AD 95-15-09

Active

Inspect Fuselage Frame

Key Information
95-15-09
Active
August 23, 1995
Not specified
94-NM-185-AD
39-9312
Applicability
["Aircraft"]
["Large Airplane"]
Airbus SAS
BAC 1-11 200 Series BAC 1-11 400 Series
Summary

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11-200 and -400 series airplanes, that requires various inspections to detect discrepancies of fuselage frames at certain stations, and correction of discrepancies; and rework to limit the maximum differential operating pressure of the fuselage. This amendment will also require eventual modification of fuselage frames at certain stations, which will terminate the repetitive inspection requirements. This amendment is prompted by reports of fatigue cracking in certain fuselage frames in the vicinity of the passenger door at floor level due to fatigue-related stress. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and prevent such fatigue-related cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage pressure vessel and possible decompression of the pressurized cabin.

Action Required

Final rule

Regulatory Text

95-15-09 BRITISH AEROSPACE AIRBUS LIMITED (Formerly British Aerospace Commercial Aircraft Limited, British Aerospace Aircraft Group): Amendment 39-9312. Docket 94-NM-185-AD.
Applicability: Model BAC 1-11-200 and -400 series airplanes on which British Aerospace Modifications PM5445 and PM5713 have not been installed, 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 use the authority provided in paragraph (h) of this AD to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To detect and prevent fatigue-related cracking in fuselage frames at stations 178 and 213.5 in the vicinity of the passenger door at floor level, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage pressure vessel and possible decompression of the pressurized cabin, accomplish the following:

(a) For airplanes unrepaired or not reinforced by repair on frames 178 and 213.5, in the area between stringers 25L and 27L: Accomplish paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) of this AD, in accordance with British Aerospace Airbus Limited Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM5993, Issue 1, dated January 11, 1993.

(1) Perform the initial inspection prior to the compliance time specified in paragraph 2.1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals specified in paragraph 2.1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.

(2) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, prior to further flight, correct the discrepancy in accordance with paragraph 2.1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.

(3) Prior to the accumulation of the total number of landings specified in paragraph 2.1.5 or 2.1.10, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the structure of the fuselage frame at stations 178 and 213.5 in accordance with paragraph 2.1.5 or 2.1.10, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) this AD.

(4) Prior to the accumulation of 55,000 total landings or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, rework the cabin pressurization system to limit the maximum differential operating pressure of the fuselage to 7.5 pounds per square inch (psi), in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

(b) For airplanes on which Structural Repair Manual, figure 76, repair in-situ has been accomplished: Accomplish paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), and (b)(4) of this AD, in accordance with British Aerospace Airbus Limited Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM5993, Issue 1, dated January 11, 1993.

(1) Perform the initial inspection prior to the compliance time specified in paragraph 2.2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals specified in paragraph 2.2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.

(2) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, prior to further flight, correct the discrepancy in accordance with paragraph 2.2 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin; or in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(3) Prior to the accumulation of the total number of landings specified in paragraph 2.2.6 or 2.2.9, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the structure of the fuselage frame at stations 178 and 213.5 in accordance with paragraph 2.2.6 or 2.2.9, as applicable, ofthe Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD.

(4) Prior to the accumulation of 55,000 total landings or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, rework the cabin pressurization system to limit the maximum differential operating pressure of the fuselage to 7.5 psi, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

(c) For airplanes on which Structural Repair Manual, figure 87, repair has been accomplished: Accomplish paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, in accordance with British Aerospace Airbus Limited Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM5993, Issue 1, dated January 11, 1993.

(1) Perform the initial inspection prior to the compliance time specified in paragraph 2.3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals specified in paragraph 2.3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.

(2) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (c)(1) of this AD, prior to further flight, correct the discrepancy in accordance with paragraph 2.3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin; or in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(3) Prior to the accumulation of the total number of landings specified in paragraph 2.3.5 or 2.3.8, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the structure of the fuselage frames at stations 178 and 213.5 in accordance with paragraph 2.3.5 or 2.3.8, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.

(4) Prior to the accumulation of 55,000 total landings or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, rework the cabin pressurization system to limit the maximum differential operating pressure of the fuselage to 7.5 psi, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

(d) For airplanes on which Structural Repair Manual, figure 110 or 111, repair has been accomplished: Accomplish paragraphs (d)(1), (d)(2), (d)(3), and (d)(4) of this AD, in accordance with British Aerospace Airbus Limited Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM5993, Issue 1, dated January 11, 1993.

(1) Perform the initial inspection prior to the compliance time specified in paragraph 2.4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals specified in paragraph 2.4 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.

(2) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (d)(1) of this AD, prior to further flight, correct the discrepancy in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(3) Prior to the accumulation of the total number of landings specified in paragraph 2.4.5. or 2.4.8, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the structure of the fuselage frames at stations 178 and 213.5 in accordance with paragraph 2.4.5 or 2.4.8, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD.

