[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 12 (Thursday, January 18, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4649-4651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-1076]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-202-AD; Amendment 39-12076; AD 2001-01-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 
(A300); Model A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (A300-600); 
and Model A310 Series Airplanes; Equipped With Dowty Ram Air Turbines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Airbus Industrie Model A300, A300-600, and 
A310 series airplanes; equipped with Dowty ram air turbines (RAT). That 
AD currently requires repetitive deployment tests of the RAT and checks 
of the adjustment of the locking rod. This amendment also requires 
modification of the RAT, which terminates the repetitive tests and 
checks. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure the 
availability of the RAT in case of need.

DATES: Effective February 22, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of February 22, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operator Telex 29-09, 
dated November 16, 1993, as listed in the regulations, was approved 
previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 2, 1994 
(59 FR 7208, February 15, 1994).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

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: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 94-04-05, 
amendment 39-8823 (59 FR 7208, February 15, 1994), which is applicable 
to certain Airbus Industrie Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series 
airplanes, was published as a supplemental notice of proposed 
rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on August 23, 2000 (65 FR 
51254). The action proposed to continue to require repetitive 
deployment tests of the ram air turbine (RAT) and checks of the 
adjustment of the locking rod. The action also proposed to require 
modification of the RAT, which would terminate the repetitive tests and 
checks, and to expand the applicability of the existing AD.

Airplane Model Designation Change

    Since the issuance of the supplemental NPRM, the FAA has determined 
that it is necessary to revise the manner in which it specifies the 
model designation for Airbus Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes 
to reflect the designations that appear on the type certificate data 
sheet (TCDS). This final rule has been revised accordingly.

Comments

    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response 
to the supplemental NPRM or the FAA's determination of the cost to the 
public.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, the FAA has determined 
that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the 
rule with the change previously described. The FAA has determined that 
this change will neither increase the economic burden on any operator 
nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    There are approximately 126 airplanes of U.S. registry that will be 
affected by this AD.
    The repetitive tests and checks that are required by AD 94-04-05, 
and retained in this AD, 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 this requirement on U.S. operators is

[[Page 4650]]

estimated to be $15,120, or $120 per airplane, per test/check cycle.
    The new modification that is required by this AD action will take 
approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average 
labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately 
$3,995 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the new 
requirements of this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $548,730, 
or $4,355 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the 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.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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 39-8823 (59 FR 
7208, February 15, 1994), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-12076, to read as follows:

2001-01-06  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12076. Docket 99-NM-202-
AD. Supersedes AD 94-04-05, Amendment 39-8823.

    Applicability: Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 (A300); Model A300 B4-
600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (A300-600); and Model A310 
series airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with Dowty 
ram air turbines (RAT) having the following part numbers:

RAT 16C 100 VG
RAT 16C 101 VG
RAT 16C 102 VG
RAT 16C 103 VG
RAT 16C 105 VG
RAT 16C 109 VG
RAT 16C 110 VG
768336
768338

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
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 (e)(1) 
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 ensure the availability of the RAT in case of need, 
accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 94-04-05:

Repetitive Tests and Checks

    (a) Within 60 days after March 2, 1994 (the effective date of AD 
94-04-05, amendment 39-8823), or 500 hours time-in-service after 
March 2, 1994, whichever occurs first, perform a deployment test of 
the RAT and check the adjustment of the locking rod, in accordance 
with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 29-09, dated November 16, 1993. 
Repeat the deployment test and adjustment check thereafter at 
intervals not to exceed 10 months.
    (1) If no discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, apply 
grease to the RAT leg at the entry and exit positions of the locking 
rod spring housing, in accordance with the AOT.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, 
correct it and apply grease to the RAT leg at the entry and exit 
positions of the locking rod spring housing, in accordance with the 
AOT.

New Requirements of This AD:

New Service Bulletin Revisions

    (b) As of the effective date of this new AD, Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-29-0101 (for Model A300 series airplanes), A310-29-
2039 (for Model A310 series airplanes), or A300-29-6030 (for Model 
A300-600 series airplanes); all Revision 02, all dated June 28, 
2000; as applicable; must be used for accomplishment of the actions 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

Modification

    (c) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the RAT by installing a grease nipple and a scraper seal assembly, 
replacing the locking rod spring with a stronger spring, and re-
identifying the RAT with a new part number; in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0106 (for Model A300 series 
airplanes), A310-29-2078 (for Model A310 series airplanes), or A300-
29-6039 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); all Revision 03, all 
dated June 28, 2000; as applicable. Accomplishment of the 
modification constitutes terminating action for the repetitive tests 
and checks required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

    Note 2: The service bulletins refer to Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin ERPS26T-29-1 for modification instructions and new part 
numbers.



    Note 3: Accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-29-0106, A310-29-2078, or A300-29-6039; 
Revision 01; all dated September 8, 1997; or Revision 02, all dated 
January 26, 1999; as applicable; prior to the effective date of this 
AD, is acceptable for compliance with paragraph (c) of this AD.

Spares

    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
a RAT having the following part numbers on any airplane:

RAT 16C 100 VG
RAT 16C 101 VG
RAT 16C 102 VG
RAT 16C 103 VG
RAT 16C 105 VG
RAT 16C 109 VG
RAT 16C 110 VG
768336
768338

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e)(1) 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

[[Page 4651]]

send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 94-04-05, amendment 39-8823, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All 
Operator Telex 29-09, dated November 16, 1993; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A300-29-0101, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A310-29-2039, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6030, Revision 02, dated June 28, 
2000; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0106, Revision 03, dated June 
28, 2000; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2078, Revision 03, dated 
June 28, 2000; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6039, Revision 
03, dated June 28, 2000; as applicable.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A300-29-0101, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-29-2039, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-29-6030, Revision 02, dated June 28, 2000; 
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-0106, Revision 03, dated June 28, 
2000; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-29-2078, Revision 03, dated June 
28, 2000; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6039, Revision 03, 
dated June 28, 2000; is approved by the Director of the Federal 
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operator Telex 
29-09, dated November 16, 1993, was approved previously by the 
Director of the Federal Register as of March 2, 1994 (59 FR 7208, 
February 15, 1994).
    (3) Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2000-259-315(B), dated June 28, 2000.

Effective Date

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on February 22, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 8, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-1076 Filed 1-17-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U