Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes, 54251-54253 [05-18060]
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 177 / Wednesday, September 14, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
Revision 1, dated March 11, 2003. Correct
any discrepancies before further flight in
accordance with the service bulletin.
Inspections and corrective action done before
the effective date of this AD in accordance
with Avions de Transport Regional Service
Bulletin ATR42–55–0010, dated July 12,
2002, are acceptable for compliance with this
paragraph.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a
detailed inspection is: ‘‘An intensive
examination of a specific item, installation,
or assembly to detect damage, failure, or
irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate.
Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying
lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface
cleaning and elaborate procedures may be
required.’’
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 6, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–18061 Filed 9–13–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–20405; Directorate
Identifier 2002–NM–243–AD; Amendment
39–14269; AD 2005–19–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A340–200 and –300 Series Airplanes
(g) 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.
AGENCY:
Related Information
(h) French airworthiness directive 2002–
431(B), dated August 21, 2002, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Avions de Transport
Regional Service Bulletin ATR42–55–0009,
dated July 12, 2002; and Avions de Transport
Regional Service Bulletin ATR42–55–0010,
Revision 1, dated March 11, 2003; as
applicable, to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. Avions de Transport Regional
Service Bulletin ATR42–55–0010, Revision 1,
dated March 11, 2003, includes the following
list of effective pages:
LIST OF EFFECTIVE PAGES
Page
No.
Revision
level shown
on page
Date shown on
page
1, 2, 4–13 ..
3 ................
1 ................
Original ......
March 11, 2003.
July 12, 2002.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact
Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060
Toulouse, Cedex 03, France, for a copy of this
service information. You may review copies
at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street SW., Room PL–401, Nassif Building,
Washington, DC; on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at the NARA, call (202) 741–6030,
or go to https://www.archives.gov/federalregister/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
VerDate Aug<18>2005
15:56 Sep 13, 2005
Jkt 205001
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A340–200 and –300 series
airplanes. This AD requires revising the
airplane flight manual to incorporate
new procedures for the flightcrew to
follow to correct miscalculation of the
takeoff and accelerating or stopping
distance of the airplane during a ferry
flight under certain conditions. This AD
results from a report that a software
error could result in a miscalculation
(underestimation) of the runway length
necessary for takeoff in the case of a
ferry flight with one engine not
operating. We are issuing this AD to
prevent this miscalculation, which, if
combined with high takeoff weight, tooshort runway length, and high altitude
and temperature of the airport, could
result in inability of the flightcrew to
abort the takeoff in a safe manner,
reduced controllability of the airplane,
and runway overrun.
DATES: Effective September 29, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of September 29, 2005.
We must receive comments on this
AD by November 14, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
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
PO 00000
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54251
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.
• 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.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 A340–200
and –300 series airplanes. The DGAC
advises that, during certification of
Airbus Model A340–600 series
airplanes, an error in the Octopus
software was discovered. The software
error results in a miscalculation
(underestimation) of the runway length
necessary for takeoff in the case of a
ferry flight with one engine not
operating. In this situation, the takeoff
procedure requires a progressive power
setting of the engine symmetrical to the
failed or non-operational engine.
Investigation revealed that the
calculations performed by the software
give the same thrusts in the transient
system for the three operational engines,
resulting in an error in calculation of
650 meters (2,133 feet) for the takeoff
and accelerate/stop distance. This
condition, if combined with high takeoff
weight, too-short runway length, and
high altitude and temperature of the
airport, could result in inability of the
flightcrew to abort the takeoff in a safe
manner, reduced controllability of the
airplane, and runway overrun.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Temporary
Revision (TR) 6.03.02/05, dated August
8, 2002, to the A340 Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM). The TR describes
procedures for revising the limitations
section (appendices and supplements)
of the AFM to provide procedures for
the flightcrew to follow to correct
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54252
Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 177 / Wednesday, September 14, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
miscalculation of the takeoff and
accelerating or stopping distance of the
airplane during a ferry flight with one
engine not operating. The DGAC
mandated the TR and issued French
airworthiness directive 2002–436(B),
dated August 21, 2002, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in France.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This AD
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
described above. We have examined the
DGAC’s 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 issuing this AD to
prevent miscalculation of the takeoff
and accelerating or stopping distance of
the airplane during ferry flight takeoff
performance. This miscalculation, if
combined with high takeoff weight, tooshort runway length, and high altitude
and temperature of the airport, could
result in inability of the flightcrew to
abort the takeoff in a safe manner,
reduced controllability of the airplane,
and runway overrun. This AD requires
revising the AFM to incorporate new
procedures for the flightcrew to follow
to correct miscalculation of the takeoff
and accelerating or stopping distance of
the airplane during a ferry flight under
certain conditions.
Costs of Compliance
None of the airplanes affected by this
action are on the U.S. Register. All
airplanes affected by this AD are
currently operated by non-U.S.
operators under foreign registry;
therefore, they are not directly affected
by this AD action. However, we
consider this AD necessary to ensure
that the unsafe condition is addressed if
any affected airplane is imported and
placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
If an affected airplane is imported and
placed on the U.S. Register in the future,
the required AFM revision 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 AD would be $65 per
airplane.
