P