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 Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2010-1197; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-044-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
 ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
 SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed 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: An operator of an A300-600 aeroplane reported finding a cracked pylon fuel drain pipe on engine #1. * * * * * * The pipe drains the double wall of the wing-to-pylon junction in the event of fuel leakage. After investigation, it was concluded that the damage of the pylon fuel drain pipe had been caused by chafing of the pipe against over-length screws that had been installed in accordance with the Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) during a maintenance phase of the Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF). This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in combination with fuel leakage in the pylon, lead to an accumulation of fuel in the lowest point of the LAPF. As high temperatures are present within the LAPF, and without ventilation, this could result in fuel (vapour) ignition and consequent fire. 
 The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
 DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 24, 2011.
 ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: *Federal eRulemaking Portal:*
                         Go to 
                        *http://www.regulations.gov.*
                         Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
                    *Fax:*
                         (202) 493-2251.
                    *Mail:*
                         U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
                    *Hand Delivery:*
                         U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS—EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; 
                        *e-mail: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;*
                         Internet 
                        *http://www.airbus.com.*
                         You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. 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 this proposed AD, 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.
 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the 
                    **ADDRESSES**
                     section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2010-1197; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-044-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
                    *http://www.regulations.gov,*
                     including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2010-0085, dated May 3, 2010 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: An operator of an A300-600 aeroplane reported finding a cracked pylon fuel drain pipe on engine #1.The pipe, Part Number (P/N) A71715020, had separated and the end was found 5.5 inches from the pylon aft bulkhead. A similar case was also reported on an A300F4-608ST aeroplane. The affected pylon fuel drain pipe runs from the top of the pylon primary structure to the aft part of the pylon rear secondary structure and is partly attached under the pylon lower spar. The pipe drains the double wall of the wing-to-pylon junction in the event of fuel leakage. After investigation, it was concluded that the damage of the pylon fuel drain pipe had been caused by chafing of the pipe against over-length screws that had been installed in accordance with the Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) during a maintenance phase of the Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF). This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in combination with fuel leakage in the pylon, lead to an accumulation of fuel in the lowest point of the LAPF. As high temperatures are present within the LAPF, and without ventilation, this could result in fuel (vapour) ignition and consequent fire. To address and correct this unsafe condition, EASA * * * required an inspection [for missing pipes, or distortions 
                        ( print page 76927)
                        or holes] of the pylon fuel drain pipe and the attachment screws and, depending on findings, the necessary corrective actions. In case over-length screws are found to be installed, depending on location and aeroplane configuration, these must be replaced. 
 Required actions also include visually inspecting to determine the length and part number of the drain pipe attachment screws on the LAPF on the left- and right-hand pylons. Corrective actions include replacing or repairing the pipe, or replacing screws with incorrect part numbers with new screws. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, including Appendices 01, 02, and 03, dated March 11, 2010; and Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-54A2040, Revision 02, including Appendices 01, 02, and 03, dated June 10, 2010. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. 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 proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 168 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $57,120, or $340 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 proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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. *For the reasons discussed above, I certify 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. 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 proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation
Aircraft
Aviation safety
Incorporation by reference
Safety
 The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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
  2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: **Airbus:**
                                 Docket No. FAA-2010-1197; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-044-AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by January 24, 2011. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 54: Nacelles/pylons. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: An operator of an A300-600 aeroplane reported finding a cracked pylon fuel drain pipe on engine #1. * * * * * * The pipe drains the double wall of the wing-to-pylon junction in the event of fuel leakage. After investigation, it was concluded that the damage of the pylon fuel drain pipe had been caused by chafing of the pipe against over-length screws that had been installed in accordance with the Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) during a maintenance phase of the Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF). This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in combination with fuel leakage in the pylon, lead to an accumulation of fuel in the lowest point of the LAPF. As high temperatures are present within the LAPF, and without ventilation, this could result in fuel (vapour) ignition and consequent fire. 
 Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within 
                                ( print page 76928)
                                the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection and Corrective Actions (g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection for missing pipes, or distortions or holes, of the fuel drain pipes of the LAPF, and if no missing pipes, distortions, and holes are found, do a general visual inspection to determine the length and part number of the drain pipe attachment screws on the LAPF on the left-hand and right-hand pylons, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-54A2040, Revision 02, dated June 10, 2010 (for Model A310 series airplanes). (1) If missing pipes, distortions, or holes of the fuel drain pipes are detected during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace the drain pipe, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-54A2040, Revision 02, dated June 10, 2010 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or contact Airbus for repair instructions and do the repair. (2) If screw length is outside the measurement specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-54A2040, Revision 02, dated June 10, 2010 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or screws having incorrect part numbers are found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, replace the screws with screws having part number (P/N) NAS1102E3-10, NAS1102E3-12, or NAS560HK3-2, as applicable to location and airplane (engine) configuration, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-54A2040, Revision 02, dated June 10, 2010 (for Model A310 series airplanes). (h) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install screws on the LAPF, other than screws having P/N NAS1102E3-10, NAS1102E3-12, or NAS560HK3-2, as applicable to location and airplane (engine) configuration, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-54A2040, Revision 02, dated June 10, 2010 (for Model A310 series airplanes). Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance with Previous Service Information (i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the service bulletins identified in Table 1 of this AD are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD. Table 1—Credit Service Bulletins
For Model—
Airbus mandatory 
                                         service bulletin—
Revision—
Dated—A300-600 series airplanes
A300-54A6039
Original
January 19, 2010.A310 series airplanes
A310-54A2040
Original
January 19, 2010.A310 series airplanes
A310-54A2040
01
March 11, 2010.
 No Reporting (j) Although Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletins A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010; and A310-54A2040, Revision 02, dated June 10, 2010; specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. FAA AD Differences Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: Although the MCAI or service information tells you to submit information to the manufacturer, paragraph (j) of this AD does not require that information. Other FAA AD Provisions (k) 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:*
                                 Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (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. Related Information (l) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2010-0085, dated May 3, 2010; Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-54A6039, Revision 01, dated March 11, 2010; and Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-54A2040, Revision 02, dated June 10, 2010; for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 2, 2010. Jeffrey E. Duven, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.


[FR Doc. 2010-31040 Filed 12-9-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P