[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 142 (Friday, July 24, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39771-39773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-19777]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97-NM-107-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310, A300-600, and A320 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the supersedure of an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A310, 
A300-600, and A320 series airplanes, that currently requires 
inspections to verify proper installation of the grill over the air 
extraction duct of the lavatory and to detect blockages in the air 
extraction duct of the lavatory, and correction of any discrepancies. 
This action would add a requirement for modification of the grill of 
the air extraction duct, which, when accomplished, would terminate the 
repetitive inspections. This action also would expand the applicability 
of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. 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 obstructions in the air 
extraction system of the lavatory, which may result in the failure of 
the smoke detection system to detect smoke in the lavatories.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 24, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 97-NM-107-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: 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 97-NM-107-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. 97-NM-107-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    On February 17, 1995, the FAA issued AD 95-04-12, amendment 39-9164 
(60 FR 11619, March 2, 1995), applicable to certain Airbus Model A310, 
A300-600, and A320 series airplanes, to require inspections to verify 
proper installation of the grill over the air extraction duct of the 
lavatory and to detect blockages in the air extraction duct of the 
lavatory, and correction of any discrepancies. That action was prompted 
by reports of obstructions in the air extraction system of the 
lavatories. The requirements of that AD are intended to prevent 
obstructions in the air extraction system of the lavatory, which may 
result in the failure of the smoke detection system to detect smoke in 
the lavatories.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since the issuance of that AD, the Direction Generale de l'Aviation 
Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, 
notified the FAA that it has received several additional reports of 
incorrectly installed grill hoods of the air extraction system of the 
lavatory on certain Airbus Model A310, A300-600, and A320 series 
airplanes. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
obstructions in the air extraction system, and consequent failure of 
the smoke detection system to detect smoke in the lavatories.

[[Page 39772]]

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A310-26-2030, Revision 02, 
dated April 4, 1997 (for Model A310 series airplanes); A300-26-6030, 
Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); 
and A320-26-1037; Revision 02, dated July 8, 1997 (for Model A320 
series airplanes). These service bulletins describe procedures for 
modification of the grill of the air extraction duct in the lavatory. 
The modification involves installing an insert and a threaded guide pin 
to the lavatory ceiling, which will align with a new hole in the hood 
and the grill of the air extraction duct. This modification will ensure 
that the sub-assemblies of the air extraction system of the lavatory 
can only be installed in the correct position. Such modification would 
eliminate the need for the repetitive inspections.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service bulletins is 
intended to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. The 
DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued French 
airworthiness directives 96-186-204(B)R1, dated January 15, 1997 (for 
Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes), and 96-007-073(B), dated 
January 3, 1996 (for Model A320 series airplanes), 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 supersede AD 95-04-12 to 
continue to require inspections to verify proper installation of the 
grill over the air extraction duct of the lavatory and to detect 
blockages in the air extraction duct of the lavatory, and correction of 
any discrepancies. This action would add a requirement for modification 
of the grill of the air extraction duct, which, when accomplished, 
would terminate the repetitive inspections. This action also would 
expand the applicability of the existing AD to include additional 
airplanes. The actions would be required to be accomplished in 
accordance with the service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 36 Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, 54 
Airbus Model A300-600, and 118 Airbus Model A320 series airplanes of 
U.S. registry that would be affected by this proposed AD.
    The inspections that are currently required by AD 95-04-12 take 
approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the currently required inspections on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $24,960, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    For Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, the new proposed 
modification would take approximately 5 work hours per airplane (5 
lavatories per airplane; 1 work hour per lavatory) to accomplish, at an 
average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the modification proposed by this AD on U.S. operators 
of Airbus Model A310 series airplanes is estimated to be $10,800, or 
$300 per airplane.
    For Airbus Model A300-600 and A320 series airplanes, the new 
proposed modification would take approximately 10 work hours per 
airplane (5 lavatories per airplane; 2 work hours per lavatory) to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the modification proposed by this AD 
on U.S. operators of Airbus Model A300-600 and A320 series airplanes is 
estimated to be $103,200, or $600 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the current or 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 removing amendment 39-9164 (60 FR 
11619, March 2, 1995), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), to read as follows:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 97-NM-107-AD. Supersedes AD 95-04-12, 
Amendment 39-9164.

    Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes on which 
Airbus Modification 10156 has not been accomplished (reference 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-26-2023 or A300-26-6024), and Model 
A320 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 22561 (reference 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-26-1017) or Airbus Modification 24548 
(reference Airbus Service Bulletin A320-26-1037) 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

[[Page 39773]]

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 (c) 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 obstructions in the air extraction system of the 
lavatory, which may result in the failure of the smoke detection 
system to detect smoke in the lavatories, accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 95-04-12

    (a) Within 450 flight hours after March 17, 1995 (the effective 
date of AD 95-04-12), perform an inspection of each lavatory to 
verify proper installation of the grill over the air extraction duct 
of the lavatories, and to detect blockage in the air extraction duct 
of the lavatories, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex 
(AOT) 26-12, Revision 1, dated July 4, 1994.
    (1) If the grill is found to be properly installed and if no 
blockage is found, repeat the inspection thereafter whenever the 
cover over the air extraction duct of the lavatories or any ceiling 
louver (grill) of the ceiling light in the lavatory is removed or 
replaced for any reason.
    (2) If the grill is found to be improperly installed and/or if 
blockage is found, prior to further flight, correct any 
discrepancies found, in accordance with Airbus AOT 26-12, Revision 
1, dated July 4, 1994. Repeat the inspection thereafter whenever the 
cover over the air extraction duct of the lavatories or any ceiling 
louver (grill) of the ceiling light in the lavatory is removed or 
replaced for any reason.

New Requirements of this AD

    (b) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
modify the grill of the air extraction duct of the lavatory, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-26-2030, Revision 02, 
dated April 4, 1997 (for Model A310 series airplanes); A300-26-6030, 
Revision 02, dated April 4, 1997 (for Model A300-600 series 
airplanes); or A320-26-1037, Revision 02, dated July 8, 1997 (for 
Model A320 series airplanes); as applicable. Accomplishment of the 
modification constitutes terminating action for the inspection 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.
    (c) 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.

    (d) 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 directives 96-186-204(B)R1, dated January 15, 1997 
(for Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes), and 96-007-073(B), 
dated January 3, 1996 (for Model A320 series airplanes).

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 20, 1998.
S. R. Miller,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-19777 Filed 7-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U