[Federal Register: July 15, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 135)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 42368-42370]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr15jy04-17]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18602; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-160-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series
Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, and F4-
600R (Collectively Called A300-600) Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; and certain
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, and F4-600R
(collectively called A300-600) series airplanes. This proposed AD would
require an inspection of the skin panels of the wing slats for damage
and certain repairs, and applicable related investigative/corrective
actions if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by the results of an
engineering evaluation that revealed that several repairs and some
allowable damage limits specified in the structural repair manuals do
not provide adequate static and/or fatigue strength for repaired wing
slats. We are proposing this AD to find and fix previously done repairs
of the wing slats that have inadequate static and/or fatigue strength,
which, if not corrected, could result in loss of the slats and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 16, 2004.
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.
By 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.
You can get the service information identified in this proposed AD
from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France.
You may examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18602;
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-160-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 submitted 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 our
docket website, 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.
We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of
our communications that affect you. You can get more information about
plain language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.Examining
the Docket
You may examine the AD docket 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 DMS
receives them.
Discussion
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 B2 and B4 series
airplanes; and certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R
Variant F, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes.
The DGAC advises that the results of an engineering evaluation revealed
that several repairs and some allowable damage limits specified in the
structural repair manuals do not provide
[[Page 42369]]
adequate static and/or fatigue strength for repaired wing slats. Such
inadequate static and/or fatigue strength, if not corrected, could
result in loss of the slats and consequent reduced controllability of
the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-57-6092, Revision 2, dated
November 21, 2002 (for Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F,
and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series airplanes); and
Service Bulletin A300-57-0238, Revision 2, dated November 21, 2002 (for
Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes). The service bulletins describe
procedures for a detailed inspection of the skin panels of the wing
slats for damage and certain repairs, and applicable related
investigative/corrective actions if necessary. The related
investigative actions include inspecting repaired slats to determine
the pitch of repair fasteners. The corrective actions include
contacting Airbus for certain repair instructions or repairing in
accordance with the applicable structural repair manual. We have
determined that accomplishment of the actions specified in the service
information will adequately address the unsafe condition. The DGAC
mandated the service information and issued French airworthiness
directive 2003-086(B), effective March 15, 2003, 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
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. According 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 AD action is
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require doing the
actions specified in the applicable service bulletin described
previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between the
Proposed AD and Service Bulletins.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and Service Bulletins
Although the service bulletins specify that operators may contact
the manufacturer for disposition of damage in certain areas, this
proposed AD would require operators to repair those damaged areas in
accordance with a method approved by either the FAA or the DGAC (or its
delegated agent). In addition, the applicable service bulletin
specifies that the related investigative action does not need to be
done for any repair that has a Repair Approval Sheet (RAS) or specific
Airbus approval. We have determined that, for any repair that has a
specific Airbus approval other than an RAS signed by the DGAC (or its
delegated agent), this proposed AD would require accomplishing the
related investigative action. These actions are consistent with
existing bilateral airworthiness agreements.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 120 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 3 work hours per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $23,400, or
$195 per airplane.
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. 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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2004-18602; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-
160-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by August 16, 2004.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1.--Applicability
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Model Serial numbers
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A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes............ All.
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, C4-605R Variant F, 796 and earlier.
and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600)
series airplanes.
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by the results of an engineering
evaluation that revealed that several repairs and some allowable
damage limits specified in the structural repair manuals do not
provide adequate static and/or fatigue strength for repaired wing
slats. We are issuing this AD to find and fix previously done
repairs of the wing slats that have inadequate static and/or fatigue
strength, which, if not corrected, could result in loss of the slats
and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
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.
Service Bulletins
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
listed in Table 2 of this AD.
[[Page 42370]]
Table 2.--Service Bulletins
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For model Airbus service bulletin
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(1) A300-600 series airplanes.......... A300-57-6092, Revision 02,
dated November 21, 2002.
(2) A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes.... A300-57-0238, Revision 02,
dated November 21, 2002.
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Inspection and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions
(g) Within 18 months or 1,500 flight cycles from the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a detailed inspection of
the skin panels of the wing slats for damage and certain repairs,
and do all applicable related investigative/corrective actions, by
accomplishing all the actions in the applicable service bulletin. Do
the actions in accordance with the service bulletin, except as
required by paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD. Do any related
investigative/corrective action before further flight.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
``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.''
Differences Between AD and Service Bulletin
(h) If any damage is detected during the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, and the service bulletin recommends
contacting Airbus for appropriate action: Before further flight,
repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate;
or the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC)
(or its delegated agent).
(i) If any repair that has a specific Airbus approval other than
an Repair Approval Sheet signed by the DGAC (or its delegated agent)
is found during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
and the service bulletin specifies that the related investigative
action is not necessary: Before further flight, do the applicable
related investigative/corrective actions required by paragraph (g)
of this AD.
(j) Where there are differences between this AD and the service
bulletin, the AD prevails.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(l) French airworthiness directive 2003-086(B), effective March
15, 2003, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 8, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-16029 Filed 7-14-04; 8:45 am]
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