[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 142 (Tuesday, July 25, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42026-42028]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-11713]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24779; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-044-AD; 
Amendment 39-14689; AD 2006-15-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes; Model A310 
Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series 
Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called 
A300-600 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 all 
Airbus Model A300 airplanes and Model A310 airplanes, and for certain 
Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection 
of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if certain P-clips are 
installed and corrective action if necessary. This AD also requires an 
inspection of electrical bonding points of certain equipment in the 
center fuel tank for the presence of a blue coat and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also 
requires installation of new bonding leads and electrical bonding 
points on certain equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, 
as necessary. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to ensure continuous electrical 
bonding protection of equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel 
tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing and center fuel 
tanks, due to failed P-clips used for retaining the wiring and pipes, 
which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the fuel 
tanks.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 29, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of August 29, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A300 
airplanes and Model A310 airplanes, and for certain Airbus Model A300 
B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes). 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 17, 2006 (71 FR 
28611). That NPRM proposed to require an inspection of the wing and 
center fuel tanks to determine if certain P-clips are installed and 
corrective action if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require an 
inspection of electrical bonding points of certain equipment in the 
center fuel tank for the presence of a blue coat and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. That NPRM also 
proposed to require installation of new bonding leads and electrical 
bonding points on certain equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel 
tanks, as necessary.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 29 Model A300 airplanes, 63 Model A310 airplanes, 
and

[[Page 42027]]

102 Model A300-600 series airplanes of the affected design in the U.S. 
fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, at an average 
labor rate of $80 per hour, for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. 
For some actions, the estimated work hours and cost of parts in the 
following table depend on the airplane configuration.

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                                                                                                                          Number of U.S.-
                Model                          Action            Work hours              Parts               Cost per       registered      Fleet cost
                                                                                                             airplane        airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 airplanes......................  Inspect wing and center              40  None                               $3,200              29         $92,800
                                       fuel tanks for P-clips.
                                      Install bonding leads/          136-155  $3,800-5,200                14,680-17,600              29        425,720-
                                       points in wing and                                                                                        510,400
                                       center fuel tank.
A310 airplanes......................  Inspect wing and center              40  None                                3,200              63         201,600
                                       fuel tanks for P-clips.
                                      Install bonding leads/          248-285  $8,840-9,190                28,680-31,990              63      1,806,840-
                                       points in wing and                                                                                      2,015,370
                                       center fuel tank.
                                      Inspect and install               53-61  $50-70                        4,290-4,950              63        270,270-
                                       bonding leads/points                                                                                      311,850
                                       in the trim fuel tank.
A300-600 series airplanes...........  Inspect wing and center              40  None                                3,200             102         326,400
                                       fuel tanks for P-clips.
                                      Install bonding leads/          157-185  $8,840-9,190                21,400-23,990             102      2,182,800-
                                       points in wing and                                                                                      2,446,980
                                       center fuel tank.
                                      Inspect and install                2-61  50-70                           210-4,950             102         21,420-
                                       bonding leads/points                                                                                      504,900
                                       in the trim fuel tank.
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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 and placed it in the AD docket. 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-15-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-14689. Docket No. FAA-2006-24779; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-044-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective August 29, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any 
category.
    (1) All Model A300 airplanes and Model A310 airplanes.
    (2) 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; except 
those airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of 
this AD.
    (i) Airplanes not equipped with trim fuel tanks on which Airbus 
Modifications 12226, 12365, and 12308 have been incorporated in 
production.
    (ii) Airplanes equipped with trim fuel tanks on which Airbus 
Modifications 12226, 12365, 12308, 12294, and 12476 have been 
incorporated in production.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to ensure continuous electrical 
bonding protection of equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel 
tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing and center fuel 
tanks, due to failed P-clips used for retaining the wiring and 
pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the 
fuel tanks.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within

[[Page 42028]]

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 service bulletin identified in 
Table 1 of this AD, as applicable.

                                      Table 1.--Service Bulletin References
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                                       And the actions      Use Airbus Service
           For Airbus--                 specified in--          Bulletin--                   Dated--
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Model A300 airplanes..............  Paragraph (g) of this  A300-28-0081........  July 20, 2005.
                                     AD.
                                    Paragraph (h) of this  A300-28-0079........  September 29, 2005.
                                     AD.
Model A310 airplanes..............  Paragraph (g) of this  A310-28-2143........  July 20, 2005.
                                     AD.
                                    Paragraph (h) of this  A310-28-2142........  August 26, 2005.
                                     AD.
                                    Paragraph (i) of this  A310-28-2153........  July 20, 2005.
                                     AD.
Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620,  Paragraph (g) of this  A300-28-6068........  July 20, 2005.
 and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300    AD.                   A300-28-6064........  July 28, 2005.
 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes;     Paragraph (h) of this  A300-28-6077........  July 25, 2005.
 Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R      AD.
 airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R  Paragraph (i) of this
 Variant F airplanes.                AD.
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Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (g) Within 59 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
general visual inspection of the right and left wing fuel tanks and 
center fuel tank, if applicable, to determine if any NSA5516-XXND 
and NSA5516-XXNJ type P-clips are installed for retaining wiring and 
pipes in any tank, and do all applicable corrective actions before 
further flight after the inspection, by accomplishing all the 
actions specified in the service bulletin.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for Wing and Center Fuel Tanks

    (h) Within 59 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, by 
accomplishing all the actions specified in the service bulletin.
    (1) In the center fuel tank, if applicable, do a general visual 
inspection of the electrical bonding points of the equipment 
identified in the service bulletin for the presence of a blue coat, 
and do all related investigative and corrective actions before 
further flight after the inspection.
    (2) In the left and right wing fuel tanks and center fuel tank, 
if applicable, install bonding leads and electrical bonding points 
on the equipment identified in the service bulletin.

Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for the Trim Fuel Tank

    (i) For Model A310 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; and Model A300 C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes; equipped with a trim fuel tank: Within 59 
months after the effective date of this AD, install a new bonding 
lead(s) on the water drain system of the trim fuel tank and install 
electrical bonding points on the equipment identified in the service 
bulletin in the trim fuel tank, by accomplishing all the actions 
specified in the service bulletin, as applicable.

Parts Installation

    (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
any NSA5516-XXND or NSA5516-XXNJ type P-clip for retaining wiring 
and pipes in any wing, center, or trim fuel tank, on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) 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.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (l) French airworthiness directive F-2006-031, dated February 1, 
2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use the Airbus service bulletins identified in 
Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, 
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 
Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on 
the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at 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 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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     Airbus Service  Bulletin--                     Dated--
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A300-28-0079........................  September 29, 2005.
A300-28-0081........................  July 20, 2005.
A300-28-6064........................  July 28, 2005.
A300-28-6068........................  July 20, 2005.
A300-28-6077........................  July 25, 2005.
A310-28-2142........................  August 26, 2005.
A310-28-2143........................  July 20, 2005.
A310-28-2153........................  July 20, 2005.
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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 14, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-11713 Filed 7-24-06; 8:45 am]
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