Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 25 / Friday, February 6, 2004 / Proposed Rules 5787

that can fracture under load and lead to 

failure of the RAT to provide hydraulic 

power to the primary flight control system 

during an emergency when both engines 

have failed, which could result in loss of 

hydraulic power to the primary flight 

controls and consequent loss of control of the 

airplane; accomplish the following: 

Service Bulletin Reference 

(a) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in 

this AD, means the Accomplishment 

Instructions of the following service bulletins 

in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable:

TABLE 1.—SERVICE BULLETINS

Molded Service bulletin Date 

Model 757–200, –200CB, and –200PF series airplanes ..... Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757–29–0060 ..... September 12, 2002. 

Model 757–300 series airplanes .......................................... Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 757–29–0061 ..... September 12, 2002. 

Model 767–200, –300, and –300F series airplanes ............. Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–29–0103 ..... September 12, 2002. 

Model 767–400ER series airplanes ..................................... Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 767–29–0106 ..... September 12, 2002. 

Note 1: These service bulletins refer to 

Parker Service Bulletin 6513902–29–305, 

dated November 30, 2001, as an additional 

source of service information for the list of 

affected hydraulic pump serial numbers and 

for accomplishment of the reworking and 

reidentifying of the existing hydraulic pump 

for Model 757 and 767 series airplanes.

Inspection of Serial Number 

(b) Within 36 months after the effective 

date of this AD, do an inspection to 

determine the serial number of the hydraulic 

pump in the RAT, per the service bulletin. 

Corrective Actions 

(c) If the hydraulic pump is found to have 

an affected serial number during the 

inspection required by paragraph (b) of this 

AD, within 36 months after the effective date 

of this AD, do the corrective action(s) in 

either paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD. 

(1) Replace the hydraulic pump with a 

serviceable hydraulic pump that is outside 

the range of the affected serial numbers, per 

the service bulletin. 

(2) Rework and reidentify the hydraulic 

pump, per the service bulletin. 

Part Installation 

(d) As of the effective date of this AD, no 

person shall install on any airplane a RAT 

hydraulic pump, Parker part number (P/N) 

65139–02 or Hamilton Sunstrand P/N 

5903420, with an affected serial number as 

listed in Parker Service Bulletin 6513902–

29–305, dated November 30, 2001, unless it 

has been modified per paragraph (c)(2) of this 

AD. 

Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the 

Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 

FAA, is authorized to approve alternative 

methods of compliance for this AD.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 

29, 2004. 

Kalene C. Yanamura, 

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 04–2479 Filed 2–5–04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. 2003–NM–19–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model 

A300 B4–600, A300 B4–600R, and A300 

F4–600R (Collectively Called A300–

600), A310, A319, A320, A321, A330, 

and A340 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: This document proposes the 

adoption of a new airworthiness 

directive (AD) that is applicable to 

certain Airbus Model A300–600, A310, 

A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 

series airplanes. This proposal would 

require a one-time inspection to 

determine if certain Thales pitot probes 

are installed, a check for certain part 

numbers and serial numbers of the 

affected pitot probes, and cleaning of 

the drain hole of any affected pitot 

probes if obstructed. This action is 

necessary to prevent obstruction of the 

air intake of the pitot probes, which 

could result in misleading information 

being provided to the flightcrew. This 

action is intended to address the 

identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by 

March 8, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in 

triplicate to the Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), Transport 

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114, 

Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003–NM–

19–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 

Renton, Washington 98055–4056. 

Comments may be inspected at this 

location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., 

Monday through Friday, except Federal 

holidays. Comments may be submitted 

via fax to (425) 227–1232. Comments 

may also be sent via the Internet using 

the following address: 9-anmnprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent 

via fax or the Internet must contain 

‘‘Docket No. 2003–NM–19–AD’’ in the 

subject line and need not be submitted 

in triplicate. Comments sent via the 

Internet as attached electronic files must 

be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 

2000 or ASCII text. 

