The FAA has been advised that, under certain circumstances, the regulator valve (part number 4A3168-1, -2, -3, -4, or -6) of certain BFGoodrich evacuation systems that are installed on Airbus Model A300 and A310 series airplanes may function in a delayed manner. There also have been two occurrences of the evacuation system units inflating when the regulator safety pin was removed. Reports have indicated that, when the regulator safety pin is installed, it is possible to move the firing lanyard in such a way that the unit will not fire at that time, but may fire at a time when the evacuation system is being installed on the airplane when the safety pin is removed. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in delayed or inadvertent inflation of an evacuation system, which could delay or impede the evacuation of passengers during an emergency. These conditions could also result in the injury of ground personnel during installation of the evacuatingsystem on the airplane.
The FAA has reviewed and approved BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 25-262, dated February 18, 1994, that describes procedures for modifying the evacuation system regulator assembly to ensure consistent operation. This modification consists of substituting Parker "Super-O-Lube" for the current lubricant; installing an actuator with improved geometry and a cocking arm having a return spring; replacing the compression spring; and replacing the temperature compensator. The modification procedures also include relocating the safety pin hole to prevent the firing lanyard from being pulled while the valve is secured (saftied).
This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of thesame type design, this AD is being issued to ensure the proper inflation of the evacuation system during an emergency evacuation. This AD requires modification of the evacuation system regulator assembly. The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the service bulletin described previously.
There currently are no Model A300 or A310 series airplanes equipped with the subject BFGoodrich evacuation systems on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this 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 that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future, it would require 6 work hours per slide and 11 work hours per slide/raft to accomplish the required actions, at an average labor charge of $55 per work hour. Model A300 series airplanes are usually equipped with 2 slides and 6 slide/rafts of the affected models; Model A310 series airplanes are usually equipped with 2 slides and 4 slide/rafts of the affected models. Required parts would cost approximately $1,200 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD would be between $4,280 and $5,490 per airplane.
Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not preceded by notice and 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 notice must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 93-NM-225-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.
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 14 CFR part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations as follows:
PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. App. 1354(a), 1421 and 1423; 49 U.S.C. 106(g); and 14 CFR 11.89.
39.13 - [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness directive: