[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 12, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9787-9789]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02723]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1070; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-099-AD;
Amendment 39-17340; AD 2013-03-05]
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 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-
600 series airplanes); and Airbus
[[Page 9788]]
Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by fuel system
reviews conducted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This
AD requires modifying the electrical control circuits of the inner,
center, and trim tank pumps, as applicable. We are issuing this AD to
reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in
combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective March 19, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of March 19,
2013.
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, WA 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 October 12, 2012 (77
FR 62182). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) states:
[T]he FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR)
88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published Interim
Policy INT/POL/25/12.
In the framework of these requirements, EASA [European Aviation
Safety Agency] have determined that the electrical power supply
circuits of certain fuel pumps, installed on A300/A300-600, A310 and
A300-600ST aeroplane, for which the canisters become uncovered
during normal operation, could, under certain conditions, create an
ignition source in the tank vapour space.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fuel tank
explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed a
modification which includes the installation of Ground Fault
Interrupters (GFI) into the inner, centre, and trim tank fuel pump
control circuits, providing additional system protection by
electrically isolating the pump in case of a ground fault condition
downstream of the GFI.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
modification of the affected fuel pumps control circuit by
installing GFI.
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.
No Requests or Objections
FedEx stated that the requirements and number of work-hours will
fit into its maintenance schedule, and the manufacturer provided an
estimate of 90 to 99 days' lead time on parts. FedEx also stated that
the proposed actions will not require any special procedures or
equipment. We infer that FedEx does not object to any requirements of
this AD.
Request To Extend Compliance Time
United Parcel Service (UPS) noted that in Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A300-28-3104, dated February 28, 2012, Airbus provided a parts
lead time estimate of 120 days. UPS stated that the 120 days would
reduce the time left to accomplish the work described in that service
bulletin. UPS requested that parts lead times be taken into
consideration when the FAA develops compliance times for ADs. We infer
that UPS requested the compliance time be extended to accommodate the
120-day parts lead time.
We disagree with the request to extend the compliance time. We
considered the parts availability and lead time when developing the
compliance time. We have not changed this AD in this regard. However,
under the provisions of paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, we may approve
requests for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) if data are
submitted to substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an
acceptable level of safety.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 62182, October 12, 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 62182, October 12, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 162 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 6 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $17,680 per
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the
U.S. operators to be $2,946,780, or $18,190 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 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
[[Page 9789]]
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 62182, October 12,
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:
2013-03-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-17340. Docket No. FAA-2012-1070;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-099-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 19,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1)
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) All 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.
(2) All Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -
324, and -325 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28; Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). We are issuing this AD to
reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which,
in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
(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) Actions
Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish
the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as
applicable.
(1) For Model A310 series airplanes: Modify the electrical
control circuits of the inner, center, and trim tank pumps, as
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2170, dated February 28,
2012.
(2) For Model A300-600 airplanes: Modify the electrical control
circuits of the inner, center, and trim tank pumps, as applicable,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6104, dated February 28, 2012.
(h) 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, WA 98057-
3356; 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.
(i) Related Information
Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0091, dated May
25, 2012, and the service information identified in paragraphs
(i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD, for related information.
(1) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2170, dated
February 28, 2012.
(2) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6104, dated
February 28, 2012.
(j) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2170, dated
February 28, 2012.
(ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6104, dated
February 28, 2012.
(3) 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; 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, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 28, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-02723 Filed 2-11-13; 8:45 am]
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