AD 98-03-11

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes. For certain airplanes, this amendment requires replacing the bearings of the throttle control levers with new sealed bearings. For certain other airplanes, this amendment requires replacing the throttle control assemblies with new assemblies. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent asymmetric engine thrust on the airplane when the autothrottle is engaged, which could result in roll and yaw disturbances, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Final rule.

98-03-11 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-10303. Docket 97-NM-188-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 preventasymmetric engine thrust on the airplane when the autothrottle is engaged, which could result in roll and yaw disturbances, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 18 months or 3,500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable.

(1) For Model A300, A300-600, and A310 series airplanes: Replace the four bearings located on both throttle control levers with new sealed bearings, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-76-0018, dated October 12, 1995, as revised by Airbus Service Bulletin Change Notice O.A., dated February 18, 1997 (for Model A300 series airplanes); Airbus Service Bulletin A300-76-6010, dated October 12, 1995, as revised by Airbus Service Bulletin Change Notice O.A., dated February 18, 1997 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-76-2013, dated October 12, 1995, as revised by AirbusService Bulletin Change Notice O.A., dated February 18, 1997 (for Model A310 series airplanes); as applicable.

(2) For Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC): Replace the two throttle support assemblies equipped with rollers with new throttle support assemblies equipped with bearings, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-76-2014, Revision 02, dated January 6, 1997 (for Model A310 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-76-6011, Revision 02, dated January 6, 1997 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); as applicable.

NOTE 2: Replacements accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-76-2014, Revision 1, dated March 25, 1996; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-76-6011, Revision 1, dated March 25, 1996; are considered acceptable for compliance with the applicable action specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this AD.

(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.

(c) 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.

(d) The replacements shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-76-0018, dated October 12, 1995, as revised by Airbus Service Bulletin Change Notice O.A., dated February 18, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-76-6010, dated October 12, 1995, as revised by Airbus Service Bulletin Change Notice O.A., dated February 18, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-76-2013, dated October 12, 1995, as revised by Airbus Service Bulletin Change Notice O.A., dated February 18, 1997; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-76-2014, Revision 02, dated January 6, 1997; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-76-6011, Revision 02, dated January 6, 1997; 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, 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 96-270- 209 (B), dated November 20, 1996.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on March 12, 1998.

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 all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 28, 1997 (62 FR 63296). For certain airplanes, that action proposed to require replacing the bearings of the throttle control levers with new sealed bearings. For certain other airplanes, the action proposed to require replacing the throttle control assemblies with new assemblies.

Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to two comments received.

Both commenters support the proposed rule.

Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.

CostImpact
The FAA estimates that 66 Model A300, A310, and A300-600 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.

The FAA estimates that the replacement of the bearings is required to be accomplished on 57 airplanes. It will take approximately 24 work hours per airplane to accomplish that action, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will be provided by the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement of the bearings required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $82,080, or $1,440 per airplane.

The FAA estimates that the replacement of the throttle support assemblies is required to be accomplished on 9 airplanes. It will take approximately 28 work hours per airplane to accomplish the action, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $1,138 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the replacement of the throttlesupport assemblies required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $25,362, or $2,818 per airplane.

The 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.

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.

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. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding thefollowing new airworthiness directive: