[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 215 (Monday, November 7, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68671-68674]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-28754]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-1170; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-264-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and 
Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series 
airplanes), and Model A310 series airplanes that would supersede an 
existing AD. This proposed 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:

    One operator experienced failures of four Fuel Level Sensor-
Amplifier (FLSA) and Multi Tank Indicators (MTI) units. FLSA and MTI 
failures have been identified as having been caused by incorrect 
connector sleeves materials fitted to the MTI units.
    Degradation of the electrical insulation sleeves of the Low-
level indication lamps on the MTI of the flight deck can cause a 
short circuit that might result in high voltage being conveyed to 
the high and low level sensors in the wing tanks. This condition, if 
not corrected, could cause the level sensor to heat above acceptable 
limits, possibly resulting in fuel tank explosion, and consequent 
loss of the aeroplane.
* * * * *

The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the 
unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 22, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     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.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For Airbus service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Airbus SAS-EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax 
+33 5 61 93 44 51; email: [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.airbus.com. For GE Aviation service information identified 
in this proposed AD, contact GE Aviation, Customer Support Center, 1 
Neumann Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45215; telephone (513) 552-3272; email 
[email protected]; Internet http://www.geaviation.com. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (425) 
227-1221.

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 this proposed AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-1170; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-264-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.

[[Page 68672]]

    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    On December 28, 2008, we issued AD 2009-02-04, Amendment 39-15794 
(74 FR 7792, February 20, 2009). That AD required actions intended to 
address an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A300-600 airplanes.
    Since we issued AD 2009-02-04, Amendment 39-15794 (74 FR 7792, 
February 20, 2009), Airbus has issued new service information to 
correct interference between sensors and a fuel pipe at the connector 
level. We have determined that the following actions are necessary:
     Replacing the cockpit MTI,
     Replacing the high-level, low-level, and overflow sensors 
and their harness connectors with fused sensors and new harness 
connectors,
     Reinstating the low-level warning indication to the 
cockpit MTI, and
     Adding Model A310 series airplanes to the applicability of 
this proposed AD. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is 
the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, 
has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0175, dated August 18, 
2010 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    One operator experienced failures of four Fuel Level Sensor-
Amplifier (FLSA) and Multi Tank Indicators (MTI) units. FLSA and MTI 
failures have been identified as having been caused by incorrect 
connector sleeves materials fitted to the MTI units.
    Degradation of the electrical insulation sleeves of the Low-
level indication lamps on the MTI of the flight deck can cause a 
short circuit that might result in high voltage being conveyed to 
the high and low level sensors in the wing tanks. This condition, if 
not corrected, could cause the level sensor to heat above acceptable 
limits, possibly resulting in fuel tank explosion, and consequent 
loss of the aeroplane.
    As an interim action, EASA AD 2008-0055 [which corresponds to 
FAA AD 2009-02-04, Amendment 39-15794 (74 FR 7792, February 20, 
2009)], was issued requiring the accomplishment of wiring 
modifications to protect the FLSA and the Flight Warning Computers 
from 115V [volt] AC [alternating current] and 28V DC [direct 
current] short circuits within the cockpit MTI.
    EASA AD 2009-0144, which required the replacement of the 
affected sensors and their harness connectors with modified units in 
accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) 
A300-28-6095 at original issue or SB A300-28-9013 at original issue, 
as applicable, was further on cancelled because the installation of 
the new inner tank fused low-level sensors was not possible, due to 
interference between some sensors and a fuel pipe at connector 
level.
    Airbus SB A300-28-6095 and SB A300-28-9013 have been revised to 
clear this interference. The replacement of the affected sensors and 
their harness connectors according to the instructions of these SBs 
is now possible.
    This [EASA] AD supersedes [EASA] AD 2008-0055 and introduces the 
following actions:

--Expanding of the applicability to A310 aeroplanes; and
--Replacement of the cockpit MTI with a MTI with silicone sleeves 
and to reinstate the low level warning indication to the cockpit 
MTI; and
--Replacement of the affected sensors and their harness connectors 
by fused level sensor units for A300-600 and A300-600ST aeroplanes.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    The following service information has been issued. The actions 
described in this service information are intended to correct the 
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6095, Revision 
01, dated February 2, 2010.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6101, dated June 
4, 2008.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6103, Revision 
01, dated May 18, 2010.
     Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2167, dated June 
4, 2008.
     GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1404KID-28-466, Revision 1, 
dated July 15, 2008.
     GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1406KID-28-467, Revision 1, 
dated July 15, 2008.
     GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1410KID-28-468, Revision 1, 
dated July 15, 2008.
     GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1420KID-28-469, Revision 1, 
dated July 23, 2008.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

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 proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 210 products of U.S. registry.
    The actions that are required by AD 2009-02-04, Amendment 39-15794 
(74 FR 7792, February 20, 2009) and retained in this proposed AD take 
about 5 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per 
work hour. Required parts cost about $0 per product. Based on these 
figures, the estimated cost of the currently required actions is $425 
per product.
    We estimate that it would take about 44 work-hours per product to 
comply with the new basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $207 
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 costs. 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 the proposed AD 
on U.S. operators to be $828,870, or $3,947 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, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that

[[Page 68673]]

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 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 this 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, 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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing Amendment 39-15794 (74 FR 
7792, February 20, 2009) and adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2011-1170; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-
264-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by December 22, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2009-02-04, Amendment 39-15794 (74 FR 
7792, February 20, 2009).

