Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 57 (Thursday, March 23, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15534-15536]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-6160]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-349-AD; Amendment 39-11631; AD 2000-05-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, 
and A340 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 
series airplanes, that requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual to 
provide the flight crew with certain instructions associated with the 
Global Positioning System (GPS). This amendment also requires 
modification of the Global Positioning System Signal Unit (GPSSU) of 
the satellite navigational system. This amendment is prompted by 
issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign 
civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are 
intended to prevent position and altitude errors due to bad oscillator 
warm-up characteristics of the GPSSU, which could result in 
navigational errors that may exceed 0.5 nautical mile.

DATES: Effective April 27, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 27, 2000.

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, 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: 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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, 
A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on January 10, 2000 (65 FR 1350). That action proposed to 
require revising the Airplane Flight Manual to provide the flight crew 
with certain instructions associated with the Global Positioning System 
(GPS). That action also proposed to require modification of the Global 
Positioning System Signal Unit (GPSSU) of the satellite navigational 
system.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

[[Page 15535]]

Explanation of Change Made

    Paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(3)(i) of this AD have been changed to 
correct typographical errors that resulted in references to an 
incorrect service bulletin number. Paragraph (b)(3) of the proposed 
rule references ``Airbus Service Bulletin A30-34-4089, Revision 01, 
dated September 28, 1999'' as the appropriate source of service 
information for accomplishment of the modification required by 
paragraph (b) of the AD. Paragraph (b)(3)(i) of the proposed rule 
incorrectly references ``Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-4089, Revision 
01, dated September 28, 1999.'' This AD references the appropriate 
service bulletin as ``Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4089, Revision 
01, dated September 28, 1999, for accomplishment of the modification 
required by paragraph (b) of this AD.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, the FAA has determined 
that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the 
rule with the change described previously. The FAA has determined that 
this change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator 
nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 1 airplane of U.S. registry will be affected 
by this AD.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the required Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) revision, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AFM revision required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to 
be $60, or $60 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish 
the required modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the modification 
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $60, or $60 
per airplane.
    It will take between 3 to 14 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the additional modifications required to be accomplished prior to or 
concurrent with the required modification, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work. Required parts will be provided by the vendor or 
manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the additional modifications required by this AD on U.S. 
operators is estimated to be between $180 to $840 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 adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    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.

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 adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2000-05-21  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11631. Docket 99-NM-349-
AD.

    Applicability: Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, as follows:
    1. Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes on which Airbus 
Modification 28578 (Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1191, dated July 
12, 1999), or Airbus Modification 28579 (Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-34-1196, dated July 15) has not been accomplished; equipped 
with a LITTON Global Positioning Satellite Signal Unit (GPSSU) 
having Part Number (P/N) 465205-0302-0303 installed in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1119 (Airbus Modification 
23885).
    2. Model A330 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 
46961 (Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3082, Revision 01, dated 
September 28, 1999), or Airbus Modification 47327 (Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-34-3086, Revision 01, dated September 28, 1999) has 
not been accomplished; equipped with a LITTON GPSSU having P/N 
465205-0302-0302 or 465205-0302-0303.
    3. Model A340 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 
46961 (Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4089, Revision 01, dated 
September 28, 1999), or Airbus Modification 47327 (Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-34-4092, Revision 01, dated September 28, 1999) has 
not been accomplished; equipped with a LITTON GPSSU having P/N 
465205-0302-0302 or 465205-0302-0303.

    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 (d) 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 position and altitude errors due to bad oscillator 
warm-up characteristics of the GPSSU, which could result in 
navigational errors that may exceed 0.5 nautical mile, accomplish 
the following:
    AFM Revision
    (a) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations
    Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to 
include the following procedures. This may be accomplished by 
inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
``Operation:
    --GPS Stand-alone and GPS overlay non-precision approaches are 
not allowed.
    --The GPS must be deselected before non-precision approach.
    --The GPS must be deselected for the remainder of the flight if 
`NAV FM/GPS POS DISAGREE' ECAM warning is triggered (in all phases 
of flight).
Dispatch:
    --If one GPS is inoperative, GPS must be deselected.''

    Note 2: The AFM revision may be accomplished by inserting a copy 
of Airbus Temporary Revision (TR) 2.05.00/40 (for Model A319, A320, 
and A321 series airplanes); TR 2.05.00/38 (for Model A330 series 
airplanes); or TR2.05.00/47 (for A340 series airplanes); into the 
applicable AFM.


[[Page 15536]]



Modification

    (b) Within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the GPSSU of the satellite navigational system, in accordance with 
(b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3) of this AD, as applicable. After 
accomplishment of the modification, the AFM revision required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM.
    (1) For Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes: Modify the 
GPSSU in accordance with either Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-
1191, dated July 12, 1999, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1196, 
dated July 15, 1999.
    (i) If modification of the GPSSU is accomplished in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1191, prior to or concurrent 
with accomplishment of the modification, accomplish either Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-34-1119, Revision 02, dated April 30, 1997, or 
A320-34-1196, dated July 15, 1999.
    (ii) If modification of the GPSSU is accomplished in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1196, prior to or concurrent 
with accomplishment of the modification, accomplish Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-34-1119, Revision 02, dated April 30, 1997.
    (2) For Model A330 series airplanes: Modify the GPSSU in 
accordance with either Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3082, 
Revision 01, dated September 28, 1999, or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-34-3086, Revision 01, dated September 28, 1999.
    (i) If modification of the GPSSU is accomplished in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3082, Revision 01, prior to or 
concurrent with accomplishment of the modification, accomplish 
either Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3015, dated April 3, 1995, or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3086, Revision 01, dated September 
28, 1999.
    (ii) If modification of the GPSSU is accomplished in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3086, Revision 01, prior to or 
concurrent with accomplishment of the modification, accomplish 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3015, dated April 3, 1995.
    (3) For Model A340 series airplanes: Modify the GPSSU in 
accordance with either Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4089, 
Revision 01, dated September 28, 1999, or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-34-4092, Revision 01, dated September 28, 1999.
    (i) If modification of the GPSSU is accomplished in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4089, Revision 01, prior to or 
concurrent with accomplishment of the modification, accomplish 
either Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4022, dated April 3, 1995, or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4092, Revision 01, dated September 
28, 1999.
    (ii) If modification of the GPSSU is accomplished in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4092, Revision 01, prior to or 
concurrent with accomplishment of the modification, accomplish 
either Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4022, dated April 3, 1995, or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A340-34-4078, Revision 01, dated November 
26, 1999, including Appendix 01, dated November 26, 1999.

    Note 3: The Airbus service bulletins reference LITTON Service 
Bulletin 2001-34-13, dated July 8, 1999, and LITTON Service Bulletin 
2001-34-14, dated July 5, 1999, as additional sources of service 
information for modifying the GPSSU.

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a GPSSU having P/N 465205-0302-0302 or 465205-0302-
0303.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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 and 
Operations 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

    (e) 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.
    (f) Except as provided by paragraph (a) of this AD, the actions 
shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-
1191, dated July 12, 1999; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1196, 
dated July 15, 1999; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1119, Revision 
02, dated April 30, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A330-34-3082, 
Revision 01, dated September 28, 1999; Airbus Service Bulletin A330-
34-3086, Revision 01, dated September 28, 1999; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-34-3015, dated April 3, 1995; Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-34-4089, Revision 01, dated September 28, 1999; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A340-34-4022, dated April 3, 1995; Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-34-4092, Revision 01, dated September 28, 1999; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-34-4078, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, 
dated November 26, 1999; as applicable. This incorporation by 
reference 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.

    Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 1999-361-138(B), dated September 8, 1999; 
1999-354-101(B), dated September 8, 1999; and 1999-355-123(B), dated 
September 8, 1999; in order to assure the continued airworthiness of 
these airplanes in France.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 27, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 8, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-6160 Filed 3-22-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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