[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 33 (Friday, February 17, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8450-8453]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1411]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-211-AD; Amendment 39-14484; AD 2006-04-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series 
Airplanes, Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, and Model 340-541 
and -642 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes, 
Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, and Model 340-541 and -642 
airplanes. This AD requires identifying the part number of the 
emergency evacuation slides or slide rafts installed on Type ``A'' exit 
doors, and modifying the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft 
assemblies if necessary. The actions specified by this 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: Effective March 24, 2006.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the

[[Page 8451]]

regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
March 24, 2006.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac 
Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A330 and A340-
200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes was published as a 
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal 
Register on June 22, 2005 (70 FR 36078). The supplemental NPRM proposed 
to require identifying the part number of the emergency evacuation 
slides or slide rafts installed on Type ``A'' exit doors, and modifying 
the regulator valves of the slide and slide raft assemblies if 
necessary.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received from one commenter.

Request To Change Applicability

    The commenter, on behalf of the manufacturer, asks that we change 
the applicability of the supplemental NPRM, which excludes the 
following airplanes if no slide has been removed since delivery from 
the manufacturer:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Model--                           Modified by--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300  Both Airbus Modifications 52708
 series airplanes.                        and 52811.
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes.....  Airbus Modification 52708.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    He explains that airplanes modified by both Modifications 52708 and 
52811 include only Model A330-200 and -300 and A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes that have the optional doors (type A door 3) installed per 
Modification 40161. Airplanes modified by only Modification 52708 
include some Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes, as well 
as all of the Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes; these airplanes 
have the basic doors (type 1 door 3). He requests that the 
applicability for Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes 
account for both configurations: (1) those with both Modification 52708 
and 52811, and (2) those with Modification 52708 only. He therefore 
recommends that we revise the applicability to exclude the following 
airplanes if no slide has been removed since delivery from the 
manufacturer:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Model--                           Modified by--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-200 and A340-200 and -300 series    Both Airbus Modifications 52708
 airplanes.                               and 52811, or
                                         Only Airbus Modification 52708.
A340-500 and -600 series airplanes.....  Airbus Modification 52708.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We agree to change the applicability section in this final rule. In 
the ``Actions Since Issuance of Original NPRM'' section of the 
supplemental NPRM, we specify, in part, that French airworthiness 
directive F-2004-094 R1, dated February 16, 2005, limits the 
applicability specified in French airworthiness directive 2003-213(B) 
R1, dated August 20, 2003. The new applicability is consistent with the 
commenter's request; therefore we have changed the applicability in 
this final rule accordingly.

Request To Remove/Change Certain Part Numbers

    The commenter states that there is a discrepancy between the 
supplemental NPRM and the referenced French airworthiness directive for 
certain P/Ns specified in the table in paragraph (b) of the 
supplemental NPRM. The commenter asks that we remove P/Ns 007/013/015/
017 for Door 3, LH and RH, and we add P/N 111 in place of P/N 113. We 
agree with the commenter. We inadvertently included incorrect P/Ns in 
the subject table, and we have verified that the P/Ns do not exist for 
the doors identified. We have changed the final rule to match the 
French airworthiness directive.

Explanation of Change to Final Rule

    We have removed the reference to French airworthiness directive 
2003-213(B) R2, dated July 3, 2004, from Note 1 of the supplemental 
NPRM. That airworthiness directive is merely a cancellation notice and 
is replaced by French airworthiness directive F-2004-094 R1, which is 
also referenced in Note 1.

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

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule with the changes previously described. 
These changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator 
nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 17 Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
    It will take about 1 work hour to accomplish the parts 
identification, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the parts identification on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be $1,105, or $65 per airplane.
    If necessary, it will take about 13 work hours per slide (8 slides 
per airplane) to accomplish the modification, at an average labor rate 
of $65 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the 
manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the modification is estimated to be $6,760 per airplane.

[[Page 8452]]

    Currently, there are no affected A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes, and A340-541 and -642 airplanes on the U.S. Register. 
However, if an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, the parts identification will take about 1 work 
hour, and the modification will take about 104 work hours, at an 
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts will be 
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the parts identification to be $65 per 
airplane, and the 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 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 adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2006-04-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-14484. Docket 2003-NM-211-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 
airplanes; Model A330-301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 
airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes; Model A340-311, 
-312, and -313 airplanes; Model A340-541 airplanes; and Model 340-
642 airplanes; certificated in any category; except Model A330-200 
and -300 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes on which both Airbus 
Modifications 52708 and 52811 were done during production, or only 
Airbus Modification 52708 was done during production, and Model 
A340-541 and -642 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:
    (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 A330-200 and -300 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 A340-541 and -642 airplanes), dated August 2, 2004.
    (2) The service bulletins refer to Goodrich Alert Service 
Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003; and Goodrich 
Service Bulletin 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 Alert 
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 Alert 
Service Bulletin 25A341, Revision 1, dated May 21, 2003: Within 18 
months after the effective date of this AD.

                         Table 1.--Part Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               Goodrich slide/slide raft
      Door type            Door location              part number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A...................  1 and 4, left-hand      7A1508-001, -003, -005, -
                       (LH) and right-hand     007, -013, -015, -017, -
                       (RH).                   101, -103, -105, -107, -
                                               109, -113, -115, or -117.

[[Page 8453]]

 
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 or -3.
A...................  3, RH.................  7A1510-002, -004, -006, -
                                               008, -014, -016, -018, -
                                               102, -104, -106, -108, -
                                               110, -114, -116, or -118;
                                               or 4A3934-2 or -4.
1...................  3, LH and RH..........  7A1509-001, -003, -005, -
                                               101, -103, -105, -107, -
                                               109, -111, -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 directive F-2004-094 R1, dated February 16, 2004.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be 
done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3225, 
Revision 01, dated September 30, 2004; Airbus Service Bulletin A340-
25-4228, Revision 01, dated September 30, 2004; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-25-5054, dated August 2, 2004; as applicable. This 
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. To get copies of this service information, contact Airbus, 1 
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. To inspect 
copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
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.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2006.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 1, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-1411 Filed 2-16-06; 8:45 am]
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