[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 23 (Monday, February 5, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5157-5160]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1601]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-123-AD; Amendment 39-14920; AD 2007-03-09]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes; Model A300 
B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and 
C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series 
Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all of the airplanes identified above, that requires 
revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to include a new airplane 
maintenance manual task that specifies a detailed inspection after each 
ram air turbine (RAT) retraction. This AD also requires, for certain 
airplanes, a one-time inspection to detect breaks in the bottom flange 
fitting of the RAT and corrective actions, if necessary; for certain 
airplanes, an adjustment of the ejection jack; and, for certain other 
airplanes, replacement of the aluminum part with an improved steel 
part. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure 
of the RAT yoke fitting, which could result in the loss of RAT function 
and possible loss of critical flight control in the event of certain 
emergency situations. This action is intended to address the identified 
unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective March 12, 2007.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 12, 2007.

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, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 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 Airbus Model A300 airplanes; Model 
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-
622R, and C4-605R Variant F series airplanes (collectively called A300-
600 series airplanes); and Model A310 airplanes was published as a 
supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal 
Register on May 9, 2006 (71 FR 26884). That action proposed to require 
revising the FAA-approved maintenance program to include a new airplane 
maintenance manual task that specifies a detailed inspection after each 
ram air turbine (RAT) extension. That action also proposed to require a 
one-time inspection to detect breaks in the bottom flange fitting of 
the RAT and corrective actions, if necessary; for certain airplanes, an 
adjustment of the ejection jack; and, for certain other airplanes, 
replacement of the aluminum part with an improved steel part.

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.

Request To Remove Airplanes From Requirement To Do Detailed Inspection

    Airbus requests that we remove Model A300 airplanes from the 
``effectivity'' of paragraph (a) of the supplemental NPRM, which 
specifies a detailed inspection for breaks of the bottom flange fitting 
of the yoke fitting for the RAT swivel coupling, and replacement if 
necessary. Airbus states that all Model A300-B2 and -B4 airplanes are 
equipped with Dowty RATs that have swivel coupling yoke fittings. The 
Dowty fittings are to be replaced in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-57-0244, dated March 4, 2005. That action is specified in 
paragraph (b) of the Supplemental NPRM. Airbus states that the FAA 
should specify that these airplanes are to use the up-to-date 
requirements of

[[Page 5158]]

French airworthiness directives F-2005-089, dated June 8, 2005; and F-
2005-090 R1, dated July 6, 2005.
    We agree with removing Model A300 airplanes from paragraph (a) of 
the AD. Airbus and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have 
assessed the risk based on worldwide fleet reports and decided that the 
necessary actions are those in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0244, 
which specifies replacing the RAT swivel fitting. We have revised the 
AD by removing the reference to Model A300 airplanes in paragraph (a), 
deleting sub-paragraph (a)(1), and re-numbering the subsequent sub-
paragraphs accordingly.

Request To Change References to RAT Extension

    Airbus also points out that the revision to the FAA-approved 
maintenance program to specify an inspection for breaks of the bottom 
flange of the RAT swivel coupling yoke fitting after each RAT extension 
that is specified in the supplemental NPRM should instead specify an 
inspection after each RAT retraction. Airbus states that changing the 
wording in the supplemental NPRM would be consistent with Airbus and 
EASA documentation.
    We agree with the request to change ``extension'' to ``retraction'' 
in the AD. The inspection should be done after the extension-retraction 
cycle rather than after each RAT extension. We have revised paragraph 
(c) and the Summary of the AD accordingly.

Request To Eliminate Reference to French Airworthiness Directive

    Airbus also requests that we remove the reference to French 
airworthiness directive F-2003-149 R1, dated June 8, 2005, which is 
included in Note 5 of the supplemental NPRM. Airbus states that the 
one-time inspection in French airworthiness directive F-2003-149 R1 is 
completed, and this AD should mandate the up-to-date requirements by 
following the actions in French airworthiness directives F-2005-089 and 
F-2005-090 R1. These airworthiness directives refer to the airplane 
maintenance manual (AMM) sections for inspections following each 
retraction.
    We agree with the request to remove the reference to French 
airworthiness directive F-2003-149 R1. Based on the fleet results 
obtained by Airbus and EASA in response to that airworthiness 
directive, the necessary corrective actions have been decided and are 
mandated through French airworthiness directives F-2005-089 and F-2005-
090 R1. We have changed Note 4 of this AD to remove the reference to 
French airworthiness directive F-2003-149 R1.

