Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310-304, -322, -324, and -325 Airplanes; and A300 Model B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Commonly Called Model A300-600 Series Airplanes)

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 72 (Monday, April 14, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 19961-19963]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-7665]



[[Page 19961]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0345; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-194-AD; 
Amendment 39-15465; AD 2008-08-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310-304, -322, -324, and 
-325 Airplanes; and A300 Model B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-620, B4-622, 
B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Commonly 
Called Model A300-600 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:

    Due to the recalculation of loads for the Multi Role Transporter 
and Tanker (MRTT) aircraft, it has been found that a structural 
reinforcement at the aft section of the fuselage (FR (frame) 87-
FR91) is required for A300-600 aircraft and A310 aircraft with a 
Trim Tank installed.

* * * * * * *
    The unsafe condition is the potential loss of structural integrity 
in the aft section of the fuselage between FR87 through FR91, 
inclusive, during extreme rolling and vertical maneuver combinations. 
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 19, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of May 19, 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
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 December 19, 2007 
(72 FR 71832). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:

    Due to the recalculation of loads for the Multi Role Transporter 
and Tanker (MRTT) aircraft, it has been found that a structural 
reinforcement at the aft section of the fuselage (FR (frame) 87-
FR91) is required for A300-600 aircraft and A310 aircraft with a 
Trim Tank installed.

* * * * * * *
    The unsafe condition is the potential loss of structural integrity 
in the aft section of the fuselage between FR87 through FR91, 
inclusive, during extreme rolling and vertical maneuver combinations. 
The corrective action is reinforcing the structure at FR91. Related 
investigative and corrective actions (reinforcement) include:
    <bullet> Doing a rotating probe inspection for cracking of the 
fastener holes;
    <bullet> reaming the fastener holes; and
    <bullet> contacting Airbus for repair instructions and repairing 
any crack found in any reamed fastener hole.
    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 Update Service Information Reference

    Airbus requests that we update the service information citations in 
the NPRM. Airbus states that new revisions of the cited service 
bulletins have been released and asserts that no additional work or 
substantial changes were introduced in the revised service bulletins.
    We agree with this request. We have reviewed Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-53-2126, Revision 01, dated May 31, 2007; and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-53-6156, Revision 01, dated July 4, 2007; and 
have confirmed that no additional work or substantial changes were 
introduced in the new revisions. We have revised the AD accordingly, 
and given credit for actions done in accordance with the original issue 
of the service information.

Request To Clarify Reason

    Airbus requests that we review the description of the corrective 
actions specified in the NPRM. Airbus suggests that we revise paragraph 
(e) of the NPRM to include installing new oversized fasteners (for all 
airplanes) and installing reinforcing brace plates on the diagonal 
struts between FR87 and FR91 (for certain airplanes). Airbus asserts 
that if we revise the NPRM as requested, it will clarify the proposed 
requirements of the NPRM.
    We agree with Airbus that this is useful information. However, when 
we state in an AD that corrective actions include certain actions, we 
specify only major corrective actions. The AD requires doing the 
corrective actions as applicable, and directs operators to the service 
information for detailed procedures to accomplish those actions. It is 
not necessary to change 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 160 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 129 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 about $5,840 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 parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected

[[Page 19962]]

parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based 
on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators 
to be $2,585,600, or $16,160 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:

2008-08-13 Airbus: Amendment 39-15465. Docket No. FAA-2007-0345; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-194-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective May 19, 
2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-304, -322, -324, and -
325 airplanes, certificated in any category, all serial numbers, 
except those which have received in service application of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-53-2126 (Airbus modification No. 13011). This 
AD also applies to Airbus A300 Model B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, B4-
620, B4-622, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes (commonly called Model A300-600 series airplanes), 
certificated in any category, all serial numbers, except those which 
have received application of Airbus modification No. 13273 in 
production or application of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6156 in 
service.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: 
Fuselage.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Due to the recalculation of loads for the Multi Role Transporter 
and Tanker (MRTT) aircraft, it has been found that a structural 
reinforcement at the aft section of the fuselage (FR (frame) 87-
FR91) is required for A300-600 aircraft and A310 aircraft with a 
Trim Tank installed.
* * * * * * *
    The unsafe condition is the potential loss of structural 
integrity in the aft section of the fuselage between FR87 through 
FR91, inclusive, during extreme rolling and vertical maneuver 
combinations. The corrective action is reinforcing the structure at 
FR91. Related investigative and corrective actions (reinforcement) 
include:
    <bullet> Doing a rotating probe inspection for cracking of the 
fastener holes;
    <bullet> reaming the fastener holes; and
    <bullet> contacting Airbus for repair instructions and repairing 
any crack found in any reamed fastener hole.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 2,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD, reinforce the aft section of the fuselage, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-
2126, Revision 01, dated May 31, 2007; and Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-53-6156, Revision 01, dated July 4, 2007; as applicable. Do all 
related and investigative corrective actions, as applicable, before 
further flight. Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2126 or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-53-6156, both dated November 28, 2006, are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action 
specified in this AD.

FAA AD Differences

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

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, 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 (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0173, dated June 18, 2007; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-53-2126,

[[Page 19963]]

Revision 01, dated May 31, 2007; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
53-6156, Revision 01, dated July 4, 2007; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2126, Revision 
01, dated May 31, 2007; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6156, 
Revision 01, dated July 4, 2007; as applicable; 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 3, 2008.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-7665 Filed 4-11-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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