Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes)

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14398-14400]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-5555]



[[Page 14398]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-26250; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-104-AD; 
Amendment 39-15001; AD 2007-07-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and 
F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes 
(Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes)

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A300-600 airplanes. This AD requires an inspection 
to determine if certain spoiler actuators having certain part numbers 
are installed, and eventual replacement of all affected actuators. This 
AD results from failure of a distribution block, which was detected 
during fatigue qualification tests of certain spoiler actuators. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the distribution block, which 
could result in leakage of the hydraulic fluid that supplies those 
actuators. This failure could cause failure of one of the three spoiler 
actuators and the associated hydraulic circuits, which could result in 
loss of those hydraulic circuits and consequent reduced controllability 
of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 2, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of May 2, 2007.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

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:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model 
A300-600 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on 
November 6, 2006 (71 FR 64904). That NPRM proposed to require an 
inspection to determine if certain spoiler actuators having certain 
part numbers are installed, and eventual replacement of all affected 
actuators.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Add Alternate Inspection of Distribution Blocks

    The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of one of its 
members, FedEx Express, asks that the inspection procedure recommended 
by FedEx Express of the distribution blocks on the affected spoiler 
actuators be included in any future rulemaking. FedEx Express states 
that it accomplished the proposed inspection on its airplanes, and 
during the inspection it found that most spoiler actuators of the 
specified age no longer had data plates attached; therefore, no part 
number or serial number was available. FedEx Express performed a 
detailed inspection of the distribution block on the affected spoiler 
actuator at the inboard and outboard positions to determine the part 
number. If the part number was installed, FedEx Express replaced the 
spoiler actuator with a serviceable spoiler actuator. FedEx Express 
recommends that this inspection procedure be used in any future 
rulemaking requiring the same actions. FedEx Express states that the 
procedure was coordinated with Airbus and the parts manufacturer before 
implementation.
    We agree with the commenter's request to add an alternative 
inspection method of the distribution blocks on the spoiler actuators 
to determine the part number. Therefore, we have added an inspection to 
determine the part number of the distribution block of the spoiler 
actuator if the spoiler actuator part number cannot be found on the 
spoiler actuator. Paragraph (f) of this AD has been changed 
accordingly. In addition, if the same actions are required by future 
rulemaking we may consider using this inspection procedure on a case-
by-case basis.

Request To State FAA Intent To Incorporate by Reference and To Publish 
Service Information in the Docket Management System (DMS)

    The Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA) asks 
that the NPRM, and subsequent NPRMs, indicate which documents will be 
incorporated by reference, and adds that those documents should be 
published in the DMS concurrently with the NPRM. MARPA assumes that 
when the final rule is issued the FAA intends to incorporate by 
reference the service bulletin referenced in the NPRM. MARPA states 
that the NPRM is incomplete if that's the case, and MARPA is unable to 
address the substantive elements of the NPRM without having access to 
the documents that are incorporated by reference.
    We do not agree with the commenter's requests. When we refer to 
certain service information in a proposed AD, the public can assume we 
intend to incorporate by reference that service information, as 
required by the Office of the Federal Register. In regard to the 
request to post service bulletins on the Department of Transportation's 
DMS, we are currently in the process of reviewing issues surrounding 
the posting of service bulletins on the DMS as part of an AD docket. 
Once we have thoroughly examined all aspects of this issue and have 
made a final determination, we will consider whether our current 
practice needs to be revised. No change to the AD is necessary in this 
regard.

Request To Change Costs of Compliance Section

    FedEx Express asks that the cost estimate specified in the Costs of 
Compliance section be changed. FedEx Express states that there are two 
airplanes of U.S. registry affected by the NPRM; however, the NPRM 
specifies only one. The ATA, on behalf of FedEx Express, reiterates the 
above comment. FedEx Express adds that both of its Airbus Model A300-
600 airplanes manufacturer serial numbers 361 and 365, are listed in 
the service bulletin effectivity and are operated by FedEx Express.
    We agree with the commenter for the reason provided, and have 
changed the

[[Page 14399]]

Costs of Compliance section in this AD accordingly.

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. These changes will not 
increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of 
the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This AD affects about 2 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The inspection takes about 1 hour per airplane, at an average labor 
rate of $80 per hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the 
inspection for U.S. operators is $160, or $80 per airplane.
    The replacements, if accomplished, take about 5 work hours per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts 
cost is minimal. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the 
replacements for U.S. operators is $800, or $400 per airplane.

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 have 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 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. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2007-07-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-15001. Docket No. FAA-2006-26250; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-104-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective May 2, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and 
F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes 
(collectively called A300-600 series airplanes); certificated in any 
category; as identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6057, 
dated May 17, 2005.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from failure of a distribution block, which 
was detected during fatigue qualification tests of certain spoiler 
actuators. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
distribution block, which could result in leakage of the hydraulic 
fluid that supplies those actuators. This failure could cause 
failure of one of the three spoiler actuators and the associated 
hydraulic circuits, which could result in loss of those hydraulic 
circuits and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Compliance

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

Inspection for Actuator Part Numbers and Corrective Action

    (f) Within 700 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Inspect to determine if a spoiler actuator with part number 
P376A0002-04 or P376A0002-08 is installed, by doing all the 
applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6057, excluding 
Appendix 01, dated May 17, 2005. If the part number cannot be found 
on the spoiler actuator: Operators may inspect the distribution 
block on the spoiler actuator to determine if part number P376A0089-
00 is installed (distribution blocks having this part number are 
only on actuators with the affected part numbers).
    (1) If no actuator with any part number identified in paragraph 
(f) of this AD is installed, no further action is required by this 
paragraph.
    (2) If any actuator with any part number identified in paragraph 
(f) of this AD is installed and the three associated hydraulic 
circuits are affected (at least one actuator supplied by the yellow 
circuit and at least one actuator supplied by the blue circuit and 
at least one actuator supplied by the green circuit): Within 100 
flight hours after accomplishing the inspection required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD, replace all affected actuators on one of 
the hydraulic circuits with new actuators in accordance with the 
service bulletin. Within 12 months after accomplishing that 
replacement, replace all the remaining affected actuators with new 
actuators in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (3) If any actuator with any part number identified in paragraph 
(f) of this AD is installed and one or two of the associated 
hydraulic circuits are affected: Within 12 months after 
accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD, 
replace all affected actuators with new actuators in accordance with 
the service bulletin.

Parts Installation

    (g) After the effective date of this AD, no spoiler actuator 
with part number P376A0002-04 or P376A0002-08 may be installed on 
any airplane.

No Reporting Required

    (h) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6057, excluding 
Appendix 01, dated May 17, 2005, specifies to submit an inspection 
report to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that 
requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, has the authority to approve AMOCs 
for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 
14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

[[Page 14400]]

Related Information

    (j) French airworthiness directive F-2005-125, dated July 20, 
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6057, excluding 
Appendix 01, dated May 17, 2005, to perform the actions that are 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director 
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of 
this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for a copy of this service information. 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 20, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-5555 Filed 3-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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