[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 10, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 21397-21400]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-8220]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2011-1060; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-015-AD;
Amendment 39-16945; AD 2012-03-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. That AD currently
requires, for certain airplanes, modifying the wire routing and
installing additional protective sleeves. This new AD adds, for certain
airplanes, modifying wire routings and installing a modified bracket.
This AD was prompted by analyses of the wire routing showing that the
route of the fuel electrical circuit in the right-hand wing must be
modified in order to ensure better segregation between fuel quantity
indication wires and the 115-volt alternating current wires. We are
issuing this AD to prevent short circuits leading to arcing, and
possible fuel tank explosion.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 15, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 15, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 20,
2008 (73 FR 2795, January 16, 2008).
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain other publication listed in this AD as of
September 3, 2004 (69 FR 45578, July 30, 2004).
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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
[[Page 21398]]
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; 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 October 11, 2011 (76
FR 62653), and proposed to supersede AD 2008-01-05, Amendment 39-15330
(73 FR 2795, January 16, 2008). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
Within the scope of the Fuel System Safety Program (FSSP),
analyses of the wire routing showed that the route 2S of the fuel
electrical circuit in the Right Hand (RH) wing must be modified in
order to ensure better segregation between fuel quantity indication
wires and the 115 Volts Alternating Current (VAC) wires of route 2S.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in short circuits
leading to arcing, and possible fuel tank explosion.
To address this unsafe condition, [Direction
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile] DGAC France issued AD
2002-578(B) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2004-15-16, Amendment 39-
13750 (69 FR 45578, July 30, 2004)] to require improvements of the
design as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A310-28-2148
original issue or Revision 01. EASA AD 2007-0230 [which corresponds
to FAA AD 2008-01-05 (73 FR 2795, January 16, 2008)], which
superseded DGAC France AD 2002-578(B), required those same actions,
plus additional work as defined in Airbus SB A310-28-2148 Revision
02.
Since EASA AD 2007-0230 was issued, an operator reported the
possibility of chafing with the new routing of the wire bundle 2S in
the RH wing pylon area to the generator wire bundle of engine 2. The
modification of this zone was introduced by A310-28-2148 Revision 02
as additional work. Investigation showed that, to avoid the risk of
chafing, the affected wiring harnesses must be installed at a higher
position to provide sufficient clearance with the newly routed wire
bundle 2S conduit.
Airbus published Revision 03 of SB A310-28-2148 to describe
these changes, but a new interference has been found and requires
updating SB A310-28-2148 to Revision 04 [or 05].
For the reasons described above, this new [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2007-0230, which is superseded, and requires
the additional work as specified in Revision 04 [or 05] of Airbus SB
A310-28-2148.
Required actions include modifying the wire routings and installing a
modified bracket. 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 considered the comments received.
Request To Reference Latest Service Information
FedEx noted that Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-
28-2148, Revision 06, dated August 31, 2011.
We infer that FedEx is requesting that we reference Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 06, dated August 31,
2011, in this AD. We agree and have reviewed Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 06, dated August 31, 2011. We have
added this reference to paragraphs (g), (i), (j), and (n) of this AD as
an optional source of service information for doing the required
actions.
Explanation of Additional Changes Made to This AD
We have revised certain paragraph headers throughout this AD. We
have also revised the wording in paragraphs (h) and (m) of this AD;
this change has not changed the intent of those paragraphs.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD with the changes described previously--and minor editorial changes.
We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (76 FR 62653, October 11, 2011) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (76 FR 62653, October 11, 2011).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 61 products of U.S.
registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S.
operators to comply with this AD.
Table--Estimated Costs
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Number of
Average Cost per U.S.-
Action Work hours labor rate Parts airplane registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification (required by AD 2004- 35 $85 $4,459 $7,434 68 $505,512
15-16, Amendment 39-13750 (69 FR
45578, July 30, 2004))...........
Modification (required by AD 2008- 22 85 1,870 3,740 68 254,320
01-05, Amendment 39-15330 (73 FR
2795, January 16, 2008)).........
Modification (new action)......... 62 85 2,210 7,480 61 456,280
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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 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 that this AD:
[[Page 21399]]
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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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.
