[Federal Register: May 17, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 95)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 28611-28615]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr17my06-14]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-24779; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-044-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes; Model A310
Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes
and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600
Series Airplanes)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and Model A310 airplanes and for
certain Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes. This proposed AD would
require an inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if
certain P-clips are installed and corrective action if necessary. This
proposed AD also would require an inspection of electrical bonding
points of certain equipment in the center fuel tank for the presence of
a blue coat and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. This proposed AD also would require installation of new
bonding leads and electrical bonding points on certain equipment in the
wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, as necessary. This proposed AD
results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are
proposing this AD to ensure continuous electrical bonding protection of
equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks and to prevent
damage to wiring in the wing and center fuel tanks, due to failed P-
clips used for retaining the wiring and pipes, which could result in a
possible fuel ignition source in the fuel tanks.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 16, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France,
[[Page 28612]]
for service information identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
24779; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-044-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel
tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the
adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes
subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for
fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a
regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review,
Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements''
(67 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards
for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule
included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88,''
Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82 and 21-83).
Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e.,
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four criteria
intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel tank
systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of operating
time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable conditions is one
of these criteria. The other three criteria address the failure types
under evaluation: Single failures, single failures in combination with
a latent condition(s), and in-service failure experience. For all four
criteria, the evaluations included consideration of previous actions
taken that may mitigate the need for further action.
The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) has issued a regulation that
is similar to SFAR 88. (The JAA is an associated body of the European
Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) representing the civil aviation
regulatory authorities of a number of European States who have agreed
to co-operate in developing and implementing common safety regulatory
standards and procedures.) Under this regulation, the JAA stated that
all members of the ECAC that hold type certificates for transport
category airplanes are required to conduct a design review against
explosion risks.
We have determined that the actions identified in this AD are
necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and A310
airplanes and on certain Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series
airplanes and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called
A300-600 series airplanes). The DGAC advises that the inserts on
NSA5516-XXND and NSA5516-XXNJ type P-clips, which are used to retain
wiring and pipes in wing and center fuel tanks, may swell and soften
when immersed in fuel or fuel vapor. Investigation revealed that failed
P-clips could chafe through the insulation of the wiring. Damage to
wiring in the wing and center fuel tanks, if not corrected, could
result in a possible fuel ignition source in the fuel tanks.
The DGAC advises that, as a result of fuel system reviews conducted
by the manufacturer, continuous electrical bonding protection of
equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, as applicable, is
also necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition of this AD is
addressed.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus service
Airbus-- bulletin-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A300 airplanes........................... A300-28-0079 September 29, 2005.
A300-28-0081 July 20, 2005.
Model A310 airplanes........................... A310-28-2142 August 26, 2005.
A310-28-2143 July 20, 2005.
A310-28-2153 July 20, 2005.
[[Page 28613]]
Model A300-600 series airplanes................ A300-28-6064 July 28, 2005.
A300-28-6068 July 20, 2005.
A300-28-6077 July 25, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletins A300-28-0081, A300-28-6068, and A310-28-2143
describe procedures for inspecting the left and right wing fuel tanks
and center fuel tank to determine if any NSA5516-XXND and NSA5516-XXNJ
type P-clips are installed for retaining wiring and pipes in any tank
and corrective action if necessary. The corrective action is to replace
any NSA5516-XXND and NSA5516-XXNJ type P-clips with NSA5516-XXNF type
P-clips.
Service Bulletins A300-28-0079, A300-28-6064, and A310-28-2142
describe procedures for checking the electrical bonding points of
certain equipment in the center fuel tank for the presence of a blue
coat and doing related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. The related investigative action is to measure the
electrical resistance between the equipment and structure, if a blue
coat is not present. The corrective action is to electrically bond the
equipment, if the measured resistance is greater than 10 milliohms.
Service Bulletins A300-28-0079, A300-28-6064, and A310-28-2142 also
describe procedures for installing new bonding leads and electrical
bonding points on certain equipment in the left and right wing fuel
tanks and center fuel tank.
Service Bulletin A310-28-2153 describes procedures for installing
new bonding lead(s) on the water drain system of the trim fuel tank and
installing electrical bonding points on the ventilation intake system,
vent float valves, ventilation system at numerous positions, water
drain valve, water drain system, adapter-bulkhead, indicator-magnetic
level, and scavenger fuel pump of the trim fuel tank.
Service Bulletin A300-28-6077 describes procedures for installing
new bonding lead(s) on the water drain system of the trim fuel tank and
installing electrical bonding points on the ventilation intake system,
vent float valves, ventilation system at numerous positions, water
drain valve, water drain system, adapter-bulkhead, and indicator-
magnetic level of the trim fuel tank, for configuration 01 and 02
airplanes. Service Bulletin A300-28-6077 also describes procedures for
installing electrical bonding points on the scavenger fuel pump of the
trim fuel tank on configuration 03 airplanes and installing electrical
bonding on the ventilation intake system of the trim fuel tank on
configuration 04 airplanes.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated
the service information and issued airworthiness directive F-2006-031,
dated February 1, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in France.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
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. We have examined the DGAC's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to
issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between
the Proposed AD and French Airworthiness Directive.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and French Airworthiness Directive
The applicability of French airworthiness directive F-2006-031
excludes A300 airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletins A300-28-0079
and A300-28-0081 were accomplished in service. French airworthiness
directive F-2006-031 also excludes A310 airplanes on which Airbus
Service Bulletins A310-28-2142 and A310-28-2143 were accomplished in
service and, for airplanes equipped with trim fuel tanks, on which
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2153 was accomplished in service.
However, we have not excluded those airplanes in the applicability of
this proposed AD; rather, this proposed AD includes a requirement to
accomplish the actions specified in those service bulletins, as
applicable. This requirement would ensure that the actions specified in
the service bulletins and required by this proposed AD are accomplished
on all affected airplanes. Operators must continue to operate the
airplane in the configuration required by this proposed AD unless an
alternative method of compliance is approved. These differences have
been coordinated with the DGAC.
The applicability of French airworthiness directive F-2006-031
excludes A300-600 airplanes not equipped with trim fuel tanks that have
received Airbus Modifications 12308 and 12495 in production. French
airworthiness directive F-2006-031 also excludes A300-600 airplanes
equipped with trim fuel tanks that have received Airbus Modifications
12308, 12495, 12294, and 12476 in production. However, the DGAC has
informed us that the applicability of French airworthiness directive F-
2006-031 should have excluded A300-600 airplanes not equipped with trim
fuel tanks on which Airbus Modifications 12226, 12365, and 12308 have
been incorporated in production and A300-600 airplanes equipped with
trim fuel tanks on which Airbus Modifications 12226, 12365, 12308,
12294, and 12476 have been incorporated in production; therefore, we
have excluded these airplanes in the applicability of this proposed AD.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
The ``inspection'' specified in Service Bulletins A300-28-0081,
A300-28-6068, and A310-28-2143 and the ``check'' specified in Service
Bulletins A300-28-0079, A300-28-6064, and A310-28-2142 are referred to
as a ``general visual inspection'' in this proposed AD. We have
included the definition for a detailed inspection in a note in this
proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 29 Model A300 airplanes, 63 Model 310 airplanes,
and 102 Model A300-600 series airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, at
an average labor rate of $80 per hour, for U.S. operators to comply
with this proposed AD. For some actions, the estimated work hours and
cost of parts in the following table depend on the airplane
configuration.
[[Page 28614]]
Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Work U.S.-
Model Action hours Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 airplanes................... Inspect wing and 40 None.................... $3,200 29 $92,800
center fuel tanks
for P-clips.
Install bonding 136-155 $3,800-$5,200........... $14,680-$17,600 29 $425,720-$510,400
leads/points in
wing and center
fuel tank.
A310 airplanes................... Inspect wing and 40 None.................... $3,200 63 $201,600
center fuel tanks
for P-clips.
Install bonding 248-285 $8,840-$9,190........... $28,680-$31,990 63 $1,806,840-$2,015,370
leads/points in
wing and center
fuel tank.
Inspect and install 53-61 $50-$70................. $4,290-$4,950 63 $270,270-$311,850
bonding leads/
points in the trim
fuel tank.
A300-600 series airplanes........ Inspect wing and 40 None.................... $3,200 102 $326,400
center fuel tanks ......... ........................ .................. ............ .........................
for P-clips. 157-185 $8,840-$9,190........... $21,400-$23,990 102 $2,182,800-$2,446,980
Install bonding
leads/points in
wing and center
fuel tank.
Inspect and install 2-61 $50-$70................. $210-$4,950 102 $21,420-$504,900
bonding leads/
points in the trim
fuel tank.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 have 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 that the 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. 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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
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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2006-24779; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
044-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by June 16,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) All Model A300 airplanes and Model A310 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes;
Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-
622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; except
those airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of
this AD.
(i) Airplanes not equipped with trim fuel tanks on which Airbus
Modifications 12226, 12365, and 12308 have been incorporated in
production.
(ii) Airplanes equipped with trim fuel tanks on which Airbus
Modifications 12226, 12365, 12308, 12294, and 12476 have been
incorporated in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to ensure continuous electrical
bonding protection of equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel
tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing and center fuel
tanks, due to failed P-clips used for retaining the wiring and
pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the
fuel tanks.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
[[Page 28615]]
Service Bulletin References
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin identified in
Table 1 of this AD, as applicable.
Table 1.--Service Bulletin References
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And the actions Airbus service
For Airbus-- specified in-- bulletin-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A300 airplanes................ paragraph (g) of this A300-28-0081 July 20, 2005.
AD.
paragraph (h) of this A300-28-0079 September 29, 2005.
AD.
Model A310 airplanes................ paragraph (g) of this A310-28-2143 July 20, 2005.
AD.
paragraph (h) of this A310-28-2142 August 26, 2005.
AD.
paragraph (i) of this A310-28-2153 July 20, 2005.
AD.
Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, paragraph (g) of this A300-28-6068 July 20, 2005.
and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4- AD.
605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model
A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes;
and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes.
paragraph (h) of this A300-28-6064 July 28, 2005.
AD.
paragraph (i) of this A300-28-6077 July 25, 2005.
AD.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and Corrective Actions
(g) Within 59 months after the effective date of this AD: Do a
general visual inspection of the right and left wing fuel tanks and
center fuel tank, if applicable, to determine if any NSA5516-XXND
and NSA5516-XXNJ type P-clips are installed for retaining wiring and
pipes in any tank, and do all applicable corrective actions before
further flight after the inspection, by accomplishing all the
actions specified in the service bulletin.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for Wing and Center Fuel Tanks
(h) Within 59 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the
actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, by
accomplishing all the actions specified in the service bulletin.
(1) In the center fuel tank, if applicable, do a general visual
inspection of the electrical bonding points of the equipment
identified in the service bulletin for the presence of a blue coat,
and do all related investigative and corrective actions before
further flight after the inspection.
(2) In the left and right wing fuel tanks and center fuel tank,
if applicable, install bonding leads and electrical bonding points
on the equipment identified in the service bulletin.
Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for the Trim Fuel Tank
(i) For Model A310 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620,
and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes;
Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R
Variant F airplanes; equipped with a trim fuel tank: Within 59
months after the effective date of this AD, install a new bonding
lead(s) on the water drain system of the trim fuel tank and install
electrical bonding points on the equipment identified in the service
bulletin in the trim fuel tank, by accomplishing all the actions
specified in the service bulletin, as applicable.
Parts Installation
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
any NSA5516-XXND or NSA5516-XXNJ type P-clip for retaining wiring
and pipes in any wing, center, or trim fuel tank, on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(l) French airworthiness directive F-2006-031, dated February 1,
2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-7481 Filed 5-16-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P