Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600); and Model A310 Series Airplanes, 2985-2987 [05-993]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2005 / Proposed Rules
‘‘Flight Limitations
When crossing the Outer Marker on
glideslope, the altitude must be verified with
the value on the published procedure.
For aircraft with a single operating
glideslope receiver, the approach may be
flown using normal procedures no lower
than Localizer Only Minimum Descent
Altitude (MDA).
For aircraft with two operating glideslope
receivers, the aircraft may be flown to the
published minimums for the approach using
normal procedures if both glideslope
receivers are tuned to the approach and both
crew members are monitoring the approach
using independent data and displays.’’
Parts Installation
(i) As of March 11, 2003, no person may
install a Honeywell Primus II NV–850 NRM
on which Mod L has been installed, on the
Honeywell Primus II RNZ–850/–851 INU of
any aircraft, unless paragraph (h) or (k) of
this AD is accomplished. As of the effective
date of this AD, only accomplishment of
paragraph (k) is acceptable for compliance
with this paragraph.
New Requirements of This AD
Inspection To Determine Modification Level
of NRM
(j) For aircraft on which Mod L was found
to be installed during the inspection required
by paragraph (g) of this AD, or for aircraft on
which paragraph (h) of this AD was
accomplished: Within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, do an inspection of
the modification plate on the Honeywell
Primus II NV–850 NRM; part number
7510134–811, –831, –901, or –931; which is
part of the Honeywell Primus II RNZ–850/–
851 INU; to determine if Mod L, N, P, or R
is installed. The modification plate located
on the bottom of the Honeywell Primus II
RNZ–850/–851 INU is labeled NV–850, and
contains the part number and serial number
for the Honeywell Primus II NV–850 NRM.
If Mod L, N, P, or R is installed, the
corresponding letter on the modification
plate will be blacked out. Honeywell Service
Bulletin 7510100–34–A0035, dated July 11,
2003, is an acceptable source of service
information for this inspection. Then, before
further flight, do all applicable related
investigative, corrective, and other specified
actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Honeywell
Service Bulletin 7510100–34–A0035, dated
July 11, 2003. Once the actions in this
paragraph are completed, the AFM revision
required by paragraph (h) of this AD may be
removed from the AFM.
Note 4: Honeywell Service Bulletin
7510100–34–A0035, dated July 11, 2003,
refers to Honeywell Service Bulletin
7510100–34–A0034, dated February 28,
2003, as an additional source of service
information for inspecting to determine the
NRM part number, marking the modification
plates of the NRM and INU accordingly,
testing the INU for discrepant signals, and
replacing the unit with a new or modified
INU, as applicable. Honeywell Service
Bulletin 7510100–34–A0034 refers to
Honeywell Service Bulletin 7510134–34–
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:09 Jan 18, 2005
Jkt 205001
A0016, currently at Revision 001, dated
March 4, 2003, as an additional source of
service information for marking the
modification plates of the NRM and INU.
(k) If the inspection to determine whether
Mod L is installed, as required by paragraph
(j) of this AD, is done within the compliance
time specified in paragraph (f) of this AD,
paragraph (f) of this AD does not need to be
done.
2985
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
crewmembers are informed of the risks
associated with forcibly opening
passenger/crew, emergency exit, and
cargo doors before an airplane is fully
depressurized, which will prevent
injury to crewmembers, and subsequent
damage to the airplane caused by the
rapid opening of the door.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 18, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• By fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France.
You can examine the contents of this
AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street
SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of
the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
This docket number is FAA–2005–
20079; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–147–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim
Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2797;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus models, as specified
above. This proposed AD would require
installing safety signs on all passenger/
crew doors, emergency exit doors, and
cargo compartment doors. This
proposed AD is prompted by a report of
injuries occurring on in-service
airplanes when crewmembers forcibly
initiated opening of passenger/crew
doors against residual pressure causing
the doors to rapidly open. We are
proposing this AD to ensure that
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2005–20079; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–147–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the
closing date and may amend the
No Reporting Requirement
(l) Where Honeywell Service Bulletin
7510100–34–A0035 (or any of the related
service information referenced therein)
specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(m) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
7, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–992 Filed 1–18–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20079; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–147–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes;
Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–
600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4–
605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively
Called A300–600); and Model A310
Series Airplanes
AGENCY:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
E:\FR\FM\19JAP1.SGM
19JAP1
2986
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2005 / Proposed Rules
proposed AD in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of our docket
website, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You can
review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you can visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the DMS
receives them.