The service information referenced in 

the proposed rule may be obtained from 

Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice 

Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. 

This information may be examined at 

the FAA, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 

Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan 

Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 

International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, 

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 

Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 

98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2125; 

fax (425) 227–1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited 

Interested persons are invited to 

participate in the making of the 

proposed rule by submitting such 

written data, views, or arguments as 

they may desire. Communications shall 

identify the Rules Docket number and 

be submitted in triplicate to the address 

specified above. All communications 

received on or before the closing date 

for comments, specified above, will be 

considered before taking action on the 

proposed rule. The proposals contained 

in this action may be changed in light 

of the comments received. 

Submit comments using the following 

format: 

• Organize comments issue-by-issue. 

For example, discuss a request to 

change the compliance time and a 

request to change the service bulletin 

reference as two separate issues. 

• For each issue, state what specific 

change to the proposed AD is being 

requested. 

• Include justification (e.g., reasons or 

data) for each request. 

5788 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 25 / Friday, February 6, 2004 / Proposed Rules 

Comments are specifically invited on 

the overall regulatory, economic, 

environmental, and energy aspects of 

the proposed rule. All comments 

submitted will be available, both before 

and after the closing date for comments, 

in the Rules Docket for examination by 

interested persons. A report 

summarizing each FAA-public contact 

concerned with the substance of this 

proposal will be filed in the Rules 

Docket. 

Commenters wishing the FAA to 

acknowledge receipt of their comments 

submitted in response to this action 

must submit a self-addressed, stamped 

postcard on which the following 

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to 

Docket Number 2003–NM–19–AD.’’ The 

postcard will be date stamped and 

returned to the commenter. 

Availability of NPRMs 

Any person may obtain a copy of this 

NPRM by submitting a request to the 

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 

2003–NM–19–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, 

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056. 

Discussion 

The Direction Ge ́ne ́rale de l’Aviation 

Civile (DGAC), which is the 

airworthiness authority for France, 

notified the FAA that an unsafe 

condition may exist on certain Airbus 

Model A300 B4–600, A300 B4–600R, 

and A300 F4–600R (collectively called 

A300–600), A310, A319, A320, A321, 

A330, and A340 series airplanes. The 

DGAC advises that an operator reported 

airspeed discrepancy events due to 

obstruction of the pitot probes on a 

Model A320 series airplane. 

Investigation by the parts manufacturer 

revealed that the obstruction of the air 

intake of the pitot probes was due to a 

manufacturing defect at the drain hole. 

Such obstruction could result in 

misleading information being provided 

to the flightcrew. 

The pitot probes installed on the 

affected Model A320 series airplane are 

also installed on the affected Airbus 

Model A300–600, A310, A319, A321, 

A330, and A340 series airplanes. 

Therefore, the pitot probes on all of 

these airplane models may be subject to 

the same unsafe condition. 

Explanation of Relevant Service 

Information 

Airbus has issued the following 

service bulletins, all including 

Appendix 01:

Service bulletin Revision level Date Model 

A300–34–6149 ............................... Original ......................................... April 4, 2003 ................................. A300–600 

A310–34–2181 ............................... Original ......................................... April 4, 2003 ................................. A310 

A320–34–1263 ............................... 01 .................................................. June 25, 2003 ............................... A319, A320, A321 

A330–34–3119 ............................... Original ......................................... February 27, 2003 ........................ A330 

A340–34–4130 ............................... Original ......................................... February 27, 2003 ........................ A340 

The service bulletins describe the 

following procedures: 

A300–34–6149 (for Model A300–600 

series airplanes) describes procedures 

for a one-time detailed visual inspection 

to determine if pitot probes 40DA, 

41DA, and 42DA are installed, and a 

check of those pitot probes for part 

number (P/N) C16254AA and serial 

number (S/N) 660 or higher, and 

cleaning of the drain hole of any 

affected pitot probe. 

