AD 2007-06-13

final rule

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines

AD Number
2007-06-13
Status
final_rule
Effective Date
Product Category
engine
Docket
Docket No. FAA-2005-22036
FR Citation
72 FR 12550

Applicability

TypeManufacturerModelDetails
aircraft Airbus SAS A300 B4-601 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A300 B4-603 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A300 B4-605R Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A300 F4-605R Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A300 C4-605R Variant F Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A310-203 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A310-204 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A310-221 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A310-222 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A310-304 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A310-322 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A310-324 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines
aircraft Airbus SAS A310-325 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines

Unsafe Condition

Thrust reverser could inadvertently deploy in flight under certain conditions, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Required Actions

Install electro-pneumatic locking bar devices (TRAS lock systems) in the engine nacelles, install a dedicated and shielded electrical circuit segregated from the existing thrust reverser control system, and perform related investigative/corrective actions if necessary.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Compliance Time

Before further flight

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Affected Aircraft

Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (collectively called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes, equipped with General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 engines.

AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.

Federal Register Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus airplane models, as specified above. This AD requires installing electro-pneumatic locking bar devices (TRAS lock systems) in the engine nacelles, installing a dedicated and shielded electrical circuit that is segregated from the existing thrust reverser control system, and performing related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from the manufacturer's reassessment of the thrust reverser systems in the Airbus airplane models specified above, which showed that the thrust reverser could inadvertently deploy in flight under certain conditions. We are issuing this AD to prevent inadvertent deployment of thrust reversers in flight, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

Document Text

Show stored source text (verify against official source)
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 51 (Friday, March 16, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12550-12555]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: E7-4734]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22036; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-009-AD; 
Amendment 39-14994; AD 2007-06-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and 
F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes 
(Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 
Airplanes; Equipped With General Electric CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 Engines

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus airplane models, as specified above. This AD requires 
installing electro-pneumatic locking bar devices (TRAS lock systems) in 
the engine nacelles, installing a dedicated and shielded electrical 
circuit that is segregated from the existing thrust reverser control 
system, and performing related investigative/corrective actions if 
necessary. This AD results from the manufacturer's reassessment of the 
thrust reverser systems in the Airbus airplane models specified above, 
which showed that the thrust reverser could inadvertently deploy in 
flight under certain conditions. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
inadvertent deployment of thrust reversers in flight, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 20, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of April 20, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at <a href="http://dms.dot.gov">http://dms.dot.gov</a> or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the 
Internet at <a href="http://dms.dot.gov">http://dms.dot.gov</a> or in person at the Docket Management 
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office 
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif 
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model 
A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-
600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes 
(collectively called A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series 
airplanes; equipped with General

[[Page 12551]]

Electric (GE) CF6-80A3 or CF6-80C2 engines. That NPRM was published in 
the Federal Register on August 8, 2005 (70 FR 45595). That NPRM 
proposed to require installing electro-pneumatic locking bar devices 
(TRAS lock systems) in the engine nacelles, installing a dedicated and 
shielded electrical circuit that is segregated from the existing thrust 
reverser control system, and performing related investigative/
corrective actions if necessary.

Since the Issuance of the NPRM

    We have received copies of the following Airbus service bulletins:
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A300-78-6024, Revision 01, dated 
April 22, 2005. Revision 01 describes essentially the same procedures 
specified in the original issue of the service bulletin, dated October 
7, 2003 (referenced in the NPRM as one appropriate source of service 
information). Revision 01 also adds technical notes referring to 
certain Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS) proprietary data 
491B1200200, 491B1200201, 491B1200202, and 491B1200203, Revision B, 
dated September 9, 2003, which provide instructions to install the 
electro-pneumatic locking bar devices in the nacelles on GE Model CF6-
80C2 engines with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC) 
thrust reverser system, as additional sources of service information.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A300-78-6025, Revision 01, dated 
April 22, 2005. Revision 01 describes essentially the same procedures 
specified in the original issue of the service bulletin, dated October 
7, 2003 (referenced in the NPRM as one appropriate source of service 
information). Revision 01 also adds technical notes referring to 
certain MRAS proprietary data 491B1200202 and 491B1200203, both 
Revision B, both dated September 9, 2003, as additional sources of 
service information. The proprietary data provide instructions to 
install the electro-pneumatic locking bar devices in the nacelles on GE 
Model CF6-80C2 engines with a power management control (PMC) thrust 
reverser system.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A310-78-2023, Revision 01; and 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-78-2025, Revision 01; both dated April 22, 
2005. These service bulletins were issued to advise operators of the 
issuance of technical notes referenced in MRAS proprietary data 
603A1000, 603A1001, 603A2000, 603A2001, and 603A2100. The proprietary 
data provides instructions to install the electro-pneumatic locking bar 
devices, as additional sources of service information. (Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-78-2023, dated October 7, 2003; and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-78-2025, dated July 23, 2004; were referenced as 
appropriate sources of service information in the NPRM.)
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A310-78-2022, Revision 02, 
including Appendices 01 and 02, dated July 18, 2006. (The original 
version of this service bulletin, dated January 7, 2003, was referenced 
as an appropriate source of service information in the NPRM.) Revision 
02 updates certain figures referenced in the original version of the 
service bulletin.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Withdraw the NPRM

    One commenter, American Airlines, states that it appears 
inconsistent to invest a significant amount of money for additional 
protection by installing electro-pneumatic locking bar devices (TRAS 
lock system). The commenter points out that the FAA has previously 
extended the inspection interval of current mandated inspections in 
another existing AD that also addresses inadvertent thrust reverser 
deployment.
    We infer that American Airlines is questioning the cost benefit of 
the additional protection that the AD provides, and would like us to 
withdraw the NPRM. We acknowledge that, although we have extended the 
inspection intervals due to positive results of past inspections, the 
possibility still exists that a directional pilot valve (DPV) leak may 
occur. This type of leak is a hidden failure that cannot be detected at 
the system level, and could result in inadvertent thrust reverser 
deployment. We have determined that installation of electro-pneumatic 
locking bar devices will ensure an adequate measure of protection for 
the system. No change is necessary to the AD in this regard.

Requests To Revise the Applicability

    Two commenters, Tradewinds Airlines and GE Transportation, request 
that the applicability stated in the NPRM be revised by removing Airbus 
Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes. One commenter points out that 
those models are not specified in the French airworthiness directive, 
and that there are no service bulletins specified in the NPRM that are 
applicable to those models.
    We agree with the commenters. We acknowledge that the Model A300 B2 
and B4 series airplanes are not equipped with the affected engines and 
were inadvertently included in the NPRM. The applicability of this AD 
is revised to remove those airplane models.
    Another commenter, Airbus, requests that the associated 
modification numbers for the corresponding service bulletins be added 
to the applicability of the NPRM. Airbus suggests that adding the 
associated modification numbers will make it easier for operators to 
comply with the AD and will help operators to avoid having to request 
alternative methods of compliance.
    We partially agree with the commenter's request in this case. The 
applicability of French airworthiness directive F-2004-165 excludes 
airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletins A310-78-2024; A310-78-2025; 
A310-78-2022; A310-78-2023, A300-78-6022, Revision 1; A300-78-6025; 
A300-78-6021 original issue or Revision 01; and A300-78-6024; have been 
accomplished in-service, as well as certain modifications accomplished 
during production. We agree that revising the applicability of the 
final rule is necessary to exclude airplanes on which certain 
modifications have been accomplished during production. However, as is 
our standard practice, we have not excluded those airplanes that have 
accomplished certain modifications in service in the applicability of 
this final rule. Rather, this final rule includes requirements to 
accomplish the actions specified in the service bulletins that clearly 
identify the airplanes that the service bulletins affect. The 
requirements of the specified service bulletins will ensure that the 
actions required by this final rule are accomplished on all affected 
airplanes. Operators must continue to operate the airplane in the 
configuration required by this final rule unless an alternative method 
of compliance is approved. We have, however, added a new Note 1 and 
Table 2 to this final rule that provide a list of corresponding 
modifications with the applicable service bulletins for ease of 
reference for the operators. We have re-identified subsequent notes and 
tables accordingly.

Requests To Revise the ``Costs of Compliance'' Section

    Several commenters, including theAir Transport Association (ATA), 
on behalf of one of its members, American Airlines, and FedEx and GE 
Transportation, request that the estimated costs of complying with the 
NPRM be revised to add additional work hours. American Airlines states 
that the NPRM would require concurrent accomplishment of four service 
bulletins that are not specified

[[Page 12552]]

in the NPRM. American Airlines estimates it will take 600 work hours 
and $283,042 for parts per each of its airplanes, rather than the costs 
estimated in the applicable service bulletins in the NPRM for various 
airplane models. FedEx explains that the cost estimates in the NPRM are 
not realistic because additional modification requirements are 
necessary that are described in MRAS and Goodrich/Rohr technical 
documents. One commenter, GE Transportation, also points out that 
certain cost information is available in certain service information 
that is not referred to in the NPRM.
    We acknowledge that certain estimated costs were not included in 
the NPRM. We have obtained the additional service information from 
MRAS, but it does not contain estimated cost information. We also have 
requested further information from one of the commenters, GE 
Transportation, which has provided some new cost information figures to 
us. We have revised the estimated costs of the AD by including the 
estimated costs of accomplishing the MRAS service bulletins. We have 
coordinated those estimated costs with Airbus.

Request To Clarify ``Relevant Service Information'' Section

    GE Transportation suggests certain revised wording regarding the 
work tasks described in the service bulletins specified in the 
``Relevant Service Information'' section of the NPRM.
    We consider that the descriptions of the work tasks in the NPRM 
adequately describe those tasks. Since that section of the preamble in 
the NPRM does not reappear in the final rule, no change to the AD is 
necessary.

Request To Consider the Possibility of No Deployment

    American Airlines requests that we consider the possibility that an 
increase in risk of no deployment on landing may occur with the 
modification installed. American Airlines states that the modification 
could affect reliable operations in those airports restricted by short 
runway lengths when employing the Minimum Equipment List provisions.
    We acknowledge the commenter's concern. In its reassessment of 
thrust reverser reliability, the manufacturer considered the 
possibility of thrust reverser non-deployment on landing with the third 
line of defense (TLOD) system installed. The reassessment showed that 
the thrust reverser without the TLOD could inadvertently deploy in 
flight under certain conditions, which could lead to decreased aircraft 
controllability. We have determined that the basic two-line-of-defense 
architecture does not adequately address the system's vulnerability to 
damage and long-term maintainability. Therefore, the modification is 
necessary to prevent the identified unsafe condition. In addition, we 
have not seen an increase in occurrences of thrust reverser 
nondeployments on landing for aircraft that have a TLOD or other thrust 
reverser third lock-type system installed. No change to the AD is 
necessary regarding this issue.

Request To Use Latest Service Bulletin Revisions

    Several commenters, including the ATA, on behalf of one of its 
members, American Airlines, and FedEx, note that new revisions of 
certain service bulletins have been issued since the issuance of the 
NPRM. The commenters are requesting that we mandate the new revisions, 
which contain test procedures that will take less time for the 
operators to accomplish.
    We agree with the commenters. We have received certain newer 
revisions of the service bulletins (described previously) from the 
manufacturer and have specified those revisions in Table 3 of the AD. 
Additionally, we received new revisions of the service bulletins 
specified in Table 2 of the AD from the manufacturer. We have revised 
Table 2 of the AD accordingly.

Explanation of Change to Applicability

    We have revised the applicability of the AD to identify model 
designations as published in the most recent type certificate data 
sheet for the affected models.

Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph

    We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure 
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on 
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.

Conclusion

    We have carefully 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. 
We have determined that these changes will neither significantly 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This AD affects about 101 airplanes of U.S. registry. (The total 
number of airplanes in the following table totals more than 101 
airplanes because most of the airplanes are required to accomplish two 
of the specified service bulletins.) The following table provides the 
estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD at an average 
labor rate per hour of $80.

                    Estimated Costs for Modifications (Listed by Applicable Service Bulletin)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        Work                 Cost per    Number of
            Airbus service bulletins (SB)              hours     Parts       airplane    airplanes   Cost per SB
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-78-6021, Revision 02............................    257      $19,652      $40,212           36   $1,447,632
A300-78-6024, Revision 01............................    206      223,649      240,129           36    8,644,644
A300-78-6022, Revision 02............................    289       19,220       42,340           34    1,439,560
A300-78-6025, Revision 01............................    206      223,649      240,129           34    8,164,386
A310-78-2024, Revision 01............................    262       19,119       40,079           31    1,242,449
A310-78-2025, Revision 01............................    206      194,487      210,967           31    6,539,977
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    None of the airplanes required to accomplish the following service 
bulletins are currently on the U.S. Register. The airplanes affected by 
the following service bulletins are currently operated by non-U.S. 
operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not directly 
affected by this AD action. However, we consider it necessary to 
include these airplanes to ensure that the unsafe condition is 
addressed if any affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future. The estimated costs apply to any affected

[[Page 12553]]

airplane should it be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.

      Estimated Costs for Modifications for Certain Other Airplanes
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Work               Cost per
       Airbus service bulletin (SB)         hours     Parts     airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A310-78-2022.............................      275     19,652     41,652
A310-78-2023.............................      206   $223,649   $240,129
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 have 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 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. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2007-06-13 Airbus: Amendment 39-14994. Docket No. FAA-2005-22036; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-009-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective April 20, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of 
this AD; except for those airplanes on which the following applicable 
modifications have been incorporated in production: Airbus Modification 
12348, 12349, 12350, 12514, and 12511.

                                             Table 1.--Applicability
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        General Electric         Airbus service
          Airplane models                 engine model       bulletin and  revision              Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B4-605R and F4-605R airplanes.  CF6-80C2..............  A300-78-6024, Revision  April 22, 2005.
                                                              01.
A300 B4-605R and F4-605R airplanes.  CF6-80C2..............  A300-78-6021, Revision  June 8, 2005.
                                                              02.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, and    CF6-80C2..............  A300-78-6025, Revision  April 22, 2005.
 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.                                 01.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, and    CF6-80C2..............  A300-78-6022, Revision  June 8, 2005.
 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.                                 02.
A310 airplanes.....................  CF6-80C2..............  A310-78-2023, Revision  April 22, 2005.
                                                              01.
A310 airplanes.....................  CF6-80C2..............  A310-78-2022, Revision  July 18, 2006.
                                                              02.
A310 airplanes.....................  CF6-80A3..............  A310-78-2024, Revision  June 13, 2005.
                                                              01.
A310 airplanes.....................  CF6-80A3..............  A310-78-2025, Revision  April 22, 2005.
                                                              01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1: We have provided a list of corresponding modifications 
with the applicable Airbus service bulletins in Table 2 of this AD 
for ease of reference for the operators.


                  Table 2.--Corresponding Modifications
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Airbus service bulletin                   Modifications
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A310-78-2022 and A300-78-6022.............  12348, 12350, 12351, and
                                             12514.
A310-78-2023 and A300-78-6025.............  12512.

[[Page 12554]]

 
A310-78-2024..............................  12552 and 12553.
A310-78-2025..............................  12564.
A300-78-6021..............................  12348, 12349, 12350, and
                                             12514.
A300-78-6024..............................  12511.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from the manufacturer's reassessment of the 
thrust reverser systems in the Airbus airplane models specified in 
Table 1 of this AD, which showed that the thrust reverser could deploy 
in flight under certain conditions. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
inadvertent deployment of thrust reversers in flight, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

Installing TRAS Lock Systems and Accomplishing Modifications

    (f) For airplanes identified in the service bulletins specified in 
Table 3 of this AD: Within 36 months after the effective date of this 
AD, install the electro-pneumatic locking bar devices (TRAS Lock 
Systems) in the thrust reverser system of the nacelles, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service 
bulletin.

                                     Table 3.--Installing TRAS Lock Systems
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        General electric         Airbus service
          Airplane models                 engine model       bulletin and  revision              Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B4-605R and F4-605R airplanes.  CF6-80C2..............  A300-78-6024, Revision  April 22, 2005.
                                                              01.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, and    CF6-80C2..............  A300-78-6025, Revision  April 22, 2005.
 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.                                 01.
A310 airplanes.....................  CF6-80C2..............  A310-78-2023, Revision  April 22, 2005.
                                                              01.
A310 airplanes.....................  CF6-80A3..............  A310-78-2025, Revision  April 22, 2005.
                                                              01.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A310-78-2025, Revision 01, dated 
April 22, 2005, references draft Goodrich Service Bulletin 71-065 as 
an additional source of service information. After the issuance of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-78-2025, the Goodrich service bulletin 
was reissued as Rohr Service Bulletin CF6-80A3-NAC-71-065, dated 
April 28, 2005.

    (g) For airplanes identified in the service bulletins specified in 
Table 4 of this AD: Prior to or concurrent with the accomplishment of 
the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (f) of this AD, 
accomplish all the modifications and actions related to an independent 
third line of defense on the thrust reversers, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin 
specified in Table 4 of this AD.

                                  Table 4.--Prior or Concurrent Accomplishment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Airplanes equipped
          Airplane models             with General Electric      Airbus service                  Date
                                          engine model       bulletin and  revision
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B4-605R and F4-605R airplanes.  CF6-80C2 (with full     A300-78-6021, Revision  June 8, 2005.
                                      authority digital       02, including
                                      engine control          Appendices 01 and 02.
                                      (FADEC)).
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-605R, and    CF6-80C2 (without       A300-78-6022, Revision  June 8, 2005.
 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.         FADEC).                 02, including
                                                              Appendices 01 and 02.
A310 airplanes.....................  CF6-80C2 (without       A310-78-2022 Revision   June 18, 2006.
                                      FADEC).                 02, including
                                                              Appendices 01 and 02.
A310 airplanes.....................  CF6-80A3..............  A310-78-2024 Revision   June 13, 2005.
                                                              01, including
                                                              Appendices 01 and 02.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issues of Service Bulletins

    (h) Actions accomplished in accordance with the following service 
bulletins are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this 
AD, as applicable, if done before the effective date of this AD:

           Table 5.--Service Bulletins Accomplished Previously
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Airbus service bulletin      Revision level             Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-78-6021.................  Original........  April 8, 2003.
A300-78-6021.................  01..............  October 7, 2003.
A300-78-6022.................  01..............  January 7, 2003.
A300-78-6024.................  Original........  October 7, 2003.
A300-78-6025.................  Original........  October 7, 2003.
A310-78-2022.................  Original........  January 7, 2003.
A310-78-2022.................  01..............  June 8, 2005.

[[Page 12555]]

 
A310-78-2023.................  Original........  October 7, 2003.
A310-78-2024.................  Original........  October 15, 2003.
A310-78-2025.................  Original........  July 23, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 39.19 
on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate 
principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding 
District Office.

Related Information

    (j) French airworthiness directive F-2004-165, dated October 13, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use the applicable Airbus service bulletins specified 
in Table 6 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this 
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of 
this service information. You may review copies at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 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: <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html">http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html</a>.

              Table 6.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Airbus service bulletin      Revision level             Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-78-6021, including        02..............  June 8, 2005.
 Appendices 01 and 02.
A300-78-6022, including        02..............  June 8, 2005.
 Appendices 01 and 02.
A300-78-6024.................  01..............  April 22, 2005.
A300-78-6025.................  01..............  April 22, 2005.
A310-78-2022, including        02..............  July 18, 2006.
 Appendices 01 and 02.
A310-78-2023.................  01..............  April 22, 2005.
A310-78-2024, including        01..............  June 13, 2005.
 Appendices 01 and 02.
A310-78-2025.................  01..............  April 22, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 5, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-4734 Filed 3-15-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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