Document ID: FAA-2010-0172-0004
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Model A300 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, F4-600R Series Airplanes, etc.
Posted Date: 2010-05-21T04:00Z

[Federal Register: May 21, 2010 (Volume 75, Number 98)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 28480-28483]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21my10-7]                         

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0172; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-189-AD; 
Amendment 39-16308; AD 2010-11-03]
RIN 2120-AA64

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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This 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:

    In the past, some operators have reported difficulties to 
pressurise the hydraulic reservoirs, due to leakage of the Crissair 
reservoir air pressurisation check valves. * * * The leakage of the 
check valves was caused by an incorrect spring material. The 
affected Crissair check valves * * * were then replaced with 
improved check valves P/N [part number] 2S2794-1 * * *.
    More recently, similar issues were again reported on aeroplanes 
with Crissair check valves P/N 2S2794-1 installed. The 
investigations * * * have shown that a spring, mounted inside the 
valve, does not meet the Airbus type design specifications.
    This situation, if not corrected, can cause hydraulic system 
functional degradation, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane when combined with an air duct leak, air conditioning 
system contamination or, if installed, malfunction of the fire 
extinguishing system in the Class `C' cargo compartment.
* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 25, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 25, 
2010.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 25, 2010 
(75 FR 8551). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    In the past, some operators have reported difficulties to 
pressurise the hydraulic reservoirs, due to leakage of the Crissair 
reservoir air pressurisation check valves. In some cases, the air 
conditioning system was contaminated with hydraulic mist. The 
leakage of the check valves was caused by an incorrect spring 
material. The affected Crissair check valves Part Number (P/N) 
2S2794 were then replaced with improved check valves P/N 2S2794-1 in 
accordance with Airbus Service Information Letter 29-020.
    More recently, similar issues were again reported on aeroplanes 
with Crissair check

[[Page 28481]]

valves P/N 2S2794-1 installed. The investigations carried out on 
those check valves have shown that a spring, mounted inside the 
valve, does not meet the Airbus type design specifications.
    This situation, if not corrected, can cause hydraulic system 
functional degradation, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane when combined with an air duct leak, air conditioning 
system contamination or, if installed, malfunction of the fire 
extinguishing system in the Class `C' cargo compartment.
    For the reasons described above, EASA [European Aviation Safety 
Agency] AD 2008-0166 was issued to require the inspection of the 
Crissair check valves P/N 2S2794-1, to identify serial numbers (s/n) 
and the replacement of the affected ones with serviceable units.
    Later on, further investigation by the vendor Crissair revealed 
more suspect check valves P/N 2S2794-1. Based on this, it was 
concluded that EASA AD 2008-0166 did not adequately address the 
unsafe condition and also did not correctly identify the Functional 
Item Numbers (FIN) of the various aeroplane installations of the 
affected valves. Consequently, EASA AD Cancellation Notice No.: 
2008-0166-CN was issued on 29 October 2008 to cancel EASA AD 2008-
0166.
    An updated list of suspect check valves with P/N 2S2794-1 has 
now been issued by Crissair Inc., the manufacturer. Consequently, 
this EASA AD requires the identification of the check valves by s/n 
and the replacement of the affected ones with serviceable units.

You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

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 required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 206 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 12 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $210,120, or $1,020 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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2010-11-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-16308. Docket No. FAA-2010-0172; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-189-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective June 25, 
2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, 
B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, B4-203, B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-
605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes; 
and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325 
airplanes; certificated in any category, all certified models and 
all serial numbers on which any Crissair check valve part number 
2S2794-1 is installed.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 29: 
Hydraulic Power; and 26: Fire Protection.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    In the past, some operators have reported difficulties to 
pressurise the hydraulic reservoirs, due to leakage of the Crissair 
reservoir air pressurization check valves. In some cases, the air 
conditioning system was contaminated with hydraulic mist. The 
leakage of the check valves was caused by an incorrect spring 
material. The affected Crissair check valves Part Number (P/N) 
2S2794 were then replaced with improved check valves P/N 2S2794-1 in 
accordance with Airbus Service Information Letter 29-020.

[[Page 28482]]

    More recently, similar issues were again reported on aeroplanes 
with Crissair check valves P/N 2S2794-1 installed. The 
investigations carried out on those check valves have shown that a 
spring, mounted inside the valve, does not meet the Airbus type 
design specifications.
    This situation, if not corrected, can cause hydraulic system 
functional degradation, possibly resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane when combined with an air duct leak, air conditioning 
system contamination or, if installed, malfunction of the fire 
extinguishing system in the Class `C' cargo compartment.
    For the reasons described above, EASA [European Aviation Safety 
Agency] AD 2008-0166 was issued to require the inspection of the 
Crissair check valves P/N 2S2794-1, to identify serial numbers (s/n) 
and the replacement of the affected ones with serviceable units.
    Later on, further investigation by the vendor Crissair revealed 
more suspect check valves P/N 2S2794-1. Based on this, it was 
concluded that EASA AD 2008-0166 did not adequately address the 
unsafe condition and also did not correctly identify the Functional 
Item Numbers (FIN) of the various aeroplane installations of the 
affected valves. Consequently, EASA AD Cancellation Notice No.: 
2008-0166-CN was issued on 29 October 2008 to cancel EASA AD 2008-
0166.
    An updated list of suspect check valves with P/N 2S2794-1 has 
now been issued by Crissair Inc., the manufacturer. Consequently, 
this EASA AD requires the identification of the check valves by s/n 
and the replacement of the affected ones with serviceable units.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) At the applicable compliance time specified in Table 1 of 
this AD: For Crissair check valves, P/N 2S2794-1, identify the 
serial number using Appendix 1 of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 2 of this AD, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
identified in Table 2 of this AD. Except as provided by paragraph 
(f)(2) of this AD, for any valve having a serial number listed in 
Appendix 1 of the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 
of this AD, before further flight, install a new or modified check 
valve in accordance with the applicable service bulletin identified 
in Table 2 of this AD.

               Table 1--Affected Check Valve Installation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Affected check valve installation,
identified by FIN (Functional Item Number)         Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) Airplanes having Hydraulic System with  Within 4 months after the
 FIN 29/1388, FIN 29/2388 and FIN 29/3388.   effective date of this AD.
(ii) Cargo Compartment Fire Extinguishing   Within 4 months after the
 System, equipped with Flow Metering         effective date of this AD.
 System (A310 and A300-600 airplanes
 having ``post[dash]Airbus modification
 06403'' only) FIN 26/0203.
(iii) Airplanes having Hydraulic System     Within 30 months after the
 with FIN 29/1378, FIN 29/1382 and FIN 29/   effective date of this AD.
 1394.
(iv) Hydraulic System (A300 airplanes       Within 30 months after the
 having configuration 01 ``pre[dash]Airbus   effective date of this AD.
 modification 03079'' only) FIN 29/1381.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (2) Check valves P/N 2S2794-1 marked with an ``R'' have already 
been modified in accordance with Crissair Service Bulletin 20070407-
29-1 and do not need to be replaced. Check valves with P/N 2S2794 
are not affected and do not need to be replaced.
    (3) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
any Crissair check valve, P/N 2S2794-1, on any airplane unless it 
has a serial number other than those listed in Appendix 1 of the 
applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of this AD, or 
unless check valve P/N 2S2794-1 is marked with an ``R.''

                                          Table 2--Service Information
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Use Airbus Mandatory Service
         For Airbus Model--                    Bulletin--             Revision--               Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 airplanes......................  A300-29-0124, including                   02  March 10, 2009.
                                       Appendices 1, 2, and 3.
A300-600 airplanes..................  A300-29-6060, including                   01  March 10, 2009.
                                       Appendices 1, 2, and 3.
A310 airplanes......................  A310-29-2097, including                   01  March 19, 2009.
                                       Appendices 1, 2, and 3.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     (4) Submit an inspection report of the inspection required by 
paragraph (f)(1) of this AD to Airbus Customer Services Directorate, 
1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; 
telephone +33 5 61 93 33 33; fax +33 5 61 93 42 51; e-mail: 
sb.reporting@airbus.com; at the applicable time specified in 
paragraph (f)(4)(i) or (f)(4)(ii) of this AD. The report must 
include the information specified on the inspection report sheet 
provided in the applicable service bulletin identified in Table 2 of 
this AD.
    (i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: Although the MCAI states not to install the part 
identified in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD after accomplishing the 
actions specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, this AD prohibits 
installation of the part as of the effective date of this AD.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the Information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

[[Page 28483]]

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2009-0171, dated 
August 5, 2009; and the service bulletins identified in Table 2 of 
this AD; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use the service information contained in Table 3 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this 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.
    (3) You may review copies of the 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.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.

               Table 3--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Document                Revision               Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Mandatory Service                     02  March 10, 2009.
 Bulletin A300-29-0124,
 including Appendices 1, 2, and
 3.
Airbus Mandatory Service                     01  March 10, 2009.
 Bulletin A300-29-6060,
 including Appendices 1, 2, and
 3.
Airbus Mandatory Service                     01  March 19, 2009.
 Bulletin A310-29-2097,
 including Appendices 1, 2, and
 3.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 11, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-11757 Filed 5-20-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P