Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A300-600, A310, A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-179-AD]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A300-600, A310,

A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A300-600,

and A310 series airplanes, and certain Airbus Model A319, A320, A321,

A330, and A340 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive

visual inspections of the striker and guide valve of the passenger door

actuators and certain emergency door actuators for corrosion, and

corrective action, if necessary. This proposal is prompted by issuance

of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil

airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are

intended to detect and correct corrosion of the emergency actuator

mechanism, which could cause failure of the emergency actuator striker

mechanism on the passenger or emergency doors, and lead to difficulty

in opening the passenger or emergency doors during an emergency

evacuation.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 27, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

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

Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-179-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays.

The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be

obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707

Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the FAA,

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,

International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)

227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the

proposed 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 above. All

communications received on or before the closing date for comments,

specified above, will be considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in

light of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,

economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed 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 summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with

the substance of this proposal 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 96-NM-179-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request

to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules

Docket No. 96-NM-179-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington

98055-4056.

Discussion

The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the

airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe

condition may exist on all Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series

airplanes, and on certain Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340

series airplanes. The DGAC advises that a failure of the emergency

power assist feature on a passenger door has occurred on one Model A320

series airplane. The failure of the emergency actuator, which provides

the power assist feature, was attributed to corrosion found in the

guide valve bore, on the striker end, and in the striker hole. The same

emergency actuator striker mechanism part is installed on

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all of the previously mentioned models; therefore, such corrosion may

exist or develop on these airplanes as well. This condition, if not

detected and corrected in a timely manner, could result in difficulty

in opening the passenger or emergency doors during an emergency

evacuation.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-52-0168, dated December 4,

1996 (for Model A300 series airplanes); A300-52-6052, dated December 4,

1996 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); A310-52-2058, dated

December 4, 1996 (for Model A310 series airplanes); All Operator Telex

(AOT) 52-12, Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for Model A319, A320, and

A321 series airplanes); A330-52-3038, Revision 1, dated December 2,

1996 (for Model A330 series airplanes); and A340-52-4048, Revision 3,

dated June 10, 1997 (for Model A340 series airplanes), which describe

procedures for the following:

visually inspecting the striker and guide valve of the

passenger door actuators (for all airplanes) and emergency door

actuators (for Model A321, A330, A340 series airplanes) for corrosion;

cleaning and reinstalling the emergency actuator striker

mechanism; and

replacing the emergency actuator striker mechanism with a

serviceable part.

The DGAC classified this service information as mandatory and

issued French airworthiness directives 97-062-213(B), dated February

26, 1997; 96-093-080(B)R2, dated October 22, 1997; and 96-195-037(B)R1,

and 96-196-048(B)R1, both dated December 3, 1997; in order to assure

the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Conclusions

These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type

certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of

section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and

the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this

bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed

of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of

the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD

action is necessary for products of this type design that are

certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to

exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered

in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of

the actions specified in the service information described previously,

except as discussed below.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Related Foreign AD

Operators should note that, unlike the procedures described in the

previously cited French airworthiness directives; this proposed AD

would not permit dispatch with a door actuator striker mechanism

inoperative. The FAA has determined that, because of the safety

implications and consequences associated with such inoperative

equipment, any inoperative striker mechanism that is found to be

corroded must be either replaced or cleaned such that proper function

is restored prior to further flight.

Cost Impact: Model A300 and A300-600 Series Airplanes

The FAA estimates that 85 Model A300 and A300-600 series airplanes

of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would

take approximately 9 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed

inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour.

Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $45,900, or $540 per airplane, per

inspection cycle.

Cost Impact: Model A310 Series Airplanes

The FAA estimates that 41 Model A310 series airplanes of U.S.

registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take

approximately 6 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed

inspections, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour.

Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $14,760, or $360 per airplane, per

inspection cycle.

Cost Impact: Model A319 and A320 Series Airplanes

The FAA estimates that 128 Model A319 and A320 series airplanes of

U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that it would take

approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed

inspection and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based

on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators

of these airplanes is estimated to be $30,720, or $240 per airplane,

per inspection cycle.