VerDate Aug<18>2005
15:56 Sep 13, 2005
Jkt 205001
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
No airplane affected by this AD is
currently on the U.S. Register.
Therefore, providing notice and
opportunity for public comment is
unnecessary before this AD is issued,
and this AD may be made effective in
less than 30 days after it is published in
the Federal Register.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements that affect flight safety and
was not preceded by notice and an
opportunity for public comment;
however, we invite you to submit any
relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this AD. Send your
comments to the address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket
No. FAA–2005–20405; Directorate
Identifier 2002–NM–243–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
the AD that might suggest a need to
modify it.
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 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 may review the DOT’s complete
Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000
(65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit
https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may 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 Docket
Management System receives them.
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,
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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 AD will
not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
I
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Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 177 / Wednesday, September 14, 2005 / Rules and Regulations
2005–19–04 Airbus: Amendment 39–14269.
Docket No. FAA–2005–20405;
Directorate Identifier 2002–NM–243–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective September
29, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Airbus
Model A340–211, –212, and –213, and Model
A340–311, –312, and –313 airplanes,
certificated in any category; modified by
Airbus modification 40647.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that a
software error could result in a
miscalculation (underestimation) of the
runway length necessary for takeoff in the
case of a ferry flight with one engine not
operating. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent this miscalculation, which, if
combined with high takeoff weight, too-short
runway length, and high altitude and
temperature of the airport, could result in
inability of the flightcrew to abort the takeoff
in a safe manner, reduced controllability of
the airplane, and runway overrun.
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.
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(f) Within 10 days after the effective date
of this AD: Revise the Limitations section of
the Airbus A340 AFM to include the
information in Airbus Temporary Revision
(TR) 6.03.02/05, dated August 8, 2002, as
specified in the TR. The TR includes
procedures for the flightcrew to follow to
correct miscalculation of the takeoff and
accelerating or stopping distance of the
airplane during a ferry flight with one engine
not operating.
Note 1: This may be done by inserting a
copy of Airbus TR 6.03.02/05 in the AFM.
When the TR has been included in the
general revisions of the AFM, the general
revisions may be inserted in the AFM
provided the relevant information in the
general revision is identical to that in Airbus
TR 6.03.02/05.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g) 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
(h) French airworthiness directive 2002–
436(B), dated August 21, 2002, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Temporary
Revision 6.03.02/05, dated August 8, 2002, to
the Airbus A340 Airplane Flight Manual, to
perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
VerDate Aug<18>2005
15:56 Sep 13, 2005
Jkt 205001
Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this document
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for a copy of this service information.
You may review copies at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,
room PL–401, Nassif Building, Washington,
DC; on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or
at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at the NARA,
call (202) 741–6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 6, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 05–18060 Filed 9–13–05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2004–19750; Directorate
Identifier 2003–NM–192–AD; Amendment
39–14264; AD 2005–18–23]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and
–900 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an
existing airworthiness directive (AD),
which applies to all Boeing Model 737–
600, –700, –700C, –800, and –900 series
airplanes. That AD currently requires
either determining exposure to runway
deicing fluids containing potassium
formate, or performing repetitive
inspections of certain electrical
connectors in the wheel well of the
main landing gear (MLG) for corrosion,
and follow-on actions. This new AD
adds a new inspection requirement and
related corrective actions. This AD is
prompted by additional reports
indicating that significant corrosion of
the electrical connectors in the wheel
well of the MLG has also been found on
airplanes that land on runways treated
with deicing fluids containing
potassium acetate. We are issuing this
AD to prevent corrosion and subsequent
moisture ingress into the electrical
connectors, which could result in an
electrical short and consequent
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54253
incorrect functioning of critical airplane
systems essential to safe flight and
landing of the airplane, including fire
warning systems.
This AD becomes effective
October 19, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737–
24A1148, Revision 1, dated July 10,
2003; as listed in the AD; is approved
by the Director of the Federal Register
as of October 19, 2005.
DATES:
The service information
referenced in this AD may be obtained
from Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington
98124–2207.
Docket: The AD docket contains the
proposed AD, comments, and any final
disposition. 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 U.S. Department of Transportation,
400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL–401,
Washington, DC. This docket number is
FAA–2004–19750; the directorate
identifier for this docket is 2003–NM–
192–AD.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Binh Tran, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S,
FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 917–6485; fax (425) 917–6590.
The FAA
proposed to amend part 39 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
part 39) with an AD to supersede AD
2002–16–03, amendment 39–12842 (67
FR 52396, August 12, 2002). The
existing AD applies to all Boeing Model
737–600, –700, –700C, –800, and –900
series airplanes. The proposed AD was
published in the Federal Register on
December 1, 2004 (69 FR 69832), to
require either determining exposure to
runway deicing fluids containing
potassium formate or performing
repetitive inspections of certain
electrical connectors in the wheel well
of the main landing gear (MLG) for
corrosion, and follow-on actions.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments that have
been submitted on the proposed AD.
