[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 200 (Friday, October 16, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 55524-55526]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-27479]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-341-AD; Amendment 39-10842; AD 98-21-34]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series
airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections to detect corrosion and
cracks on the bottom area of the wing skin, and corrective action, if
necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness
authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and
correct corrosion and cracks on the bottom area of the wing skin, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: Effective November 20, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 20, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and
A300-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
March 24, 1998 (63 FR 14044). That action proposed to require
repetitive inspections to detect corrosion and cracks on the bottom
area of the wing skin, and corrective action, if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
Request to Clarify Certain Data in Table 3
The commenter (the manufacturer) requests that the proposal be
revised to specify the correct value for a certain inspection interval.
The commenter notes that the compliance time listed in Table 3. of the
proposed AD specifies that the nondestructive testing (NDT) high
frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection interval for area ``1, 2, 3a''
should read ``21,100 flight hours,'' instead of ``12,100 flight
hours.''
The FAA concurs. Based on a review of the information provided by
the manufacturer, the FAA finds that, as published, the proposed AD
contains a typographical error in Table 3. in the ``NDT (HFEC)
Interval'' column for area ``1, 2, 3a.'' The FAA has revised Table 3.
of the final rule to indicate the correct inspection interval of 21,100
flight hours.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change described
previously. The FAA has determined that this change will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 49 Model A300 and A310 series airplanes, and
51 Model A300-600 series airplanes, of U.S. registry will be affected
by this AD, that it will take approximately 8 work hours per airplane
per inspection cycle to accomplish the required actions, and that the
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $48,000, or
$480 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
[[Page 55525]]
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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-21-34 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-10842. Docket 97-NM-341-AD.
Applicability: All Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series
airplanes; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct corrosion and cracks on the bottom wing
skin area, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) At the time specified in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3),
or (a)(4) of this AD, as applicable: Except as required by
paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD, perform an inspection for
corrosion and cracks on the bottom wing skin area, and accomplish
follow-on corrective actions, in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-57-0204, dated December 4, 1995 (for Model A300 series
airplanes); A310-57-2061, dated December 4, 1995 (for Model A310
series airplanes); or A300-57-6047, Revision 01, dated October 16,
1996, as revised by Change Notice 1.A., dated February 24, 1997 (for
Model A300-600 series airplanes); as applicable; subsequently
referred to in this AD as the ``applicable'' service bulletins.
Thereafter, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 5
years.
(1) For airplanes with 5 years or less since date of
manufacture: Prior to the accumulation of 5 years since date of
manufacture or within 18 months after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
(2) For airplanes with more than 5 years, but less than 15 years
since date of manufacture: Within 18 months after the effective date
of this AD.
(3) For airplanes with more than 15 years, but less than 20
years since date of manufacture: Within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(4) For airplanes with more than 20 years since date of
manufacture: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD.
(b) If any corrosion or crack is found during an inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD, and the applicable service
bulletin specifies to contact Airbus for an appropriate action:
Prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate.
(c) If any crack is found during an inspection required by
paragraph (a) of this AD, and the applicable service bulletin
specifies to refer to Table B, Figure 4, of the service bulletin to
determine the fatigue inspection threshold and interval: Use Table
1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, of this AD, as applicable, to determine the
fatigue inspection threshold and interval in flight cycles (FC) or
flight hours (FH).
Table 1.--Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-204 (Model A300 B2) Fatigue Inspection
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Detailed visual NDT (HFEC) Interval (FC
Area Threshold (FC or FH, interval (FC or FH, or FH, whichever occurs
whichever occurs first) whichever occurs first) first)
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1, 2, 3a \1\......................... 10,400 FC or 15,800 FH. 10,400 FC or 15,800 FH. 10,400 FC or 15,800 FH.
3b, 4a \2\........................... 7,200 FC or 11,000 FH.. 2,500 FC or 3,800 FH... 6,300 FC or 9,600 FH.
4b................................... 10,400 FC or 15,800 FH. 10,400 FC or 15,800 FH. 10,400 FC or 15,800 FH.
5, 6................................. 9,900 FC or 15,100 FH.. 8,700 FC or 13,200 FH.. 9,900 FC or 15,100 FH.
7, 8................................. 6,600 FC or 10,000 FH.. 5,000 FC or 7,700 FH... 6,400 FC or 9,700 FH.
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\1\ Area 3, as defined by Table B, Table 4, of SB A300-57-0204, has been split into areas 3a and 3b with a
borderline between stiffener 43.2 and lattice flange 44 for Tables 1, 2, and 3 of this AD.
\2\ Area 4, as defined by Table B, Table 4, of SB A300-57-0204, has been split into areas 4a and 4b with a
borderline between lattice flange 44 for stiffener 44.1 for Tables 1, 2, and 3 of this AD.
