Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 142 (Friday, July 24, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 43925-43928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-17935]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0679; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-182-AD; 
Amendment 39-18211; AD 2015-15-02]
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 superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-13-06, 
for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes and all 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). AD 
2012-13-06 required a one-time detailed inspection to determine the 
length of the fire shut-off valve (FSOV) bonding leads and for contact 
or chafing of the wires, and corrective actions if necessary. This new 
AD requires a new one-time detailed inspection of the FSOV bonding 
leads to ensure that the correct bonding leads are inspected, and 
corrective action if necessary. This AD was prompted by a determination 
that the description of the inspection area specified in the service 
information was misleading; therefore, some operators might have 
inspected incorrect bonding leads. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct contact or chafing of wires and the bonding leads, which, if 
not detected, could be a source of sparks in the wing trailing edge, 
and could lead to an uncontrolled engine fire.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 28, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 28, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0679; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, 
Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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. 
You may view this referenced 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. It 
is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-0679.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA

[[Page 43926]]

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 supersede AD 2012-13-06, Amendment 39-17108 (77 FR 40485, 
July 10, 2012). AD 2012-13-06 applied to all Airbus Model A300 series 
airplanes and all 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). The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on March 31, 2015 (80 FR 17003). The NPRM was prompted 
by a determination that the description of the inspection area 
specified in the service information was misleading; therefore, some 
operators might have inspected incorrect bonding leads. The NPRM 
proposed to require a new one-time detailed inspection of the FSOV 
bonding leads to ensure that the correct bonding leads are inspected, 
and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct contact or chafing of wires and the bonding leads, which, 
if not detected, could be a source of sparks in the wing trailing edge, 
and could lead to an uncontrolled engine fire.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0204, dated September 6, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition. The MCAI states:

    During a scheduled maintenance check, one operator reported 
inoperative Fire Shut Off Valve (FSOV). Investigations showed damage 
at wire located between engine 2 hydraulic FSOV and wing rear spar, 
in the zones 575/675, and at bonding lead, located between wing rib 
7A and rib 8 below hydraulic pressure lines.
    Similar inspections on different aeroplanes have shown that one 
of the causes of damage is the contact between bonding lead and the 
harness, due to over length of the bonding lead.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
either:

--A potential explosive condition on-ground if the FSOV, that is 
installed in fuel vapor zone is commanded to close position, or
--a temporary uncontrolled engine fire, if combined with a fire 
event in the nacelle fed by an hydraulic leakage and not controlled 
by the fire extinguishing system.

    As the affected wire is not powered during normal operation, no 
defect can be detected unless a test is performed on the FSOV during 
maintenance check.
    EASA issued AD 2011-0084 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2011_0084.pdf/AD_2011-0084_Superseded] which required a one-
time [detailed] inspection of the wires [for contact or chafing] 
located between [LH/RH] engines hydraulic FSOV and wing rear spar in 
the zones 575/675, and the bonding lead [for length] that is located 
between rib 7A and rib 8 below hydraulic pressure lines, and 
corrective actions [repair of wires or replacement of bonding leads] 
depending on findings.
    It appeared that the original issue of the Airbus inspection 
Service Bulletins (SB's) as well as EASA AD 2011-0084 might have 
caused possible misunderstandings on the exact bonding leads and 
wires that are required to be inspected.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2011-0084, which is superseded, and requires 
additional work on aeroplanes that have already been inspected in 
accordance with the instructions of the original issue of the SB's.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0679-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 17003, March 31, 
2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this 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 (80 FR 17003, March 31, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 17003, March 31, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-24-0106, Revision 01, dated 
March 26, 2013 (for Model A300 series airplanes); and Service Bulletin 
A300-24-6108, Revision 01, dated March 26, 2013 (for Model A300-600 
series airplanes). The service information describes procedures for 
inspecting the FSOV bonding leads, corrective actions, and repair of 
the associated wires. This service information is reasonably available 
because the interested parties have access to it through their normal 
course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section 
of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 123 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate that it takes about 8 work-hours per product to comply 
with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 
per work-hour. Required parts cost about $500 per product. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be 
$145,140, or $1,180 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions take 
about 1 work-hour and require parts costing $50, for a cost of $135 per 
product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may 
need these actions.

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
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities

[[Page 43927]]

under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0679; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, 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.

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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2012-13-06, Amendment 39-17108 (77 FR 40485, July 10, 2012), and adding 
the following new AD:

2015-15-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-18211. Docket No. FAA-2015-0679; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-182-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective August 28, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-13-06, Amendment 39-17108 (77 FR 40485, 
July 10, 2012).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-
103, and B4-203 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, 
B4-622R, F4-605R, and F4-622R airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical 
Power.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that the description of 
the inspection area specified in the service information was 
misleading; therefore, some operators might have inspected incorrect 
bonding leads. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct contact 
or chafing of wires and the bonding leads, which, if not detected, 
could be a source of sparks in the wing trailing edge, and could 
lead to an uncontrolled engine fire.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection of the Fire Shut-Off Valve (FSOV) Bonding Leads

    At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) 
of this AD: Do a one-time detailed inspection to determine the 
length of the FSOV bonding leads, and to detect contact or chafing 
of the wires located on the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) sides 
of the wing rear spar, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-24-0106, Revision 01, 
dated March 26, 2013 (for Model A300 series airplanes); or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-24-6108, Revision 01, dated March 26, 2013 
(for Model A300-600 series airplanes); as applicable.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of AD 2012-13-06, Amendment 39-17108 (77 FR 40485, July 10, 
2012), has not been done as of the effective date of this AD: 
Inspect within 4,500 flight hours or 30 months after August 14, 2012 
(the effective date of AD 2012-13-06), whichever occurs first.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of AD 2012-13-06, Amendment 39-17108 (77 FR 40485, July 10, 
2012), has been done as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect 
within 4,500 flight hours or 30 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first.

(h) Corrective Action for FSOV Bonding Leads

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
the length of the bonding lead(s) is more than 80 millimeters (mm) 
(3.15 inches): Before further flight, replace the bonding lead(s) 
with a new bonding lead having a length equal to 80 mm <plus-minus> 
2 mm (3.15 inches) <plus-minus> 0.08 inch, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
identified in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Repair of the Wires of the LH and RH Sides

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any contact or chafing of the wires is found, repair the wires 
before further flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of the applicable service information identified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of August 14, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-13-06, 
Amendment 39-17108 (77 FR 40485, July 10, 2012), no person may 
install any bonding lead longer than 80 mm <plus-minus> 2 mm (3.15 
inches) <plus-minus> 0.08 inch, located between the LH/RH engine 
hydraulic FSOV and wing rear spar in zones 575/675 on any airplane.

(k) 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions 
from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If 
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized 
signature.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0204, dated September 6, 2013, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2015-0679.

(m) 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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 28, 2015.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-24-0106, Revision 01, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A300-24-6108, Revision 01, dated 
March 26, 2013.
    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness

[[Page 43928]]

Office--EAW, 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.
    (5) You may view this 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.
    (6) 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 July 10, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-17935 Filed 7-23-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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