AD 98-25-53

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting airworthiness directive (AD) T98-25-53 that was sent to all known U.S. owners and operators of all Airbus Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes by individual telegrams. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection for damage of the center fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or serviceable parts. This action is prompted by reports of damaged center tank fuel pump canisters and damaged center tank fuel pumps. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, which could result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a fuel ignition source in the center fuel tank.

Final rule; request for comments.

98-25-53 AIRBUS INDUSTRIE: Amendment 39-10956. Docket 98-NM-361-AD.

Applicability: All Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R 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 (d) 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 detect damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, which could result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a fuel ignition source in the center tank, accomplish the following:

(a) Perform a one-time visual inspection for damage of the center fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998. Perform the inspection at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) of this AD, as applicable.

(1) For airplanes that have accumulated 20,000 or more total hours time-in-service as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 10 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.

(2) For airplanes that have accumulated 12,000 or more total hours time-in-service, but less than 20,000 total hours time-in-service, as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 100 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD.

(3) For airplanes that have accumulated 4,500 or more total hours time-in- service, but less than 12,000 total hours time-in-service as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 500 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD.

(4) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 4,500 total hours time-in-service as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect prior to the accumulation of 4,500 total hours time-in-service, or within 500 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(b) If any damage is detected during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the damaged fuel pump or fuel pump canister with a new or serviceable part in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998.

(c) Within 5 days after accomplishing the inspection required by this AD or within 5 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Report inspection findings, positive or negative, to Airbus, Mr. F. Poveda, AI/SE-E31, Sita Code TLSBW7X, fax number +33/(0)5.61.93.32.73. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB control number 2120-0056.

(d) 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance withsections 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.

(f) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998. 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French telegraphic airworthiness directive T98-476-272(B), dated November 30, 1998.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on December 28, 1998, to all persons exceptthose persons to whom it was made immediately effective by telegraphic AD T98-25-53, issued on December 4, 1998.

On December 4, 1998, the FAA issued telegraphic airworthiness directive (AD) T98-25-53, which is applicable to all Airbus Model A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes. The Direction G n rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, advises that it has received three reports of damaged center tank fuel pump canisters and damaged center tank fuel pumps. Investigation revealed that the pump canister legs cracked due to fatigue. In one instance, this led to the separation of the upper part of the pump canister from its lower part attached at the center tank bottom wall. Fatigue cracking was also found at the base of the fuel pump diffuser housing. This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a fuel ignition source in the center tank.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) 28-09, dated November 28, 1998, which describes procedures for a one-time visual inspection for damage of the center fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or serviceable parts. Damage of the fuel pumps or fuel pump canisters may include, but is not limited to, fretting, cracking of the pump diffuser, or separation of the pump canister from its attachment. The DGAC classified this AOT as mandatory and issued French telegraphic airworthiness directive T98-476-272(B), dated November 30, 1998, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation describedabove. The FAA has examined the findings of the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered in the United States, the FAA issued telegraphic AD T98-25-53 to detect damage to the fuel pump and fuel pump canister, which could result in loss of flame trap capability and could provide a fuel ignition source in the center tank. This AD requires a one-time visual inspection for damage of the center fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters, and replacement of damaged fuel pumps and fuel pump canisters with new or serviceable parts. These actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the AOT described previously.

This AD also requires that operators submit a report of inspection findings, positive or negative, to Airbus.

This AD is considered to be interim action until final action is identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.

Since it was found that immediate corrective action was required, notice and opportunity for prior public comment thereon was impracticable and contrary to the public interest, and good cause existed to make the AD effective immediately by telegrams issued on December 4, 1998, to all known owners and operators of all Airbus A300 B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes. These conditions still exist, and the AD is hereby published in the Federal Register as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13) to make it effective to all persons.

Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by notice and an 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 rule must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: "Comments to Docket Number 98-NM-361-AD." The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter.

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.

The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe condition in aircraft, and that it is not a "significant regulatory action" under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. A copy of it, if filed, 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 the following new airworthiness directive: