[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 248 (Tuesday, December 28, 1999)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72533-72534]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-33290]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 96-NM-92-AD; Amendment 39-11481; AD 99-26-22]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319 and A320 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes, that
requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking and delamination of
the containers in which the off-wing emergency evacuation slides are
stored, and corrective actions, if necessary. The AD also requires
eventual modifications of the slides, which terminates the requirement
for repetitive inspections. 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 prevent the loss of the escape slides during flight, which could
make the emergency exits located over each wing unusable and result in
damage to the fuselage.
DATES: Effective February 1, 2000.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of February 1, 2000.
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) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airubus Model A319 and
A320 series airplanes was published as a supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on October 14, 1999
(64 FR 55642). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections
to detect cracking and delamination of the containers in which the off-
wing emergency evacuation slides are stored, and corrective actions, if
necessary. That action also proposed to require eventual modifications
of the slides, which would terminate the requirement for repetitive
inspections.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
Support for Terminating Modification
Two commenters agree with the proposal to mandate eventual
modifications of the off-wing escape slides within 5 years in order to
terminate the repetitive inspections.
Request To Allow Flight With Certain Discrepancies
Two commenters request that paragraph (b) of the proposed AD be
revised to allow continued flight if discrepancies are detected that do
not exceed the limits specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-
1161, Revision 01, dated February 2, 1999. The commenters state that
the intent of the Airbus service bulletin and the related Air Cruisers
Service Bulletin 004-25-38 is to allow further flight until the next
scheduled maintenance of the airplane, provided cracks (or
delamination) in the enclosure and door do not exceed the limits
specified.
The FAA partially concurs. The FAA acknowledges the manufacturer's
conclusion that continued flight with cracking or delamination within
the limits specified in the referenced service bulletins is acceptable
for a period of time. The FAA has determined that discrepancies within
the specified limits would not constitute a hazard to the airplane for
a short period of time prior to repair. However, the FAA does not
concur with the commenters' suggestion that such repair may be
performed at the next scheduled maintenance interval, since no
definitive time is specified by which the repair must be accomplished.
The FAA has determined that, following detection of discrepancies
within specified limits, repair must be accomplished within 90 days,
and has revised paragraph (b) of the final rule accordingly.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the change described
previously. 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
The FAA estimates that 121 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 5 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required inspection, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour.
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required inspection on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $36,300, or $300 per airplane, per
inspection cycle.
It will take approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required modification, at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $170 per airplane. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the required modification on U.S.
operators is estimated to be $64,130, or $530 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.
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
[[Page 72534]]
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 adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
99-26-22 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11481. Docket 96-NM-92-AD.
Applicability: Model A319 and A320 series airplanes,
certificated in any category; except airplanes on which Airbus
Modifications 24850 and 25844 have been installed in production, or
on which Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1156, Revision 01, dated
February 2, 1999, has been accomplished.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise 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) 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 prevent the loss of the escape slides during flight, which
could make the emergency exits located over each wing unusable and
result in damage to the fuselage, accomplish the following:
Inspections and Corrective Actions
(a) At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1),
(a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable: Perform a detailed
visual inspection to detect cracking and delamination of each off-
wing escape slide container, including the container door, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1161, Revision 01,
dated February 2, 1999. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 18 months, until accomplishment of the
actions required by paragraph (d) of this AD.
(1) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Within 18 months after the last inspection in accordance
with Airbus All Operator Telex 25-09, dated January 2, 1995, or
Revision 1, dated February 16, 1995; or Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-25-1161, dated June 21, 1995; if accomplished prior to the
effective date of this AD.
(3) Within 18 months after modification of the off-wing escape
slides in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1156,
dated June 21, 1995; if accomplished prior to the effective date of
this AD.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''
(b) If any crack or delamination is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD that does not exceed the limits
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1161, Revision 01,
dated February 2, 1999: Within 90 days after detection of the crack
or delamination, repair in accordance with the service bulletin, and
continue inspecting in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD.
(c) If any crack or delamination is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (a) of this AD that exceeds the limits
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1161, Revision 01,
dated February 2, 1999: Prior to further flight, replace the
discrepant container with a serviceable container in accordance with
the service bulletin, and continue inspecting in accordance with
paragraph (a) of this AD.
Terminating Modification
(d) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, modify
the off-wing escape slides (i.e., modifications, inspection, repair,
and repacking) in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-
1156, Revision 01, dated February 2, 1999. Modification of the
escape slides constitutes terminating action for the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD.
Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1156, Revision 01, dated
February 2, 1999, references Air Cruisers Service Bulletins 004-25-
37, Revision 2, dated May 29, 1996, and 004-25-42, dated September
16, 1996, as additional sources of service information for
accomplishment of the modification of the off-wing escape slides.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(e) 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 send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
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.
Special Flight Permits
(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 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 Service
Bulletin A320-25-1161, Revision 01, dated February 2, 1999, and
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1156, Revision 01, dated February 2,
1999. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director
of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. 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 1999-232-132(B), dated June 2, 1999.
(h) This amendment becomes effective on February 1, 2000.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 17, 1999.
D. L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-33290 Filed 12-27-99; 8:45 am]
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