Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Industrie Model A300 and A310 Series Airplanes Equipped with BFGoodrich Evacuation Systems

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 93-NM-225-AD; Amendment 39-8855; AD 94-06-07]

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Industrie Model A300 and A310

Series Airplanes Equipped with BFGoodrich Evacuation Systems

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),

applicable to certain Airbus Model A300 and A310 series airplanes. This

action requires modification of the evacuation system regulator

assembly in certain escape slides and slide/rafts installed on these

airplanes. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that the

evacuation system regulator assembly functioned inappropriately, and

cases of the evacuation system inflating when the regulator safety pin

was removed. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent

delayed or inadvertent inflation of an evacuation system, which could

delay or impede the evacuation of passengers during an emergency, and

to prevent possible injury to ground personnel during installation of

the evacuation system.

DATES: Effective April 6, 1994.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as

of April 6, 1994.

Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or

before May 23, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 93-NM-225-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055-4056.

The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from

BFGoodrich Company, Aircraft Evacuation Systems, Sustaining

Engineering, Department 7916, Phoenix, Arizona 85040. This information

may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East

Spring Street, Long Beach, California; or at the Office of the Federal

Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Gfrerer, Aerospace Engineer,

Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-131L, FAA, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East

Spring Street, Long Beach, California 90806-2425; telephone (310) 988-

5338; fax (310) 988-5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has been advised that, under certain

circumstances, the regulator valve (part number 4A3168-1, -2, -3, -4,

or -6) of certain BFGoodrich evacuation systems that are installed on

Airbus Model A300 and A310 series airplanes may function in a delayed

manner. There also have been two occurrences of the evacuation system

units inflating when the regulator safety pin was removed. Reports have

indicated that, when the regulator safety pin is installed, it is

possible to move the firing lanyard in such a way that the unit will

not fire at that time, but may fire at a time when the evacuation

system is being installed on the airplane when the safety pin is

removed. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in delayed or

inadvertent inflation of an evacuation system, which could delay or

impede the evacuation of passengers during an emergency. These

conditions could also result in the injury of ground personnel during

installation of the evacuating system on the airplane.

The FAA has reviewed and approved BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 25-

262, dated February 18, 1994, that describes procedures for modifying

the evacuation system regulator assembly to ensure consistent

operation. This modification consists of substituting Parker ``Super-O-

Lube'' for the current lubricant; installing an actuator with improved

geometry and a cocking arm having a return spring; replacing the

compression spring; and replacing the temperature compensator. The

modification procedures also include relocating the safety pin hole to

prevent the firing lanyard from being pulled while the valve is secured

(saftied).

This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type

certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of

Sec. 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and the applicable

bilateral airworthiness agreement.

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to

exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design, this AD is

being issued to ensure the proper inflation of the evacuation system

during an emergency evacuation. This AD requires modification of the

evacuation system regulator assembly. The actions are required to be

accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described

previously.

There currently are no Model A300 or A310 series airplanes equipped

with the subject BFGoodrich evacuation systems on the U.S. Register.

All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule currently are

operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they

are not directly affected by this AD action. However, the FAA considers

that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is

addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported

and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.

Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S.

Register in the future, it would require 6 work hours per slide and 11

work hours per slide/raft to accomplish the required actions, at an

average labor charge of $55 per work hour. Model A300 series airplanes

are usually equipped with 2 slides and 6 slide/rafts of the affected

models; Model A310 series airplanes are usually equipped with 2 slides

and 4 slide/rafts of the affected models. Required parts would cost

approximately $1,200 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total

cost impact of this AD would be between $4,280 and $5,490 per airplane.

Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently

on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no

additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public

procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made

effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal

Register.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not

preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are

invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this

rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may

desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be

submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption

``ADDRESSES.'' All communications received on or before the closing

date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in

light of the comments received. Factual information that supports the

commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating

the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional

rulemaking action would be needed.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might

suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be

available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the

Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that

summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this

AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,

stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments

to Docket Number 93-NM-225-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct

effects 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, in

accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final

rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the

preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

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 14 CFR part

39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C.

106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new

airworthiness directive:

94-06-07 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-8855. Docket 93-NM-225-AD.

Applicability: Model A300 and A310 series airplanes; equipped

with BFGoodrich evacuation slides and slide/rafts with regulator

valves having part number 4A3168-1, -2, -3, -4, or -6; certificated

in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished

previously.

To prevent delayed or inadvertent inflation of the evacuation

system, which could delay or impede the evacuation of passengers

during an emergency, and to prevent possible injury to ground

personnel during installation of the evacuation system, accomplish

the following:

(a) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify

the escape slide regulator assembly in accordance with BFGoodrich

Service Bulletin 25-262, dated February 18, 1994.

(b) 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, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification

Office (ACO), 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, Los Angeles ACO.

Note: Information concerning the existence of approved

alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Los Angeles ACO.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with

Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the

airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be

accomplished.

(d) The modification shall be done in accordance with BFGoodrich

Service Bulletin 25-262, dated February 18, 1994. 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 BFGoodrich Company, Aircraft Evacuation Systems,

Sustaining Engineering, Department 7916, 3414 South 5th Street,

Phoenix, Arizona 85040 BFGoodrich, 3414. Copies may be inspected at

the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3229 East Spring Street,

Long Beach, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register,

800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on April 6, 1994.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 7, 1994.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 94-5701 Filed 3-21-94; 8:45 am]

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