(4) Prior to the accumulation of 55,000 total landings or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, rework the cabin pressurization system to limit the maximum differential operating pressure of the fuselage to 7.5 psi, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

(e) For airplanes on which Structural Repair Manual, figure 76, reinforcement has been accomplished: Accomplish paragraphs (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), (e)(4), and (e)(5) of this AD, in accordance with British Aerospace Airbus Limited Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM5993, Issue 1, dated January 11, 1993.

(1) Perform the initial inspection prior to the compliance time specified in paragraph 2.5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals specified in paragraph 2.5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.

(2) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD, prior to further flight, correct the discrepancy in accordance with paragraph 2.5 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin; or in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(3) Prior to the accumulation of the total number of landings specified in paragraph 2.5.5 or 2.5.10, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the structure of the fuselage frames at stations 178 and 213.5 in accordance with paragraph 2.5.5 or 2.5.10, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraphs (e)(1) and (e)(2) of this AD.

(4) For airplanes operated at a cabin maximum pressure differential in excess of 7.5 psi, prior to the threshold times specified in Table C of the service bulletin, replace the reinforcements accomplished in accordance with the Structural Repair Manual, figure 76, with reinforcements accomplished in accordance with Structural Repair Manual 53-02-00, figure 110 or 111, as specified in the alert service bulletin.

(5) Prior to the accumulation of 55,000 total landings or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, rework the cabin pressurization system to limit the maximum differential operating pressure of the fuselage to 7.5 psi, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

(f) For airplanes on which Structural Repair Manual, figure 87, reinforcement has been accomplished: Accomplish paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), (f)(3), and (f)(4) of this AD, in accordance with British Aerospace Airbus Limited Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM5993, Issue 1, dated January 11, 1993.

(1) Perform the initial inspection prior to the compliance time specified in paragraph 2.6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals specified in paragraph 2.6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin.

(2) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, prior to further flight, correct the discrepancy in accordance with paragraph 2.6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin; or in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(3) Prior to the accumulation of the total number of landings specified in paragraph 2.6.6 or 2.6.9, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, modify the structure of the fuselage frames at stations 178 and 213.5 in accordance with paragraph 2.6.6 or 2.6.9, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action for the requirements of paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD.

(4) Prior to the accumulation of 55,000 total landings or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, rework the cabin pressurization system to limit the maximum differential operating pressure of the fuselage to 7.5 psi, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.

(g) For airplanes on which repairs other than those described in the Structural Repair Manual have been accomplished on frames 178 and 213.5, in the area between stringers 25L and 27L: Accomplish paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD.

(1) Within 6 months after the effective date of thisAD, submit the following for approval to the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate:

(i) Procedures and schedule for accomplishing the initial and repetitive inspections of the fuselage frames at stations 178 and 213.5; and

(ii) Schedule for installation of Modification PM5993 or Structural Repair Manual, figure 110 and 111, as applicable, at the fuselage frames at stations 178 and 213.5.

(2) Within 6 months after the procedures and schedules are approved, revise the FAA-approved maintenance program to include these procedures.

(3) Prior to the accumulation of 55,000 total landings or within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, rework the cabin pressurization system to limit the maximum differential operating pressure of the fuselage to 7.5 psi, in accordance with British Aerospace Airbus Limited Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM5993, Issue 1, dated January 11, 1993.

(h) 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 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, Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

(i) 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.

(j) The actions shall be done in accordance with British Aerospace Airbus Limited Alert Service Bulletin 53-A-PM5993, Issue 1, dated January 11, 1993. 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 British Aerospace, Airbus Limited, P.O. Box 77, Bristol BS99 7AR, England. 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.

(k) This amendment becomes effective on August 23, 1995.

Supplementary Information

A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain British Aerospace Model BAC 1-11-200 and -400 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on April 17, 1995 (60 FR 19175). That action proposed to require various repetitive inspections to detect structural discrepancies of the various structural configurations of the fuselage frames at stations 178 and 213.5, and correction of any discrepancy. That action also proposed to require rework to limit the maximum differential operating pressure of the fuselage. Additionally, that action proposed to require eventual modification of fuselage frames at stations 178 and 213.5, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public. The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

The FAA estimates that 31 airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD.

It will take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required inspection at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the inspection required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $14,880, or $480 per airplane, per inspection.

It will take approximately 80 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required modification at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $2,000 per airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of the modification required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $210,800, or $6,800 per airplane.

The total cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.

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 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. 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:

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Contact Information

William Schroeder, Aerospace Engineer, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 227-2148; fax (206) 227-1149.

References
This information is not available.
--- - Part 39 [60 FR 37813 NO. 141 7/24/95]
FAA Documents