Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 Series Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-189-AD, Amendment 39-11249, AD 99-16-14]

RIN 2120-AA64

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

Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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

is applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series

airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection of the autopilot

systems for proper engagement to determine if the main electro valve

electrical connectors of the yaw, roll, and pitch autopilot actuators

are correctly installed; and corrective actions, if necessary. This

amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness

information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions

specified in this AD are intended to prevent erratic movements of the

ailerons, elevator, and/or rudder that are commanded by discrepant

autopilot actuators, which could result in reduced controllability of

the airplane.

DATES: Effective August 24, 1999.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in

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

of August 24, 1999.

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

before September 8, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-189-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.

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The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from

Airbus Industrie, Customer Services Directorate, 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; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North

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

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: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile

(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently

notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on all Airbus Model

A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes. One operator of an Airbus

Model A300-600 reported high rudder forces and uncommanded rudder

inputs during final approach. The uncommanded rudder inputs caused

deflections of the rudder control surface resulting in yawing of the

airplane. Investigation of the incident is ongoing, but preliminary

results indicate that failure of both the main valve and the clutch

valve of the autopilot yaw actuator can lead to the actuator generating

uncommanded rudder deflections. The DGAC advises that the same

autopilot actuator is used for roll and pitch control during autopilot

operation, and this failure scenario can result in uncommanded

deflections of the aileron and elevator control surfaces.

Preliminary results of the investigation of the incident airplane's

autopilot yaw actuator indicate that the electrical connectors between

the actuator's two main valves and the airplane's two flight control

computers (FCC) were crossed between side 1 and side 2. This hidden

failure in combination with a failure of the clutch valve resulted in

the autopilot yaw actuator remaining engaged when the crew disconnected

the autopilot, allowing the actuator to remain hydraulically

pressurized and provide inputs to the rudder and the rudder pedals.

This condition, if not corrected, could result in uncommanded

deflections of the ailerons, elevator, and/or rudder, which could

result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

Airbus Industrie has issued All Operator Telexes (AOT) A300-22A0114

(for Model A300 series airplanes), A310-22A2050 (for Model A310 series

airplanes), and A300-600-22A6039 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes);

each dated May 27, 1999. These AOT's describe procedures for a one-time

inspection of the autopilot systems for proper engagement to determine

if the main electro valve electrical connectors of the yaw, roll, and

pitch autopilot actuators are correctly installed. If autopilot systems

1 and 2 cannot be engaged, then the AOT's describe a visual inspection

of the main electro valve electrical connectors of all autopilot

actuators to determine whether any electrical connection is incorrectly

installed; and corrective action by restoring the correct installation,

if necessary. The DGAC classified these AOT's as mandatory and issued

French airworthiness directive 1999-268-292(B), dated June 30, 1999; 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

Sec. 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 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, this AD is being issued to prevent erratic

movements of the ailerons, elevator, and/or rudder commanded by

discrepant autopilot actuators, which could result in reduced

controllability of the airplane. This AD requires accomplishment of the

actions specified in the AOT's described previously.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of

this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior

public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for

making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves

requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by

notice and an 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 rule must submit a self-addressed,

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

to Docket Number 99-NM-189-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

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.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency

regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe

condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant

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regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined

further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT

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

it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be

significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final

regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.

A copy of it, if filed, 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.

Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new

airworthiness directive:

99-16-14 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11249. Docket 99-NM-189-AD.

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

airplanes; certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the

preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been

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 (b) 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 erratic movements of the ailerons, elevator, and/or

rudder that are commanded by discrepant autopilot actuators, which

could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish

the following:

Inspection

(a) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, perform

a one-time inspection of the auto pilot systems for proper

engagement to determine if the main electro valve electrical

connectors of the yaw, roll, and pitch autopilot actuators are

correctly installed, in accordance with the procedure specified in

paragraph 4.2 of Airbus Industrie All Operators Telex (AOT) A300-

22A0114 (for Model A300 series airplanes), A310-22A2050 (for Model

A310 series airplanes), or A300-600-22A6039 (for Model A300-600

series airplanes); each dated May 27, 1999; as applicable. If

autopilot systems 1 and 2 cannot be engaged: Prior to further

flight, perform a detailed inspection of the main electro valve

electrical connectors of the yaw, roll, and pitch autopilot

actuators for proper installation, and correct any discrepancy; in

accordance with paragraph 4.2 of the applicable AOT.

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is

defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific

structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,

failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally

supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity

deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,

magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate

access procedures may be required.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(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, 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.

Special Flight Permits

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

Secs. 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.

Incorporation by Reference

(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus All

Operators Telex A300-22A0114, dated May 27, 1999; Airbus All

Operators Telex A310-22A2050, dated May 27, 1999; and Airbus All

Operators Telex A300-600-22A6039, dated May 27, 1999; as applicable.

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, Customer Services

Directorate, 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 Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite

700, Washington, DC.

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

airworthiness directive 1999-288-292(B) dated June 30, 1999.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 24, 1999.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 1999.

D.L. Riggin,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification

Service.

[FR Doc. 99-20325 Filed 8-6-99; 8:45 am]

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