Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600R Series Airplanes; Model F4 600R Series Airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant F Airplanes; and Model A310-200 Series Airplanes; and Model A310-300 Series Airplanes, 54321-54323 [05-18211]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 177 / Wednesday, September 14, 2005 / Proposed Rules 73–11, revised June 1, 1978; or an equivalent inspection approved by the Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Inspections done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Sabreliner Service Bulletin 73–11, dated June 15, 1973, are acceptable for compliance with this paragraph. TABLE 1.—AIRPLANES SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (F), (G), AND (H) OF THIS AD Model Affected serial numbers NA–265–40 ......... NA–265–50 ......... NA–265–60 ......... 282–1 and subsequent. 287–1. 306–1 through 306–139 inclusive. 370–1 through 370–9 inclusive. 380–1 through 380–61 inclusive. NA–265–70 ......... NA–265–80 ......... Corrective Actions (g) For the airplanes listed in Table 1 of this AD: Prior to further flight, if cracks, corrosion, or breaks in the surface finish are found, during any inspection in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD, in the front or rear spars in the area of the wing center section, replace with like serviceable parts, or repair in a manner approved by the Manager, Wichita ACO. (h) For the airplanes listed in Table 1 of this AD: Prior to further flight, if cracks are found, during any inspection in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD, in the lugs on the rear spar and wing trailing edge rib, replace the cracked parts with like serviceable parts, or repair in a manner approved by the Manager, Wichita ACO. New Requirements of This AD Inspections/Repairs Accomplished Previously (i) Inspections and repairs accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with a method approved by the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division, FAA Western Region, are acceptable for compliance with paragraphs (f), (g), and (h) of this AD, as applicable. New Repetitive Inspections (j) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, except as provided by paragraph (j)(1) of this AD: Perform a general visual inspection for fuel leaks; an inspection using a borescope to detect any break in the surface finish, corrosion, or cracking of the upper and lower flanges on the front and rear spars of the wing in the area of the wing center section; a general visual inspection to detect cracking of the lugs on the rear spar and wing trailing edge panel rib; and related investigative actions, as applicable; by doing all applicable actions in accordance with the instructions of Sabreliner NA–265 Service Bulletin 83–2, revised January 31, 2005. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months. (1) If the inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD has been accomplished within 12 months before the effective date of this VerDate Aug<18>2005 15:58 Sep 13, 2005 Jkt 205001 AD, the inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD is not required until 24 months after the most recent inspection in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD. (2) For airplanes subject to paragraph (f) of this AD: Accomplishing of the initial inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD. 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 normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.’’ Corrective Actions (k) If any fuel leak, break in the surface finish, corrosion, or cracking is found during any inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the subject part with a new or serviceable part, or repair the subject part in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Wichita ACO. Where Sabreliner NA–265 Service Bulletin 83–2 specifies contacting Sabreliner for an engineering analysis: Before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Wichita ACO. For a repair method to be approved by the Manager, Wichita ACO, as required by this paragraph, the Manager’s approval letter must specifically refer to this AD. Actions Accomplished Previously (l) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the original issue of Sabreliner NA–265 Service Bulletin 83–2, dated March 4, 1983; or Sabreliner NA–265 Service Bulletin 83–2, revised February 29, 1996; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by paragraphs (j) and (k) of this AD. No Reporting Requirement (m) Although the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (n) The Manager, Wichita ACO, 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 September 6, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–18209 Filed 9–13–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 54321 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2005–22411; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–074–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4– 600 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4– 600R Series Airplanes; Model F4 600R Series Airplanes; Model A300 C4–605R Variant F Airplanes; and Model A310– 200 Series Airplanes; and Model A310– 300 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 certain Airbus transport category airplanes. This proposed AD would require replacing the existing cabin altitude indicator in the cabin pressure control panel with a new, improved cabin altitude indicator. 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 prevent injury to crewmembers, and subsequent damage to the airplane caused by rapid opening of the door. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 14, 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. E:\FR\FM\14SEP1.SGM 14SEP1 54322 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 177 / Wednesday, September 14, 2005 / Proposed Rules 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– 22411; the directorate identifier for this docket is 2005–NM–074–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– 2005–22411; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–074–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 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 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 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 Docket VerDate Aug<18>2005 15:58 Sep 13, 2005 Jkt 205001 Management System (DMS) receives them. Discussion The DGAC, which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A300 B2 series airplanes and A300 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 the existing cabin altitude pressure indicator can give a false indication of the cabin altitude especially when the pressurization system is operated in manual mode. Accidents have occurred on in-service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly initiated opening of passenger/crew doors against residual pressure (a positive pressure difference between inside the cabin and outside the cabin) causing the doors to rapidly open. In these accidents, the existing pressurization system did not indicate the presence of residual pressure in the cabin. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300–21–0131, Revision 01, dated January 6, 2005; A300–21–6050, Revision 01, dated December 17, 2004; and A310–21–2063, Revision 01, dated January 6, 2005. The service bulletins describe procedures for replacing the existing cabin altitude indicator in the cabin pressure control panel with a new improved cabin altitude indicator. The new cabin altitude indicator introduces a stop in the needle driving mechanism to limit the needle position near 5,000 feet in case of extreme low altitude. (A stop already exists for the ‘‘overhigh’’ altitude.) The new cabin altitude indicator is designed to prevent false interpretation of the needle position when altitude goes out of the normal range. 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–2005– 027, dated February 16, 2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France. All three service bulletins described above reference Thales Service Bulletin 37000–3–21–001, dated October 8, 2004, as an additional source of service information for replacing the cabin altitude indicator. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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 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 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 194 airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 7 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost about $1,246 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $329,994, or $1,701 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 E:\FR\FM\14SEP1.SGM 14SEP1 54323 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 177 / Wednesday, September 14, 2005 / Proposed Rules 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2005–22411; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–074–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on this AD action by October 14, 2005. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2–1A, B2–1C, B2K–3C, and B2–203 airplanes; Model A300 B4–2C, B4–103, and B4–203 airplanes; Model A300 B4–601, B4– 603, B4–620, and B4–622 airplanes; Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622 airplanes; Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R airplanes; Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes; Model A310–203, –204, –221, and –222 airplanes; and Model A310–304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes; certificated in any category; except for those airplanes on which Airbus Modification 12857 has been incorporated in production. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD was 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 issuing this AD to 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. Replacing the Cabin Altitude Indicator (f) Within 22 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the cabin altitude indicator (Part Number (P/N) 37000–3) in the cabin pressure control panel with a new improved cabin altitude indicator (P/N 37000–3–01), in accordance with the service bulletins specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable. TABLE 1.—AIRBUS SERVICE BULLETINS Model Service bulletin and revision number Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series airplanes ..................... Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R and F4–600R series airplanes, and Model C4–605R Variant F airplanes. Model A310–200 and –300 series airplanes ........................ A300–21–0131, Revision 01 ............................................... A300–21–6050, Revision 01 ............................................... January 6, 2005. December 17, 2004. A310–21–2063, Revision 01 ............................................... January 6, 2005. Note 1: The service bulletins specified in Table 1 of paragraph (f) of this AD describe installation of an in-service modification equivalent to production modification 12857. Additional Source of Service Information Note 2: Each of the service bulletins specified in paragraph (f) of this AD refers to Thales Service Bulletin 37000–3–21–001, dated October 8, 2004, as an additional source of service information. Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information (g) Replacement of the cabin altitude indicator with a new, improved indicator, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300–21–6050, dated September 9, 2004; or A310–21–2063, dated September 9, 2004; as applicable, before the effective date of this AD, is acceptable for the compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (i) The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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–2005– 027, dated February 16, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 6, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–18211 Filed 9–13–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P Parts Installation (h) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install a Thales cabin altitude indicator having part number 37000–3 on any airplane. VerDate Aug<18>2005 15:58 Sep 13, 2005 Jkt 205001 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Date COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING COMMISSION 17 CFR Parts 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40 Technical and Clarifying Amendments to Rules for Exempt Markets, Derivatives Transaction Execution Facilities and Designated Contract Markets, and Procedural Changes for Derivatives Clearing Organization Registration Applications Commodity Futures Trading Commission. ACTION: Reopening of comment period. AGENCY: SUMMARY: On July 11, 2005, the Commission published in the Federal Register a request for comments on proposed Technical and Clarifying Amendments to rules for Exempt Markets, Derivatives Transaction Execution Facilities and Designated Contract Markets, and Procedural Changes for Derivatives Clearing Organization Registration Applications. The proposed amendments are intended to: Clarify and codify acceptable E:\FR\FM\14SEP1.SGM 14SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 177 (Wednesday, September 14, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 54321-54323]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-18211]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22411; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-074-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 Series Airplanes; 
Model A300 B4 Series Airplanes; Model A300 B4-600 Series Airplanes; 
Model A300 B4-600R Series Airplanes; Model F4 600R Series Airplanes; 
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F Airplanes; and Model A310-200 Series 
Airplanes; and Model A310-300 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 Airbus transport category airplanes. This proposed AD would 
require replacing the existing cabin altitude indicator in the cabin 
pressure control panel with a new, improved cabin altitude indicator. 
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 prevent injury to 
crewmembers, and subsequent damage to the airplane caused by rapid 
opening of the door.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 14, 
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.

[[Page 54322]]

    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-2005-22411; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2005-NM-074-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-2005-22411; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-074-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 
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 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 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 Docket Management System 
(DMS) receives them.

Discussion

    The DGAC, which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified 
us that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A300 B2 
series airplanes and A300 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 the existing cabin altitude pressure 
indicator can give a false indication of the cabin altitude especially 
when the pressurization system is operated in manual mode. Accidents 
have occurred on in-service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly 
initiated opening of passenger/crew doors against residual pressure (a 
positive pressure difference between inside the cabin and outside the 
cabin) causing the doors to rapidly open. In these accidents, the 
existing pressurization system did not indicate the presence of 
residual pressure in the cabin.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-21-0131, Revision 01, 
dated January 6, 2005; A300-21-6050, Revision 01, dated December 17, 
2004; and A310-21-2063, Revision 01, dated January 6, 2005. The service 
bulletins describe procedures for replacing the existing cabin altitude 
indicator in the cabin pressure control panel with a new improved cabin 
altitude indicator. The new cabin altitude indicator introduces a stop 
in the needle driving mechanism to limit the needle position near 5,000 
feet in case of extreme low altitude. (A stop already exists for the 
``overhigh'' altitude.) The new cabin altitude indicator is designed to 
prevent false interpretation of the needle position when altitude goes 
out of the normal range. 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-2005-027, dated February 16, 2005, to ensure 
the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
    All three service bulletins described above reference Thales 
Service Bulletin 37000-3-21-001, dated October 8, 2004, as an 
additional source of service information for replacing the cabin 
altitude indicator.

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 
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 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 194 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
The proposed actions would take about 7 work hours per airplane, at an 
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts would cost 
about $1,246 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost 
of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $329,994, or $1,701 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

[[Page 54323]]

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):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-22411; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
074-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by October 14, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, 
and B2-203 airplanes; Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 
airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes; 
Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-
622R airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; Model A310-
203, -204, -221, and -222 airplanes; and Model A310-304, -322, -324, 
and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category; except for those 
airplanes on which Airbus Modification 12857 has been incorporated 
in production.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was 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 issuing this AD to 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.

Replacing the Cabin Altitude Indicator

    (f) Within 22 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace the cabin altitude indicator (Part Number (P/N) 37000-3) in 
the cabin pressure control panel with a new improved cabin altitude 
indicator (P/N 37000-3-01), in accordance with the service bulletins 
specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable.

                                       Table 1.--Airbus Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Service bulletin and revision
                  Model                                number                               Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A300 B2 and A300 B4 series          A300-21-0131, Revision 01......  January 6, 2005.
 airplanes.
Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R and F4-600R    A300-21-6050, Revision 01......  December 17, 2004.
 series airplanes, and Model C4-605R
 Variant F airplanes.
Model A310-200 and -300 series airplanes  A310-21-2063, Revision 01......  January 6, 2005.
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    Note 1: The service bulletins specified in Table 1 of paragraph 
(f) of this AD describe installation of an in-service modification 
equivalent to production modification 12857.

Additional Source of Service Information

    Note 2: Each of the service bulletins specified in paragraph (f) 
of this AD refers to Thales Service Bulletin 37000-3-21-001, dated 
October 8, 2004, as an additional source of service information.

Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information

    (g) Replacement of the cabin altitude indicator with a new, 
improved indicator, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
21-6050, dated September 9, 2004; or A310-21-2063, dated September 
9, 2004; as applicable, before the effective date of this AD, is 
acceptable for the compliance with the requirements of paragraph (f) 
of this AD.

Parts Installation

    (h) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
Thales cabin altitude indicator having part number 37000-3 on any 
airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 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-2005-027, dated February 
16, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 6, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-18211 Filed 9-13-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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