Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 12, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9787-9789]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02723]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1070; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-099-AD; 
Amendment 39-17340; AD 2013-03-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and 
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-
600 series airplanes); and Airbus

[[Page 9788]]

Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by fuel system 
reviews conducted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This 
AD requires modifying the electrical control circuits of the inner, 
center, and trim tank pumps, as applicable. We are issuing this AD to 
reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in 
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank 
explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 19, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 19, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; 
fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 12, 2012 (77 
FR 62182). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) states:

    [T]he FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 
88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published Interim 
Policy INT/POL/25/12.
    In the framework of these requirements, EASA [European Aviation 
Safety Agency] have determined that the electrical power supply 
circuits of certain fuel pumps, installed on A300/A300-600, A310 and 
A300-600ST aeroplane, for which the canisters become uncovered 
during normal operation, could, under certain conditions, create an 
ignition source in the tank vapour space.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fuel tank 
explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed a 
modification which includes the installation of Ground Fault 
Interrupters (GFI) into the inner, centre, and trim tank fuel pump 
control circuits, providing additional system protection by 
electrically isolating the pump in case of a ground fault condition 
downstream of the GFI.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification of the affected fuel pumps control circuit by 
installing GFI.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comments received.

No Requests or Objections

    FedEx stated that the requirements and number of work-hours will 
fit into its maintenance schedule, and the manufacturer provided an 
estimate of 90 to 99 days' lead time on parts. FedEx also stated that 
the proposed actions will not require any special procedures or 
equipment. We infer that FedEx does not object to any requirements of 
this AD.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    United Parcel Service (UPS) noted that in Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A300-28-3104, dated February 28, 2012, Airbus provided a parts 
lead time estimate of 120 days. UPS stated that the 120 days would 
reduce the time left to accomplish the work described in that service 
bulletin. UPS requested that parts lead times be taken into 
consideration when the FAA develops compliance times for ADs. We infer 
that UPS requested the compliance time be extended to accommodate the 
120-day parts lead time.
    We disagree with the request to extend the compliance time. We 
considered the parts availability and lead time when developing the 
compliance time. We have not changed this AD in this regard. However, 
under the provisions of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, we may approve 
requests for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) if data are 
submitted to substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an 
acceptable level of safety.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 62182, October 12, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 62182, October 12, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 162 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $17,680 per 
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that 
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $2,946,780, or $18,190 per product.

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 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 the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and

[[Page 9789]]

    4. 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM (77 FR 62182, October 12, 
2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2013-03-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-17340. Docket No. FAA-2012-1070; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-099-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 19, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
    (1) All Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 
airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-
605R and F4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes.
    (2) All Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -
324, and -325 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28; Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). We are issuing this AD to 
reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, 
in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank 
explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Actions

    Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish 
the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Model A310 series airplanes: Modify the electrical 
control circuits of the inner, center, and trim tank pumps, as 
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2170, dated February 28, 
2012.
    (2) For Model A300-600 airplanes: Modify the electrical control 
circuits of the inner, center, and trim tank pumps, as applicable, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6104, dated February 28, 2012.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may 
be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0091, dated May 
25, 2012, and the service information identified in paragraphs 
(i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, for related information.
    (1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2170, dated 
February 28, 2012.
    (2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6104, dated 
February 28, 2012.

(j) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2170, dated 
February 28, 2012.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6104, dated 
February 28, 2012.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; 
Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 28, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-02723 Filed 2-11-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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