AD 2001-15-10

[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 147 (Tuesday, July 31, 2001)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 39413-39416]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 01-18434]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-267-AD; Amendment 39-12344; AD 2001-15-10]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2, A300 B4, A310, 
A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-
600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (Collectively Called A300-600) 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300 B2, A300 B4, A310, A319, 
A320, A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, 
A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series 
airplanes. That AD currently requires certain repetitive checks, and 
replacement of the braking dual distribution valve (BDDV) if necessary. 
This action requires, for certain airplanes, inspecting and/or 
replacing the BDDV cover. For all other airplanes, this action provides 
for optional termination of the repetitive checks. 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 failure of the alternate braking 
system, which could result in the airplane overrunning the end of the 
runway during landing.

DATES: Effective September 4, 2001.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of September 4, 2001.

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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) was published in the Federal 
Register on March 19, 2001 (66 FR 15365). The NPRM proposed to 
supersede AD 98-15-51, amendment 39-10678 (63 FR 40805, July 31, 1998). 
AD 98-15-51 is applicable to all Airbus Model A300 B2, A300 B4, A310, 
A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-
600, A300 B4-600R, and A300 F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) 
series airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require, for certain airplanes, 
inspecting and/or replacing the cover of the braking dual distribution 
valve (BDDV) with an improved cover. For all other airplanes, that 
action proposed to provide for optional termination of the repetitive 
checks. That action also proposed to revise the applicability of the 
existing AD.

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.

Request To Revise Applicability

    One commenter (the manufacturer) requests that the applicability of 
the proposed AD be revised to remove certain airplanes. The commenter 
notes that accomplishment of the modification specified by paragraph 
(d) of the proposed AD would terminate all actions for Model A300, 
A300-600, A310, A330, and A340 series airplanes. Therefore, the 
commenter suggests that the proposed AD would not be applicable for 
those airplanes on which the modification has already been 
accomplished.
    The FAA concurs, for the reasons provided by the commenter. The

[[Page 39414]]

applicability of the final rule has been revised accordingly.

Request To Revise Identification of Relevant French Airworthiness 
Directives

    This same commenter requests that Note 6 of the proposed AD be 
revised to identify all related French airworthiness directives.
    The FAA concurs. Some of the references were inadvertently omitted 
from the proposed AD. The final rule has been revised 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 changes previously 
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    Approximately 367 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by 
this AD. Of these, approximately 311 are Model A319, A320, and A321 
series airplanes.
    The repetitive operational checks that are currently required by AD 
98-15-51 and retained in this AD take approximately 1 work hour per 
airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the repetitive checks is 
estimated to be $60 per airplane, per check.
    The new inspection required for certain Model A319, A320, and A321 
series airplanes will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of the new inspection is estimated to be 
$60 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The new BDDV cover replacement required by this AD for Model A319, 
A320, and A321 series airplanes will take approximately 3 work hours 
per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to 
operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact on U.S. operators of 
the replacement is estimated to be $55,980, or $180 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, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future 
if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD 
rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the 
specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically 
do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain 
access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative actions.

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 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 removing amendment 39-10678 (63 FR 
40805, July 31, 1998), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-12344, to read as follows:

2001-15-10  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-12344. Docket 2000z-NM-
267-AD. Supersedes AD 98-15-51, Amendment 39-10678.

    Applicability: The following airplanes, certificated in any 
category:

                         Table 1.--Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      Except airplanes modified per--
                                 ---------------------------------------
         Model/series--                 Airbus         Reference airbus
                                     modification      service bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and A300 B4.............               12012        A300-32-0429
A300 B4-600, A300 B4-600R, and                 12012        A300-32-6075
 A300 F4-600R, and A300 F4-600R
 (collectively called A300-600).
A310............................               12012        A310-32-2113
A319, A320, and A321............               28301        A320-32-1203
A330............................               47210        A330-32-3086
A340............................               47210        A340-32-4122
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    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 (g)(1) 
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.


[[Page 39415]]


    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the alternate braking system, which could 
result in the airplane overrunning the end of the runway during 
landing, accomplish the following:

Repetitive Checks

    (a) At the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) 
and (a)(2) of this AD: Perform an in-flight operational check of the 
alternate braking system, in accordance with Airbus All Operator 
Telex (AOT) 32-19, Revision 04, dated April 29, 1999.
    (1) For Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes: Perform the 
check at the earlier of the times specified by paragraphs (a)(1)(i) 
and (a)(1)(ii) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the operational checks 
at intervals not to exceed 7 days.
    (i) Within 7 days after the most recent check done per AD 98-15-
51, amendment 39-10678.
    (ii) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For all other airplanes: Perform the check at the earlier of 
the times specified in paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii). 
Thereafter, repeat the operational checks at intervals not to exceed 
500 flight hours.
    (i) Within 500 flight hours after the most recent operational 
check done per AD 98-15-51.
    (ii) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this 
AD.
    (b) If any discrepancy is found during any operational check 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to further flight, 
replace the brake dual distribution valve (BDDV) with a serviceable 
part, in accordance with AOT 32-19, Revision 04, dated April 29, 
1999.

    Note 2: The AOT refers to the following Flight Operation Telexes 
(FOT) as additional sources of service information: FOT 999.0062, 
Revision 01, dated August 20, 1998 (for Model A300 series 
airplanes); FOT 999.0061, Revision 01, dated August 20, 1998 (for 
Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes); FOT 999.0059, Revision 
02, dated September 2, 1998 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes); and FOT 999.0060, Revision 01, dated August 20, 1998 
(for Model A330 and A340 series airplanes).


    Note 3: Doing the operational checks and replacing the BDDV per 
earlier versions of Airbus AOT 32-19 (issued prior to Revision 04) 
are also acceptable for compliance with the applicable requirements 
of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.

Repetitive Inspections for Certain Airplanes

    (c) For Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes modified per 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1200 (production Modification 
27833): Within 6 months after accomplishment of the modification, or 
within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, perform a detailed visual inspection to detect 
corrosion of the rocker arm mechanism inside the BDDV cover, per 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1199, dated January 15, 1999. Repeat 
the inspection thereafter at least every 6 months until the actions 
required by paragraph (e) or (f), as applicable, of this AD have 
been accomplished. If any corrosion is detected during any 
inspection required by this paragraph: Before further flight, 
replace the BDDV cover with a new cover per Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-32-1199, dated January 15, 1999.

    Note 4: 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.''

Optional Terminating Action for Operational Checks

    (d) Modification of the BDDV, if accomplished, per the 
applicable service bulletin listed in Table 2 of this AD cancels the 
operational checks required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Table 2 
follows:

       Table 2.--Service Bulletins for Optional Terminating Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Modification of
                                  the BDDV per
         For model--             Airbus service           Cancels
                                    bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series                A300-32-0429  The operational
 airplanes.                                         checks required by
                                                    paragraph (a) and B4
                                                    of this AD.
A300-600 series airplanes....        A300-32-6075  .....................
A310 series airplanes........        A310-32-2113  .....................
A319, A320, and A320 series          A320-32-1200  .....................
 airplanes.
A330 series airplanes........        A330-32-3086  .....................
A340 series airplanes........        A340-32-4122  .....................
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Required Terminating Action for Repetitive Inspections for Certain 
Airplanes

    (e) Except as provided by paragraph (f) of this AD: For Model 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD, replace the BDDV cover with a new, 
improved cover, per Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1203, dated June 
4, 1999. This replacement terminates the requirements of this AD for 
these airplanes.
    (f) For Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes modified per 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1200 within the compliance time 
specified by paragraph (e) of this AD: Do the replacement required 
by paragraph (e) of this AD within 15 months after doing the 
modification specified by Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1200, or 
within 2 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later. This replacement terminates the requirements of this 
AD for these airplanes.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (g)(1) 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, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. 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.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in 
accordance with AD 98-15-51, amendment 39-10678, are approved as 
alternative methods of compliance with the applicable requirements 
of this AD.

    Note 5: 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

    (h) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 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

    (i) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All 
Operators Telex 32-19, Revision 04, dated April 29, 1999; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-32-1199, dated January 15, 1999; and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-32-1203, dated June 4, 1999; as applicable. 
This incorporation by reference is 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

[[Page 39416]]

Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, DC.

    Note 6: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 1998-263-255(B) R3, dated December 29, 
1999; 2000-258-146(B), dated June 14, 2000; 1998-264-075(B) R4, 
dated October 6, 1999; and 1998-265-093(B) R4, dated October 6, 
1999.

Effective Date

    (j) This amendment becomes effective on September 4, 2001.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 18, 2001.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-18434 Filed 7-30-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U