Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series Airplanes Equipped With Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 202 (Monday, October 20, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54369-54372]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-27221]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-64-AD; Amendment 39-10157; AD 97-21-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series 
Airplanes Equipped With Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines

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 A310 and A300-600 series airplanes, 
that requires flow checks of the hydraulic pump drain system to ensure 
that the system is not clogged, and correction of any discrepancy. 
Additionally, this amendment requires replacement of the existing seal 
of the accessory gearbox with a new, improved seal assembly; this 
replacement terminates the requirement for repetitive

[[Page 54370]]

flow checks. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that 
hydraulic fluid had contaminated the engine oil system as a result of 
failure of the seal of the hydraulic pump shaft. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent clogging of the hydraulic pump drain 
system, which could cause failure of the seal of the hydraulic pump 
shaft and subsequent contamination of the engine accessory gearbox oil; 
this condition could result in an in-flight engine shutdown.

DATES: Effective November 24, 1997.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of November 24, 1997.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 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, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 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 A310 and 
A300-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on 
February 18, 1997 (62 FR 7184). That action proposed to require 
repetitive flow checks of the hydraulic pump drain system to ensure 
that the system is not clogged, and correction of any discrepancy. 
Additionally, the action proposed to require replacement of the 
existing seal of the accessory gearbox with a new, improved seal 
assembly. This replacement, when accomplished, would provide 
terminating action for the repetitive flow checks.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.

References to Service Bulletin Change Notices

    Since the issuance of the proposal, Airbus has issued Service 
Bulletin Change Notice No. O.A., dated June 17, 1993, for Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-72-6018 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes 
equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 engines). This change notice 
revises the service bulletin by specifying the latest French 
airworthiness directive: 92-231-136(B)R1, dated March 27, 1993.
    Airbus also has issued Service Bulletin Change Notice No. O.A., 
dated June 17, 993, for Airbus Service Bulletin A300-72-6019 (for Model 
A300-600 series airplanes equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW 4000 
engines). This change notice also revises the service bulletin by 
referencing the French airworthiness directive specified previously. 
Additionally, the change notice revises the service bulletin 
effectivity by specifying the operators of airplanes having certain 
manufacturer's serial numbers.
    The FAA has revised the final rule to include references to these 
service bulletin change notices.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, the FAA has determined 
that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the 
rule with the changes previously described. The FAA has determined that 
these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator 
nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 3 Airbus Model A300-600 and A310 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will 
take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required 
one-time inspection, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work 
hour. It will take approximately 10 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish the required terminating modification, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$1,500 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD 
on U.S. operators is estimated to be $6,840, or $2,280 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is 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.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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

    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

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

97-21-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-10157. Docket 96-NM-64-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300B4-620, -622, -622R, and A300C4-620; 
and Model A310-221, -222, -322, -324, and -325 series airplanes; 
equipped with Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines; on which Airbus 
Modification 10399 or 10400 has not been accomplished; certificated 
in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this

[[Page 54371]]

AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so 
that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the 
owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, 
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; 
and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request 
should include specific proposed actions to address it.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent clogging of the hydraulic pump drain system, which 
could cause failure of the seal of the hydraulic pump shaft and 
subsequent contamination of the engine accessory gearbox oil, and 
could result in an in-flight engine shutdown, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a flow check of the hydraulic pump drain system to ensure that it is 
not clogged and, prior to further flight, correct any discrepancies, 
in accordance with either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable. Repeat the flow check, thereafter, at intervals not to 
exceed 500 flight hours until the modification required by paragraph 
(b) of this AD is accomplished.
    (1) For Model A310 series airplanes: Perform the flow checks and 
correct discrepancies in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-72-2022, dated February 16, 1993 (for airplanes on which Pratt 
& Whitney JT9D-7R4D1 and -7R4E1 engines are installed); or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-72-2023, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1993 
(for airplanes on which Pratt & Whitney PW4152 and PW4156A engines 
are installed); as applicable.

    Note 2: Flow checks accomplished prior to the effective date of 
this AD in accordance with the original issuance of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-72-2023 are considered acceptable for compliance with 
the applicable action specified in this AD.

