Document ID: FAA-2010-1197-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4 605R Variant F Airplanes, etc.
Posted Date: 2010-12-10T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 237 (Friday, December 10, 2010)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 76926-76928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-31040]

 ========================================================================
 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.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 237 / Friday, December 10, 2010 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 76926]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-1197; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-044-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and 
F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes 
(Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Series 
Airplanes

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

[[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.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  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

[[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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Airbus mandatory
            For Model--              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