[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 198 (Thursday, October 14, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55642-55644]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-26871]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-92-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319 and A320 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of
comment period.
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SUMMARY: This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness
directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A320 series
airplanes, that would have required repetitive inspections to detect
cracking and delamination of the containers in which the off-wing
emergency evacuation slides are stored, and corrective actions, if
necessary. If cracking and delamination in excess of certain limits are
found, the proposed AD would have required replacement of the slide
with a modified slide, which would have terminated the inspection
requirement. This new action revises the proposed rule by requiring an
additional modification of the slides; accomplishment of both
modifications of the slides would terminate the requirement for
repetitive inspections. This proposal is prompted by issuance of
mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this new proposed AD
are intended to prevent the loss of the escape slides during flight,
which could make the emergency exits located over each wing unusable
and result in damage to the fuselage.
DATES: Comments must be received by November 3, 1999.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-92-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington.
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:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 96-NM-92-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 96-NM-92-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
[[Page 55643]]
Discussion
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to
certain Airbus Model A320 series airplanes, was published as a notice
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on January 14,
1997 (62 FR 1861). That NPRM would have required repetitive inspections
to detect cracking and delamination of the containers in which the left
and right off-wing emergency evacuation slides are stored, and repair,
if necessary. If cracking and delamination in excess of certain limits
are found, that proposed AD also would have required replacement of the
slide with a modified slide, which would have terminated the
requirement for repetitive inspections; and replacement of the
discrepant container with a serviceable container. That NPRM was
prompted by a report indicating that a slide deployed during flight,
which resulted in the loss of the slide and the container door. That
condition, if not corrected, could make the emergency exits located
over each wing unusable and result in damage to the fuselage.
Actions Since Issuance of Previous Proposal
Since the issuance of that NPRM, the Direction Generale de
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for
France, has advised the FAA that, although repackaging of the slide was
previously thought to be sufficient to prevent loss of container doors
and consequent loss of escape slides, inservice inspections have
revealed that interference may still be present even with correctly
packed slides. Therefore, the DGAC no longer considers that
modification of the slides as described in Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-25-1156, dated June 21, 1995, will eliminate the need for
repetitive inspections of the slides.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-25-1161, Revision 01, dated
February 2, 1999. The inspection procedures described in this service
bulletin are identical to the previous revision. However, this revision
includes Airbus Model A319 series airplanes in the effectivity, adds
references to an additional modification of the offwing escape slides,
and updates certain service bulletin references to later revisions.
Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin A320-25-1156, Revision 01,
dated February 2, 1999, which describes procedures for an additional
modification of the offwing escape slides. The new modification
involves structurally enhancing the container door by replacing
frangible washers with solid ring retainers. The modification also
involves inspecting each slide as described in A320-25-1161, Revision
01, repairing, if necessary, and repacking the slide. Accomplishment of
this modification, in addition to the modification specified in the
original service bulletin, would eliminate the need for the repetitive
inspections of the escape slide containers. The Airbus service bulletin
references Air Cruisers Service Bulletins 004-25-37, Revision 2, dated
May 29, 1996, and 004-25-42, dated September 16, 1996, as additional
sources of service information for accomplishment of the modifications.
Accomplishment of the actions specified in the Airbus service
bulletins is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe
condition. The DGAC classified Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1161,
Revision 01, dated February 2, 1999, as mandatory and issued French
airworthiness directive 1999-232-132(B), dated June 2, 1999, in order
to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
Conclusion
This supplemental NPRM proposes to add a requirement for
modification of the slides in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-25-1156, Revision 01, dated February 2, 1999, which would
terminate the requirement for repetitive inspections. This supplemental
NPRM would also revise the applicability to add Airbus Model A319
series airplanes, and to exclude airplanes on which the terminating
modification has been accomplished in production or in service. Since
certain of these changes expand the scope of the originally proposed
rule, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment
period to provide additional opportunity for public comment.
Differences Between Proposed Rule and French AD
The proposed AD would differ from the parallel French airworthiness
directive in that it would mandate the accomplishment of the
modifications of the offwing escape slides within 5 years, which would
constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required
by this AD. The French airworthiness directive provides for that action
as optional. Mandating the terminating action is based on the FAA's
determination that long-term continued operational safety will be
better assured by modifications or design changes to remove the source
of the problem, rather than by repetitive inspections. Long-term
inspections may not be providing the degree of safety assurance
necessary for the transport airplane fleet. This, coupled with a better
understanding of the human factors associated with numerous continual
inspections, has led the FAA to consider placing less emphasis on
inspections and more emphasis on design improvements. The proposed
modification requirement is consistent with these conditions.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 121 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD.
It would take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the proposed inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed inspection on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $36,300, or $300 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
It would take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the proposed modifications, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Required parts would cost approximately $170 per airplane. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed modifications on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $64,130, or $530 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed 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 proposed herein would 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
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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) if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact,
positive or negative,
[[Page 55644]]
on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act. A copy of the draft regulatory evaluation
prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it
may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the location provided
under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Airbus Industrie: Docket 96-NM-92-AD.
Applicability: Model A319 and A320 series airplanes,
certificated in any category; except airplanes on which Airbus
Modifications 24850 and 25844 have been installed in production, or
on which Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1156, Revision 01, dated
February 2, 1999, has been accomplished.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise 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 (e) 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 prevent the loss of the escape slides during flight, which
could make the emergency exits located over each wing unusable and
result in damage to the fuselage, accomplish the following:
Inspections and Corrective Actions
(a) At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1),
(a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable: Perform a detailed
visual inspection to detect cracking and delamination of each off-
wing escape slide container, including the container door, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1161, Revision 01,
dated February 2, 1999. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 18 months, until accomplishment of the
actions required by paragraph (d) of this AD.
(1) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Within 18 months after the last inspection in accordance
with Airbus All Operator Telex 25-09, dated January 2, 1995, or
Revision 1, dated February 16, 1995; or Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-25-1161, dated June 21, 1995; if accomplished prior to the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Within 18 months after modification of the offwing escape
slides in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1156,
dated June 21, 1995; if accomplished prior to the effective date of
this AD.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''
(b) If any crack or delamination is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD that does not exceed the limits
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1161, Revision 01,
dated February 2, 1999: Prior to further flight, repair the crack or
delamination in accordance with the service bulletin, and continue
inspecting in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD.
(c) If any crack or delamination is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD that exceeds the limits
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1161, Revision 01,
dated February 2, 1999: Prior to further flight, replace the
discrepant container with a serviceable container in accordance with
the service bulletin, and continue inspecting in accordance with
paragraph (a) of this AD.
Terminating Modification
(d) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, modify
the offwing escape slides (i.e., modifications, inspection, repair,
and repacking) in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-
1156, Revision 01, dated February 2, 1999. Modification of the
escape slides constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1156, Revision 01, dated
February 2, 1999, references Air Cruisers Service Bulletins 004-25-
37, Revision 2, dated May 29, 1996, and 004-25-42, dated September
16, 1996, as additional sources of service information for
accomplishment of the modification of the offwing escape slides.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) 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, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(f) 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.
Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 1999-232-132(B), dated June 2, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 7, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-26871 Filed 10-13-99; 8:45 am]
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