Table 2.--Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-204 (Model A300 B4-100) Fatigue Inspection
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Detailed visual NDT (HFEC) interval (FC
Area Threshold (FC or FH, interval (FC or FH, or FH, whichever occurs
whichever occurs first) whichever occurs first) first)
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1, 2, 3a............................. 9,500 FC or 15,600 FH.. 8,600 FC or 14,200 FH.. 9,500 FC or 15,600 FH.
3b, 4a............................... 6,700 FC or 12,000 FH.. 2,000 FC or 3,300 FH... 5,000 FC or 8,200 FH.
4b................................... 9,500 FC or 15,600 FH.. 8,600 FC or 14,200 FH.. 9,500 FC or 15,600 FH.
5, 6................................. 8,200 FC or 13,400 FH.. 7,200 FC or 11,900 FH.. 8,200 FC or 13,400 FH.
7, 8................................. 4,600 FC or 7,600 FH... 3,600 FC or 5,900 FH... 4,500 FC or 7,400 FH.
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Table 3.--Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-204 (Model A300 B4-100) Fatigue Inspection
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Detailed visual NDT (HFEC) interval (FC
Area Threshold (FC or FH, interval (FC or FH, or FH, whichever occurs
whichever occurs first) whichever occurs first) first)
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1, 2, 3a............................. 9,900 FC or 21,600 FH.. 9,000 FC or 19,200 FH.. 9,900 FC or 21,100 FH.
3b, 4a............................... 7,000 FC or 14,900 FH.. 2,100 FC or 4,500 FH... 5,200 FC or 11,100 FH.
4b................................... 9,900 FC or 21,100 FH.. 9,000 FC or 19,200 FH.. 9,900 FC or 21,100 FH.
5, 6................................. 8,500 FC or 18,100 FH.. 7,500 FC or 16,000 FH.. 8,500 FC or 18,100 FH.
7, 8................................. 4,800 FC or 10,200 FH.. 3,700 FC or 7,900 FH... 4,700 FC or 10,000 FH.
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[[Page 55526]]
Table 4.--Airbus Service Bulletin A330-57-2061 (Model A310 and A310-300) Fatigue Inspection
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Detailed visual NDT (HFEC) interval (FC
Area Threshold (FC or FH, interval (FC or FH, or FH, whichever occurs
whichever occurs first) whichever occurs first) first)
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1.................................... 12,800 FC or 36,600 FH. 10,500 FC or 29,900 FH. 12,800 FC or 36,600 FH.
2.................................... 5,700 FC or 16,300 FH.. 4,600 FC or 13,100 FH.. 5,700 FC or 16,300 FH.
3, 5................................. 5,100 FC or 14,700 FH.. 4,100 FC or 11,800 FH.. 5,100 FC or 14,700 FH.
4.................................... 4,500 FC or 12,800 FH.. 1,800 FC or 5,100 FH... 4,500 FC or 12,800 FH.
6.................................... 19,400 FC or 55,300 FH. 16,500 FC or 47,000 FH. 19,400 FC or 55,300 FH.
7.................................... 16,300 FC or 46,500 FH. 13,800 FC or 39,500 FH. 16,300 FC or 46,500 FH.
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Table 5.--Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6047 (Model A300-600) Fatigue Inspection
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Detailed visual NDT (HFEC) interval (FC
Area Threshold (FC or FH, interval (FC or FH, or FH, whichever occurs
whichever occurs first) whichever occurs first) first)
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1, 2................................. 13,600 FC or 42,900 FH. 11,800 FC or 37,000 FH. 15,500 FC or 48,800 FH.
3.................................... 6,500 FC or 20,400 FH.. 5,800 FC or 18,400 FH.. 6,900 FC or 21,600 FH.
4, 6................................. 4,800 FC or 15,100 FH.. 4,500 FC or 14,200 FH.. 5,000 FC or 15,700 FH
5.................................... 2,100 FC or 6,500 FH... 900 FC or 3,000 FH..... 2,100 FC or 6,500 FH.
7.................................... 5,700 FC or 18,100 FH.. 5,500 FC or 17,200 FH.. 6,300 FC or 19,800 FH.
8.................................... 2,400 FC or 7,400 FH... 2,100 FC or 6,500 FH... 2,400 FC or 7,400 FH.
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(d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
(f) Except as provided by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD, the
actions shall be done in accordance with the following Airbus
service bulletins, as applicable, which contain the specified
effective pages:
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Service bulletin referenced and Revision level shown
date Page No. on page Date shown on page
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A300-57-0204, December 4, 1995.... 1-101................ Original............ December 4, 1995.
A310-57-2061, December 4, 1995.... 1-111................ Original............ December 4, 1995.
A300-57-6047, October 16, 1996.... 1-3, 29, 30.......... 01.................. October 16, 1996.
4-29, 31-65.......... Original............ January 4, 1996.
Change Notice 1.A., February 24, 1, 2................. Original............ February 24, 1997.
1997, for Airbus Service Bulletin
A300-57-6047, October 16, 1996.
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This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of
the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 97-006-210(B), dated January 2, 1997.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on November 20, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 7, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-27479 Filed 10-15-98; 8:45 am]
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