81 FR 26493 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 85 (May 3, 2016)

Page Range		26493-26495
FR Document		2016-09792

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300- 600 series airplanes), and Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This proposed AD would require modifying the fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. This proposed AD would also provide alternative actions for cargo airplanes. We are proposing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the center fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 3, 2016)

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 3, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26493-26495]
From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-09792]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2016-6143; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-028-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-
600 series airplanes), and Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer.
This proposed AD would require modifying the fuel quantity indicating
system (FQIS) to prevent development of an ignition source inside the
center fuel tank due to electrical fault conditions. This proposed AD
would also provide alternative actions for cargo airplanes. We are
proposing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the center fuel
tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in
a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 17, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
6143; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125;
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-6143;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-028-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD because of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel
tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the
adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes
subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for
fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a
regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review,
Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements''
(66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards
for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule
included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88''),
Amendment 21-78. Subsequently, SFAR 88 was amended by: Amendment 21-82
(67 FR 57490, September 10, 2002; corrected at 67 FR 70809, November
26, 2002) and Amendment 21-83 (67 FR 72830, December 9, 2002; corrected
at 68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003, to change ``21-82'' to ``21-83'').
Among other actions, SFAR 88 requires certain type design (i.e.,
type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders
to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition
sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design
holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for
subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to
perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance
procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety
standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to
adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary
to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews.
In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address
the failure types under evaluation: Single failures, combination of
failures, and unacceptable (failure) experience. For all three failure
criteria, the evaluations included consideration of previous actions
taken that may mitigate the need for further action.
We have determined that the actions identified in this proposed AD
are necessary to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel
tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result
in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

Model A300-600/A310 FQIS Design

The design of the in-tank FQIS components and wiring has the
potential for a latent FQIS electrical fault condition inside the fuel
tank combined with an electrical hot short condition connecting a high
power source to the FQIS wiring to cause an ignition source in a fuel
tank.
Under the policy contained in FAA Policy Memo PS-ANM100-2003-112-
15, SFAR 88--Mandatory Action Decision Criteria, dated February 25,
2003 (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_

[[Page 26494]]

and_Guidance_Library/rgPolicy.nsf/0/dc94c3a46396950386256d5e006aed11/
$FILE/Feb2503.pdf), the FAA determined that this ignition source risk
combined with the fleet average flammability for the center wing tank
on Model A300-600 and A310 series airplanes created an unsafe condition
for the center fuel tank. Applying that same policy, the FAA determined
that due to a lower fleet average flammability, that same unsafe
condition does not exist in the main wing tanks (inner and outer) and
tail trim tank (on certain Model A300-600 series airplanes) of these
airplanes.

Related Rulemaking

On March 21, 2016, we issued AD 2016-07-07, Amendment 39-18452 (81
FR 19472, April 5, 2016), for certain Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, -
200CB, and -300 series airplanes. AD 2016-07-07 requires similar
actions to those proposed in this NPRM. AD 2016-07-07 addressed the
numerous public comments that were submitted on the proposal.

FAA's Determination

This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. We are
proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant information and
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop in other products of the same type design.
In accordance with FAA policy memo SFAR 88--Mandatory Action
Decision Criteria, dated February 25, 2003, we have determined that the
unsafe condition warrants issuance of an AD to mandating the actions
proposed in this NPRM.

Proposed AD Requirements

This proposed AD would require modifying the FQIS to prevent
development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to
electrical fault conditions. As an alternative for cargo airplanes,
this proposed AD would provide the alternative to modify the airplane
by separating FQIS wiring routed between the fuel quantity indicating
(FQI) computer and the center fuel tank, provided repetitive BITE
(built-in test equipment) checks of the FQI computer are also
performed.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 140 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 1,200 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. We have received no definitive
data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for the parts
needed to do the actions specified in this proposed AD. Based on these
figures, we estimate the labor cost of this proposed AD on U.S.
operators to be $14,280,000, or $102,000 per product.
We have not received definitive information on the costs for the
alternative wire separation modification specified in this NPRM. The
cost for this action in similar rulemaking on other airplanes, however,
suggests that this modification could take about 74 work-hours with
parts costing about $10,000, for a total estimated cost to U.S.
operators of $16,290 per product.
We estimate that the repetitive FQIS tank circuit checks associated
with the alternative wire separation modification would take about 1
work-hour per check. We estimate the cost of this check on U.S.
operators to be $85 per product, per check.

