Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 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 Series Airplanes)

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 21, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 35507-35509]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-5530]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19566; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-72-AD; 
Amendment 39-14657; AD 2006-13-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 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 Series Airplanes)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus airplanes as listed above. This AD requires repetitively 
inspecting for cracking in the web of nose rib 7 of the inner flap on 
the wings, and performing related investigative/corrective actions if 
necessary. This AD also requires eventual replacement of nose rib 7 
with a new, improved rib, which would terminate the inspections. This 
AD results from reports of cracking in the web of nose rib 7 of the 
inner flap. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking in the web of 
nose rib 7, which could result in rupture of the attachment fitting 
between the inner flap and flap track 2, and consequent reduced 
structural integrity of the flap.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 26, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of July 26, 2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Examining the Docket

    You may 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 street address stated in the 
ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a second supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to 
certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 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 series airplanes). 
That second supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 
March 27, 2006 (71 FR 15084). The second supplemental NPRM proposed to 
require repetitively inspecting for

[[Page 35508]]

cracking in the web of nose rib 7 of the inner flap on the wings, 
performing related investigative/corrective actions if necessary, and 
eventually replacing nose rib 7 with a new, improved rib to terminate 
the inspections.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. No comments have been received on the second 
supplemental NPRM 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 
in the second supplemental NPRM.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this AD, at an average labor rate of $65 per hour.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               Number of
                                     Work                          Cost per      U.S.-
              Action                 hours         Parts           airplane    registered        Fleet cost
                                                                               airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection, per inspection cycle..       3  None...............         $195          143  $27,885, per
                                                                                            inspection cycle.
Rib replacement...................      10  $10,980............       11,630          143  $1,663,090.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

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 and placed it in the AD docket. 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, 
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-13-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-14657. Docket No. FAA-2004-19566; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-72-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective July 26, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, 
B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, B4-203, B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-
622, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes; 
certificated in any category; except those on which Airbus 
Modification 13031 or 19575 was accomplished in production.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the web of 
nose rib 7 of the inner flap. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
cracking in the web of nose rib 7, which could result in rupture of 
the attachment fitting between the inner flap and flap track 2, and 
consequent reduced structural integrity of the flap.

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.

Inspections

    (f) Do a detailed inspection, using a borescope or endoscope, 
for cracking of the vertical stiffeners, and of the horizontal 
flanges between the stiffeners, of nose rib 7 of the inner flap of 
the left- and right-hand wings; and do an eddy current inspection to 
detect cracking in the horizontal flanges of the attachment lug root 
of nose rib 7 of the inner flap of the left- and right-hand wings; 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-57-0240 or A300-57-6095, both Revision 01, both dated 
December 2, 2004, as applicable. Do the initial inspections at the 
applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) 
of this AD.
    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
    (1) For airplanes on which nose rib 7 has not been replaced in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0242 or A300-57-
6097, both dated December 18, 2003: Do the initial inspections at 
the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1)(i) or (f)(1)(ii) 
of this AD.
    (i) For airplanes with 18,599 or fewer total flight cycles as of 
the effective date of this

[[Page 35509]]

AD: Prior to the accumulation of 5,000 total flight cycles, or 
within 1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever is later.
    (ii) For airplanes with 18,600 or more total flight cycles as of 
the effective date of this AD: Within 500 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes on which nose rib 7 has been replaced in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0242 or A300-57-
6097, both dated December 18, 2003: Do the initial inspection within 
5,000 flight cycles after accomplishing the replacement, or within 
1,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
is later.

No Crack Found: Repetitive Inspections

    (g) If no crack is found during the inspection required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD: Repeat the inspection at intervals not to 
exceed 1,000 flight cycles, until the terminating action in 
paragraph (i) of this AD is completed.

Crack Found: Related Investigative/Corrective Actions

    (h) If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (f) or (g) of this AD: Before further flight, replace nose 
rib 7 with a new, improved rib and do all related investigative 
actions and applicable corrective actions in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0245, 
Revision 01; or A300-57-6100, Revision 01; both dated March 9, 2006; 
as applicable; except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. This 
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD for the modified flaps only.

Terminating Action

    (i) Within 5,000 flight cycles or 36 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever is first: Replace nose rib 7 with a new, 
improved rib and do all related investigative actions and applicable 
corrective actions in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0245, Revision 01; 
or A300-57-6100, Revision 01; both dated March 9, 2006; as 
applicable; except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. This 
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD.

Repairing Per the FAA or Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation 
Civile (DGAC)

    (j) If any crack or damage is found for which the applicable 
service bulletin specifies to contact Airbus: Before further flight, 
repair per a method approved by either the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the DGAC 
(or its delegated agent).

No Reporting Required

    (k) Airbus Service Bulletins A300-57-0240 and A300-57-6095, both 
Revision 01, both dated December 2, 2004, specify to submit certain 
information to the manufacturer, but this AD does not include that 
requirement.

Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Initial Issue of Service 
Bulletins

    (l) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0245 or A300-57-
6100, both dated August 31, 2005, are acceptable for compliance with 
the requirements of paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (m)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance 
with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (n) French airworthiness directive F-2005-198, dated December 7, 
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (o) You must use the applicable service information identified 
in Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by 
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the 
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of these 
documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for a copy of this service information. You may review 
copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Room PL-401, Nassif 
Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or 
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call 
(202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

              Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision
    Airbus Service Bulletin        level                 Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-57-0240..................           01  December 2, 2004.
A300-57-0245..................           01  March 9, 2006.
A300-57-6095..................           01  December 2, 2004.
A300-57-6100..................           01  March 9, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-5530 Filed 6-20-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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