Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-241-AD; Amendment 39-9715; AD 96-17-06]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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

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

applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes, that requires

repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the slat universal

joint and steady bearing assemblies, and replacement of any discrepant

assembly with a new, like assembly. This amendment also requires

replacement of all slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies

with improved assemblies, which would terminate the repetitive

inspections. This amendment is prompted by reports of broken or missing

inner races on the slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies

of the slat transmission system. The actions specified by this AD are

intended to prevent cracking of the inner race, which could cause it to

break off and, consequently, allow the slat universal joint and steady

bearing assemblies to become worn; this situation could result in

failure of the shaft of the slat transmission system, and subsequent

uncommanded movement of the associated slat.

DATES: Effective September 23, 1996.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

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

of September 23, 1996.

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: Charles Huber, Aerospace Engineer,

Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206)

227-2589; fax (206) 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 Airbus Model A310 series

airplanes was published in the Federal Register on May 8, 1996 (61 FR

20762). That action proposed to require repetitive visual inspections

to detect discrepancies of the slat universal joint and steady bearing

assemblies, and replacement of any discrepant assembly with a new,

[[Page 42778]]

like assembly. That action also proposed to require replacement of all

slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies with new assemblies,

which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspection

requirements.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate

in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to

the two comments received.

Both commenters support the proposed rule.

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 as proposed.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 26 Airbus Model A310 series 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 $7,800, or $300 per airplane, per

inspection.

It will take approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish

the required replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work

hour. Required parts will cost approximately $48,108 per airplane.

Based on these figures, the cost impact of the required replacement on

U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,264,848, or $48,648 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 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 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.

39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new

airworthiness directive:

96-17-06 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-9715. Docket 95-NM-241-AD.

Applicability: Model A310 series airplanes, on which Airbus

Modification 6022 or 6485 has not been installed; certificated in

any category.

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 (c) 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 failure of the shaft of the slat transmission system,

and subsequent uncommanded movement of the associated slat,

accomplish the following:

(a) Prior to the accumulation of 2,000 landings or 500 flight

hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,

perform a visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the slat

universal joint and steady bearing assemblies, in accordance with

Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2040, Revision 2, dated January 5,

1995.

Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2040 inadvertently

references LUCAS/LIEBHERR Service Bulletin 551A-27-6010 as the

appropriate source for accomplishing the inspection. LUCAS/LIEBHERR

Service Bulletin 551A-27-610 is the appropriate source of

information.

(1) If no discrepancy is found, repeat the inspection thereafter

at intervals not to exceed 2,000 landings.

(2) If any discrepancy is detected and the groove depth on the

shaft is greater than or equal to 1 mm (0.04 in.), prior to further

flight, replace the discrepant bearing assembly with a new, like

assembly, in accordance with the service bulletin. After

replacement, repeat the visual inspection thereafter at intervals

not to exceed 2,000 landings.

(3) If any discrepancy is detected and the groove depth on the

shaft is less than 1 mm (0.04 in.), prior to 50 landings after

accomplishing the initial inspection, replace the discrepant bearing

assembly with a new, like assembly, in accordance with the service

bulletin. After the replacement, repeat the visual inspection

thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 landings.

(b) Within 5 years after the effective date of this AD, replace

the slat universal joint and steady bearing assemblies with new

assemblies, in accordance with LUCAS/LIEBHERR Service Bulletin 523-

27-M523-1, dated April 25, 1986. Accomplishment of the replacement

constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection

requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.

(c) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113,

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,

Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved

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

obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(d) 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.

(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service

Bulletin A310-27-2040, Revision 2, dated January 5, 1995, and LUCAS/

LIEBHERR Service Bulletin 523-27-M523-1, dated April 25, 1986. 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

[[Page 42779]]

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

(f) This amendment becomes effective on September 23, 1996.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 9, 1996.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 96-21871 Filed 8-16-96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P