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus 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 A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, 
and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category; all certified 
models, all manufacturer serial numbers.

Subject

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

Reason

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

    One operator experienced failures of four Fuel Level Sensor-
Amplifier (FLSA) and Multi Tank Indicators (MTI) units. FLSA and MTI 
failures have been identified as having been caused by incorrect 
connector sleeves materials fitted to the MTI units.
    Degradation of the electrical insulation sleeves of the Low-
level indication lamps on the MTI of the flight deck can cause a 
short circuit that might result in high voltage being conveyed to 
the high and low level sensors in the wing tanks. This condition, if 
not corrected, could cause the level sensor to heat above acceptable 
limits, possibly resulting in fuel tank explosion, and consequent 
loss of the aeroplane.
* * * * *

Compliance

    (f) 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 Requirements of AD 2009-02-04, Amendment 39-15794 (74 FR 
7792, February 20, 2009), With No New Service Information

Actions and Compliance

    (g) For Model A300-600 airplanes: Unless already done, within 3 
months after March 27, 2009 (the effective date of AD 2009-02-04, 
Amendment 39-15794 (74 FR 7792, February 20, 2009)): Modify the 
wiring in the right-hand electronics rack in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A300-28A6096, Revision 02, dated July 4, 2008. Previous 
accomplishment of the modification before March 27, 2009, in 
accordance with Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28A6096, 
dated October 19, 2007; or Revision 01, dated April 16, 2008; meets 
the requirements in this paragraph. Doing the required actions in 
paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD, as applicable, terminates the 
actions required by this paragraph.

New Requirements of This AD, With New Service Information

Replacement and Re-Instatement

    (h) For Model A300-600 series airplanes on which Airbus 
modification 06213 has been embodied in production: Within 24 months 
after the effective date of this AD, do the actions required by 
paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD. Doing the actions 
in this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of 
this AD.
    (1) Replace the cockpit MTI, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A300-28-6101, dated June 4, 2008.
    (2) Before further flight after doing the replacement specified 
in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD: Replace the high-level, low-level, 
and overflow sensors and their harness connectors, with fused 
sensors and new harness connectors, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A300-28-6095, Revision 01, dated February 2, 2010.
    (3) Before further flight after doing the replacement specified 
in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD: Re-instate the low-level warning 
indication to the cockpit MTI, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6103, 
Revision 01, dated May 18, 2010.
    (i) For Model A300-600 series airplanes on which Airbus 
modification 06213 has not been embodied in production: Within 24 
months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions required 
by paragraphs (i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD. Doing the 
actions in this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph 
(g) of this AD.
    (1) Replace the cockpit MTI, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A300-28-6101, dated June 4, 2008.
    (2) Before further flight after doing the replacement specified 
in paragraph (i)(1) of this AD: Re-instate the low-level warning 
indication to the cockpit MTI, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6103, 
Revision 01, dated May 18, 2010.
    (3) Before further flight after doing the action specified in 
paragraph (i)(2) of this AD: Replace the high-level, low-level, and 
overflow sensors and their harness connectors, with fused sensors 
and new harness connectors, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6095, 
Revision 01, dated February 2, 2010.
    (j) For Model A310 series airplanes: Within 24 months after the 
effective date of this AD, replace the cockpit MTI, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A310-28-2167, dated June 4, 2008.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (k) Re-instating the low-level warning indication to the cockpit 
MTI in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6103, dated May 20, 2009, before 
the effective date of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding re-instatement required by paragraphs (h)(3) and 
(i)(2) of this AD.

Parts Installation

    (l) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, any MTI

[[Page 68674]]

in the cockpit location, unless it has been modified in accordance 
with the applicable service information listed in paragraphs (l)(1), 
(l)(2), (l)(3), (l)(4), (l)(5), and (l)(6) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6101, dated June 
4, 2008.
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2167, dated June 
4, 2008.
    (3) GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1404KID-28-466, Revision 1, 
dated July 15, 2008.
    (4) GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1406KID-28-467, Revision 1, 
dated July 15, 2008.
    (5) GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1410KID-28-468, Revision 1, 
dated July 15, 2008.
    (6) GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1420KID-28-469, Revision 1, 
dated July 23, 2008.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (m) 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Information may be emailed to: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (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.

Related Information

    (n) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2010-0175, dated August 18, 2010; Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A300-28-6095, Revision 01, dated February 2, 2010; Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6101, dated June 4, 2008; Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6103, Revision 01, dated May 18, 
2010; Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2167, dated June 4, 
2008; GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1404KID-28-466, Revision 1, dated 
July 15, 2008; GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1406KID-28-467, Revision 
1, dated July 15, 2008; GE Aviation Service Bulletin 1410KID-28-468, 
Revision 1, dated July 15, 2008; and GE Aviation Service Bulletin 
1420KID-28-469, Revision 1, dated July 23, 2008; for related 
information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 26, 2011.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-28754 Filed 11-4-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P