    (2) For Model A300-600 series airplanes: Perform the flow checks 
and correct discrepancies in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-72-6018, Revision 1, dated December 22, 1993, as revised by 
Service Bulletin Change Notice No. O.A., dated June 17, 1993 (for 
airplanes on which Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4H1 engines are 
installed); or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-72-6019, Revision 1, 
dated December 22, 1993, as revised by Service Bulletin Change 
Notice No. O.A., dated June 17, 1993 (for airplanes on which Pratt & 
Whitney PW4158 engines are installed); as applicable.

    Note 3: Flow checks accomplished prior to the effective date of 
this AD in accordance with the original issuance of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-72-6018 or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-72-6019 are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable action 
specified in this AD.

    (b) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace (on both engines) the existing seal of the green hydraulic 
system gearbox with a new, improved seal assembly in accordance with 
either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)( 2) of this AD, as applicable. 
Accomplishment of this replacement terminates the repetitive flow 
check requirements for this AD.
    (1) For Model A310 series airplanes: Accomplish the replacement 
in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-72-2018, Revision 2, 
dated December 22, 1993 (for airplanes on which Pratt & Whitney PW 
JT9D-7R4D1 and -7R4E1 engines are installed); or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-72-2019, Revision 2, dated December 22, 1993 (for 
airplanes on which Pratt & Whitney PW4152 and PW4156A engines are 
installed); as applicable.

    Note 4: Replacement of the existing seal on the green hydraulic 
system gearbox with a new, improved seal assembly accomplished prior 
to the effective date of this AD, in accordance with the original 
issuance or Revision 1 of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-72-2019, or 
with the original issuance or Revision 1 of Airbus Service A310-72-
2018, is considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable 
action specified in this AD.

    (2) Model A300-600 series airplanes: Accomplish the replacement 
in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-72-6014, dated March 
15, 1993 (for airplanes on which Pratt & Whitney PW JT9D-7R4H1 
engines are installed); or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-72-6015, 
dated March 15, 1993 (for airplanes on which Pratt & Whitney PW4158 
engines are installed); as applicable.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 5: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following 
Airbus service bulletins, as applicable, which include the specified 
effective pages:

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                                                              Revision level                                    
        Service bulletin No.               Page No.           shown on page            Date shown on page       
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A310-72-2022, February 16, 1993....  1-7.................  Original...........  February 16, 1993.              
A310-72-2023, Revision 1, December   1, 2, 4-6...........  1..................  December 22, 1993               
 22, 1993.                                                                                                      
                                     3, 7................  Original...........  February 16, 1993.              
A300-72-6018, Revision 1, December   1, 2, 4.............  1..................  December 22, 1993.              
 22, 1993.                                                                                                      
                                     3, 5-7..............  Original...........  February 16, 1993.              
A300-72-6018, Service Bulletin       1...................  Original...........  June 17, 1993.                  
 Change Notice No. O.A., June 17,                                                                               
 1993.                                                                                                          
A300-72-6019, Revision 1, December   1-6.................  1..................  December 22, 1993.              
 22, 1993.                                                                                                      
                                     7...................  Original...........  February 16, 1993.              
A300-72-6019, Service Bulletin       1-2.................  Original...........  June 17, 1993.                  
 Change Notice No. O.A., June 17,                                                                               
 1993.                                                                                                          
A310-72-2018, Revision 2, December   1-3, 5-7............  2..................  December 22, 1993.              
 22, 1993.                                                                                                      
                                     4, 9................  Original...........  March 15, 1993.                 
                                     8...................  1..................  August 6, 1993.                 
A310-72-2019, Revision 2, December   1-3, 5-7............  2..................  December 22, 1993.              
 22, 1993.                                                                                                      
                                     4, 9................  Original...........  March 15, 1993.                 
                                     8...................  1..................  August 6, 1993.                 
A300-72-6014, March 15, 1993.......  1-7.................  Original...........  March 15, 1993.                 
A300-72-6015, March 15, 1993.......  1-9.................  Original...........  March 15, 1993.                 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 Industrie, 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.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on November 24, 1997.


[[Page 54372]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 8, 1997.
James V. Devany,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-27221 Filed 10-17-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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