Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -300 Series Airplanes, 10344-10346 [05-4080]
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10344
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 41 / Thursday, March 3, 2005 / Proposed Rules
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:
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–2005–20453;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–270–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
must receive comments on this AD action by
April 4, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318,
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes,
certificated in any category, as listed in Table
1 of this AD.
TABLE 1.—APPLICABILITY
Airbus model—
A318
A319
A320
A321
series
series
series
series
Having the following Airbus modification
installed in production—
Or the following Airbus service bulletin
incorporated in service—
airplanes
airplanes
airplanes
airplanes
Not applicable ..........................................
25642 or 26213 .......................................
26213 or 26603 .......................................
26213 or 26603 .......................................
Not applicable ..........................................
A320–52–1088 ........................................
A320–52–1088 ........................................
A320–52–1088 ........................................
..............................
..............................
..............................
..............................
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report
indicating that, during a test of the fire
extinguishing system, air leakage through the
water drain valves in the forward and aft
cargo doors reduced the concentration of fire
extinguishing agent to below the level
required to suppress a fire. We are issuing
this AD to prevent air leakage through the
water drain valves, which, in the event of a
fire in the forward or aft cargo compartment,
could result in an insufficient concentration
of fire extinguishing agent and consequent
inability of the fire extinguishing system to
suppress the fire.
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.
Replacement of Water Drain Valves
(f) Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD, replace the water drain valves in
the forward and aft cargo doors with new
valves that close at a lower differential
pressure, by doing all of the applicable
actions specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
52–1124, dated May 6, 2004.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
VerDate jul<14>2003
12:11 Mar 02, 2005
Jkt 205001
But not having
the following
Airbus
modification
installed in
production—
33232
33232
33232
33232
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested in accordance with
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
ACTION:
Related Information
(h) French airworthiness directive F–2004–
172, dated October 27, 2004, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Boeing Model 757–200, –200PF,
and –300 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require inspecting
for damage of the ground brackets,
ground wires, and terminal lugs of the
auxiliary power unit (APU) battery and
the APU start transformer rectifier unit
(TRU) as applicable; and corrective and
related investigative actions. This
proposed AD is prompted by reports
indicating that, during inspections on
two airplanes, the ground brackets for
the APU battery were found damaged.
We are proposing this AD to detect and
correct a damaged electrical bonding
surface of the APU battery and APU
start TRU ground connections, which
could cause overheating of the ground
connections and lead to possible
consequent ignition of the adjacent
insulating blankets.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
22, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–4079 Filed 3–2–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20473; Directorate
Identifier 2004–NM–156–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 757–200, –200PF, and –300
Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by April 18, 2005.
DATES:
Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
ADDRESSES:
E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM
03MRP1
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 41 / Thursday, March 3, 2005 / Proposed Rules
• 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 Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, PO Box 3707,
Seattle, Washington 98124–2207.
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–
20473; the directorate identifier for this
docket is 2004–NM–156–AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elias Natsiopoulos, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–
130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 917–6478; fax (425) 917–6590.
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–
2005–20473; Directorate Identifier
2004–NM–156–AD’’ in the subject line
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 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 that Web
site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
VerDate jul<14>2003
12:11 Mar 02, 2005
Jkt 205001
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You can
review 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
We have received reports indicating
that, during inspections on two Boeing
Model 757–200 airplanes, the ground
brackets for the auxiliary power unit
(APU) battery were found damaged.
Manufacturer analysis found that the
bonding surface of the ground brackets
had an anodized finish, which reduces
electrical conductivity. Further
manufacturer investigation of airplanes
in production revealed that the method
used to clean the ground brackets didn’t
remove the anodized finish from the
bonding surface before the ground wires
were installed. This condition, if not
corrected, could cause overheating of
the ground connections and lead to
possible consequent ignition of the
adjacent insulating blankets.
Similar Models
The subject ground brackets on
certain Boeing Model 757–200PF and
–300 airplanes are almost identical to
those on the affected Model 757–200
airplanes. Therefore, all of these models
may be subject to the same unsafe
condition.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 757–24A0099 (for
Model 757–200 and –200PF series
airplanes), and Alert Service Bulletin
757–24A0100 (for Model 757–300 series
airplanes); both dated March 25, 2004.
The service bulletins describe
procedures for inspecting the ground
brackets, ground wires, and terminal
lugs of the APU battery and the APU
start transformer rectifier unit (TRU)
ground connections; and corrective and
related investigative actions. Corrective
actions include cleaning the bonding
PO 00000
Frm 00009
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
10345
surfaces of the ground brackets and
terminal lugs; and replacing the ground
brackets, ground wires, and terminal
lugs if necessary. Investigative actions
include measuring the electrical
resistance between the ground brackets
and the terminal lugs and between the
ground brackets and the station frame.
Accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent
information and identified an unsafe
condition that is likely to exist or
develop on other airplanes of this same
type design. Therefore, we are
proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information described
previously.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
The Boeing alert service bulletins
specify inspecting for damage to certain
ground connections, but do not specify
the type of inspection to be performed.
Paragraph (f) of this proposed AD
identifies this inspection as a ‘‘general
visual inspection,’’ and Note 1 of this
proposed AD defines this inspection.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 251 airplanes of the
affected design in the worldwide fleet.
This proposed AD would affect about
159 airplanes of U.S. registry.
For about 95 Group 1 and Group 3
airplanes: The proposed inspection and
cleaning of the ground connections
would take about 2 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65
per work hour. Based on these figures,
the estimated cost of the proposed AD
for U.S. operators is $12,350, or $130
per airplane.
For about 64 Group 2 airplanes: The
proposed inspection and cleaning of the
ground connection would take about 1
work hour per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the estimated cost of
the proposed AD for U.S. operators is
$4,160, or $65 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,
E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM
03MRP1
10346
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 41 / Thursday, March 3, 2005 / Proposed Rules
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
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:
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.
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA–2005–20473;
Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–156–AD.
VerDate jul<14>2003
12:11 Mar 02, 2005
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) must receive comments on this AD
action by April 18, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
18, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–4080 Filed 3–2–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 757–
200, –200PF, and –300 series airplanes,
certificated in any category; as identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757–24A0099,
and Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757–
24A0100; both dated March 25, 2004.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
Unsafe Condition
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.
§ 39.13
Comments Due Date
Jkt 205001
(d) This AD was prompted by reports
indicating that during inspections on two
airplanes, the ground brackets for the
auxiliary power unit (APU) battery were
found damaged. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct a damaged electrical
bonding surface of the APU battery and APU
start transformer rectifier unit (TRU) ground
connections, which could cause overheating
of the ground connections and lead to
possible consequent ignition of the adjacent
insulating blankets.
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.
Inspection of Ground Connections
(f) Within 18 months after the effective
date of this AD, perform a general visual
inspection for damage of the ground brackets,
ground wires, and terminal lugs of the APU
battery and APU start transformer rectifier
unit (TRU), and do any corrective and related
investigative actions; by doing all the actions
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757–24A0099 (for Model 757–200 and
–200PF series airplanes), or Boeing Alert
Service Bulletin 757–24A0100 (for Model
757–300 series airplanes); both dated March
25, 2004; as applicable.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a
general visual inspection is ‘‘a visual
examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation or assembly to detect obvious
damage, failure or irregularity. This level of
inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror
may be necessary to ensure visual access to
all surfaces in the inspection area. This level
of inspection is made under normal available
lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar
lighting, flashlight or drop-light and may
require removal or opening of access panels
or doors. Stands, ladders or platforms may be
required to gain proximity to the area being
checked.’’
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20246; Airspace
Docket No. 04–ASO–15]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Establishment of Area
Navigation Instrument Flight Rules
Terminal Transition Routes (RITTR);
Charlotte, NC
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This action proposes to
establish four Area Navigation (RNAV)
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) Terminal
Transition Routes (RITTR) in the
Charlotte, NC, terminal area. RITTR’s
are low altitude Air Traffic Service
(ATS) routes, based on RNAV, for use
by aircraft having IFR-approved Global
Positioning System (GPS)/Global
Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
equipment. The purpose of RITTR is to
expedite the handling of IFR overflight
traffic through busy terminal airspace
areas. The FAA is proposing this action
to enhance safety and to improve the
efficient use of the navigable airspace in
the Charlotte, NC, terminal area.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before April 18, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the Docket Management
System, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Room Plaza 401, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC
20590–0001. You must identify FAA
Docket No. FAA–2005–20246 and
Airspace Docket No. 04–ASO–15, at the
beginning of your comments. You may
also submit comments through the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Gallant, Airspace and Rules, Office of
System Operations and Safety, Federal
Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202)
267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
E:\FR\FM\03MRP1.SGM
03MRP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 41 (Thursday, March 3, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 10344-10346]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-4080]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20473; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-156-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -300
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 Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -300 series airplanes.
