Federal Register, Volume 73 Issue 21 (Thursday, January 31, 2008)

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 21 (Thursday, January 31, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5731-5733]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-1462]

[[Page 5731]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0172; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-225-AD;
Amendment 39-15353; AD 2008-03-04]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R,
A300 C4-600R, and A300 F4-600R Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

[T]he FAA has published SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation
Regulation 88). * * *

Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for
passenger transport aircraft * * * are required to conduct a design
review against explosion risks.

The replacement of some types of P-clips and improvement of the
electrical bonding of the equipment in the fuel tanks are rendered
mandatory by this AD.

The unsafe condition is damage to wiring in the wing, center, and trim
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
wing, center, or trim fuel tanks. We are issuing this AD to require
actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 6, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 6,
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

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:

Discussion

We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on November 9, 2007 (72
FR 63503). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:

[T]he FAA has published SFAR 88 (Special Federal Aviation
Regulation 88). In their letters referenced 04/00/02/07/01-L296,
dated March 4th, 2002 and 04/00/02/07/03-L024, dated February 3rd,
2003, the JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities) recommended the
application of a similar regulation to the National Aviation
Authorities (NAA).

Under this regulation, all holders of type certificates for
passenger transport aircraft with either a passenger capacity of 30
or more, or a payload capacity of 7,500 pounds (3402 kg) or more,
which have received their certification since January 1st, 1958, are
required to conduct a design review against explosion risks.

The replacement of some types of P-clips and improvement of the
electrical bonding of the equipment in the fuel tanks are rendered
mandatory by this AD.

Note: Initially, EASA AD 2006-0325, which addresses the same
unsafe condition, also applied to A300-600 aircraft. The approval
holder subsequently introduced additional work at revision 1 of SB
(service bulletin) A300-28-6064 applicable to A300-600 aircraft. [On
September 21, 2007, the FAA issued parallel AD 2007-20-04 for only
Airbus Model A300 Airplanes and Model A310 Airplanes, which was
published in the Federal Register (72 FR 56258, October 3, 2007).]

As a result, AD 2006-0325 has been revised to remove A300-600
aircraft from applicability, and this new AD applicable to A300-600
aircraft is issued.

The unsafe condition is damage to wiring in the wing, center, and
trim 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
wing, center, or trim fuel tanks. The corrective action is checking the
electrical bonding points of certain equipment in the center fuel tank
for the presence of a blue coat and doing related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. The related investigative action is to
measure the electrical resistance between the equipment and structure,
if a blue coat is not present. The corrective action is to electrically
bond the equipment, if the measured resistance is greater than 10
milliohms. The corrective action also includes installing new bonding
leads and electrical bonding points on certain equipment in the left
and right wing fuel tanks and center fuel tank. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

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

Conclusion

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

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this AD will affect about 114 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 632 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $6,870
per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs
that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the
U.S. operators to be $6,547,020, or $57,430 per product.

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,

[[Page 5732]]

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 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 this AD:
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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The street address for
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527 is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.

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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2008-03-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-15353. Docket No. FAA-2007-0172;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-225-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 6,
2008.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Model A300 B4-600 series airplanes (without trim
tank), all serial numbers, certificated in any category, except
airplanes on which Airbus Modifications 12226, 12365, 12490, and
12308 have been incorporated in production, or Airbus Service
Bulletins A300-28-6064, Revision 01, dated April 3, 2007; and A300-
28-6068, dated July 20, 2005; have been performed in service.
(2) Airbus Model A300 B4-600R, A300 C4-600R, and A300 F4-600R
series airplanes (fitted with a trim tank), all serial numbers,
certificated in any category, except airplanes on which Airbus
Modifications 12226, 12365, 12490, 12308, 12294, and 12476 have been
incorporated in production, or on which the service bulletins listed
in paragraphs (c)(2)(i), (c)(2)(ii), and (c)(2)(iii) of this AD have
been performed in service.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6064, Revision 01, dated
April 3, 2007.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6068, dated July 20, 2005.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6077, dated July 25, 2005;
or A300-28-6077, Revision 01, dated October 26, 2006.

Subject

(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:

The replacement of some types of P-clips and improvement of the
electrical bonding of the equipment in the fuel tanks are rendered
mandatory by this AD.

As a result, AD 2006-0325 has been revised to remove A300-600
aircraft from applicability, and this new AD applicable to A300-600
aircraft is issued.

The unsafe condition is damage to wiring in the wing, center, and
trim 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 wing, center, or trim fuel tanks. The corrective action is
checking the electrical bonding points of certain equipment in the
center fuel tank for the presence of a blue coat and doing related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The related
investigative action is to measure the electrical resistance between
the equipment and structure, if a blue coat is not present. The
corrective action is to electrically bond the equipment, if the
measured resistance is greater than 10 milliohms. The corrective
action also includes installing new bonding leads and electrical
bonding points on certain equipment in the left and right wing fuel
tanks and center fuel tank.

Actions and Compliance

(f) Within 40 months after the effective date of this AD, unless
already done, do the following actions.
(1) Remove NSA5516-XXND or NSA5516-XXNJ type P-clips, used in
the wing and center fuel tanks to retain wiring and pipes, and
replace them by NSA5516-XXNF type P-clips in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6068, dated July 20,
2005.
(2) Check the electrical bonding points in the center tank and
do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, and
install additional bonding leads and electrical bonding points in
the wing and center fuel tanks in accordance with the instructions
of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6064, Revision 01, dated April 3,
2007. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions
before further flight.
(3) For airplanes fitted with a trim tank, in addition to the
actions defined in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, install
bonding leads and electrical bonding points in the trim tanks, in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-
6077, Revision 01, dated October 26, 2006.
(4) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service

[[Page 5733]]

Bulletin A300-28-6064, dated July 28, 2005, for aircraft under
configuration 05, as defined in the service bulletin, are considered
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f)(2)
of this AD.
(5) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6077, dated July 25,
2005, for aircraft under configuration 05, as defined in the service
bulletin, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (f)(3) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: The applicability of the MCAI does not address Airbus
Modification 12490. We have added this Modification number to the
applicability of this AD, as requested by Airbus and coordinated
with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

Other FAA AD Provisions

(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: 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.
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.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0233, dated
August 27, 2007, and the service information listed in Table 1 of
this AD, for related information.

Table 1.--Service Information
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Airbus Service Bulletin Revision level Date
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A300-28-6064........................... 01........................ April 3, 2007.
A300-28-6068........................... Original.................. July 20, 2005.
A300-28-6077........................... 01........................ October 26, 2006.
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Material Incorporated by Reference

(i) You must use the service information specified in Table 2 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030,
or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Airbus Service Bulletin Revision level Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-28-6064........................... 01........................ April 3, 2007.
A300-28-6068........................... Original.................. July 20, 2005.
A300-28-6077........................... 01........................ October 26, 2006.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 18, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-1462 Filed 1-30-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P