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

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 236 (Monday, December 10, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69610-69612]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23462]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27982; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-009-AD; 
Amendment 39-15288; AD 2007-25-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes, 
Model A300-600 Series Airplanes, and Model A310 Series 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 the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    * * * accidents which occurred to in-service aircraft caused by 
the violent opening of a passenger door, related to excessive 
residual pressurization in the cabin on ground.
* * * * *
This unsafe condition could result in injury to crew members opening 
the passenger door. We are issuing this AD to require actions to 
correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 14, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of January 14, 
2008.

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: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1622; 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 April 24, 2007 (72 
FR 20289). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    The modification rendered mandatory by this Airworthiness 
Directive (AD) falls within the scope of a set of corrective 
measures undertaken by AIRBUS subsequent to accidents which occurred 
to in-service aircraft caused by the violent opening of a passenger 
door, related to excessive residual pressurization in the cabin on 
ground.
    In order to prevent the flight crews operating in manual mode 
when discrete spoilers signals are true and ensures OFV (outflow 
valve) or depress valve are driven open after landing, this 
modification consists of introducing an automatic opening logic 
either for the forward and aft OFV or for the single depress valve, 
when the aircraft is on ground, immediately after landing.

The MCAI requires the modification described previously. This unsafe 
condition could result in injury to crew members opening the passenger 
door. 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 considered the comments received.

Request To Include Revised Service Information

    Airbus asks that Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-6049, Revision 02, 
dated April 16, 2007, be incorporated into the NPRM. (We referred to 
Revision 01, dated September 15, 2006, as the appropriate source of 
service information for accomplishing certain actions specified in the 
NPRM.)
    We agree with Airbus and have changed paragraph (f)(1) of this AD 
to refer to Revision 02 of Service Bulletin A300-21-6049 for 
accomplishing certain actions, as no additional work is required by 
this revision. We have also changed paragraph (f)(2) of this AD to give 
credit to operators who have accomplished the actions in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-6049, Revision 01, dated September 
15, 2006.

Request To Withdraw the NPRM

    The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of its member 
American Airlines, asks that the NPRM be withdrawn. American Airlines 
states that the NPRM is unnecessary in light of the associated 
mitigating actions and crew training. The commenters also cite actions 
in previous service bulletins and rulemaking that already address the 
requirements in the NPRM.
    We acknowledge that previous service bulletins and rulemaking have 
been issued to address certain aspects of the subject unsafe condition. 
However, we do not agree with the requests to withdraw the NPRM. The 
modification required by this AD alleviates some of the demands on the 
crews' time and attention during an emergency situation. It was 
determined that this modification addresses the unsafe condition 
because previous actions implemented changes that still required the 
attention and action of the crew. During an emergency situation and if 
the cabin pressure control system is in manual mode, the crew could be 
distracted enough that the necessary steps to prevent opening of a door 
with the fuselage still under some level of pressurization may be 
inadvertently missed. This would be avoided with the ``OFV Automatic 
Opening Logic'' installed. The purpose of the OFV opening logic is to 
offset a crew missing the required action (OFV full opening before 
landing is required by the procedure). Following an evaluation of the 
OFV opening logic, we have determined that the modification must be 
mandated. This modification, in combination with previous 
accomplishment of related modifications, will ensure that the 
unresolved safety issue is addressed. We

[[Page 69611]]

have made no change to the AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously. We determined that these 
changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or 
increase the scope of the AD.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 191 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take up to 34 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average 
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts will cost up to $5,470 
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 costs. 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 the AD on U.S. 
operators to be up to $1,564,290, or $8,190 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 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); 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.

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, 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

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

2007-25-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-15288. Docket No. FAA-2007-27982; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-009-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective January 
14, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the following airplanes, certificated in 
any category:
    (1) Model A300 series airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers 
0202, 0205, 0225, 0299, and 0302, in forward facing crew cockpit 
configuration, except airplanes which have received in service 
application of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-0132.
    (2) Model A310 series airplanes, all certified models, all 
serial numbers, except airplanes which have received in service 
application of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-21-2062.
    (3) Model A300-600 series airplanes, all certified models, all 
serial numbers, on which Airbus Modification 03881 is embodied, 
except airplanes which have received either incorporation of Airbus 
Modification 12942 during production, or application of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-21-6049 in service.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 21: Air 
conditioning.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    The modification rendered mandatory by this Airworthiness 
Directive (AD) falls within the scope of a set of corrective 
measures undertaken by AIRBUS subsequent to accidents which occurred 
to in-service aircraft caused by the violent opening of a passenger 
door, related to excessive residual pressurization in the cabin on 
ground.
    In order to prevent the flight crews operating in manual mode 
when discrete spoilers signals are true and ensures OFV (outflow 
valve) or depress valve are driven open after landing, this 
modification consists of introducing an automatic opening logic 
either for the forward and aft OFV or for the single depress valve, 
when the aircraft is on ground, immediately after landing.

This unsafe condition could result in injury to crew members opening 
the passenger door.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Install an automatic opening logic either for the forward and aft 
OFV (outflow valve) or for the single depress valve, as applicable, 
by introducing the use of discrete spoiler signals, driving one 
(Model A300 airplanes) or two (Model A310 airplanes and Model A300-
600 series airplanes) time delay relays, in accordance

[[Page 69612]]

with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-0132, dated 
July 28, 2006; A310-21-2062, dated July 20, 2006; or A300-21-6049, 
Revision 02, dated April 16, 2007; as applicable.
    (2) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-21-6049, dated August 
31, 2005; or Revision 01, dated September 15, 2006, are acceptable 
for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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. Send information to ATTN: Tom 
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington, 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1622; fax (425) 227-
1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the 
AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in 
the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, 
your local FSDO.
    (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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2007-0005, dated January 8, 2007; and Airbus Service 
Bulletins A300-21-0132, dated July 28, 2006; A300-21-6049, Revision 
02, dated April 16, 2007; and A310-21-2062, dated July 20, 2006; for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use the applicable Airbus service information 
specified in Table 1 of this AD to do the actions required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
    (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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.

                                  Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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        Airbus Service Bulletin                       Revision                               Date
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A300-21-0132..........................  Original...........................  July 28, 2006.
A300-21-6049..........................  02.................................  April 16, 2007.
A310-21-2062..........................  Original...........................  July 20, 2006.
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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 23, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-23462 Filed 12-7-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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