[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 114 (Tuesday, June 13, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37084-37087]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-14884]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2000-NM-96-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 and A300-600 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 and
A300-600 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive
inspections to detect chafing and the existence of repairs of the
harness of the high-level sensor of the fuel surge tanks, and to detect
chafe marks on the support canisters of the magnetic level indicators;
and follow-on corrective actions, if necessary. This proposal also
would require modification of the harness for the high-level sensor of
the outer wing fuel tanks, which would terminate certain repetitive
inspections. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness
authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to
prevent chafing of the harness of the high-level sensor, which could
result in a short circuit and consequent fuel ignition source inside
the outer wing fuel tanks.
DATES: Comments must be received by July 13, 2000.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-96-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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, 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
[[Page 37085]]
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 2000-NM-96-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. 2000-NM-96-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A300 and A300-600 series
airplanes. The DGAC advises that maintenance personnel found a chafed
harness (cable) in the outer wing fuel tank. The harness is routed to
the surge tank high-level sensor. Investigation revealed that clipping
and routing of the cable (wiring) coupled with excessive slack of the
cable between the ``P'' clips allows the cable to chafe against the
support canister for the magnetic level indicator. Such chafing, if not
corrected, could result in a short circuit and consequent fuel ignition
source inside the outer wing fuel tank.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The manufacturer has issued Airbus Service Bulletins A300-28-0077
(for Model A300 series airplanes), and A300-28-6062 (for Model A300-600
series airplanes), each dated July 19, 1999. These service bulletins
describe procedures for repetitive inspections to detect chafing and
the existence of repairs of the harness of the high-level sensor of the
fuel surge tanks, and to detect chafe marks on the support canisters of
the magnetic level indicators; and follow-on corrective actions, if
necessary. The follow-on corrective actions involve removing original
repairs, if necessary, and accomplishing a splice repair and installing
sleeves to the inner and outer cable coverings. The service bulletins
categorize the repairs as either temporary or permanent depending upon
the location of the repair and whether certain previous repairs were
accomplished. In addition, the follow-on corrective actions include a
repetitive visual inspection of the harness to ensure the integrity of
the repair. This inspection would be performed if certain conditions
(e.g., any temporary repairs) exist.
The manufacturer also has issued Airbus Service Bulletins A300-28-
0058, Revision 02 (for Model A300 series airplanes), and A300-28-6020,
Revision 01 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), each dated September
28, 1999. These service bulletins describe procedures for modification
of the harness for the high-level sensor in the outer wing fuel tanks.
The modification involves re-routing the cables and installing longer
cleats and reversing the ``P'' clips that support the cables. This
modification will prevent the cables from sagging and ensure adequate
clearance between the cables and the support canisters of the magnetic
level indicators. Accomplishment of the modification eliminates the
need for certain repetitive inspections of the harness of the high-
level sensor of the fuel surge tanks. However, the modification does
not eliminate the need for the 10,000-flight-hour detailed visual
inspections specified in the follow-on corrective actions, following
the accomplishment of any temporary repairs.
The DGAC classified Airbus Service Bulletins A300-28-0077 and A300-
28-6062 as mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 1999-
404-293(B), dated October 6, 1999, in order to assure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the
applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would require repetitive
inspections to detect chafing and the existence of repairs of the wire
harnesses of the high-level sensors; and to detect chafe marks on the
support canisters of the magnetic level indicators; and follow-on
corrective actions, if necessary. This proposal also would require
modification of the harness for the high-level sensor of the outer wing
fuel tanks, which would terminate certain repetitive inspections. The
actions would be required to be accomplished in accordance with the
service bulletins described previously, except as discussed below.
Difference Between Proposed AD and Related Service Information
Operators should note that this AD proposes to mandate, within 18
months, the modification of the harness of the high-level sensor of the
outer wing fuel tanks described in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-
0058, Revision 02, or A300-28-6020, as terminating action for certain
repetitive inspections. [Incorporation of the terminating action is
optional in French airworthiness directive 1999-404-293(B).]
The FAA has determined that long-term continued operational safety
will be better assured by design changes to remove the source of the
problem, rather than by repetitive inspections. Long-term inspections
may not provide 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 37 series airplanes of U.S. registry would
be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1
work hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed repetitive detailed
visual inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,220, or $60 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
It would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the proposed modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,220, or $60 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of
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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 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132.
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, 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 2000-NM-96-AD.
Applicability: Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes,
certificated in any category; except those airplanes on which Airbus
Modification 04489 has been installed during production.
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 (b) 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 chafing of the wire harnesses of the high-level
sensors, which could result in a short circuit and consequent fuel
ignition source inside the outer wing fuel tanks, accomplish the
following:
Detailed Visual Inspection
(a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,
perform a detailed visual inspection to detect chafing and the
existence of repairs of the harness (cable) of the high-level sensor
of the fuel surge tanks, and to detect chafe marks on the support
canisters of the magnetic level indicators; in accordance with
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0077 (for Model A300 series
airplanes), or A300-28-6062 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes),
each dated July 19, 1999, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes on which modification of the harness in
accordance the Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0058 (for Model A300
series airplanes), or A300-28-6020 (for Model A300-600 series
airplanes), as applicable; has NOT been accomplished: Accomplish the
requirements of paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Repeat the detailed visual inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours until the requirements of
paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD are accomplished. If any wire
chafing, chafe mark, or existing repair is detected during any
inspection, prior to further flight, determine the appropriate
repair and/or condition of repair as specified in Inspection Table 1
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
28-0077 or A300-28-6062, as applicable. At the times specified in
Inspection Table I, accomplish corrective actions (e.g., temporary
or permanent repairs and follow-on inspections and repairs), in
accordance with the applicable service bulletin. If any discrepancy
is found during any follow-on inspection, prior to further flight,
repair the discrepancy in accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
(ii) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD,
modify the harness of the high-level sensor in the outer wing fuel
tanks, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0058,
Revision 02 (for Model A300 series airplanes), or A300-28-6020,
Revision 01 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); each dated
September 28, 1999. Accomplishment of the modification terminates
the 500-flight-hour repetitive inspection required by paragraph
(a)(1) of this AD. However, if a temporary repair is installed, the
10,000-flight-hour detailed visual inspection specified in the
follow-on corrective actions of Table 1 continues to be required by
this AD.
(2) For airplanes on which modification of the harness in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0058 (for Model A300
series airplanes), or A300-28-6020 (for Model A300-600 series
airplanes); as applicable; HAS been accomplished: Accomplish the
requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii), as applicable.
(i) If no wire chafing, chafe marks, or existing repairs are
detected, no further action is required by this AD.
(ii) If any wire chafing, chafe mark, or existing repair is
detected, prior to further flight, determine the appropriate repair
and/or condition of repair as specified in Inspection Table 2 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0077
or A300-28-6062, as applicable. At the times specified in Inspection
Table 2, accomplish corrective actions (e.g., temporary or permanent
repairs and follow-on inspections), in accordance with the
applicable service bulletin. If any discrepancy is found during any
follow-on inspection, prior to further flight, repair the
discrepancy in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
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 mirrors, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''
Note 3: Modification accomplished prior to the effective date of
this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-0058,
dated December 15, 1988, Revision 01, dated October 1, 1991 (for
Model A300 series airplanes), or A300-28-6020, dated December 15,
1988 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), is considered acceptable
for compliance with the action specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of
this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(b) 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
(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs.
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.
[[Page 37087]]
Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 1999-404-293(B), dated October 6, 1999.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 7, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-14884 Filed 6-12-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U