[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 26, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43017-43020]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-14397]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 142 / Tuesday, July 26, 2005 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 43017]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19534; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-99-AD; 
Amendment 39-14198; AD 2005-15-09]
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 Series Airplanes); and Model A310-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus airplane models, as specified above. This AD requires 
modifying the thermal insulation system of certain fuselage frames, and 
modifying the fuselage drainage system. This AD also requires revising 
the FAA-approved maintenance inspection program to include inspections 
for corrosion or cracking in the subject areas. This AD is prompted by 
reports of corrosion in the lower part of the pressure bulkhead at 
certain fuselage frames. We are issuing 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: This AD becomes effective August 30, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 
30, 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-2004-19534; the directorate 
identifier for this docket is 2004-NM-99-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (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 A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes); and Model 
A310-200 and -300 series airplanes. That proposed AD was published as a 
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal 
Register on May 18, 2005 (70 FR 28491). The supplemental NPRM proposed 
to require modifying the thermal insulation system of certain fuselage 
frames, and modifying the fuselage drainage system. The supplemental 
NPRM also proposed to require revising the FAA-approved maintenance 
inspection program to include inspections for corrosion or cracking in 
the subject areas.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the 
supplemental NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. 
Comments submitted on the original NPRM were addressed in the 
supplemental NPRM.

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, and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the 
change described previously. We have determined that this change will 
neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the 
scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

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

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                 Number of
                                                                                                       Work           Cost per     U.S.-
                   Action                                             Models                           hours   Parts  airplane   registered   Fleet cost
                                                                                                                                 airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modifying the Thermal Insulation System....  A300 B2/B4 series......................................       5    $567      $892           23      $20,516
Modifying the Thermal Insulation System....  A300-600 series........................................       4     567       827          116       95,932
Modifying the Thermal Insulation System....  A310-200 and -300 series...............................       4     567       827           47       38,869
Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System.....  A300 B2/B4 series......................................      38   1,857     4,327           23       99,521
Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System.....  A300-600 series........................................      36   1,378     3,718          116      431,288
Modifying the Fuselage Drainage System.....  A310-200 and -300 series...............................      27   1,451     3,206           47      150,682

[[Page 43018]]

 
Maintenance Program Revision...............  All....................................................  ......   (\1\)        65          186       12,090
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ None.

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:

2005-15-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-14198. Docket No. FAA-2004-19534; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-99-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 
30, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, 
B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, 
B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes; and A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -
325 airplanes; certificated in any category; except those on which 
both Airbus Modifications 5946 and 8057 were 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.

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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       And modify the
                               Modify the thermal     fuselage drainage
     For Airbus models--        insulation system    system according to
                               according to Airbus     Airbus Service
                               Service Bulletin--        Bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C,    A300-21-0116,         A300-53-0201,
 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203.    Revision 03, dated    Revision 05, dated
                               January 29, 2004.     July 15, 2004.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620,  A300-21-6025,         A300-53-6008,
 B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R,     Revision 02, dated    Revision 05, dated
 F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-     January 29, 2004.     July 15, 2004.
 605R Variant F.
A310-203, -204, -221, -222, - A310-21-2041,         A300-53-2027,
 304, -322, -324, and -325.    Revision 03, dated    Revision 04, dated
                               January 29, 2004.     July 15, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Modifications Accomplished According to Previous Issues of Service 
Bulletins

    (g) Modifications accomplished before the effective date of this 
AD according to the service bulletins listed in Table 2 are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action 
specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.

[[Page 43019]]



                                     Table 2.--Additional Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Revision
               Models                   Airbus Service  Bulletin       level                  Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B4-2C,    A300-21-116...................          1  March 24, 1992.
 B4-103, and B4-203.
A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B4-2C,    A300-21-0116..................         02  June 13, 2003.
 B4-103, and B4-203.
A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B4-2C,    A300-53-0201..................         04  May 2, 2003.
 B4-103, and B4-203.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-     A300-21-6025..................         01  June 13, 2003.
 622, B4-605R, F4-605R, F4-622R, B4-
 622R, and C4-605R Variant F.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-     A300-53-6008..................         02  August 10, 1989.
 622, B4-605R, F4-605R, F4-622R, B4-
 622R, and C4-605R Variant F.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-     A300-53-6008..................         03  November 6, 1990.
 622, B4-605R, F4-605R, F4-622R, B4-
 622R, and C4-605R Variant F.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-     A300-53-6008..................         04  April 28, 2003.
 622, B4-605R, F4-605R, F4-622R, B4-
 622R, and C4-605R Variant F.
A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -  A310-21-2041..................          1  December 10, 1990.
 322, -324, and -325.
A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -  A310-21-2041..................         02  June 13, 2003.
 322, -324, and -325.
A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -  A310-53-2027..................          2  November 6, 1990.
 322, -324, and -325.
A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -  A310-53-2027..................         03  May 2, 2003.
 322, -324, and -325.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 538295-0603-1 (for Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, 
B2-1C, B2K-3C, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes), and 531531-01-1 
and 531533-01-1 (for Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-
622, B4-605R, F4-605R, F4-622R, B4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes; and A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -
325 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.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use the service information that is specified in 
Table 3 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 these documents 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies 
of the service information, contact 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 to 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 3.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Airbus Service Bulletin                   Revision level                              Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-21-0116......................  Revision 03..........................  January 29, 2004.
A300-21-6025......................  Revision 02..........................  January 29, 2004.
A300-53-0201......................  Revision 05..........................  July 15, 2004.
A300-53-6008......................  Revision 05..........................  July 15, 2004.
A310-21-2041......................  Revision 03..........................  January 29, 2004.
A310-53-2027......................  Revision 04..........................  July 15, 2004.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



[[Page 43020]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 13, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-14397 Filed 7-25-05; 8:45 am]
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