[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 83 (Monday, April 29, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18665-18667]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-9932]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 94-NM-245-AD; Amendment 39-9576; AD 96-09-02]
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes two existing airworthiness
directives (AD), that are applicable to Airbus Model A310 and A300-600
series airplanes. One AD currently requires repetitive operational
tests of feel and limitation computers (FLC) 1 and 2; the other AD
requires replacement of certain FLC's on Model A300-600 series
airplanes. Those AD's were prompted by reports indicating that the
elevator control operated with stiffness. The actions specified by
those AD's are intended to prevent stiff operation of the elevator
control and undetected loss of rudder travel limitation function, which
could adversely affect the controllability of the airplane. This new
amendment requires installation of new FLC's, which terminates the
currently required repetitive operational tests. This amendment also
revises the applicability of the rule to delete airplanes on which
these new FLC's have been installed previously.
DATES: Effective May 29, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of May 29, 1996.
The incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT)
27-14, dated November 3, 1993, as listed in the regulations, was
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of
January 29, 1994 (59 FR 507, January 5 1994).
The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-
6025, dated September 15, 1993, as listed in the regulations, was
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of May
20, 1994 (59 FR 23133, May 5, 1994).
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 94-NM-245-AD, 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: Tom Groves, Aerospace Engineer,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)
227-1503; fax (206) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 93-24-51,
amendment 39-8783 (59 FR 507, January 5, 1994); and AD 94-09-16,
amendment 39-8905 (59 FR 23133, May 5, 1994); was published in the
Federal Register on January 19, 1996 (61 FR 1289). The previously-
issued AD's are applicable to Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series
airplanes. The proposal proposed to require installation of new feel
and limitation computers (FLC), which terminates the currently required
repetitive operational tests of those units. The proposal also proposed
to revise the applicability of the rule to delete airplanes on which
these new FLC's have been installed previously.
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the two comments received.
Both commenters support the proposal.
Recently, Airbus issued Revision 1 to Service Bulletin A300-27-
6026, dated August 31, 1995. This revision is essentially the same as
the original release of the service bulletin (dated May 5, 1994), which
was cited in the proposal as an appropriate source of service
information; Revision 1, however, contains certain editorial revisions
and an updated effectivity listing showing the current operators of the
affected airplanes. The FAA has revised the final rule to include
Revision 1 of this service bulletin as an additional source of service
information.
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change previously
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
The FAA estimates that approximately 55 Airbus Model A300-600 and
A310 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.
The operational tests of the FLC's, which were previously required
by AD 93-24-51 and retained in this AD, take approximately .5 work hour
per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators of the
required operational tests is estimated to be $1,650, or $30 per
airplane, per operational test.
Installation of the modified FLC's, as required by this new AD,
will take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be
provided by the manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these
figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators of this installation action
is estimated to be $16,500, or $300 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are 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.
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.
[[Page 18666]]
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:
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 removing amendment 39-8783 (59 FR
507, January 5, 1994), and amendment 39-8905 (59 FR 23133, May 5,
1994); and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-
9576, to read as follows:
96-09-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-9576. Docket 94-NM-245-AD. Supersedes
AD 93-24-51, amendment 39-8783; and AD 94-09-16, amendment 39-8905.
Applicability: Model A310 series airplanes on which
Modifications 10712 and 10668 were not incorporated during
production, or that are equipped with Feel and Limitation Computers
(FLC) having the part numbers listed below; and Model A300-600
series airplanes on which Modifications 10713 and 10667 were not
incorporated during production, or that are equipped with FLC's
having the part numbers listed below; certificated in any category.
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Airplane model- FLC part No.
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A310-..................................... 35-900-1008-009
- 35-900-1009-011
- 35-900-1011-011
- 35-900-1011-011-A
A300-600-................................. 35-900-2000-200
- 35-900-2000-201
- 35-900-2002-201
- 35-900-2002-201-A
- 35-900-3002-302
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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 (f)(1)
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 stiff operation of the elevator control and
undetected loss of rudder travel limitation function, which may
adversely affect controllability of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
(a) For all airplanes: Within 7 days after January 20, 1994 (the
effective date of AD 93-24-51, amendment 39-8783), perform an
operational test to verify proper operation of the Feel and
Limitation Computers (FLC) 1 and 2, in accordance with Airbus All
Operator Telex 27-14, dated November 2, 1993.
(1) If the operational test is successful, repeat the test at
intervals not to exceed 7 days until the requirements of paragraph
(c) or (d) of this AD, as applicable, are accomplished.
(2) If any FLC fails the operational test, prior to further
flight, accomplish the procedures specified in either paragraph (c)
or (d) of this AD, as applicable.
(b) Except as provided by paragraphs (c) and (d) of this AD: As
of January 20, 1994 (the effective date of AD 93-24-51, amendment
39-8783), no airplane shall be operated with an inoperative pitch
feel system or inoperative pitch feel fault lights.
(c) For Model A310 series airplanes: Within 6 months after the
effective date of this AD, replace or modify the currently installed
FLC's in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
Installation of FLC's that incorporate both Modifications 10668 and
10712 constitutes terminating action for the repetitive operational
tests of the FLC's required by paragraph (a) of this AD, and for the
operating limitations required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
(1) Install Modification 10668 in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A310-27-2068, Revision 1, dated March 16, 1994, or Revision
2, dated April 19, 1995. And
(2) Install Modification 10712 in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A310-27-2070, dated May 5, 1994.
(d) For Model A300-600 series airplanes: Accomplish the
requirements of paragraphs (d)(1), and (d)(2) of this AD.
Accomplishment of these actions constitutes terminating action for
the operational tests required by paragraph (a) of this AD, and for
the operating limitations required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
(1) Within 45 days after May 20, 1994 (the effective date of AD
94-09-16, amendment 39-8905), replace the FLC's, having part number
(P/N) 35-900-2000-200 or 35-900-2000-201, serial numbers 755 and
subsequent, with an FLC that has been previously modified, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6025, dated
September 15, 1993, or Revision 1, dated August 31, 1994.
(2) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, replace
or modify the FLC's in accordance with paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and
(d)(2)(ii) of this AD. Installation of FLC's that incorporate both
Modifications 10667 and 10713 constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive operational tests of the FLC's required by paragraph (a)
of this AD, and for the operating limitations required by paragraph
(b) of this AD.
(i) Install Modification 10667 in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-27-6025, dated September 15, 1993; or Revision 1,
dated August 31, 1994; or Revision 2, dated April 19, 1995. And Lori
Aliment (206) 227-2115.
(ii) Install Modification 10713 in accordance with Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-27-6026, dated May 5, 1994, or Revision 1,
dated August 31, 1995.
Note 2: The accomplishment of paragraph (d)(1) of this AD
entails installing FLC's that incorporate Modification 10667, as
does the accomplishment of paragraph (d)(2)(i). Paragraph (d)(2)(i)
is included in this AD because the list of part numbers of affected
FLC's in paragraph (d)(1), as well as in the parallel requirement of
AD 94-09-16, is not comprehensive. Additional affected FLC part
numbers were identified subsequent to the issuance of AD 94-09-16;
FLC's having those part numbers are subject to the requirements of
paragraph (d)(2) of this AD.
(e) As of the effective date of this AD, operational tests in
accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD may be discontinued on
modified FLC's having the part numbers listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1
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Airplane model- FLC part No.
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A310-..................................... 35-900-1010-011
-- 35-900-1012-011
-- 35-900-1012-011-A
A300-600-................................. 35-900-3004-302
-- 35-900-2001-201
-- 35-900-2003-201
-- 35-900-2003-201-A
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(f) (1) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,
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,
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved in accordance
with AD 93-24-51, amendment 398783; or AD 94-09-16, amendment 39-
8905, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with this
AD.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
(g) 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.
(h) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following
Airbus Service Bulletins, having the indicated list of effective
pages:
[[Page 18667]]
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Revision level shown
Service bulletin and date - Page No.- - on page Date shown on page
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All Operator Telex (AOT) 27-14, 1-4-................ (Original)-......... November 3, 1993.
November 3, 1993.
A310-27-2068, Revision 1, March 1, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10... 1................... March 16, 1994.
16, 1994. 2-3, 6, 11-......... (Original)-......... December 13, 1993.
A310-27-2068, Revision 2, April 1-2, 4-5............ 2................... April 19, 1995.
19, 1995. 7-10................ 1................... March 16, 1994.-
3, 6, 11............ (Original).......... December 13, 1993. -
A310-27-2070, May 5, 1994 -...... 1-11-............... (Original)-......... May 5, 1994.
A300-27-6025, September 15, 1993- 1-9-................ (Original)-......... September 15, 1993.
A300-27-6025, Revision 1, August 1-4--............... 1................... August 31, 1994.
31, 1994. 5-9 ---............. (Original).......... September 15, 1993.
A300-27-6025, Revision 2, April 1, 3--.............. 2................... April 19, 1995. -
19, 1995 -. 2, 4-............... 1-.................. August 31, 1994.
5-9................. (Original........... September 15, 1993.
A300-27-6026, May 5, 1994-....... 1-9-................ (Original)-......... May 5, 1994.
A300-27-6026, Revision 1, August 1-3--............... 1................... August 31, 1995.
31, 1995. 4-9--............... (Original).......... May 5, 1994.
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The incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operator Telex
(AOT) 27-14, dated November 3, 1993, was approved previously by the
Director of the Federal Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51, as of January 29, 1994 (59 FR 507, January 5,
1994). The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin
A300-27-6025, dated September 15, 1993, was approved previously by
the Director of the Federal Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51, as of May 20, 1994 (59 FR 23133, May 5,
1994). The incorporation by reference of the other service
bulletins, listed above, 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.
(i) This amendment becomes effective on May 29, 1996.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 17, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-9932 Filed 4-26-96; 8:45 am]
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