[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26107-26109]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12515]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-61-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 
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 A319, A320, 
and A321 series airplanes. This proposal would require relocation of 
the engine/master 1 relay from relay box 103VU to shelf 95VU in the 
avionics bay. 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 
prevent a simultaneous cutoff of the fuel supply to both engines, which 
could result in a loss of engine power and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by June 11, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-61-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

[[Page 26108]]

Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
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 98-NM-61-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. 98-NM-61-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, during 
investigation into a bowl overflow problem, maintenance personnel 
determined that water contamination in the avionics bay could cause the 
left-and right-side engine relays to simultaneously fail. Further 
investigation has revealed that the engine/master 1 relay (11QG) should 
be relocated from relay box 103VU to shelf 95VU in the avionics bay to 
improve system separation between the left- and right-side engine/
master relays by increasing the distance between them. The relays 
control the low-pressure shutoff valves that supply fuel to the 
engines. Thus, simultaneous failure of the relays could result in a 
cutoff of the fuel supply to both engines. This condition, if not 
corrected, could lead to a loss of engine power and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-24-1092, dated March 26, 
1997, and Revision 01, dated December 24, 1997, which describe 
procedures for relocation of the engine/master 1 relay from relay box 
103VU to shelf 95VU in the avionics bay. Relocation of the engine/
master 1 relay involves modification of the equipment and wiring in the 
affected areas. Accomplishment of the action specified in the service 
bulletins is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition. The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and 
issued French airworthiness directive 97-360-111(B), dated November 19, 
1997, 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 
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.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 120 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD. It would take approximately 16 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish the proposed action, at an average labor 
rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts would cost approximately $209 
or $961 per airplane, depending on the service kit purchased. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be as low as $1,169 per airplane, or as high as $1,921 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:

[[Page 26109]]

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 98-NM-61-AD.

    Applicability: Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; on 
which Airbus Modification 26065 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-24-1092, Revision 01, dated December 24, 1997) has not been 
accomplished; 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 (b) 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 prevent a simultaneous cutoff of the fuel supply to both 
engines, which could result in a loss of engine power and consequent 
reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, 
relocate the engine/master 1 relay (11QG) from relay box 103VU to 
shelf 95VU in the avionics bay, in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-24-1092, dated March 26, 1997, or Revision 01, dated 
December 24, 1997.
    (b) 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, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. 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.

    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.

    (c) 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 97-360-111(B), dated November 19, 1997.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 5, 1998.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-12515 Filed 5-11-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U