Discussion
´ ´
The Direction Generale de l’Aviation
Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France,
notified us that an unsafe condition may
exist on certain Airbus Model A300 B2
and B4 series airplanes; Model A300
B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series
airplanes, and Model C4–605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called A300–
600); and Model A310 series airplanes.
The DGAC advises that accidents
occurred on in-service airplanes when
crewmembers forcibly initiated opening
of passenger/crew doors against residual
pressure causing the doors to rapidly
open. If cabin crewmembers are not
informed of the risks associated with
opening passenger/crew and emergency
exit doors when an airplane is not fully
depressurized, they may attempt to
forcibly open the doors. This condition,
if not corrected, could result in injury to
crewmembers, and subsequent damage
to the airplane caused by the rapid
opening of the door.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following
service bulletins:
Airbus model
Airbus service bulletin
A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes ........................................................
A300–600 airplanes ..............................................................................
A310 series airplanes ...........................................................................
A300–11–0027 .............................
A300–11–6001 .............................
A310–11–2002 .............................
The service bulletins describe
procedures for installing safety signs on
the inside and outside of the passenger/
crew doors and emergency exit doors,
and on the outside of the cargo
compartment doors. Accomplishing the
actions specified in the service
information is intended to adequately
address the unsafe condition. The
DGAC mandated the service information
and issued French airworthiness
directive F–2004–003, dated January 7,
2004, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are
manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United
States under the provisions of § 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 described above. We
have examined the DGAC findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and
determined that we need to issue an AD
for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United
States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the
actions specified in the service
information described previously.
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:09 Jan 18, 2005
Jkt 205001
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about
182 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
proposed actions would take about 5
work hours per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour.
Required parts would cost about $0 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for
U.S. operators is $59,150, or $325 per
airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
Section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
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Frm 00024
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Revision
01
01
03
Date
January 30, 2004.
January 30, 2004.
February 4, 2004.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the
regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
E:\FR\FM\19JAP1.SGM
19JAP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 12 / Wednesday, January 19, 2005 / Proposed Rules
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Credit for Previous Service Bulletins
(h) Actions done before the effective date
of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300–11–0027, dated October 27,
1993; Airbus Service Bulletin A300–11–6001,
dated October 27, 1993; and Airbus Service
Bulletin A300–11–2002, Revision 2, dated
January 27, 1995; as applicable; are
acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2005–20079;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–147–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
must receive comments on this AD action by
February 18, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300
B2 and B4 series airplanes; Model A300 B4–
600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series airplanes,
and Model C4–605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called A300–600); and Model
A310 series airplanes; certificated in any
category; except those modified in
production by either Airbus Modifications
10152 and 10219, or Modifications 8357 and
10151.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of
injuries occurring on in-service airplanes
when crewmembers forcibly initiated
opening of passenger/crew doors against
residual pressure causing the doors to rapidly
open. We are issuing this AD to ensure that
crewmembers are informed of the risks
associated with forcibly opening passenger/
crew, emergency exit, and cargo doors before
an airplane is fully depressurized, which will
prevent injury to crewmembers, and
subsequent damage to the airplane caused by
the rapid opening of the door.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Service Bulletin References
(f) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in
this AD, means the Accomplishment
Instructions of the following service
bulletins, as applicable:
(1) For Model A300 B2 and B4 series
airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300–11–
0027, Revision 01, dated January 30, 2004;
(2) For Model A300–600 airplanes: Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–11–6001, Revision 01,
dated January 30, 2004; and
(3) For Model A310 series airplanes:
Airbus Service Bulletin A310–11–2002,
Revision 03, dated February 4, 2004.
Install Safety Signs
(g) Within 36 months after the effective
date of this AD, install safety signs on the
inside and outside of the passenger/crew
doors and emergency exit doors, and on the
outside of the cargo compartment doors, in
VerDate jul<14>2003
15:09 Jan 18, 2005
Jkt 205001
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested in accordance with
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(j) French airworthiness directive F–2004–
003, dated January 7, 2004, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
6, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–993 Filed 1–18–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20078; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–210–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; BAE
Systems (Operations) Limited Model
Avro 146–RJ Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited
Model Avro 146–RJ series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require an
inspection of the Thales Avionics
distance bearing indicator (DBI) to
determine part number (P/N) and serial
number (S/N), and replacement of the
affected DBI with a new or modified
DBI. This proposed AD is prompted by
a report of defective electrical insulators
in DBIs. We are proposing this AD to
prevent a short circuit in the DBI due to
defective electrical insulation, which
could potentially cause a loss of primary
navigation instruments (such as
PO 00000
Frm 00025
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
2987
airspeed indicator, altimeter, and global
positioning system (GPS) information).
