[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 67 (Tuesday, April 8, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19296-19299]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-07801]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0189; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-181-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 series airplanes, Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-
600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes 
(collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This proposed AD 
was prompted by a report of chafing found on the overflow sensor 
harness of the surge tank, and subsequent contact between the 
electrical wiring and fuel tank structure. This proposed AD would 
require a one-time inspection for chafing of the overflow sensor 
harness and structural damage of the outer tank, and repair if 
necessary. This proposed AD would also require modification of the 
sensor harness. We are proposing this AD to prevent chafing of the 
harness and subsequent contact between the electrical wiring and fuel 
tank structure, which could result in electrical arcing and a fuel tank 
explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 23, 2014.

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.

[[Page 19297]]

     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 service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0189; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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, WA 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-2014-0189; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-181-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.
    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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0193, dated August 23, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A300 
series airplanes, Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series 
airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively 
called Model A300-600 series airplanes). The MCAI states:

    During a scheduled maintenance check on an A300 aeroplane, 
chafing was found on the surge tank overflow sensor harness. The 
harness was found to contact the Magnetic Fuel Level Indicator 
(MFLI) canister.
    Prompted by these findings, DGAC [Direction 
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile] France issued http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_1999_404_293.pdf/AD_1999-404-293 
to require modification of the harness routing in accordance with 
the instructions of Airbus SB [service bulletin] A300-28-0058 or SB 
A300-28-6020, as applicable to aeroplane model.
    Since that [DGAC] AD was issued, maintenance work on modified 
A300-600 aeroplanes revealed some chafing of the harness, creating a 
potential contact between the electrical wire and fuel tank 
structure. Investigations have shown that although measures were 
taken to prevent contact of the harness with the MFLI (through 
modification 04489),the installation can be subject to human error. 
As the MFLI is integral to the access panel in this location, any 
potential contact with the harness (as a result of incorrect 
installation) is hidden.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
electrical arcing, possibly resulting in a fuel tank explosion and 
loss of the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, 
Airbus issued SB A300-28-0091 for A300 aeroplanes, SB A300-28-6109 
for A300-600 aeroplanes, and A300-28-9022 for A300-600ST aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time inspection of the harness and, depending on findings, 
corrective actions, as well as replacement of angle brackets by 
error-proof harness brackets.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No. 
FAA-2014-0189.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletins A300-28-0091, dated 
March 5, 2013; and A300-28-6109, Revision 01, dated December 20, 2013. 
The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

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.

Repair Approvals

    In many FAA transport ADs, when the service information specifies 
to contact the manufacturer for further instructions if certain 
discrepancies are found, we typically include in the AD a requirement 
to accomplish the action using a method approved by either the FAA or 
the State of Design Authority (or its delegated agent).
    We have recently been notified that certain laws in other countries 
do not allow such delegation of authority, but some countries do 
recognize design approval organizations. In addition, we have become 
aware that some U.S. operators have used repair instructions that were 
previously approved by a State of Design Authority or a Design Approval 
Holder (DAH) as a method of compliance with this provision in FAA ADs. 
Frequently, in these cases, the previously approved repair instructions 
come from the airplane structural repair manual or the DAH repair 
approval statements that were not specifically developed to address the 
unsafe condition corrected by the AD. Using repair instructions that 
were not specifically approved for a particular AD creates the 
potential for doing repairs that were not developed to address the 
unsafe condition identified by the MCAI AD, the FAA AD, or the 
applicable service information, which could result in the unsafe 
condition not being fully corrected.
    To prevent the use of repairs that were not specifically developed 
to correct the unsafe condition, certain requirements of this proposed 
AD

[[Page 19298]]

specify that the repair approval specifically refer to the FAA AD. This 
change is intended to clarify the method of compliance and to provide 
operators with better visibility of repairs that are specifically 
developed and approved to correct the unsafe condition. In addition, we 
use the phrase ``its delegated agent, or the DAH with State of Design 
Authority design organization approval, as applicable'' in this 
proposed AD to refer to a DAH authorized to approve certain required 
repairs for this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 123 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product 
to comply with the inspection required by this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this inspection proposed by this AD on U.S. operators to be 
$31,365, or $255 per product.
    We estimate that it would take about 12 work-hours per product to 
comply with the modification requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost 
about $500 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this modification proposed by this AD on U.S. operators to be $186,960, 
or $1,520 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this proposed 
AD.

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 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);
    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.

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

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. Amend Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0189; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
181-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 23, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes specified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(5) of this AD; certificated 
in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and 
B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
    (3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
    (4) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
    (5) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of chafing found on the 
overflow sensor harness of the surge tank, and subsequent contact 
between the electrical wiring and fuel tank structure. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the harness and subsequent 
contact between the electrical wiring and fuel tank structure, which 
could result in electrical arcing and a fuel tank explosion and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) One-Time Inspection and Repair

    Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD: Perform a 
one-time visual inspection for chafing of the outer tank sensor 
harness between ribs 26 and 27, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A300-28-0091, dated March 5, 2013 (for Model A300 series airplanes); 
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6109, Revision 01, 
dated December 20, 2013 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes).
    (1) If any previous repairs are identified, or if braid and wire 
insulation is found damaged with the conductor exposed during the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further 
flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or EASA (or 
its delegated agent, or the Design Approval Holder with a State of 
Design Authority's design organization approval, as applicable). For 
a repair method to be approved, the repair approval must 
specifically refer to this AD.
    (2) If the braid and wire insulation is found damaged without 
the conductor exposed during the inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD: Before further flight, repair, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A300-28-0091, dated March 5, 2013 (for Model A300 series airplanes); 
or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6109, Revision 01, 
dated December 20, 2013 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes).

(h) Modification

    (1) For airplanes on which no damage was found during the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further 
flight, install modified and error-proof angle brackets to stringer 
15 between ribs 26 and 27 of the outer tank sensor harness, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A300-28-0091, dated March 5, 2013 (for Model A300 
series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-
6109,

[[Page 19299]]

Revision 01, dated December 20, 2013 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes).
    (2) For airplanes on which any damage was found during the 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, and the applicable 
repair required by paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD has been 
done: Before further flight, install modified and error-proof angle 
brackets to stringer 15 between ribs 26 and 27 of the outer tank 
sensor harness, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-0091, dated March 5, 
2013 (for Model A300 series airplanes); or Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A300-28-6109, Revision 01, dated December 20, 2013 (for 
Model A300-600 series airplanes).

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A300-28-6109, dated March 5, 2013, which is not 
incorporated by reference in this AD.

(j) 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, WA 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, use these actions if they 
are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if 
they were approved by the State of Design Authority (or its 
delegated agent, or the DAH with a State of Design Authority's 
design organization approval, as applicable). You are required to 
ensure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0193, dated August 23, 
2013, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2014-0189.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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. You may view this service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 28, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-07801 Filed 4-7-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P