Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310, A300-600, and A320 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 179 (Wednesday, September 16, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49421-49423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24657]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-107-AD; Amendment 39-10759; AD 98-19-18]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310, A300-600, and A320 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A310, A300-600, and A320 
series airplanes, that currently requires inspections to verify proper 
installation of the grill over the air extraction duct of the lavatory 
and to detect blockages in the air extraction duct of the lavatory, and 
correction of any discrepancies. This amendment adds a requirement for 
modification of the grill of the air extraction duct, which, when 
accomplished, terminates the repetitive inspections. This amendment 
also expands the applicability of the existing AD to include additional 
airplanes. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
obstructions in the air extraction system of the lavatory, which may 
result in the failure of the smoke detection system to detect smoke in 
the lavatories.

DATES: Effective October 21, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of October 21, 1998.
    The incorporation by reference of Airbus AOT 26-12, Revision 1, 
dated

[[Page 49422]]

July 4, 1994, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of March 17, 1995 (60 FR 11619, March 2, 1995).

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: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 95-04-12, 
amendment 39-9164 (60 FR 11619, March 2, 1995), which is applicable to 
certain Airbus Model A310, A300-600, and A320 series airplanes, was 
published in the Federal Register on July 24, 1998 (63 FR 39771). The 
action proposed to continue to require inspections to verify proper 
installation of the grill over the air extraction duct of the lavatory 
and to detect blockages in the air extraction duct of the lavatory, and 
correction of any discrepancies. The action also proposed to add a 
requirement for modification of the grill of the air extraction duct, 
which, when accomplished, would terminate the repetitive inspections. 
The action also proposed to expand the applicability of the existing AD 
to include additional airplanes.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the two comments received.
    One commenter supports the proposed rule; the other commenter has 
no objection to the proposed rule.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 36 Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, 54 
Airbus
    Model A300-600 series airplanes, and 118 Airbus Model A320 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry that will be affected by this AD.
    The inspections that are currently required by AD 95-04-12, and 
retained in this AD, take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the currently required inspections on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $24,960, or $120 per airplane, per 
inspection cycle.
    For Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, the new required 
modification will take approximately 5 work hours per airplane (5 
lavatories per airplane; 1 work hour per lavatory) to accomplish, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the modification required by this AD on U.S. operators 
of Airbus Model A310 series airplanes is estimated to be $10,800, or 
$300 per airplane.
    For Airbus Model A300-600 and A320 series airplanes, the new 
required modification will take approximately 10 work hours per 
airplane (5 lavatories per airplane; 2 work hours per lavatory) to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the modification required by this AD 
on U.S. operators of Airbus Model A300-600 and A320 series airplanes is 
estimated to be $103,200, or $600 per airplane.
    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.

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 removing amendment 39-9164 (60 FR 
11619, March 2, 1995), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-10759, to read as follows:

98-19-18 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Docket 97-NM-107-AD. Supersedes AD 95-04-
12, Amendment 39-9164.

    Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes on which 
Airbus Modification 10156 has not been accomplished (reference 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-26-2023 or A300-26-6024), and Model 
A320 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 22561 (reference 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-26-1017) or Airbus Modification 24548 
(reference Airbus Service Bulletin A320-26-1037) 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 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 obstructions in the air extraction system of the 
lavatory, which may result in the failure of the smoke detection

[[Page 49423]]

system to detect smoke in the lavatories, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 95-04-12

    (a) Within 450 flight hours after March 17, 1995 (the effective 
date of AD 95-04-12), perform an inspection of each lavatory to 
verify proper installation of the grill over the air extraction duct 
of the lavatories, and to detect blockage in the air extraction duct 
of the lavatories, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex 
(AOT)
26-12, Revision 1, dated July 4, 1994.
    (1) If the grill is found to be properly installed and if no 
blockage is found, repeat the inspection thereafter whenever the 
cover over the air extraction duct of the lavatories or any ceiling 
louver (grill) of the ceiling light in the lavatory is removed or 
replaced for any reason.
    (2) If the grill is found to be improperly installed and/or if 
blockage is found, prior to further flight, correct any 
discrepancies found, in accordance with Airbus AOT 26-12, Revision 
1, dated July 4, 1994. Repeat the inspection thereafter whenever the 
cover over the air extraction duct of the lavatories or any ceiling 
louver (grill) of the ceiling light in the lavatory is removed or 
replaced for any reason.

New Requirements of This AD

    (b) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
modify the grill of the air extraction duct of the lavatory, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-26-2030, Revision 02, 
dated April 4, 1997 (for Model A310 series airplanes); A300-26-6030, 
Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes); or A320-26-1037, Revision 02, dated July 8, 1997 (for 
Model A320 series airplanes); as applicable. Accomplishment of the 
modification constitutes terminating action for the inspection 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (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, International Branch, ANM-116, 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, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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 Airbus AOT 26-
12, Revision 1, dated July 4, 1994; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-26-
2030, Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-26-6030, Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-26-1037, Revision 02, dated July 8, 1997; as 
applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A310-26-2030, Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-26-6030, Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997; and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-26-1037, Revision 02, dated July 8, 1997; is 
approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus AOT 26-12, Revision 
1, dated July 4, 1994, was approved previously by the Director of 
the Federal Register as of March 17, 1995 (60 FR 11619, March 2, 
1995).
    (3) 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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 96-186-204(B)R1, dated January 15, 1997, 
and 96-007-073(B), dated January 3, 1996.

    (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 21, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 9, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-24657 Filed 9-15-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

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