The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions

that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements

of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions

in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Cost Impact: Model A321, A330, and A340 Series Airplanes

There are currently no Model A321, A330, or A340 series airplanes

on the U.S. Register. All of these airplanes included in the

applicability of this proposed 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 it necessary to

include these airplanes in the applicability of this proposed rule in

order to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event

that any of the subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S.

Register in the future.

Should an affected Model A321 series airplane be imported and

placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would take approximately

8 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspections. Based

on an average labor rate of $60 per work hour, the cost impact of the

proposed inspections would be $480 per airplane, per inspection cycle.

Should an affected Model A330 or A340 series airplane be imported

and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would take

approximately 32 work hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed

inspections. Based on an average labor rate of $60 per work hour, the

cost impact of the proposed inspections would be $1,920 per airplane,

per inspection cycle.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein would 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 proposal would not have sufficient federalism

implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed

regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under

Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT

Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);

and (3) if

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promulgated, 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 copy of the draft regulatory

evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the Rules Docket. A

copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the

location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend

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 adding the following new

airworthiness directive:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 96-NM-179-AD.

Applicability: All Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series

airplanes; and Model A319, A320, A321, A330 and A340 series

airplanes, excluding Model A319 and A320 series airplanes on which

Airbus Modification 26015 has been accomplished, and excluding Model

A321 series airplanes on which both Airbus Modifications 26015 and

26211 have been accomplished, and excluding Model A330 and A340

series airplanes on which both Airbus Modifications 45090 and 45155

have been accomplished; 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 (d) 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 detect and correct corrosion of the emergency actuator

mechanism, which could cause failure of the emergency actuator

striker mechanism on the passenger or emergency doors, and lead to

difficulty in opening the passenger or emergency doors during an

emergency evacuation, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD,

or within 36 months after date of manufacture, whichever occurs

later, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3 years: Perform

the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1) and/or (a)(2) of this AD,

as applicable, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-52-

0168, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model A300 series airplanes);

A300-52-6052, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model A300-600 series

airplanes); A310-52-2058, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model A310

series airplanes); A330-52-3038, Revision 1, dated December 2, 1996

(for Model A330 series airplanes); A340-52-4048, Revision 3, dated

June 10, 1997 (for Model A340 series airplanes); or Airbus All

Operator Telex (AOT) 52-12, Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for Model

A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); as applicable.

(1) For Model A321, A330, and A340 series airplanes: Visually

inspect the striker and guide valve of the emergency door actuators

for corrosion.

(2) For all airplanes: Visually inspect the striker and guide

valve of the passenger door actuators for corrosion.

Note 2: Additional service information regarding the required

inspections on Airbus Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series

airplanes is provided in RATIER-FIGEAC Service Bulletin 701-5000-52-

9, Revision 1, dated October 10, 1996.

(b) If corrosion is found during any inspection required by

paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, accomplish either

paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus

Service Bulletin A300-52-0168, dated December 4, 1996 (for Model

A300 series airplanes); A300-52-6052, dated December 4, 1996 (for

Model A300-600 series airplanes); A310-52-2058, dated December 4,

1996 (for Model A310 series airplanes); A330-52-3038, Revision 1,

dated December 2, 1996 (for Model A330 series airplanes); A340-52-

4048, Revision 3, dated June 10, 1997 (for Model A340 series

airplanes), or Airbus AOT 52-12, Revision 1, dated May 9, 1996 (for

Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); as applicable.

(1) Clean the corroded areas of the emergency actuator striker

mechanism to restore proper function, and re-install the mechanism;

and, within 18 months after the corrosion is found, replace the

mechanism with a serviceable part. Or

(2) Replace the emergency actuator striker mechanism with a

serviceable part.

(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install

a passenger door or emergency door actuator on any airplane without

first inspecting that actuator in accordance with paragraph (a) of

this AD, and repairing, if necessary, in accordance with paragraph

(b) of this AD.

(d) 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, 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, International

Branch, ANM-116.

Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved

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

obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

(e) 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.

Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French

airworthiness directives 97-062-213(B), dated February 26, 1997; 96-

093-080(B)R2, dated October 22, 1997; and 96-195-037(B)R1 and 96-

196-048(B)R1, both dated December 3, 1997.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 1998.

Darrell M. Pederson,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 98-8128 Filed 3-26-98; 8:45 am]

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