Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-622R Airplanes, and Model A310-324 and -325 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 243 (Thursday, December 18, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 70429-70430]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-31059]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-137-AD; Amendment 39-13389; AD 2003-25-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-
622R Airplanes, and Model A310-324 and -325 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 A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-622R 
airplanes, and Model A310-324 and -325 series airplanes, that are 
equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series engines. This AD requires 
replacement of the existing flexible hose assembly that connects the 
oil pressure transmitter to the main oil circuit, with a new improved 
tube assembly. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the oil 
pressure indicator and low-oil-pressure warning in the event of an 
engine fire, which could result in an unannounced shutdown of the 
engine. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective January 22, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of January 22, 2004.

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.

[[Page 70430]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1175; 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 A300 B4-622R 
and A300 F4-622R airplanes, and Model A310-324 and -325 series 
airplanes, that are equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4000 series 
engines, was published in the Federal Register on September 19, 2003 
(68 FR 54872). That action proposed to require replacement of the 
existing flexible hose assembly that connects the oil pressure 
transmitter to the main oil circuit, with a new improved tube assembly.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the single comment received. The commenter has no objection to the 
proposed AD.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 139 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 10 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the 
manufacturer at no charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $90,350, or $650 per 
airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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 cost impact figures discussed 
in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform 
the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures 
typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to 
gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

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

0
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

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2003-25-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-13389. Docket 2002-NM-137-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-622R airplanes, 
and Model A310-324 and -325 series airplanes, equipped with Pratt & 
Whitney PW4000 series engines; certificated in any category; except 
those on which Airbus Modification 12468 has been accomplished in 
production.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the oil pressure indicator and low-oil-
pressure warning in the event of an engine fire, which could result 
in an unannounced shutdown of the engine, accomplish the following:

Replacement

    (a) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
the existing flexible hose assembly, part number (P/N) 113286, that 
connects the oil pressure transmitter to the main oil circuit, with 
a new improved tube assembly, P/N 221-5318-501. Before further 
flight after the replacement, perform a test of the engine oil 
system. Do these actions according to the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the service bulletin specified in paragraph (a)(1) 
or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For Model A300 B4-622R and A300 F4-622R airplanes: Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-79-6003, dated January 31, 2002.
    (2) For Model A310-324 and -325 series airplanes: Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-79-2004, dated January 31, 2002.

    Note 1: Airbus Service Bulletins A300-79-6003 and A310-79-2004 
refer to Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin PW4NAC A79-21, dated 
October 15, 2001, as an additional source of service information for 
the replacement required by this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

    (c) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-79-6003, dated January 31, 2002; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-79-2004, dated January 31, 2002; 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 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2002-173(B), dated April 3, 2002.

Effective Date

    (d) This amendment becomes effective on January 22, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 5, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-31059 Filed 12-17-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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