Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes; and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600)

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 216 (Tuesday, November 9, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64854-64856]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-24628]



[[Page 64854]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18603; Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-14-AD; 
Amendment 39-13850; AD 2004-22-22]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes; and 
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes; and Model C4-
605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), which applies to certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes; and 
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes; and Model C4-
605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600). That AD 
currently requires modifying the ram air turbine (RAT) by replacing the 
ejection jack. This new AD requires a one-time inspection of the RAT 
ejection jack to determine the part number, and further investigative 
and corrective actions if necessary. This AD is prompted by the 
discovery of a rupture in the housing of one of the RAT ejection jacks 
installed as specified in the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent rupture of the housing of the RAT ejection jack due to 
overpressure in the jack caused by overfilling the hydraulic fluid, and 
consequent failure of the RAT ejection jack. Failure of the ejection 
jack could result in a lack of hydraulic pressure or electrical power 
in an emergency.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 14, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
December 14, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed 
in the AD was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register on August 6, 2001 (66 FR 34798, July 2, 2001).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. You 
can examine this information at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    You can 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:
    Technical information: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer; 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
    Plain language information: Marcia Walters, [email protected].

Examining the Docket

    The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any final 
disposition. You can 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.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA proposed to amend part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR Part 39) with an AD to supersede 
AD 2001-13-16, amendment 39-12297, (66 FR 34798, July 2, 2001). The 
existing AD applies to certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes; and 
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes; and Model C4-
605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600). The proposed 
AD was published in the Federal Register on July 15, 2004 (69 FR 
42363), to require a one-time inspection of the RAT ejection jack to 
determine the part number, and further investigative and corrective 
actions if necessary.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been submitted on the proposed 
AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    We have revised the applicability of the AD to identify model 
designations as published in the most recent type certificate data 
sheet for the affected models.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the 
change described previously. We have determined that this change will 
neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the 
scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    AD 2001-13-16 affects about 117 airplanes of U.S. registry. The 
actions that are currently required by AD 2001-13-16 and retained in 
this AD take about 6 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate 
of $65 per work hour. There is no charge for required parts. Based on 
these figures, the estimated cost of the currently required actions for 
U.S. operators is $45,630, or $390 per airplane.
    This AD will affect approximately 149 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The new inspection will take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an 
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
estimated cost of the new actions specified in this AD for U.S. 
operators is $9,685, or $65 per airplane.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this 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, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,

[[Page 64855]]

the FAA amends 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-22-22 Airbus: Amendment 39-13850. Docket No. FAA-2004-18603; 
Directorate Identifier 2003-NM-14-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 
14, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2001-13-16, amendment 39-12297 (66 FR 
34798, July 2, 2001).

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A310 series airplanes; and 
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes; and Model 
C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600); 
certificated in any category; as listed in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-29-6050, Revision 02, dated April 16, 2003; or A310-29-2088, 
Revision 01, dated February 3, 2003.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by the discovery of a rupture in the 
housing of one of the ram air turbine (RAT) ejection jacks installed 
as specified in the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
rupture of the housing of the RAT ejection jack due to overpressure 
in the jack caused by overfilling the hydraulic fluid, and 
consequent failure of the RAT ejection jack. Failure of the ejection 
jack could result in a lack of hydraulic pressure or electrical 
power in an emergency.

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.

Requirements of AD 2001-13-16:

Modification

    (f) For airplanes on which Airbus Modification 12259 has not 
been accomplished: Within 34 months after August 6, 2001 (the 
effective date of AD 2001-13-16, amendment 39-12297), modify the RAT 
per Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2086, Revision 01 (for Model 
A310 series airplanes), or A300-29-6048, Revision 01 (for Model A300 
B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes; and Model C4-605R 
Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600)), both dated July 
12, 2000, as applicable.

    Note 1: Modification of the RAT accomplished prior to August 6, 
2001, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2086 or 
A300-29-6048, both dated April 6, 2000, as applicable, is considered 
acceptable for compliance with the action specified in paragraph (f) 
of this AD.

Parts Installation

    (g) As of August 6, 2001, no person may install on any airplane 
an ejection jack, part number 730820, unless it has been modified 
per paragraph (f) of this AD.

    Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2086 and A300-29-6048, 
both Revision 01, refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin No. 
ERPS03/04EJ-29-1, as an additional source of service information for 
accomplishment of the modification of the RAT and testing of the 
modified RAT.

New Requirements of This AD:

Inspection

    (h) Within 2,500 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD: Inspect the RAT ejection jack to determine the part number (P/
N), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable Airbus service bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD. If 
the P/N can be determined and is neither 772652 nor 772654, no 
further action is required by this paragraph.

                      Table 1.--Service Information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         For this airplane model--           Airbus Service  Bulletin--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series    A300-29-6050, Revision 02,
 airplanes; and Model C4-605R Variant F      dated April 16, 2003.
 airplanes (collectively called A300-600).
A310 series airplanes.....................  A310-29-2088, Revision 01,
                                             dated February 3, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletins A300-29-6050 and A310-29-2088 
refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS03/04EJ-29-2, 
dated May 8, 2002, as an additional source of service information 
for identifying subject RAT ejection jacks and performing the 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions.

Related Investigative and Corrective Actions (If Necessary)

    (i) If the P/N on the RAT ejection jack is either 772652 or 
772654, or if the P/N cannot be determined: Before further flight, 
accomplish all applicable related investigative and corrective 
actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
applicable Airbus service bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD.

Actions Accomplished Previously

    (j) Inspections and related investigative and corrective actions 
done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-29-6050 (for Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and 
F4-600R series airplanes; and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes 
(collectively called A300-600)) or A310-29-2088 (for Model A310 
series airplanes), both dated July 23, 2002, as applicable, are 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) 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.

Related Information

    (l) French airworthiness directive 2002-638(B), dated December 
24, 2002, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use the service information that is specified in 
Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise:

[[Page 64856]]



              Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Service bulletin                   Revision level          Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-    01............................  July
 6048.                                                              12,
                                                                    2000
                                                                     .
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-    02............................  Apri
 6050, excluding Appendix 01.                                        l
                                                                    16,
                                                                    2003
                                                                     .
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-    01............................  July
 2086.                                                              12,
                                                                    2000
                                                                     .
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-    01............................  Febr
 2088, excluding Appendix 01.                                       uary
                                                                    3,
                                                                    2003
                                                                     .
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6050, 
Revision 02, excluding Appendix 01, dated April 16, 2003; and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-29-2088, Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, 
dated February 3, 2003; in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-29-6048, Revision 01, dated July 12, 2000; and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-29-2086, Revision 01, dated July 12, 2000, was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
August 6, 2001 (66 FR 34798, July 2, 2001).
    (3) For copies of the service information, contact Airbus, 1 
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. For 
information on the availability of this material at the National 
Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or 
go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may view the AD docket at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 
Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 20, 2004.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-24628 Filed 11-8-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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