# Evaluation of State Coastal Management Programs and National Estuarine Research Reserves

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URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A96-21871

## Record

- **Collection:** Federal Register
- **Document type:** Notice
- **Published:** August 28, 1996
- **Citation:** 61 FR 44299

## Text

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.

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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

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/fr%3A96-21871. Public record. Not legal advice.