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 (76 FR 62653, October 11,
2011), 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
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 removing Amendment 39-15330 (73 FR
2795, January 16, 2008) and adding the following new AD:
2012-03-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-16945. Docket No. FAA-2011-1060;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-015-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 15,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD supersedes AD 2008-01-05, Amendment 39-15330 (73 FR
2795, January 16, 2008).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -
304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category;
all serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by analyses of the wire routing showing
that the route of the fuel electrical circuit in the right-hand wing
must be modified in order to ensure better segregation between fuel
quantity indication wires and the 115-volt alternating current
wires. We are issuing this AD to prevent short circuits leading to
arcing, and possible fuel tank explosion.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Retained Modification With New Service Information
This paragraph restates the modification required by paragraph
(a) of AD 2004-15-16, Amendment 39-13750 (69 FR 45578, July 30,
2004), with revised service information. For all airplanes except
airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision
02, dated March 9, 2007, has been done (Airbus Modifications 12427
and 12435): Within 4,000 flight hours after September 3, 2004 (the
effective date of AD 2004-15-16), modify the routing of wires in the
right hand (RH) wing by installing cable sleeves, per the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2148,
Revision 01, dated October 29, 2002; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-
28-2148, Revision 02, dated March 9, 2007; Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 05, dated August 3, 2010; or Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 06, dated August
31, 2011. As of February 20, 2008 (the effective date of AD 2008-01-
05, Amendment 39-15330 (73 FR 2795, January 16, 2008)), Airbus
Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 02, dated March 9, 2007;
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 05, dated
August 3, 2010; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148,
Revision 06, dated August 31, 2011; must be used. As of the
effective date of this AD, Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-
28-2148, Revision 05, dated August 3, 2010; or Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 06, dated August 31, 2011;
must be used.
(h) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the modification of the
routing of wires required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if the
modification was performed before September 3, 2004 (the effective
date of AD 2004-15-16, Amendment 39-13750 (69 FR 45578, July 30,
2004)), using Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, dated January
23, 2002.
(i) Retained Modification With New Service Information
This paragraph restates the modification required by paragraph
(h) of AD 2008-01-05, Amendment 39-15330 (73 FR 2795, January 16,
2008), with revised service information. For airplanes on which the
actions specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, dated
January 23, 2002; or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision
01, dated October 29, 2002; have been done before February 20, 2008
(the effective date of AD 2008-01-05), except for airplanes on which
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 02, dated March 9,
2007, has been done (Airbus Modifications 12427 and 12435): Within
6,000 flight hours or 30 months after February 20, 2008, whichever
occurs first, perform further modification by installing additional
protection sleeves in the outer wing area near the cadensicon sensor
and segregating wire route 2S in the RH pylon area, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A310-28-2148, Revision 02, dated March 9, 2007; Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 05, dated August 3, 2010; or
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 06, dated
August 31, 2011. As of the effective date of this AD, Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 05, dated August
3, 2010; or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision
06, dated August 31, 2011; must be used.
(j) New Modification/Installation for Certain Airplanes
For airplanes on which the actions specified in Airbus Service
Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 02, dated March 9, 2007, have been
accomplished, and do not have production modification 07633; and on
which Airbus Service Bulletin A310-36-2015 has not been done: Within
6,000 flight hours or 30 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs first, modify the wire routings, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A310-28-2148, Revision 05, dated August 3, 2010; or Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 06, dated August 31, 2011.
(k) New Modification/Installation for Certain Other Airplanes
For airplanes on which the actions specified in Airbus Service
Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 02, dated March 9, 2007, have been
accomplished, and have production modification 07633; or on which
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-36-2015 has been done: Within 1,000
flight hours after the effective date of this AD, install a modified
bracket, in accordance with paragraph 3.B.(7), ``Additional Work
2,'' of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 05, dated August 3, 2010; or Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 06, dated August
31, 2011.
(l) No Additional Modification/Installation for Certain Airplanes
For airplanes on which the actions specified in Airbus Service
Bulletin A310-
[[Page 21400]]
28-2148, Revision 03, dated June 2, 2009, have been accomplished;
and have modification 07633 done in production; or on which the
actions specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A310-36-2015 have been
done; no further action is required by this AD.
(m) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for modifications required by
paragraphs (g), (i), (j), and (k) of this AD, if the modifications
were performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 04, dated April
14, 2010.
(n) Other FAA AD Provisions
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. AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2008-01-05,
Amendment 39-15330 (73 FR 2795, January 16, 2008), are approved as
AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of 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.
(o) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0005, dated January 17, 2011, and the
following service information for related information.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 01, dated
October 29, 2002.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 02, dated
March 9, 2007.
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 05,
dated August 3, 2010.
(4) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 06,
dated August 31, 2011.
(p) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
May 15, 2012.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 05,
dated August 3, 2010.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision
06, dated August 31, 2011.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
February 20, 2008 (73 FR 2795, January 16, 2008).
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 02, dated
March 9, 2007.
(5) The following service information was approved for IBR on
September 3, 2004 (69 FR 45578, July 30, 2004).
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2148, Revision 01, dated
October 29, 2002.
(6) For service information identified in this 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.
(7) You may review copies of the 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.
(8) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 26, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-8220 Filed 4-9-12; 8:45 am]
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