2020-01-15: Fuel

Adoption of the Amendment \n\n\n\tAccordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: \n\nPART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES \n\n0 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: \n\n\n\tAuthority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. \n\n\n\nSec. 39.13 (Amended) \n\n0 2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): \n\n2020-01-15 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19821; Docket No. FAA-2016-6143; Product Identifier 2015-NM-028-AD. \n\n(a) Effective Date \n\n\n\tThis AD is effective March 17, 2020. \n\n(b) Affected ADs \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n((Page 7661)) \n\n(c) Applicability \n\n\n\tThis AD applies to all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (5) of this AD. \n\t(1) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes. \n\t(2) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes. \n\t(3) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes. \n\t(4) Model A300C4-605R Variant F airplanes. \n\t(5) Model A310-304, -322, -324, and -325 airplanes. \n\n(d) Subject \n\n\n\tAir Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel. \n\n(e) Unsafe Condition \n\n\n\tThis AD was prompted by the FAA's analysis of fuel system reviews on the affected airplanes conducted by the manufacturer. The FAA is 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. \n\n(f) Compliance \n\n\n\tComply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. \n\n(g) Modification \n\n\n\tWithin 72 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA. \n\n(h) Alternative Actionsfor Cargo Airplanes \n\n\n\tFor 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. \n\t(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 before further flight thereafter, do a BITE check (check of built-in test equipment) of the FQI computer, using a method approved by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA. Repeat these actions thereafter at intervals not to exceed 750 flight hours. Modification as specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD does not terminate the repetitive BITE check requirement of this paragraph. \n\t(2) Within 72 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA. \n\n(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) \n\n\n\t(1) The Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 International Section, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of this AD. \n\t(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. \n\n(j) Related Information \n\n\n\tFor more information about this AD, contact Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3225. \n\n(k) Material Incorporated by Reference \n\n\n\tNone. \n\n\n\tIssued on January 31, 2020. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. (FR Doc. 2020-02512 Filed 2-10-20; 8:45 am) BILLING CODE 4910-13-P