[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 157 (Tuesday, August 14, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48427-48429]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19254]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0038; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-209-AD;
Amendment 39-17153; AD 2012-16-06]
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 adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A300 B4-600 series airplanes and Model A310-203, -204, -
221, and -222 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a
capacitive density condensator (cadensicon) coil overheating during
testing. This AD requires an inspection to determine if a certain fuel
quantity indication computer (FQIC) is installed, replacement of
identified FQICs, and modification of the associated wiring. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct potential overheating of the
cadensicon coil, which could create an ignition source inside a fuel
tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in
a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 18, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 18,
2012.
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, 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 February 7, 2012 (77
FR 6023). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
In view to address the scope of Special Federal Aviation
Regulation 88 (SFAR 88) (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001) and the
equivalent JAA Internal Policy INT/POL/25/12, a safety analysis of
Fuel Quantity Indication Computers (FQIC) fitted to Wide Body
aeroplanes has been performed.
Detailed analysis has shown that on early standard FQIC, Type 1,
there is an insufficient gap on the printed circuit board between an
115V [volt] supply and a direct path to the Capacitive Density
Condensator (Cadensicon).
During tests that were carried out applying 115V to the
Cadensicon coil, measured temperature levels were in excess of the
acceptable level of 200[deg]C. This potential
[[Page 48428]]
overheating of the Cadensicon coil could be a possible ignition
point within the fuel tank.
This condition, if left uncorrected, could create an ignition
source in the tank vapour space, possibly resulting in a wing fuel
tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
For the reasons explained above, this [European Aviation Safety
Agency] AD requires the replacement of all Type 1 FQICs with Type 2
FQICs.
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 have considered the comment received.
Request for Extension of Compliance Time
FedEx requested that we revise the compliance time for the actions
required by paragraph (g) of the NPRM (77 FR 6023, February 7, 2012),
from 30 months to 36 months. FedEx explained that the lead time for the
Airbus kit part number 282039A01R01 is 60 days, as listed in Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2039, Revision 01, dated January 19,
2011. FedEx explained further that a 30-day lead-time was quoted from
Intertechnique for a Type 2 FQIS unit. FedEx expressed that while the
30 months aligns with the heavy maintenance schedule for Model A310
airplanes, it would take time to procure the new FQIS units and kits
required to comply with the NPRM. Therefore, the additional 6 months it
proposed for scheduling and material procurement will allow the work to
be performed during a heavy maintenance check for all FedEx airplanes.
We disagree to revise the compliance time in the final rule. In
developing an appropriate compliance time, we considered the safety
implications, parts availability, and normal maintenance schedules for
timely accomplishment of the required actions in the final rule.
However, under the provisions of paragraph (i) of this AD, we will
consider requests for approval of an alternative method of compliance
(AMOC) if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the change
would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed the AD
in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the
AD as proposed--except for minor editorial changes. We have determined
that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 6023, February 7, 2012) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 6023, February 7, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 53 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $200 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 $37,630, or $710 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 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:
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 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 (77 FR 6023, February 7,
2012), 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 adding the following new AD:
2012-16-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-17153. Docket No. FAA-2012-0038;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-209-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September
18, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and
B4-622 airplanes, and Model A310-203, -204, -221, and -222
airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial
numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
[[Page 48429]]
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a capacitive density
condensator (cadensicon) coil overheating during testing. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct potential overheating of the
cadensicon coil, which could create an ignition source inside a fuel
tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
(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) Actions
Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect to
determine whether any fuel quantity indication computer (FQIC) Type
1, having part number (P/N) SIC5054 or P/N SIC5051 (as applicable to
the airplane model), is installed, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A300-28-6024, Revision 02, dated January 19, 2011; or Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2039, Revision 01, dated January
19, 2011; as applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number of the FQIC
can be conclusively determined from that review. If any FQIC Type 1
having P/N SIC5054 or P/N SIC5051 is installed, within 30 months
after the effective date of this AD, replace the FQIC Type 1 with a
FQIC Type 2 having P/N SIC5055, P/N SIC5076, P/N SIC5082, or P/N
SIC5083 (as applicable to Model A310 series airplanes) or with a
FQIC Type 2 having P/N SIC5077 (as applicable to Model A300 B4-600
series airplanes), and modify the associated wiring, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A300-28-6024, Revision 02, dated January 19, 2011; or
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2039, Revision 01, dated
January 19, 2011; as applicable.
(h) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any
FQIC Type 1 having P/N SIC5054 or P/N SIC5051, on any airplane.
(i) 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.
(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.
(j) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2011-0186, dated September 23, 2011, and the service
information specified in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD,
for related information.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6024, Revision 02,
dated January 19, 2011.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2039, Revision 01,
dated January 19, 2011.
(k) 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.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6024, Revision 02,
dated January 19, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2039, Revision
01, dated January 19, 2011.
(3) For Airbus 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.
(4) 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.
(5) 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 July 31, 2012.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-19254 Filed 8-13-12; 8:45 am]
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