A310–34–2181 (for Model A310 series 

airplanes) describes procedures for a 

one-time detailed visual inspection to 

determine if pitot probes 40DA, 41DA, 

and 42DA are installed, and a check of 

those pitot probes for P/N C16254AA 

and S/N 660 or higher, and cleaning of 

the drain hole of any affected pitot 

probe. 

A320–34–1263 (for Model A319, 

A320, and A321 series airplanes) 

describes procedures for a one-time 

detailed visual inspection to determine 

if pitot probes 9DA1, 9DA2, and 9DA3 

are installed, and a check of those pitot 

probes for P/N C16195AA and S/N 

lower than 4760, and cleaning of the 

drain hole of any affected pitot probe.

A330–34–3119 (for Model A330 series 

airplanes) describes procedures for a 

one-time detailed visual inspection to 

determine if pitot probes 4DA1, 4DA2, 

and 3DA are installed, and a check of 

those pitot probes for P/N C16195AA 

and S/N lower than 4760, and cleaning 

of the drain hole of any affected pitot 

probe. 

A340–34–4130 (for Model A340 series 

airplanes) describes procedures for a 

one-time detailed visual inspection to 

determine if pitot probes 9DA1, 9DA2, 

and 9DA3 are installed, and a check of 

those pitot probes for P/N C16195AA 

and S/N lower than 4760, and cleaning 

of the drain hole of any affected pitot 

probe. 

Thales Avionics Service Bulletin, 

C16195A–34–002, Revision 01 dated 

February 7, 2003, is referenced in the 

Airbus service bulletins as an additional 

source of service information for 

accomplishment of the cleaning of the 

drain holes of the pitot probes. 

Accomplishment of the actions 

specified in the Airbus service 

information is intended to adequately 

address the identified unsafe condition. 

The DGAC classified this service 

information as mandatory and issued 

French airworthiness directives 2003–

148(B), dated April 16, 2003; 2002–

586(B) R1, dated April 2, 2002; and 

2002–594(B), dated November 27, 2002; 

to ensure the continued airworthiness of 

these airplanes in France. 

FAA’s Conclusions 

These airplane models are 

manufactured in France and are type 

certificated for operation in the United 

States under the provisions of section 

21.29 of the Federal Aviation 

Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the 

applicable bilateral airworthiness 

agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral 

airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has 

kept us informed of the situation 

described above. We have examined the 

findings of the DGAC, reviewed all 

available information, and determined 

that AD action is necessary for products 

of this type design that are certificated 

for operation in the United States. 

Explanation of Requirements of 

Proposed Rule 

Since an unsafe condition has been 

identified that is likely to exist or 

develop on other airplanes of the same 

type design registered in the United 

States, the proposed AD would require 

accomplishment of the actions specified 

in the Airbus service information 

described previously, except as 

discussed below. 

Difference Between Airbus Service 

Bulletins and Proposed AD 

The service bulletins recommend 

completing and submitting an 

inspection report, included as Appendix 

01 of the service bulletins; however, this 

proposed AD would not require those 

actions; we do not need this information 

from operators. 

Cost Impact 

We estimate that 758 airplanes of U.S. 

registry would be affected by this 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 25 / Friday, February 6, 2004 / Proposed Rules 5789

proposed AD, that it would take about 

2 work hours per airplane to do the 

proposed inspection, and that the 

average labor rate is $65 per work hour. 

Based on these figures, the cost impact 

of the inspection proposed by this AD 

on U.S. operators is estimated to be 

$98,540, or $130 per airplane. 

The cost impact figure discussed 

above is based on assumptions that no 

operator has yet accomplished any of 

the proposed requirements of this AD 

action, and that no operator would 

accomplish those actions in the future if 

this AD were not adopted. The cost 

impact figures discussed in AD 

rulemaking actions represent only the 

time necessary to perform the specific 

actions actually required by the AD. 

These figures typically do not include 

incidental costs, such as the time 

required to gain access and close up, 

planning time, or time necessitated by 

other administrative actions. 

Currently, there are no Airbus Model 

A340 series airplanes on the U.S. 

