[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 228 (Wednesday, November 26, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63039-63041]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-31022]


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Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

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Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 228 / Wednesday, November 26, 1997 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 63039]]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-230-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A300, A310, 
and A300-600 series airplanes. This proposal would require inspections 
to detect cracking of the aft door frame area, and repair, if 
necessary. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
detect and correct cracks in the aft door frame area, which could 
result in reduced structural integrity and rapid decompression of the 
airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 26, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-230-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    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: International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2110; 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 notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    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 notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 97-NM-230-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-103, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 97-NM-230-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Direction Generale 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, A310, and A300-600 
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during scheduled inspections 
of in-service airplanes, 18 cases of stress corrosion cracks have been 
found at and between rivet holes on the inner and outer door frame 
flanges of frames 73A and 75A, and on the inner and outer flanges of 
the longeron at stringer 11. Such stress corrosion cracking, if not 
detected and corrected in a timely manner, could result in reduced 
structural integrity and possible rapid decompression of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-53-303 (for Model A300 
series airplanes); A310-53-2079 (for Model A310 series airplanes); and 
A300-53-6056 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), all dated February 
23, 1996. These service bulletins describe procedures for inspections 
to detect cracking of the aft door frame area, and repair, if 
necessary. In each of the referenced service bulletins, inspection 
procedures are provided for multiple locations around the aft door 
frame area. There are 7 locations specified for Model A300 and A310 
series airplanes, and 3 locations specified for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes. Accomplishment of a permanent repair, as specified in these 
service bulletins, eliminates the need for the repetitive eddy current 
inspections for the area in which the permanent repair is accomplished.
    The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued 
French airworthiness directive (CN) 96-135-199(B), dated July 17, 1996, 
in order to assure 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 the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has 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

[[Page 63040]]

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 service bulletins described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Differences Between the Proposal and the related Service Bulletin

    The proposed rule would differ from the Airbus service bulletins 
described previously in that, unlike certain repair times specified in 
the referenced service bulletins, this proposed AD would not permit 
further flight with cracks detected in the aft door frame area. 
Depending on the extent and location of the cracking, the service 
bulletins, in certain circumstances, provide for continued flight 
without immediate repair of the damaged area. The FAA has determined 
that, due to the safety implications and consequences associated with 
such cracking, all locations in the aft door frame area that are found 
to be cracked must be repaired prior to further flight.
    Additionally, for cracks found in certain locations, the service 
bulletins specify that operators should contact Airbus for possible 
repair solutions. Unlike the procedures described in the service 
bulletins, this proposed AD would require that any repairs other than 
those specifically identified in the service bulletins be accomplished 
in accordance with a method approved by the FAA.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 49 Airbus Model A300 and A310 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that 
it would take approximately 25 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per 
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed 
inspections on U.S. operators of Model A300 and A310 series airplanes 
is estimated to be $73,500, or $1,500 per airplane.
    The FAA estimates that 51 Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take 
approximately 18 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed 
inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed inspections on 
U.S. operators of Model A300-600 series airplanes is estimated to be 
$55,080, or $1,080 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are 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.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 97-NM-230-AD.

    Applicability: Model A300, A310, and A300-600 airplanes on which 
Airbus Modification 6924 has not been installed; certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect and correct cracks in the aft door frame area, which 
could result in reduced structural integrity and possible rapid 
decompression of the aircraft, accomplish the following:
    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 10 years since date of 
manufacture, or within 12 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later: Except as provided by paragraphs (b) and 
(c) of this AD, accomplish a high frequency eddy current inspection 
to detect stress corrosion cracks in the aft door frame area, and 
perform the applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-53-303, dated February 23, 1996 (for Model 
A300 series airplanes); A310-53-2079, dated February 23, 1996 (for 
Model A310 series airplanes); or A300-53-6056, dated February 23, 
1996 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); subsequently referred to 
as the applicable service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat the 
inspection at intervals not to exceed 5 years, in all areas not 
repaired permanently in accordance with the applicable service 
bulletin.
    (b) If any crack is found during an inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, and the applicable service bulletin 
specifies to contact Airbus for an appropriate action: Prior to 
further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate.
    (c) If any crack is found during an inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, and the applicable service bulletin 
specifies a compliance time other than ``prior to further flight'' 
for accomplishment of the repair: Accomplish the repair prior to 
further flight in accordance with the procedures specified in the 
applicable service bulletin.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. 
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA 
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send 
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.


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    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive (CN) 96-135-199(B), dated July 17, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 19, 1997.
 Stewart R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 97-31022 Filed 11-25-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U