[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 122 (Monday, June 27, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 36819-36821]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12512]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-20079; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-147-AD; 
Amendment 39-14163; AD 2005-13-26]
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 C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 
Series Airplanes); and Model A310-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus models, as specified above. This AD requires installing 
safety signs on all passenger/crew doors, emergency exit doors, and 
cargo compartment doors. This AD is prompted by a report of injuries 
occurring on in-service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly initiated 
opening of passenger/crew doors against residual pressure causing the 
doors to rapidly open. We are issuing this AD to ensure that 
crewmembers are informed of the risks associated with forcibly opening 
passenger/crew, emergency exit, and cargo doors before an airplane is 
fully depressurized, which will prevent injury to crewmembers, and 
subsequent damage to the airplane caused by the rapid opening of the 
door.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 1, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 
1, 2005.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
    Docket: The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any 
final disposition. 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 U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, 
Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2005-20079; the directorate 
identifier for this docket is 2004-NM-147-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: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 
with an AD for certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; 
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-
605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series 
airplanes); and Model A310-200 and -300 series airplanes. That action, 
published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2005 (70 FR 2985), 
proposed to require installing safety signs on all passenger/crew 
doors, emergency exit doors, and cargo compartment doors.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been 
submitted on the proposed AD.

Request To Revise Paragraph (h), Credit for Previous Service Bulletins

    One commenter notes that in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD, 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-11-2002 is incorrectly referred to as 
Service Bulletin A300-11-2002. We infer that the commenter is 
requesting that we correct the typographical error. The commenter also 
notes a difference between the French airworthiness directive and the 
proposed AD, which could lead to requests for alternative methods of 
compliance from operators. The commenter points out that the proposed 
AD specifies the use of Service Bulletin A310-11-2002, Revision 03, 
dated February 4, 2004, and that actions accomplished before the 
effective date of the AD, in accordance with Revision 2, dated January 
27, 1995, are acceptable for compliance with the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of the proposed AD. The French airworthiness directive 
references Service Bulletin A310-11-2002, or any later approved 
revision. The commenter recommends that the original issue and Revision 
1 of Service Bulletin A310-11-2002 be included in paragraph (h), 
``Credit for Previous Service Bulletins,'' of the proposed AD.
    We agree with the commenter's requests and have revised paragraph 
(h) of this AD to correct the typographical

[[Page 36820]]

error and to reference the original issue and Revision 1 of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-11-2002.

Request To Limit Placard Installation and Airplane Applicability

    Another commenter suggests that the installation of safety signs be 
limited to the main/crew door only, and that airplanes used only for 
cargo operations be exempted from the requirements of the proposed AD. 
The commenter points out that normal operation of the cargo doors is 
restricted to trained crewmembers and maintenance personnel, and the 
existing warning signs and crew procedural items have proven effective 
in its cargo operations. The commenter states that a history of 
flightcrews improperly opening crew doors does not seem to justify 
installing additional placards on all cargo doors.
    We do not agree with the commenter's requests. Although the 
reported accidents occurred when crewmembers forcibly opened passenger/
crew doors, the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile 
(DGAC) has notified us that the same unsafe condition also may exist on 
emergency exit and cargo doors. We have examined the DGAC findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD parallel to French airworthiness directive F-2004-003, 
dated January 7, 2004. We point out that we did not receive similar 
comments from other cargo carriers, or any data substantiating that the 
commenter's request would ensure continued operational safety of the 
affected fleet. However, we will consider alternative methods of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (i) of this AD.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    We have revised the applicability of this AD to identify model 
designations as published in the most recent type certificate data 
sheet for the affected models.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments that have been submitted, and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described 
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase 
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This AD affects about 182 airplanes of U.S. registry. The required 
actions take about 5 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate 
of $65 per work hour. Required parts will be provided at no charge. 
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators 
is $59,150, or $325 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 AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This 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 this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2005-13-26 Airbus: Amendment 39-14163. Docket No. FAA-2005-20079.; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-147-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective August 1, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, 
and B2-203 airplanes; Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 
airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; 
Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-
622R airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; Model A310-
203, -204, -221, and -222 airplanes; and Model A310-304, -322, -324, 
and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category; except those 
modified in production by either Airbus Modifications 10152 and 
10219, or Modifications 8357 and 10151.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of injuries occurring on in-
service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly initiated opening of 
passenger/crew doors against residual pressure causing the doors to 
rapidly open. We are issuing this AD to ensure that crewmembers are 
informed of the risks associated with forcibly opening passenger/
crew, emergency exit, and cargo doors before an airplane is fully 
depressurized, which will prevent injury to crewmembers, and 
subsequent damage to the airplane caused by the rapid opening of the 
door.

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.

Service Bulletin References

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as 
applicable:
    (1) For Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, and B2-203 airplanes 
and Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-11-0027, Revision 01, dated January 30, 2004;
    (2) For Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; 
Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-
622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes: Airbus

[[Page 36821]]

Service Bulletin A300-11-6001, Revision 01, dated January 30, 2004; 
and
    (3) For Model A310-203, -204, -221, and -222 airplanes and Model 
A310-304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-11-2002, Revision 03, dated February 4, 2004.

Install Safety Signs

    (g) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, 
install safety signs on the inside and outside of the passenger/crew 
doors and emergency exit doors, and on the outside of the cargo 
compartment doors, in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.

Credit for Previous Service Bulletins

    (h) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-11-0027, dated October 
27, 1993; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-11-6001, dated October 27, 
1993; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-11-2002, dated October 27, 1993; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-11-2002, Revision 1, dated September 
28, 1994; or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-11-2002, Revision 2, dated 
January 27, 1995; as applicable; are acceptable for compliance with 
the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

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 F-2004-003, dated January 7, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use the applicable service information specified in 
Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approves the incorporation by reference of those documents 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies 
of the service information, go to Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. To view the AD docket, go to 
the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 
400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, 
DC. To review copies of the service information, go the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the 
availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or 
go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

              Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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                                    Revision
     Airbus Service Bulletin          level               Date
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A300-11-0027.....................          01  Jan. 30, 2004.
A300-11-6001.....................          01  Jan. 30, 2004.
A310-11-2002.....................          03  Feb. 4, 2004.
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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 15, 2005.
Michael J. Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-12512 Filed 6-24-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P