Register. However, should an affected 

airplane be imported and placed on the 

U.S. Register in the future, it would take 

about 2 work hours per airplane to do 

the proposed inspection, at an average 

labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based 

on these figures, the cost impact of the 

inspection proposed by this AD on U.S. 

operators is estimated to be $130 per 

airplane. 

Regulatory Impact 

The regulations proposed herein 

would 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. Therefore, 

it is determined that this proposal 

would not have federalism implications 

under Executive Order 13132. 

For the reasons discussed above, I 

certify that this proposed regulation (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) if 

promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 

regulatory evaluation prepared for this 

action is contained in the Rules Docket. 

A copy of it may be obtained by 

contacting the Rules Docket at the 

location provided under the caption 

ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation 

safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment 

Accordingly, pursuant to the 

authority delegated to me by the 

Administrator, the Federal Aviation 

Administration proposes to amend 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.

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

2. Section 39.13 is amended by 

adding the following new airworthiness 

directive:

Airbus: Docket 2003–NM–19–AD.

Applicability: Airbus Model A300 B4–600, 

A300 B4–600R, and A300 F4–600R 

(Collectively Called A300–600), A310, A319, 

A320, A321, A330, and A340 series 

airplanes; certificated in any category; as 

listed in the Airbus service bulletins 

specified in Table 1 of this AD.

TABLE 1. 

Model Service bulletin Revision Date 

A300–600 ....................................... A300–34–6149 ............................. Original ......................................... April 4, 2003. 

A310 ............................................... A310–34–2181 ............................. Original ......................................... April 4, 2003. 

A319, A320, A321 ......................... A320–34–1263 ............................. 01 .................................................. June 25, 2003. 

A330 ............................................... A330–34–3119 ............................. Original ......................................... February 27, 2003. 

A340 ............................................... A340–34–4130 ............................. Original ......................................... February 27, 2003. 

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless 

accomplished previously. 

To prevent obstruction of the air intake of 

the pitot probes, which could result in 

misleading information being provided to the 

flightcrew, accomplish the following: 

One-Time Detailed Inspection 

(a) Within 700 flight hours after the 

effective date of this AD: Do a detailed 

inspection to determine if certain Thales 

Avionics pitot probes are installed, and a 

check of affected pitot probes for certain part 

numbers (P/N) and serial numbers (S/N), as 

specified in the Accomplishment 

Instructions of the applicable Airbus service 

bulletin listed in Table 1 of this AD, all 

excluding Appendix 01. Do the inspection 

and check (including cleaning and marking 

the drain hole) by doing all the actions per 

Part 3.A. through Part 3.E. of the 

Accomplishment Instructions of the 

applicable Airbus service bulletin. If the 

specified P/N and S/N are found, before 

further flight, clean and mark the drain hole 

if obstructed, per the Accomplishment 

Instructions of the applicable Airbus service 

bulletin. If the specified P/N and S/N are not 

found, no further action is required by this 

AD.

Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a 

detailed inspection is defined as: ‘‘An 

intensive visual examination of a specific 

structural area, system, installation, or 

assembly to detect damage, failure, or 

irregularity. Available lighting is normally 

supplemented with a direct source of good 

lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by 

the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 

magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface 

cleaning and elaborate access procedures 

may be required.’’

Note 2: The referenced Airbus service 

bulletins refer to Thales Avionics Service 

Bulletin, C16195A–34–002, Revision 01, 

dated February 7, 2003, as an additional 

source of service information for the cleaning 

of the drain holes of the pitot probes.

Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(b) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the 

Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, 

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is 

authorized to approve alternative methods of 

compliance for this AD.

Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed 

in French airworthiness directives 2003–

148(B), dated April 16, 2003; 2002–586(B) 

R1, dated April 2, 2002; and 2002–594(B), 

dated November 27, 2002.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 

29, 2004. 

Kalene C. Yanamura, 

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane 

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 04–2480 Filed 2–5–04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P