This proposed AD would require inspecting for damage of the ground
brackets, ground wires, and terminal lugs of the auxiliary power unit
(APU) battery and the APU start transformer rectifier unit (TRU) as
applicable; and corrective and related investigative actions. This
proposed AD is prompted by reports indicating that, during inspections
on two airplanes, the ground brackets for the APU battery were found
damaged. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct a damaged
electrical bonding surface of the APU battery and APU start TRU ground
connections, which could cause overheating of the ground connections
and lead to possible consequent ignition of the adjacent insulating
blankets.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 18, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
[[Page 10345]]
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
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, PO Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124-
2207.
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-2005-20473; the directorate identifier for this docket is
2004-NM-156-AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elias Natsiopoulos, Aerospace
Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM-130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-
4056; telephone (425) 917-6478; fax (425) 917-6590.
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-2005-20473;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-156-AD'' in the subject line 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
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
that Web site, 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 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
We have received reports indicating that, during inspections on two
Boeing Model 757-200 airplanes, the ground brackets for the auxiliary
power unit (APU) battery were found damaged. Manufacturer analysis
found that the bonding surface of the ground brackets had an anodized
finish, which reduces electrical conductivity. Further manufacturer
investigation of airplanes in production revealed that the method used
to clean the ground brackets didn't remove the anodized finish from the
bonding surface before the ground wires were installed. This condition,
if not corrected, could cause overheating of the ground connections and
lead to possible consequent ignition of the adjacent insulating
blankets.
Similar Models
The subject ground brackets on certain Boeing Model 757-200PF and -
300 airplanes are almost identical to those on the affected Model 757-
200 airplanes. Therefore, all of these models may be subject to the
same unsafe condition.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-24A0099 (for
Model 757-200 and -200PF series airplanes), and Alert Service Bulletin
757-24A0100 (for Model 757-300 series airplanes); both dated March 25,
2004. The service bulletins describe procedures for inspecting the
ground brackets, ground wires, and terminal lugs of the APU battery and
the APU start transformer rectifier unit (TRU) ground connections; and
corrective and related investigative actions. Corrective actions
include cleaning the bonding surfaces of the ground brackets and
terminal lugs; and replacing the ground brackets, ground wires, and
terminal lugs if necessary. Investigative actions include measuring the
electrical resistance between the ground brackets and the terminal lugs
and between the ground brackets and the station frame. Accomplishing
the actions specified in the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe condition.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes
of this same type design. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which
would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information described previously.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
The Boeing alert service bulletins specify inspecting for damage to
certain ground connections, but do not specify the type of inspection
to be performed. Paragraph (f) of this proposed AD identifies this
inspection as a ``general visual inspection,'' and Note 1 of this
proposed AD defines this inspection.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 251 airplanes of the affected design in the
worldwide fleet. This proposed AD would affect about 159 airplanes of
U.S. registry.
For about 95 Group 1 and Group 3 airplanes: The proposed inspection
and cleaning of the ground connections would take about 2 work hours
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators
is $12,350, or $130 per airplane.
For about 64 Group 2 airplanes: The proposed inspection and
cleaning of the ground connection would take about 1 work hour per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is
$4,160, or $65 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,
[[Page 10346]]
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:
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):
Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2005-20473; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
156-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) must receive
comments on this AD action by April 18, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 757-200, -200PF, and -300
series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-24A0099, and Boeing Alert Service
Bulletin 757-24A0100; both dated March 25, 2004.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports indicating that during
inspections on two airplanes, the ground brackets for the auxiliary
power unit (APU) battery were found damaged. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct a damaged electrical bonding surface of the
APU battery and APU start transformer rectifier unit (TRU) ground
connections, which could cause overheating of the ground connections
and lead to possible consequent ignition of the adjacent insulating
blankets.
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.
Inspection of Ground Connections
(f) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD,
perform a general visual inspection for damage of the ground
brackets, ground wires, and terminal lugs of the APU battery and APU
start transformer rectifier unit (TRU), and do any corrective and
related investigative actions; by doing all the actions specified in
the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
757-24A0099 (for Model 757-200 and -200PF series airplanes), or
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 757-24A0100 (for Model 757-300 series
airplanes); both dated March 25, 2004; as applicable.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is ``a visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normal available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight or drop-
light and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors.
Stands, ladders or platforms may be required to gain proximity to
the area being checked.''
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 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 February 18, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-4080 Filed 3-2-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