Request To Clarify Credit Statement

    Airbus also requests that we change paragraph (d) of the 
supplemental NPRM, ``Credit for Actions Accomplished Previously,'' 
regarding credit. Paragraph (d) states that actions done in accordance 
with Airbus All Operator's Telexes (AOTs) 57A6096 and 57A2085, both 
dated March 6, 2003, are acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions in paragraph (a) of the supplemental NPRM. Airbus 
points out that only Revision 01 of the same AOTs (both dated April 11, 
2005) are acceptable because only those revisions take into account the 
complementary investigations that identify the RAT swivel fitting 
failure and the corresponding corrective actions.
    We agree that only Revisions 01 of Airbus A300-600 AOT 57A6096 and 
Airbus A310 AOT 57A2085 take into account the complementary 
investigations that identify the RAT swivel fitting failure and the 
corresponding corrective actions. Operators that did the actions in the 
original issues of the AOTs must verify the adjustment of the ejection 
jack and correct the adjustment, as applicable, in accordance with 
Revision 01 of the AOTs. Therefore, we have removed paragraph (d) of 
the supplemental NPRM, and re-lettered the subsequent paragraphs in the 
AD accordingly.

Request To Refer to AMM

    TradeWinds Airlines states that paragraph (c)(3) of the 
supplemental NPRM should not specify Airbus Temporary Revision (TR) 29-
015, dated April 12, 2005, but instead should refer to Airbus A300 AMM 
Chapter 29-25-00, Page Block 301, dated March 1, 2006. TradeWinds 
states that TR 29-015 contains instructions only for certain Model A300 
airplanes. For other Model A300 airplanes, the instructions are in a 
different TR. Therefore, TradeWinds requests that we refer to Airbus 
A300 AMM Chapter 29-25-00 in paragraph (c)(3) of the supplemental NPRM, 
and that we also remove Note 3 of the supplemental NPRM, which refers 
to TR 29-015.
    We agree with the request to revise paragraph (c)(3) of this AD and 
remove Note 3 of the supplemental NPRM. Airbus confirms that the TR 
references are assigned within a given code to a specific operator; 
therefore, the TR number may vary for different operators. Therefore, 
we have revised this AD as follows: We changed paragraph (c)(3) of the 
AD to refer to Airbus A300 AMM Chapter 29-25-00, Page Block 301, dated 
March 1, 2006; revised paragraph (c) to remove the reference to the TR; 
removed Note 3; and renumbered the subsequent notes accordingly.

Request To Change Reference to Aluminum Part

    TradeWinds Airlines also requests that we change paragraph (c) of 
the supplemental NPRM to specify replacing the RAT swivel coupling yoke 
fitting with a new steel part rather than with a new aluminum part. 
TradeWinds points out that paragraph (b) of the supplemental NPRM 
mandates replacing the aluminum fitting with a steel fitting.
    We partially agree with TradeWinds. We agree that the paragraph 
should refer to the steel fitting. We disagree with removing the 
reference to the aluminum fitting. Paragraph (c) of this AD applies to 
airplanes with either a Dowty or a Hamilton Sundstrand RAT. Paragraph 
(b) of this AD applies only to airplanes with Dowty RATs. Discrepant 
Hamilton Sundstrand RATs can be replaced with either an aluminum part 
or a steel part. Therefore, we have revised paragraph (c) of the AD to 
specify replacing the part with a new aluminum or steel part, as 
applicable.

Explanation of Additional Changes to This AD

    Paragraph (c) of the supplemental NPRM specifies making repairs 
using a method approved by either the FAA or the Direction GOrale de 
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated agent). The European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has assumed responsibility for the 
airplane models subject to this AD. Therefore, we have revised 
paragraph (c) of this AD to specify making repairs using a method 
approved by the FAA, the DGAC (or its delegated agent), or the EASA (or 
its delegated agent).
    We have clarified the applicability to include the words ``all'' in 
the following statement: ``Applicability: All Model A300 airplanes; 
Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, 
F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310 airplanes; 
certificated in any category.''

Conclusion

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

[[Page 5159]]

Cost Impact

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this AD. There are approximately 165 airplanes of U.S. 
registry that are affected by this AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  Average
                       Action                           Work     labor rate    Parts      Cost per   Fleet  cost
                                                       hours      per hour                airplane
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detailed Inspection................................          1          $80         $0          $80      $13,200
AMM Revision.......................................          1           80          0           80       13,200
Replacement with Steel Fork Fitting................          6           80        470          950      156,750
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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:

2007-03-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-14920. Docket 2003-NM-123-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A300 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-
603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes; and Model A310 airplanes; certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the ram air turbine (RAT) yoke fitting, 
which could result in the loss of RAT function and possible loss of 
critical flight control in the event of certain emergency 
situations, accomplish the following:

Detailed Inspection and Replacement

    (a) For Model A300-600 series airplanes, and Model A310 
airplanes: Within 1,300 flight hours or 6 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a detailed inspection 
for breaks of the bottom flange fitting of the yoke fitting for the 
RAT swivel coupling in accordance with the applicable all operators 
telex (AOT) in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. If the flange 
fitting is broken, before further flight, replace the flange fitting 
with a new flange fitting in accordance with the applicable AOT. For 
airplanes equipped with Hamilton Sundstrand RATs, verify the 
adjustment of the ejection jack, and correct the adjustment as 
applicable.
    (1) For Model A300-600 series airplanes: Airbus A300-600 AOT 
57A6096, Revision 01, dated April 11, 2005.
    (2) For Model A310 airplanes: Airbus A310 AOT 57A2085, Revision 
01, dated April 11, 2005.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

    (b) For Model A300 airplanes, Model A300-600 series airplanes, 
and Model A310 airplanes equipped with Dowty Rotol RATs, except 
airplanes on which Airbus Modification 12986 has been done: Within 
12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the RAT 
swivel coupling fork fitting with a new steel fitting, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-57-0244, dated March 4, 2005 (for Model A300 airplanes); A300-
57-6099, dated February 23, 2005 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes); or A310-57-2086, dated March 1, 2005 (for Model A310 
airplanes); as applicable.

Revisions

    (c) For all airplanes: Within 3 months after the effective date 
of this AD: Incorporate the information in the applicable aircraft 
maintenance manual (AMM) specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and 
(c)(3) of this AD,

[[Page 5160]]

into the FAA-approved maintenance program to specify an inspection 
for breaks of the bottom flange of the RAT swivel coupling yoke 
fitting after each RAT retraction; and replacement of the RAT swivel 
coupling yoke fitting with a new aluminum or steel part as 
applicable; in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (or its 
delegated agent); or European Aviation Safety Agency (or its 
delegated agent). The page blocks specified in paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, as applicable, are one approved 
method for the actions required by paragraph (c) of this AD. 
Thereafter, except as provided by paragraph (d) of this AD, no 
alternative inspection intervals may be approved for the bottom 
flange of the RAT swivel coupling yoke fitting.
    (1) Airbus A300-600 AMM, Chapter 29-25-00, Page Block 301, dated 
June 1, 2005.
    (2) Airbus A310 AMM, Chapter 29-25-00, Page Block 301, dated 
June 1, 2005.
    (3) Airbus A300 AMM Chapter 29-25-00, Page Block 301, dated 
March 1, 2006.

    Note 2: After revising the maintenance program to include the 
required periodic inspections according to this paragraph, operators 
do not need to make a maintenance log entry to show compliance with 
this AD every time those inspections are accomplished thereafter.


    Note 3: This AD requires revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with 
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes 
that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the 
areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance according 
to paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include a 
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure 
the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. The FAA 
has provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular 
(AC) 25-1529-1.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative 
methods of compliance for this AD.
    (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.

    Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives F-2005-089, dated June 8, 2005; and F-2005-
090 R1, dated July 6, 2005.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be 
done in accordance with the applicable service information specified 
in Table 1 of this AD. 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.

                                  Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Service information                  Revision  level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus A300-600 All Operators Telex      01.........................  April 11, 2005.
 57A6096.
Airbus A310 All Operators Telex 57A2085  01.........................  April 11, 2005.
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0244...  Original...................  March 4, 2005.
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6099...  Original...................  February 23, 2005.
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-57-2086...  Original...................  March 1, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 12, 2007.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 24, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-1601 Filed 2-2-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P