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 177 (Wednesday, September 14, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 54251-54253]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-18060]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-20405; Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-243-AD;
Amendment 39-14269; AD 2005-19-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD
requires revising the airplane flight manual to incorporate new
procedures for the flightcrew to follow to correct miscalculation of
the takeoff and accelerating or stopping distance of the airplane
during a ferry flight under certain conditions. This AD results from a
report that a software error could result in a miscalculation
(underestimation) of the runway length necessary for takeoff in the
case of a ferry flight with one engine not operating. We are issuing
this AD to prevent this miscalculation, which, if combined with high
takeoff weight, too-short runway length, and high altitude and
temperature of the airport, could result in inability of the flightcrew
to abort the takeoff in a safe manner, reduced controllability of the
airplane, and runway overrun.
DATES: Effective September 29, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of September 29,
2005.
We must receive comments on this AD by November 14, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this 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.
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.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 A340-200 and -300
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during certification of Airbus
Model A340-600 series airplanes, an error in the Octopus software was
discovered. The software error results in a miscalculation
(underestimation) of the runway length necessary for takeoff in the
case of a ferry flight with one engine not operating. In this
situation, the takeoff procedure requires a progressive power setting
of the engine symmetrical to the failed or non-operational engine.
Investigation revealed that the calculations performed by the software
give the same thrusts in the transient system for the three operational
engines, resulting in an error in calculation of 650 meters (2,133
feet) for the takeoff and accelerate/stop distance. This condition, if
combined with high takeoff weight, too-short runway length, and high
altitude and temperature of the airport, could result in inability of
the flightcrew to abort the takeoff in a safe manner, reduced
controllability of the airplane, and runway overrun.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Temporary Revision (TR) 6.03.02/05, dated August
8, 2002, to the A340 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). The TR describes
procedures for revising the limitations section (appendices and
supplements) of the AFM to provide procedures for the flightcrew to
follow to correct
[[Page 54252]]
miscalculation of the takeoff and accelerating or stopping distance of
the airplane during a ferry flight with one engine not operating. The
DGAC mandated the TR and issued French airworthiness directive 2002-
436(B), dated August 21, 2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of
these airplanes in France.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
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 described above. We have examined the DGAC's 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 issuing this AD to prevent miscalculation of the
takeoff and accelerating or stopping distance of the airplane during
ferry flight takeoff performance. This miscalculation, if combined with
high takeoff weight, too-short runway length, and high altitude and
temperature of the airport, could result in inability of the flightcrew
to abort the takeoff in a safe manner, reduced controllability of the
airplane, and runway overrun. This AD requires revising the AFM to
incorporate new procedures for the flightcrew to follow to correct
miscalculation of the takeoff and accelerating or stopping distance of
the airplane during a ferry flight under certain conditions.
Costs of Compliance
None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S.
Register. All airplanes affected by this AD are currently operated by
non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; therefore, they are not
directly affected by this AD action. However, we consider this AD
necessary to ensure that the unsafe condition is addressed if any
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future.
If an affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register
in the future, the required AFM revision 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 AD would be $65 per airplane.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
No airplane affected by this AD is currently on the U.S. Register.
Therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment is
unnecessary before this AD is issued, and this AD may be made effective
in less than 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to the
address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-
2005-20405; Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-243-AD'' at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that
might suggest a need to modify it.
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 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 may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit
https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may 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 Docket Management System
receives them.
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 AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
[[Page 54253]]
2005-19-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-14269. Docket No. FAA-2005-20405;
Directorate Identifier 2002-NM-243-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective September 29, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A340-211, -
212, and -213, and Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes,
certificated in any category; modified by Airbus modification 40647.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that a software error could
result in a miscalculation (underestimation) of the runway length
necessary for takeoff in the case of a ferry flight with one engine
not operating. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent this
miscalculation, which, if combined with high takeoff weight, too-
short runway length, and high altitude and temperature of the
airport, could result in inability of the flightcrew to abort the
takeoff in a safe manner, reduced controllability of the airplane,
and runway overrun.
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.
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(f) Within 10 days after the effective date of this AD: Revise
the Limitations section of the Airbus A340 AFM to include the
information in Airbus Temporary Revision (TR) 6.03.02/05, dated
August 8, 2002, as specified in the TR. The TR includes procedures
for the flightcrew to follow to correct miscalculation of the
takeoff and accelerating or stopping distance of the airplane during
a ferry flight with one engine not operating.
Note 1: This may be done by inserting a copy of Airbus TR
6.03.02/05 in the AFM. When the TR has been included in the general
revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the
AFM provided the relevant information in the general revision is
identical to that in Airbus TR 6.03.02/05.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g) 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
(h) French airworthiness directive 2002-436(B), dated August 21,
2002, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Temporary Revision 6.03.02/05, dated
August 8, 2002, to the Airbus A340 Airplane Flight Manual, to
perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved
the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet
at https://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 6, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-18060 Filed 9-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
