[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 16 (Thursday, January 25, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3373-3377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1092]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27010; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-259-AD]
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: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and 
Model A310 airplanes, and certain Airbus Model

[[Page 3374]]

A300-600 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires an 
inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if certain P-
clips are installed and corrective action if necessary; 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; and installation of new bonding leads 
and electrical bonding points on certain equipment in the wing, center, 
and trim fuel tanks, as necessary. This proposed AD would require, for 
certain airplanes, installation of bonding on an additional bracket. 
This proposed AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. We are proposing 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: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 26, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this proposed AD.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``Docket No. 
FAA-2007-27010; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-259-AD'' at the 
beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the 
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the 
proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may 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 DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    On July 14, 2006, we issued AD 2006-15-09, amendment 39-14689 (71 
FR 42026, July 25, 2006), for all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and Model 
A310 airplanes, and for certain Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes. 
That AD requires an inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to 
determine if certain P-clips are installed and corrective action if 
necessary. That 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. That 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. That AD resulted from fuel system 
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We issued that 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.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2006-15-09, the manufacturer has issued new 
service information, described below, that specifies the additional 
work of installing bonding on the slat track 11 canister bracket for 
all Model A310 airplanes.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-28-0079, Revision 01, 
dated June 6, 2006; and A310-28-2142, Revision 01, dated July 17, 2006. 
We referred to the original issues of these service bulletins in AD 
2006-15-09 as the appropriate sources of service information for 
installing bonding leads and points for wing and center fuel tanks for 
all Model A300 and A310 airplanes. The procedures in these service 
bulletins are essentially the same as the procedures in the original 
issues of the service bulletins, except Revision 01 of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-28-2142 specifies the additional work of installing 
bonding on the slat track 11 canister bracket for all Model A310 
airplanes.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the 
airworthiness authority for the European Union, mandated the service 
bulletins and issued airworthiness directive 2006-0325, dated October 
23, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
the European Union. Since AD 2006-15-09 was issued, EASA has assumed 
responsibility for the airplane models subject to this AD. Therefore, 
this EASA airworthiness directive supersedes French airworthiness 
directive F-2006-031, dated February 1, 2006, which is the parallel 
French airworthiness directive to AD 2006-15-09.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec.  21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. As described in FAA Order 
8100.14A, ``Interim Procedures for Working with the European Community 
on Airworthiness Certification and Continued

[[Page 3375]]

Airworthiness,'' dated August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA 
informed of the situation described above. We have examined the EASA's 
findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we 
need to issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are 
certificated for operation in the United States.
    This proposed AD would supersede AD 2006-15-09 and would retain the 
requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD would also require 
installing bonding on the slat track 11 canister bracket for all Model 
A310 airplanes.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 29 Model A300 airplanes, 63 Model A310 airplanes, 
and 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 proposed AD. For some actions, the estimated work hours and cost 
of parts in the following table depend on the airplane configuration.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                                     Number of
                                                                          Work                        Cost per         U.S.-
                  Model                              Action              hours         Parts          airplane       registered         Fleet cost
                                                                                                                     airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 airplanes..........................  Inspect wing and center             40           (\1\)            $3,200           29                  $92,800
                                           fuel tanks for P-clips
                                           (required by AD 2006-15-
                                           09).
                                          Install bonding leads/         136-155     3,800-5,200     14,680-17,600           29          425,720-510,400
                                           points in wing and center
                                           fuel tanks (required by AD
                                           2006-15-09).
A310 airplanes..........................  Inspect wing and center             40           (\1\)             3,200           63                  201,600
                                           fuel tanks for P-clips
                                           (required by AD 2006-15-
                                           09).
                                          Install bonding leads/         248-285     8,840-9,190     28,680-31,990           63      1,806,840-2,015,370
                                           points in wing and center
                                           fuel tanks (required by AD
                                           2006-15-09).
                                          Install bonding for slat             2              30               190           63                   11,970
                                           track 11 canister bracket
                                           (new proposed action).
                                          Inspect and install bonding      53-61           50-70       4,290-4,950           63          270,270-311,850
                                           leads/points in the trim
                                           fuel tank (required by AD
                                           2006-15-09).
A300-600 series airplanes...............  Inspect wing and center             40           (\1\)             3,200          102                  326,400
                                           fuel tanks for P-clips
                                           (required by AD 2006-15-
                                           09).
                                          Install bonding leads/         157-185     8,840-9,190     21,400-23,990          102      2,182,800-2,446,980
                                           points in wing and center
                                           fuel tanks (required by AD
                                           2006-15-09).
                                          Inspect and install bonding       2-61           50-70         210-4,950          102          21,420-504,900
                                           leads/points in the trim
                                           fuel tank (required by AD
                                           2006-15-09).
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\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 proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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 proposed 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

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

[[Page 3376]]

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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-14689 (71 FR 42026, July 25, 2006) and adding the 
following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2007-27010; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
259-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by February 
26, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-15-09.

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 the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2006-15-09

Service Bulletin References

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletins identified in 
Table 1 of this AD, as applicable.

                                      Table 1.--Service Bulletin References
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           And the actions         Use Airbus Service
             For Airbus--                   specified in--             Bulletin--                Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A300 airplanes.................   paragraph (g) of this   A300-28-0081...........  July 20, 2005.
                                        AD.                     A300-28-0079...........  September 29, 2005; or
                                       paragraph (h) of this                              Revision 01, dated
                                        AD.                                               June 6, 2006. After
                                                                                          the effective date of
                                                                                          this AD, only Revision
                                                                                          01 may be used.
Model A310 airplanes.................   paragraph (g) of this   A310-28-2143...........  July 20, 2005.
                                        AD.
                                       paragraph (h) of this    A310-28-2142...........  August 26, 2005; or
                                        AD.                                               Revision 01, dated
                                                                                          July 17, 2006. After
                                                                                          the effective date of
                                                                                          this AD, only Revision
                                                                                          01 may be used.
                                       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 B4-   AD.                     A300-28-6064...........  July 28, 2005.
 605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model     paragraph (h) of this    A300-28-6077...........  July 25, 2005.
 A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes;    AD.
 and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F      paragraph (i) of this
 airplanes.                             AD.
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Inspection and Corrective Actions

    (g) Within 59 months after August 29, 2006 (the effective date 
of AD 2006-15-09): 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 August 29, 2006: 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 August 29, 2006, 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.

[[Page 3377]]

New Requirements of This AD

Installation of Bonding for Slat Track 11 Canister Bracket

    (j) For Model A310 airplanes on which the actions specified in 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, dated August 26, 2005, have 
been done before the effective date of this AD: Within 50 months 
after the effective date of this AD, install bonding for slat track 
11 canister bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 01, 
dated July 17, 2006.

Parts Installation

    (k) As of August 29, 2006, 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)

    (l)(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.
    (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2006-15-09, 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

Related Information

    (m) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness 
directive 2006-0325, dated October 23, 2006, also addresses the 
subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 12, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-1092 Filed 1-24-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P