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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 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),
(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(4) 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2016-6143; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-
028-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by June 17, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

This AD applies to all Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD.
(1) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(3) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(4) Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(5) Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, and -325
airplanes.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Unsafe Condition

This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent ignition sources
inside the center fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent
loss of the airplane.

[[Page 26495]]

(f) Compliance

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.

(g) Modification

Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the
fuel quantity indicating system (FQIS) to prevent development of an
ignition source inside the center fuel tank due to electrical fault
conditions, using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA.

(h) Alternative Actions for Cargo Airplanes

For airplanes used exclusively for cargo operations: As an
alternative to the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, do the
actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD. To
exercise this alternative, operators must perform the first
inspection required under paragraph (h)(1) of this AD within 6
months after the effective date of this AD. To exercise this
alternative for airplanes returned to service after conversion of
the airplane from a passenger configuration to an all-cargo
configuration more than 6 months after the effective date of this
AD, operators must perform the first inspection required under
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD prior to further flight after the
conversion.
(1) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, record
the existing fault codes stored in the fuel quantity indicating
(FQI) computer, and then do a BITE check (check of built-in test
equipment) of the FQI computer, using a method approved by the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA. If any fault code is recorded prior to the BITE
check or as a result of the BITE check, before further flight, do
all applicable repairs and repeat the BITE check until a successful
test is performed with no fault found, using a method approved by
the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA. Repeat these actions thereafter at intervals not
to exceed 650 flight hours. Modification as specified in paragraph
(h)(2) of this AD does not terminate the repetitive BITE check
requirement of this paragraph.
(2) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify
the airplane by separating FQIS wiring that runs between the FQI
computer and the center fuel tank wall penetrations, including any
circuits that might pass through a main fuel tank, from other
airplane wiring that is not intrinsically safe, using methods
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA.

(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the
person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.

(j) Related Information

For more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-2125; fax 425-227-1149.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, 2016.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-09792 Filed 5-2-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 3, 2016 / Proposed Rules 26493

Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 15, Examining the AD Docket rule included Special Federal Aviation
2016. Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88’’),
You may examine the AD docket on
Victor Wicklund, Amendment 21–78. Subsequently,
the Internet at http://
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane www.regulations.gov by searching for SFAR 88 was amended by: Amendment
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016– 21–82 (67 FR 57490, September 10,
[FR Doc. 2016–09794 Filed 5–2–16; 8:45 am] 6143; or in person at the Docket 2002; corrected at 67 FR 70809,
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Management Facility between 9 a.m. November 26, 2002) and Amendment
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 21–83 (67 FR 72830, December 9, 2002;
except Federal holidays. The AD docket corrected at 68 FR 37735, June 25, 2003,
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION contains this proposed AD, the to change ‘‘21–82’’ to ‘‘21–83’’).
Among other actions, SFAR 88
Federal Aviation Administration regulatory evaluation, any comments
requires certain type design (i.e., type
received, and other information. The
certificate (TC) and supplemental type
14 CFR Part 39 street address for the Docket Office
certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
[Docket No. FAA–2016–6143; Directorate that their fuel tank systems can prevent
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
Identifier 2015–NM–028–AD] ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This
available in the AD docket shortly after requirement applies to type design
RIN 2120–AA64 receipt. holders for large turbine-powered
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan transport airplanes and for subsequent
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, modifications to those airplanes. It
Airplanes International Branch, ANM–116, requires them to perform design reviews
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, and to develop design changes and
Administration (FAA), DOT. 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA maintenance procedures if their designs
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2125; do not meet the new fuel tank safety
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking fax 425–227–1149.
(NPRM). standards. As explained in the preamble
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: to the rule, we intended to adopt
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new Comments Invited airworthiness directives to mandate any
airworthiness directive (AD) for all changes found necessary to address
Airbus Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, We invite you to send any written unsafe conditions identified as a result
and F4–600R series airplanes, and relevant data, views, or arguments about of these reviews.
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F this proposal. Send your comments to In evaluating these design reviews, we
airplanes (collectively called Model an address listed under the ADDRESSES have established four criteria intended
A300–600 series airplanes), and Model section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– to define the unsafe conditions
A310 series airplanes. This proposed 2016–6143; Directorate Identifier 2015– associated with fuel tank systems that
AD was prompted by fuel system NM–028–AD’’ at the beginning of your require corrective actions. The
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. comments. We specifically invite percentage of operating time during
This proposed AD would require comments on the overall regulatory, which fuel tanks are exposed to
modifying the fuel quantity indicating economic, environmental, and energy flammable conditions is one of these
system (FQIS) to prevent development aspects of this proposed AD. We will criteria. The other three criteria address
of an ignition source inside the center consider all comments received by the the failure types under evaluation:
fuel tank due to electrical fault closing date and may amend this Single failures, combination of failures,
conditions. This proposed AD would proposed AD because of those and unacceptable (failure) experience.
also provide alternative actions for cargo comments. For all three failure criteria, the
airplanes. We are proposing this AD to We will post all comments we evaluations included consideration of
prevent ignition sources inside the receive, without change, to http:// previous actions taken that may mitigate
center fuel tank, which, in combination www.regulations.gov, including any the need for further action.
with flammable fuel vapors, could result personal information you provide. We We have determined that the actions
in a fuel tank explosion and consequent will also post a report summarizing each identified in this proposed AD are
loss of the airplane. substantive verbal contact we receive necessary to reduce the potential of
about this proposed AD. ignition sources inside fuel tanks,
DATES: We must receive comments on
Discussion which, in combination with flammable
this proposed AD by June 17, 2016.
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, The FAA has examined the explosions and consequent loss of the
using the procedures found in 14 CFR underlying safety issues involved in fuel airplane.
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following tank explosions on several large
methods: transport airplanes, including the Model A300–600/A310 FQIS Design
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to adequacy of existing regulations, the The design of the in-tank FQIS
http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the service history of airplanes subject to components and wiring has the
instructions for submitting comments. those regulations, and existing potential for a latent FQIS electrical
• Fax: 202–493–2251. maintenance practices for fuel tank fault condition inside the fuel tank
asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with PROPOSALS

• Mail: U.S. Department of systems. As a result of those findings, combined with an electrical hot short
Transportation, Docket Operations, M– we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport condition connecting a high power
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room Airplane Fuel Tank System Design source to the FQIS wiring to cause an
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Review, Flammability Reduction and ignition source in a fuel tank.
Washington, DC 20590. Maintenance and Inspection Under the policy contained in FAA
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail Requirements’’ (66 FR 23086, May 7, Policy Memo PS–ANM100–2003–112–
address above between 9 a.m. and 5 2001). In addition to new airworthiness 15, SFAR 88—Mandatory Action
p.m., Monday through Friday, except standards for transport airplanes and Decision Criteria, dated February 25,
Federal holidays. new maintenance requirements, this 2003 (http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_

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26494 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 85 / Tuesday, May 3, 2016 / Proposed Rules

