Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6547-6549]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-2682]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-284-AD; Amendment 39-13469; AD 2004-03-25]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 
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 A330 and A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections for proper installation 
of the parachute pins located in the escape slides/rafts at the door 3 
Type I emergency exits on the left and right sides of the airplane; a 
one-time inspection of the associated electrical harnesses for the 
escape slides/rafts for proper routing and installation; and corrective 
actions if necessary. This AD also requires adjustment of the speed 
lacing for the soft covers of the escape slides/rafts, which will 
terminate the repetitive inspections. This action is necessary to 
prevent failure of the escape slides/rafts to deploy correctly at door 
3 Type I emergency exits, which could result in the escape slides/rafts 
being unusable during an emergency evacuation, and consequent injury to 
passengers or crew members. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective March 17, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 17, 2004.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus, 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: 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: 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 A330 and 
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes was published in the Federal 
Register on December 5, 2003 (68 FR 67984). That action proposed to 
require repetitive inspections for proper installation of the parachute 
pins located in the escape slides/rafts at the door 3 Type I emergency 
exits on the left and right sides of the airplane; a one-time 
inspection of the associated electrical harnesses for the escape 
slides/rafts for proper routing and

[[Page 6548]]

installation; and corrective actions if necessary. That action also 
proposed to require adjustment of the speed lacing for the soft covers 
of the escape slides/rafts, which would terminate the repetitive 
inspections.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the one comment received.

Request To Clarify Paragraph (c), Parts Installation

    The commenter states that the affected slide part numbers and 
serial number range are listed in the Applicability section of the 
proposed AD, but only the affected part numbers are listed in paragraph 
(c), Parts Installation, of the proposed AD. The commenter requests 
that the serial number range be included in paragraph (c) to coincide 
with the Applicability section. The commenter states that this change 
would clarify that slide/raft assemblies with serial numbers later than 
those in the applicability section are not affected by the AD.
    The FAA concurs with the commenter's request to add the serial 
number range which appears in the Applicability section of this final 
rule to paragraph (c). We find that this change will clarify that 
slide/raft assemblies with serial numbers later than those listed in 
paragraph (c) are not affected by this final rule. We have clarified 
paragraph (c) of this final rule accordingly.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comment 
noted above, we have determined that air safety and the public interest 
require the adoption of the rule 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.

Cost Impact

    We estimate that 14 Model A330 series airplanes of U.S. registry 
will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane to accomplish the required inspections, and that the 
average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact on U.S. operators of the inspections required by this AD is 
estimated to be $910, or $65 per airplane.
    It will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to adjust the 
speed lacing for the escape slide/raft soft cover at an average labor 
rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact on 
U.S. operators for the adjustment of the speed lacing for the escape 
slide/raft soft cover required by this AD is estimated to be $2,730, or 
$195 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 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.
    Currently, there are no Model A340 series airplanes on the U.S. 
Register. However, should an affected airplane be imported and placed 
on the U.S. Register in the future, it will require 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish the inspections and 3 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the adjustment of the speed lacing for the escape slide/raft 
soft cover, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the AD for Model A340 operators would 
be $260 per airplane.

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:

2004-03-25 Airbus: Amendment 39-13469. Docket 2001-NM-284-AD.

    Applicability: Model A330 and A340-200 and -300 series airplanes 
equipped with an escape slide/raft having any part number (P/N) 
7A1509-101 through 7A1509-117 inclusive, and any serial number AD001 
through AD0855 inclusive, at door 3 Type I emergency exits; 
certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the escape slides/rafts to deploy 
correctly at door 3 Type I emergency exits, which could result in 
the escape slides/rafts being unusable during an emergency 
evacuation, and consequent injury to passengers or crew members, 
accomplish the following:

Inspections

    (a) Within 550 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Do a detailed inspection of the escape slides/rafts located at door 
3 Type I emergency exits, on the left and right sides of the 
airplane, for correct installation of the parachute pins, and a one-
time detailed inspection of the associated electrical harnesses for 
correct installation of the quick-disconnect connector, in 
accordance with paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of Airbus All Operator Telex 
(AOT) A330-25A3154 (for Model A330 series airplanes) or A340-25A4172 
(for Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes), both dated July 26, 
2001; as applicable. If any parachute pin or quick disconnect 
connector is incorrectly installed, before further flight, do the 
corrective actions per the applicable AOT. Repeat the inspections of 
the parachute pins thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000 
flight hours until accomplishment of paragraph (b) of this AD.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``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

[[Page 6549]]

the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, 
etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures 
may be required.''


    Note 2: Repetitive inspections of the electrical harnesses are 
not required.

Terminating Action for Repetitive Inspections

    (b) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Adjust 
the speed lacing for the soft covers of the escape slides/rafts 
located at door 3 Type I emergency exits, in accordance with 
paragraph 4.3 of Airbus AOT A330-25A3154 (for Model A330 series 
airplanes) or A340-25A4172 (for Model A340-200 and -300 series 
airplanes), both dated July 26, 2001; as applicable. This adjustment 
terminates the repetitive inspections of the parachute pins required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD.

    Note 3: The AOTs reference Goodrich Aircraft Evacuation Systems 
Alert Service Bulletin 7A1509-25A324, dated July 16, 2001, as an 
additional source of service information for adjusting the speed 
lacing.

Parts Installation

    (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
on any airplane an escape slide/raft having any P/N 7A1509-101 
through 7A1509-117 inclusive, and any serial number AD001 through 
AD0855 inclusive, unless the parachute pin has been inspected and 
the speed lacing has been adjusted in accordance with paragraphs (a) 
and (b) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) 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

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All 
Operator's Telex A330-25A3154, dated July 26, 2001; or Airbus All 
Operator's Telex A340-25A4172, dated July 26, 2001; 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, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 2001-359(B) R3, dated October 30, 2002, and 
2001-360(B) R1, dated February 6, 2002.

Effective Date

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 17, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 3, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-2682 Filed 2-10-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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