[July 06, 2011] Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Series Airplanes Tweet Jul 06, 2011 (Transportation Department Documents and Publications/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: An operator of an A300-600 aeroplane reported finding a cracked pylon fuel drain pipe on engine #1. * * * * * * The pipe drains the double wall of the wing-to-pylon junction in the event of fuel leakage. After investigation, it was concluded that the damage of the pylon fuel drain pipe had been caused by chafing of the pipe against over-length screws that had been installed in accordance with the Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) during a maintenance phase of the Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF). This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in combination with fuel leakage in the pylon, lead to an accumulation of fuel in the lowest point of the LAPF. As high temperatures are present within the LAPF, and without ventilation, this could result in fuel (vapour) ignition and consequent fire. * * * * * We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. EFFECTIVE DATE: This AD becomes effective August 10, 2011. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 10, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on December 10, 2010 (75 FR 76926). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: An operator of an A300-600 aeroplane reported finding a cracked pylon fuel drain pipe on engine #1.The pipe, Part Number (P/N) A71715020, had separated and the end was found 5.5 inches from the pylon aft bulkhead. A similar case was also reported on an A300F4-608ST aeroplane. The affected pylon fuel drain pipe runs from the top of the pylon primary structure to the aft part of the pylon rear secondary structure and is partly attached under the pylon lower spar. The pipe drains the double wall of the wing-to-pylon junction in the event of fuel leakage. After investigation, it was concluded that the damage of the pylon fuel drain pipe had been caused by chafing of the pipe against over-length screws that had been installed in accordance with the Illustrated Parts Catalogue (IPC) during a maintenance phase of the Lower Aft Pylon Fairing (LAPF). This condition, if not detected and corrected, could, in combination with fuel leakage in the pylon, lead to an accumulation of fuel in the lowest point of the LAPF. As high temperatures are present within the LAPF, and without ventilation, this could result in fuel (vapour) ignition and consequent fire. To address and correct this unsafe condition, EASA * * * required an inspection [for missing pipes, or distortions or holes] of the pylon fuel drain pipe and the attachment screws and, depending on findings, the necessary corrective actions. In case over-length screws are found to be installed, depending on location and aeroplane configuration, these must be replaced. * * * * * Required actions also include visually inspecting to determine the length and part number of the drain pipe attachment screws on the LAPF on the left- and right-hand pylons. Corrective actions include replacing or repairing the pipe, or replacing screws with incorrect part numbers with new screws. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comments received. Request To Extend the Compliance Time UPS requested that we extend the compliance time from 30 days to 30 months after the effective date of the AD. Per the commenter, the NPRM stated that the over-length screws installed on the affected aircraft were installed in accordance with the illustrated parts catalog (IPC), and that the correct attachment screws are clearly identified in the UPS A300-600 IPC, so there is a minimal probability of installing an over-length screw. The commenter stated that the compliance time of 30 days is too restrictive and believes that extending the threshold to 30 months for those operators whose IPC does not list an over-length fastener would provide an equivalent level of safety and better fit within an operator's routine maintenance program and eliminate any undue burden associated with a restrictive timetable. We do not agree to extend the compliance time. The FAA received information confirming that over-length screws could have been introduced in production due to some erroneous drawings. Further, before 2007, not all IPCs were correct. Some of the IPCs for aircraft fitted with Pratt & Whitney engines were corrected in 2007. All IPCs were checked in 2010, and remaining erroneous IPCs were corrected. Although UPS may have the correct IPC, since some over-length screws could have been installed during production, a fleet inspection is needed to address the identified unsafe condition. However, under the provisions of paragraph (k) of this AD, we will consider requests for approval of an extension of the compliance time if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the new compliance time would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed the AD in this regard. Request To Use Thicker Washer as Advised in Service Information Letter UPS requested FAA concurrence that using an alternative washer, P/N NSA5149-3, as recommended by Airbus in Service Information Letter 54-035, Revision 01, dated July 9, 2010, will not have an impact on the AD. This washer would be used in lieu of P/N NSA5149-4 under the head of the attachment screws, to prevent cracking of the LAPF. We partially agree with the commenter's request. The alternative washer is a recommended improvement, but not a modification addressing an unsafe condition/airworthiness issue. As the Service Information Letter mentions, both washers are fully interchangeable; the last IPC update (2010) also reflects this interchangeability. Therefore, we confirm that use of either washer is adequate. In this regard, and to avoid the need for an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) on this issue in the future, we have added the washer having P/N NSA5149-3 to paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD. Conclusion We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described previously. We determined that this change will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information. We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 168 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 4 work- hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $57,120, or $340 per product. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. "Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs," describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in "Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements." Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect 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. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD: --This is a summary of a Federal Register article originally published on the page number listed below-- Final rule. CFR Part: "14 CFR Part 39" RIN Number: "RIN 2120-AA64" Citation: "76 FR 39248" Document Number: "Docket No. FAA-2010-1197; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-044-AD; Amendment 39-16736; AD 2011-14-01" Federal Register Page Number: "39248" "Rules and Regulations" [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]