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 18, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Governmentwide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• By fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact British
Aerospace Regional Aircraft American
Support, 13850 Mclearen Road,
Herndon, Virginia 20171.
You can examine the contents of this
AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street
SW., room PL–401, on the plaza level of
the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.
This docket number is FAA–2005–
20078; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–210–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Technical information: Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International
Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2125;
fax (425) 227–1149.
Plain language information: Marcia
Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Docket Management System (DMS)
The FAA has implemented new
procedures for maintaining AD dockets
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new
AD actions are posted on DMS and
assigned a docket number. We track
each action and assign a corresponding
directorate identifier. The DMS AD
docket number is in the form ‘‘Docket
No. FAA–2004–99999.’’ The Transport
Airplane Directorate identifier is in the
form ‘‘Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–
999–AD.’’ Each DMS AD docket also
lists the directorate identifier (‘‘Old
Docket Number’’) as a cross-reference
for searching purposes.
E:\FR\FM\19JAP1.SGM
19JAP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 12 (Wednesday, January 19, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 2985-2987]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-993]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20079; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-147-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series
Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes,
and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600);
and Model A310 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus models, as specified above. This proposed AD would
require installing safety signs on all passenger/crew doors, emergency
exit doors, and cargo compartment doors. This proposed AD is prompted
by a report of injuries occurring on in-service airplanes when
crewmembers forcibly initiated opening of passenger/crew doors against
residual pressure causing the doors to rapidly open. We are proposing
this AD to ensure that crewmembers are informed of the risks associated
with forcibly opening passenger/crew, emergency exit, and cargo doors
before an airplane is fully depressurized, which will prevent injury to
crewmembers, and subsequent damage to the airplane caused by the rapid
opening of the door.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 18,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
By fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401,
on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. This docket
number is FAA-2005-20079; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-147-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-20079;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-147-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the
[[Page 2986]]
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of our
docket website, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
can visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.
Discussion
The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4
series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series
airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called
A300-600); and Model A310 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that
accidents occurred on in-service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly
initiated opening of passenger/crew doors against residual pressure
causing the doors to rapidly open. If cabin crewmembers are not
informed of the risks associated with opening passenger/crew and
emergency exit doors when an airplane is not fully depressurized, they
may attempt to forcibly open the doors. This condition, if not
corrected, could result in injury to crewmembers, and subsequent damage
to the airplane caused by the rapid opening of the door.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus model Airbus service bulletin Revision Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes...... A300-11-0027............ 01 January 30, 2004.
A300-600 airplanes................... A300-11-6001............ 01 January 30, 2004.
A310 series airplanes................ A310-11-2002............ 03 February 4, 2004.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The service bulletins describe procedures for installing safety
signs on the inside and outside of the passenger/crew doors and
emergency exit doors, and on the outside of the cargo compartment
doors. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The DGAC
mandated the service information and issued French airworthiness
directive F-2004-003, dated January 7, 2004, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Sec. 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 described above. We have examined the DGAC findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 182 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 5 work hours per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost
about $0 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of
the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $59,150, or $325 per airplane.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 2987]]
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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-20079; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
147-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on
this AD action by February 18, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series
airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes,
and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-
600); and Model A310 series airplanes; certificated in any category;
except those modified in production by either Airbus Modifications
10152 and 10219, or Modifications 8357 and 10151.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of injuries occurring on in-
service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly initiated opening of
passenger/crew doors against residual pressure causing the doors to
rapidly open. We are issuing this AD to ensure that crewmembers are
informed of the risks associated with forcibly opening passenger/
crew, emergency exit, and cargo doors before an airplane is fully
depressurized, which will prevent injury to crewmembers, and
subsequent damage to the airplane caused by the rapid opening of the
door.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Service Bulletin References
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as
applicable:
(1) For Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes: Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-11-0027, Revision 01, dated January 30, 2004;
(2) For Model A300-600 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
11-6001, Revision 01, dated January 30, 2004; and
(3) For Model A310 series airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin
A310-11-2002, Revision 03, dated February 4, 2004.
Install Safety Signs
(g) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD,
install safety signs on the inside and outside of the passenger/crew
doors and emergency exit doors, and on the outside of the cargo
compartment doors, in accordance with the applicable service
bulletin.
Credit for Previous Service Bulletins
(h) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-11-0027, dated October
27, 1993; Airbus Service Bulletin A300-11-6001, dated October 27,
1993; and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-11-2002, Revision 2, dated
January 27, 1995; as applicable; are acceptable for compliance with
the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(j) French airworthiness directive F-2004-003, dated January 7,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 6, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-993 Filed 1-18-05; 8:45 am]
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