[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33929-33932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11931]



[[Page 33929]]

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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: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an earlier NPRM for an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and 
Model A310 airplanes, and certain Airbus Model A300-600 series 
airplanes. The original NPRM would have superseded an existing AD that 
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. The original NPRM proposed to require, for certain 
airplanes, installation of bonding on an additional bracket. The 
original NPRM resulted from fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer. This new action revises the original NPRM by adding a 
requirement, for certain airplanes, to modify the fuel/defuel valves on 
the left-hand wing. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM 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 supplemental NPRM by July 16, 
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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the 
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 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 proposal. 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 this 
supplemental NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the 
closing date and may amend this supplemental NPRM in light of those 
comments.
    We will post all comments submitted, 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 Operations office between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The 
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the 
ground floor of the West Building at the street address stated in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after the Docket Management System receives them.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (the 
``original NPRM'') to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that 
supersedes AD 2006-15-09, amendment 39-14689 (71 FR 42026, July 25, 
2006). The existing AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and 
Model A310 airplanes, and to certain Airbus Model A300-600 series 
airplanes. The original NPRM was published in the Federal Regisgter on 
January 25, 2007 (72 FR 3373). The original NPRM proposed to continue 
to require inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if 
certain P-clips are installed and corrective action if necessary; 
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. The original NPRM 
also proposed to require, for certain airplanes, installation of 
bonding on an additional bracket.

Actions Since Original NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the original NPRM, Airbus has issued Service 
Bulletin A300-28-6064, Revision 01, dated April 3, 2007. We referred to 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6064, dated July 28, 2005, as the 
appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the 
required actions for Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes in the 
original NPRM. Revision 01 of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6064 
includes the additional work of modifying the fuel/defuel valves on the 
left-hand wing. Therefore, we have included in this supplemental NPRM a 
new paragraph (k) to include this new action. We have also revised 
Table 1 of this supplemental NPRM to specify that either the original 
issue or Revision 01 of the service bulletin is acceptable for 
compliance with the actions previously

[[Page 33930]]

required for these airplanes by AD 2006-15-09. We have also revised the 
Costs of Compliance section of this supplemental NPRM to reflect the 
change in costs related to Revision 01 of this service bulletin.

Comments

    We have considered the following comments on the original NPRM.

Request To Use New Revision of Additional Service Bulletin

    Airbus requests that we refer to Revision 01 of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-28-6077, dated October 26, 2006, rather than the original 
issue of that service bulletin, dated July 25, 2005. (In the original 
NPRM we referred to the original issue of that service bulletin as the 
appropriate source of service information for doing the following: 
Installing a new bonding lead(s) on the water drain system of the trim 
fuel tank, and installing electrical bonding points for certain 
airplanes.)
    We agree with Airbus' request to refer to Revision 01 of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-28-6077. The procedures in Revision 01 of the 
service bulletin are essentially the same as those in the original 
issue. Revision 01 adds a modification classification table, makes 
minor changes to procedures, and changes the work hours and kit prices 
for certain airplanes. Therefore, we have revised Table 1 of this 
supplemental NPRM to specify that either the original issue or Revision 
01 of the service bulletin is acceptable for compliance. We have also 
revised the Costs of Compliance section of this supplemental NPRM to 
reflect the change in costs related to this service bulletin.

Explanation of Changes to Paragraph (m) of the Supplemental NPRM

    Since we issued the original NPRM we have issued alternative 
methods of compliance (AMOCs) for AD 2006-15-09. Therefore, we have 
revised the AMOCs paragraph of this supplemental NPRM (paragraph (l) of 
the original NPRM) to state that AMOCs approved previously in 
accordance with AD 2006-15-09 are approved as AMOCs for the 
corresponding provisions of this supplemental NPRM.
    We have also revised paragraph (m) of this supplemental NPRM 
(paragraph (l) of the original NPRM) to clarify the appropriate 
procedure for notifying the principal inspector before using any 
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies.

FAA's Determination and Proposed Requirements of the Supplemental NPRM

    Certain changes discussed above expand the scope of the original 
NPRM; therefore, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the 
comment period to provide additional opportunity for public comment on 
this supplemental NPRM.

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
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                          Number  of
                                                                                                                            U.S.-
              Model                        Action                Work hours             Parts        Cost per  airplane   registered      Fleet cost
                                                                                                                          airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 airplanes..................  Inspect wing and center   40.................  None..............  $3,200............           29  $92,800.
                                   fuel tanks for P-clips
                                   (required by AD 2006-15-
                                   09).
                                  Install bonding leads/    Between 136 and 155  Between $3,800 and  Between $14,680              29  Between $425,720
                                   points in wing and                             $5,200.             and $17,600.                     and $510,400.
                                   center fuel tank
                                   (required by AD 2006-15-
                                   09).
A310 airplanes..................  Inspect wing and center   40.................  None..............  $3,200............           63  $201,600.
                                   fuel tanks for P-clips
                                   (required by AD 2006-15-
                                   09).
                                  Install bonding leads/    Between 248 and 285  Between $8,840 and  Between $28,680              63  Between $1,806,840
                                   points in wing and                             $9,190.             and $31,990.                     and $2,015,370.
                                   center fuel tank
                                   (required by AD 2006-15-
                                   09).
                                  Inspect and install       Between 53 and 61..  Between $50 and     Between $4,290 and           63  Between $270,270
                                   bonding leads/points in                        $70.                $4,950.                          and $311,850.
                                   the trim fuel tank
                                   (required by AD 2006-15-
                                   09).
                                  Install bonding for slat  2..................  $30...............  $190..............           63  $11,970.
                                   track 11 canister
                                   bracket (new proposed
                                   action).
A300-600 series airplanes.......  Inspect wing and center   40.................  None..............  $3,200............          102  $326,400.
                                   fuel tanks for P-clips
                                   (required by AD 2006-15-
                                   09).
                                  Install bonding leads/    Between 157 and 185  Between $8,840 and  Between $21,400             102  Between $2,182,800
                                   points in wing and                             $9,190.             and $23,990.                     and $2,446,980.
                                   center fuel tanks
                                   (required by AD 2006-15-
                                   09).
                                  Inspect and install       Between 2 and 62...  Between $60 and     Between $220 and            102  Between $22,440
                                   bonding leads/points in                        $520.               $5,480.                          and $558,960.
                                   the trim fuel tank
                                   (required by AD 2006-15-
                                   09).
                                  Modify the fuel/defuel    1..................  $20...............  $100..............          102  $10,200.
                                   valves on the left-hand
                                   wing (new proposed
                                   action).
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[[Page 33931]]

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 supplemental NPRM 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:

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 by 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 July 16, 
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.
                                       Paragraph (h) of this    A300-28-0079...........  September 29, 2005; or
                                        AD.                                               Revision 01, dated
                                                                                          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.
 605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model
 A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes;
 and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
 airplanes.
                                       Paragraph (h) of this    A300-28-6064...........  July 28, 2005; or
                                        AD.                                               Revision 01, dated
                                                                                          April 3, 2007.

[[Page 33932]]

 
                                       Paragraph (i) of this    A300-28-6077...........  July 25, 2005; or
                                        AD.                                               Revision 01, dated
                                                                                          October 26, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

New Requirements of This AD

Installation of Bonding for Slat Track 11 Canister Bracket

    (j) For all 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 the slat 
track 11 canister bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 01, 
dated July 17, 2006.

Modification of the Fuel/Defuel Valves

    (k) For all 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: Within 44 months after the effective date of this AD, 
modify the fuel/defuel valves on the left-hand wing in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-28-6064, Revision 01, dated April 3, 2007.

Parts Installation

    (l) 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)

    (m)(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) To request a different method of compliance or a different 
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2006-15-09 
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

Related Information

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

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-11931 Filed 6-19-07; 8:45 am]
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