Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600 and A300 C4-600 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 72 (Wednesday, April 14, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19756-19757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-8300]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-80-AD; Amendment 39-13572; AD 2004-08-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600 and A300 C4-
600 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 B4-600 and A300 C4-600 series 
airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection to detect damage of the 
pump diffuser guide slots (bayonet) of the center tank fuel pumps, the 
pump diffuser housings, and the pump canisters; repetitive inspections 
to detect damage of the fuel pumps and the fuel pump canisters; and 
corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and 
correct damage of the center tank fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, 
which could result in separation of a pump from its electrical motor 
housing, loss of flame trap capability, and a possible fuel ignition 
source in the center fuel tank. This action is intended to address the 
identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective May 19, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of May 19, 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 A300 B4-600 
and A300 C4-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register 
on December 18, 2003 (68 FR 70473). That action proposed to require a 
one-time inspection to detect damage of the pump diffuser guide slots 
(bayonet) of the center tank fuel pumps, the pump diffuser housings, 
and the pump canisters; repetitive inspections to detect damage of the 
fuel pumps and the fuel pump canisters; and corrective action, 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.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data and determined that 
air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 2 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD. The detailed inspections will take about 2 work 
hours per airplane, and the NDT inspection will take about 5 work hours 
per airplane, per inspection cycle. The average labor rate is $65 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost per airplane is estimated 
to be $130 for the detailed inspections and $325 per NDT inspection.
    The FAA has been advised that the one-time detailed inspections 
have already been accomplished for both of the U.S.-registered 
airplanes. Therefore, the future economic cost impact of this AD on 
U.S. is estimated to be only $325 per airplane, per each of the 
repetitive NDT inspections.
    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

[[Page 19757]]

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:

2004-08-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-13572. Docket 2003-NM-80-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300 B4-601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-620, and 
A300 C4-605 Variant F series airplanes; certificated in any 
category; except those airplanes equipped with a fuel trim tank 
system (Airbus Modification 4801).
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect and correct damage of the center tank fuel pumps and 
fuel pump canisters, which could result in separation of a pump from 
its electrical motor housing, loss of flame trap capability, and a 
possible fuel ignition source in the center fuel tank, accomplish 
the following:

Detailed Inspections

    (a) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD (unless 
accomplished previously), perform detailed inspections as specified 
in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with 
paragraph 4.2 of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A300-600-28A6075, 
dated February 20, 2003.

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

    (1) Inspect the lower part of the pump diffuser guide slots 
(bayonet) of the center tank fuel pumps and the bottom of the pump 
diffuser housings to detect cracks, fretting, and other damage. 
Replace any damaged pump and the corresponding fuel pump canister 
with new parts before further flight in accordance with the AOT.
    (2) Inspect the center tank fuel pump canisters to detect 
cracks. Replace any cracked fuel pump canister and the corresponding 
fuel pump with new parts before further flight in accordance with 
the AOT.

Repetitive Inspections

    (b) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Perform a detailed inspection of the fuel pumps, and an eddy current 
inspection of the fuel pump canisters, to detect damage. Do the 
inspections in accordance with paragraph 4.3 of Airbus AOT A300-600-
28A6075, dated February 20, 2003. Replace any damaged part with a 
new part before further flight in accordance with the AOT. Repeat 
the inspections at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles.
    (c) Within 7,000 flight cycles after canister replacement as 
specified in paragraph (b) of this AD: Perform an eddy current 
inspection of the fuel pump canisters to detect damage in accordance 
with Airbus AOT A300-600-28A6075, dated February 20, 2003. Replace 
any damaged part with a new part before further flight in accordance 
with the AOT. Thereafter repeat the inspection at intervals not to 
exceed 1,500 flight cycles.

    Note 2: Airbus AOT A300-600-28A6075 refers to Airbus Alert 
Service Bulletin A300-28A6061, Revision 04, dated August 1, 2002, as 
an additional source of service information for accomplishment of 
the eddy current inspection required by paragraph (b)(2) of this AD.

Reporting Requirement

    (d) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (d)(1) or 
(d)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of findings (both positive and 
negative) of each inspection required by this AD, in accordance with 
Airbus AOT A300-600-28A6075, dated February 20, 2003. Information 
collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and 
have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) For any inspection accomplished after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after performing that 
inspection.
    (2) For any inspection accomplished before the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date 
of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be 
done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A300-600-28A6075, 
dated February 20, 2003. 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
telegraphic airworthiness directive 2003-085 (B), dated February 21, 
2003.

Effective Date

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on May 19, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 6, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-8300 Filed 4-13-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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