and_Guidance_Library/rgPolicy.nsf/0/ comply with the basic requirements of (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
dc94c3a46396950386256d5e006aed11/ this proposed AD. The average labor the DOT Regulatory Policies and
$FILE/Feb2503.pdf), the FAA rate is $85 per work-hour. We have Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26,
determined that this ignition source risk received no definitive data that would 1979),
combined with the fleet average enable us to provide cost estimates for (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation
flammability for the center wing tank on the parts needed to do the actions in Alaska, and
Model A300–600 and A310 series specified in this proposed AD. Based on
(4) Will not have a significant
airplanes created an unsafe condition these figures, we estimate the labor cost
economic impact, positive or negative,
for the center fuel tank. Applying that of this proposed AD on U.S. operators
on a substantial number of small entities
same policy, the FAA determined that to be $14,280,000, or $102,000 per
under the criteria of the Regulatory
due to a lower fleet average product.
We have not received definitive Flexibility Act.
flammability, that same unsafe
condition does not exist in the main information on the costs for the List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
wing tanks (inner and outer) and tail alternative wire separation modification
trim tank (on certain Model A300–600 specified in this NPRM. The cost for this Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
series airplanes) of these airplanes. action in similar rulemaking on other safety, Incorporation by reference,
airplanes, however, suggests that this Safety.
Related Rulemaking modification could take about 74 work- The Proposed Amendment
On March 21, 2016, we issued AD hours with parts costing about $10,000,
2016–07–07, Amendment 39–18452 (81 for a total estimated cost to U.S. Accordingly, under the authority
FR 19472, April 5, 2016), for certain operators of $16,290 per product. delegated to me by the Administrator,
Boeing Model 757–200, –200PF, We estimate that the repetitive FQIS the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
–200CB, and –300 series airplanes. AD tank circuit checks associated with the 39 as follows:
2016–07–07 requires similar actions to alternative wire separation modification
those proposed in this NPRM. AD 2016– would take about 1 work-hour per PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
07–07 addressed the numerous public check. We estimate the cost of this DIRECTIVES
comments that were submitted on the check on U.S. operators to be $85 per
proposal. product, per check. ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
FAA’s Determination Authority for This Rulemaking
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
This product has been approved by Title 49 of the United States Code
the aviation authority of another specifies the FAA’s authority to issue § 39.13 [Amended]
country, and is approved for operation rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
in the United States. We are proposing section 106, describes the authority of the following new airworthiness
this AD because we evaluated all the the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: directive (AD):
relevant information and determined Aviation Programs, describes in more
the unsafe condition described detail the scope of the Agency’s Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2016–6143;
Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–028–AD.
previously is likely to exist or develop authority.
in other products of the same type We are issuing this rulemaking under (a) Comments Due Date
design. the authority described in Subtitle VII, We must receive comments by June 17,
In accordance with FAA policy memo Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: 2016.
SFAR 88—Mandatory Action Decision ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
(b) Affected ADs
Criteria, dated February 25, 2003, we section, Congress charges the FAA with
have determined that the unsafe promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in None.
condition warrants issuance of an AD to air commerce by prescribing regulations (c) Applicability
mandating the actions proposed in this for practices, methods, and procedures This AD applies to all Airbus airplanes,
NPRM. the Administrator finds necessary for certificated in any category, identified in
safety in air commerce. This regulation paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(5) of this AD.
Proposed AD Requirements
is within the scope of that authority (1) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620,
This proposed AD would require because it addresses an unsafe condition and B4–622 airplanes.
modifying the FQIS to prevent that is likely to exist or develop on (2) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R
development of an ignition source products identified in this rulemaking airplanes.
inside the center fuel tank due to action. (3) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R
electrical fault conditions. As an airplanes.
alternative for cargo airplanes, this Regulatory Findings (4) Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes.
proposed AD would provide the We determined that this proposed AD (5) Model A310–203, –204, –221, –222,
alternative to modify the airplane by would not have federalism implications –304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes.
separating FQIS wiring routed between under Executive Order 13132. This
the fuel quantity indicating (FQI) proposed AD would not have a (d) Subject
computer and the center fuel tank, substantial direct effect on the States, on Air Transport Association (ATA) of
asabaliauskas on DSK9F6TC42PROD with PROPOSALS

provided repetitive BITE (built-in test the relationship between the national America Code 28, Fuel.
equipment) checks of the FQI computer Government and the States, or on the (e) Unsafe Condition
are also performed. distribution of power and
This AD was prompted by fuel system
responsibilities among the various reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We
Costs of Compliance levels of government. are issuing this AD to prevent ignition
We estimate that this proposed AD For the reasons discussed above, I sources inside the center fuel tank, which, in
affects 140 airplanes of U.S. registry. certify this proposed regulation: combination with flammable fuel vapors,
We also estimate that it would take (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory could result in a fuel tank explosion and
about 1,200 work-hours per product to action’’ under Executive Order 12866, consequent loss of the airplane.

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Document Created: 2016-05-03 00:30:56
Document Modified: 2016-05-03 00:30:56

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Dates		We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 17, 2016.
Contact		Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2125; fax 425-227-1149.
FR Citation		81 FR 26493
RIN Number		2120-AA64
CFR Associated		Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety

81 FR 26493 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 85 (May 3, 2016)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration