[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 23, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64701-64704]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-25675]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0144; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-152-AD;
Amendment 39-17220; AD 2012-21-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A310 series airplanes; and
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model
A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600
series airplanes). This AD was prompted by reports of cracked fuel pump
canister hoods located in fuel tanks. This AD requires replacing any
cracked hood halves of fuel pump canisters. We are issuing this AD to
prevent any detached canister hood fragments/debris from being ingested
into the fuel feed system, and becoming a potential source of ignition
with consequent fire or explosion.
DATES: This AD becomes effective November 27, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 27,
2012.
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 22, 2012
(77 FR 10409). That NPRM proposed to correct
[[Page 64702]]
an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
This [European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)] AD results from
findings of cracked fuel pump canister hoods located in fuel tanks.
From the analyses, laboratory testing and examinations made so
far, it is presently thought that vibration-induced fatigue can be
identified as the root cause for the cracks found on in-service
aeroplanes. However, current data does not yet permit to exclude
some other potential contributing factors.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
detached canister hood fragments/debris to be ingested into the fuel
feed system. Also, the metallic debris inside the fuel tank could
result in a potential source of ignition and consequent fire or
explosion.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive [detailed] inspections of all fuel pump canister hood
halves and their replacement if any [cracking] damage is found. This
[EASA] AD also requires the inspection results to be reported.
This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim action. The
reports that are required by this [EASA] AD will enable the
manufacturer to obtain better insight into the nature, cause, and
extent of the fuel pump canister hood cracking, and eventually to
develop final action to address the unsafe condition. Once final
action has been identified, further AD actions could be considered.
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 have considered the comments received.
Request To Extend Reporting Time
FedEx requested that the time for submitting reports, proposed in
the NPRM (77 FR 10409, February 22, 2012) as 30 days, be extended to 90
days, because it might not have immediate access to maintenance
vendors' records of the completed tasks, and system-wide reporting can
sometimes require longer times.
Although EASA AD 2011-0124, dated June 30, 2011, specifies a 30-day
compliance time for submitting reports, we agree with the commenter's
request to extend the compliance time for reporting because a delay
will not compromise safety. We have changed paragraphs (j)(1) and
(j)(2) of this final rule accordingly. This difference has been
coordinated with EASA.
Request for Specific Contact Information for Reporting
FedEx requested that we provide specific information for submitting
the reports proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 10409, February 22, 2012),
including an email address, to facilitate reporting.
We agree with the commenter's request for the reason given, and
have added that information in paragraph (j) of this final rule.
Request To Delay the Final Rule Effective Date and Extend the
Compliance Time
UPS requested that the AD be effective after Airbus completes
certifying the improved design for the fuel pump half hood, projected
to be completed in late 2012. UPS also requested an initial compliance
time of 36 months (versus the 30 months proposed in the NPRM (77 FR
10409, February 22, 2012)) to allow for purchasing and part lead time.
UPS stated that these changes to the NPRM would enable a one-time
through-the-fleet solution without the need for repetitive inspections.
We do not agree with the commenter's request for extending the
compliance time. In developing an appropriate compliance time for this
action, we considered not only the degree of urgency associated with
addressing the subject unsafe condition, but the manufacturer's and
EASA's recommendations for an appropriate compliance time, and the
availability of required parts. We have not changed the AD in this
regard.
Further, we do not agree with the request for delaying the AD. For
continued operational safety, operators need to begin the inspections,
and not delay the inspections until the part is certified. We will
consider an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) when parts are
available. Operators may request approval of an AMOC in accordance with
paragraph (k)(1) of this final rule, if sufficient data are submitted
to substantiate that the method would provide an acceptable level of
safety. We have not changed the AD in this regard.
Airplane Models Added to This AD
We have determined that Model A300 B2-1A and A300 B4-601 airplanes
were inadvertently omitted from the Applicability of the NPRM (77 FR
10409, February 22, 2012). We have added those models to the
Applicability of this AD in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3) respectively.
However, none of the airplanes added to the Applicability of this AD
are on the U.S. Register. Therefore, additional notice and opportunity
for public comment before issuing this AD are unnecessary.
Explanation of Updated Credit Language
We have revised the heading and wording for paragraph (i) of this
AD to provide appropriate credit for previous accomplishment of certain
actions. This change does not affect the intent of that paragraph.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously, and minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 10409, February 22, 2012) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 10409, February 22, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 221 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take up to 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 $225,420, or $1,020 per
product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 1 work-hour. We have no way of determining the number of
products that may need these actions.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for certain parts required for the on-condition actions
(replacing fuel pump canister hood halves) specified in this AD.
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
[[Page 64703]]
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 that 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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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 (77 FR 10409, February 22,
2012), 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
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:
2012-21-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-17220. Docket No. FAA-2012-0144;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-152-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective November 27,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category,
all certificated models, all serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-
103, and B4-203 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324,
and -325 airplanes.
(3) 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, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracked fuel pump canister
hoods located in fuel tanks. We are issuing this AD to prevent any
detached canister hood fragments/debris from being ingested into the
fuel feed system, and becoming a potential source of ignition with
consequent fire or explosion.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Initial Inspection and Replacement
Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
detailed inspection for cracking of the fuel pump canister hood
halves installed on all fuel pump canisters having part numbers (P/
N) 2052C11, 2052C12, and C93R51-601, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin specified in
paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD, as applicable. If
any crack is found on any fuel pump canister hood half during any
inspection, before further flight, replace the fuel pump canister
hood half, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of
this AD, as applicable.
(1) For Model A300 series airplanes: Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A300-28-0089, Revision 01, including Inspection Findings--
Reporting Sheet, dated April 15, 2011.
(2) For Model A300-600 series airplanes: Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A300-28-6106, Revision 01, including Inspection
Findings--Reporting Sheet, dated April 15, 2011.
(3) For Model A310 series airplanes: Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A310-28-2173, Revision 01, including Inspection Findings--
Reporting Sheet, dated April 15, 2011.
(h) Repetitive Inspections
Within 30 months after accomplishing the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
30 months, repeat the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (g)
of this AD.
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using the Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletins
specified in paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) of this AD, which are
not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-0089, dated January
13, 2011.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6106, dated January
13, 2011.
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2173, dated January
13, 2011.
(j) Reporting to Airbus
Submit reports of the findings (both positive and negative) of the
inspections required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD to Airbus at
the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD,
using the form ``Inspection Findings--Reporting Sheet'' provided in the
service bulletin identified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of
this AD, as applicable. Submit information to Airbus, SDC32 Technical
Data and Documentation Services, fax (+33) 5 61 93 28 06, email
[email protected], or via the operator's Resident Customer
Support Office.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send
your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards
District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
International Branch, send it to ATTN: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356;
[[Page 64704]]
telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may be
emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any approved
AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a
principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district
office/certificate holding 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: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person
be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of
information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act
unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB
Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection
is 2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to this collection of
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
(l) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2011-0124, dated June 30, 2011; and the Airbus mandatory
service bulletins identified in paragraphs (l)(1), (l)(2), and (l)(3)
of this AD; for related information.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-0089, Revision 01,
including Inspection Findings--Reporting Sheet, dated April 15, 2011.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6106, Revision 01,
including Inspection Findings--Reporting Sheet, dated April 15, 2011.
(3) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2173, Revision 01,
including Inspection Findings--Reporting Sheet, dated April 15, 2011.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation
by reference (IBR) of the following service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-0089, Revision 01,
including Inspection Findings--Reporting Sheet, dated April 15, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6106, Revision 01,
including Inspection Findings--Reporting Sheet, dated April 15, 2011.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2173, Revision 01,
including Inspection Findings--Reporting Sheet, dated April 15, 2011.
(3) For Airbus 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; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(4) 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.
(5) 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 an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 5, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-25675 Filed 10-22-12; 8:45 am]
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