Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 Series Airplanes; A300 B4-103 and B4-203 Airplanes; and A310-203 Airplanes, 56378-56380 [05-19237]

Download as PDF 56378 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 70, No. 186 Tuesday, September 27, 2005 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Agricultural Marketing Service 7 CFR Parts 925 and 944 [Docket No. FV03–925–1 PR] Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California and Imported Table Grapes; Extension of Comment Period on Changing Regulatory Periods Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. ACTION: Reopening and extension of comment period. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the comment period on proposed changes in the regulatory periods when minimum grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements apply to southeastern California grapes under Marketing Order No. 925 (order), and to imported grapes under the table grape import regulation is extended until November 28, 2005. DATES: Comments must be received by November 28, 2005. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments concerning this proposal. Comments should be sent to the Docket Clerk, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250–0237; Fax: (202) 720–8938, Email: moab.docketclerk@usda.gov, or Internet: https://www.regulations.gov. All comments should reference the docket number and the date and page number of this issue, the May 25, 2005, issue, and the July 25, 2005 issue of the Federal Register and will be available for public inspection in the office of the Docket Clerk during regular business hours, or can be viewed at: https:// www.ams.usda.gov/fv/moab.html. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: California Marketing Field Office, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:24 Sep 26, 2005 Jkt 205001 AMS, USDA, 2202 Monterey Street, suite 102B, Fresno, California 93721; Telephone: (559) 487–5901, Fax: (559) 487–5906; or George Kelhart, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720–2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938. Small businesses may request information on complying with this regulation by contacting Jay Guerber, Marketing Order Administration Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, AMS, USDA, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., STOP 0237, Washington, DC 20250–0237; Telephone: (202) 720– 2491, Fax: (202) 720–8938, or E-mail: Jay.Guerber@usda.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposed rule was issued on May 20, 2005, and published in the Federal Register on May 25, 2005 (70 FR 30001). The proposed rule would change the regulatory periods when the minimum grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements apply to southeastern California grapes under the order and to imported grapes under the table grape import regulation. A notice of extension of comment period was issued July 20, 2005, and published in the Federal Register on July 25, 2005 (70 FR 42513). This document extended the comment period from July 25, 2005, to September 25, 2005. Another extension was requested on behalf of ASOEX, a trade association of Chilean fruit growers and fresh fruit exporters. In its previous request, ASOEX stated that its members represent approximately 90 percent of Chilean table grape imports to the United States. The extension was requested to provide additional time for interested persons to accumulate and analyze data regarding the proposal and to submit written comments on the proposed rule. After reviewing the request, USDA is extending the comment period for 60 additional days or until November 28, 2005. This will provide interested persons more time to review the proposed rule, perform a more complete analysis, and submit written comments. Accordingly, the period in which to file written comments is extended until November 28, 2005. This notice is issued pursuant to the Agricultural Marketing Agreement Act of 1937. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Authority: 7 U.S.C. 601–674. Dated: September 23, 2005. Lloyd C. Day, Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service. [FR Doc. 05–19328 Filed 9–23–05; 11:31 am] BILLING CODE 3410–02–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2005–22527; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–04–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 Series Airplanes; A300 B4– 103 and B4–203 Airplanes; and A310– 203 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 Model A300 B2 series airplanes, A300 B4–103 and B4–203 airplanes, and Model A310–203 airplanes. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection for missing or incorrect rivets in the entire structural area affected by conversion from passenger to freight configuration, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD is prompted by a report of rivets missing from the passenger-tofreight converted area. We are proposing this AD to prevent structural failure of the main deck and main deck cargo door areas. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 27, 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 E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 27, 2005 / Proposed Rules 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 EADS Airbus G.M.B.H., Postfach 95 01 09, 21111 Hamburg, Germany. 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– 22527; the directorate identifier for this docket is 2004–NM–04–AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Lawson, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE– 171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228–7327; fax (516) 794–5531. 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– 2005–22527; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–04–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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:24 Sep 26, 2005 Jkt 205001 Examining the Docket You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them. Discussion The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority for Germany, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A300 B2 series airplanes, A300 B4–103 and B4–203 airplanes, and A310–203 airplanes. The LBA advises that rivets were reported as missing from the fuselage main deck and main deck cargo door area on one affected A300 airplane. The findings occurred during a maintenance check on an airplane that had been converted from passenger use to freighter use. This condition, if not corrected, could result in structural failure of the main deck and main deck cargo door areas. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued EADS Alert Service Bulletin DA–53–073, dated June 26, 2002 (for Airbus Model A300 B2 series airplanes, and A300 B4–103 and B4–203 airplanes); and EADS Alert Service Bulletin DA–53–074, dated June 27, 2002 (for Airbus Model A310–203 airplanes). Airbus has also issued All Operator Telex (AOT) M113–02–007, dated June 21, 2002. The service bulletins describe procedures for visually inspecting for missing or incorrect rivets in the area affected by the conversion. If there are missing or incorrect rivets, the service bulletins recommend contacting the LBA’s delegated agent for further instructions. The AOT describes the areas on which the inspection is required, in accordance with the riveting layouts in the service bulletins. The service bulletins also request that operators report the inspection results to the delegated agent, and the AOT requests that operators provide this report to Airbus. The LBA mandated the service information and issued German airworthiness directive 2002–200, dated June 27, 2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Germany. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 56379 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 LBA has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined the LBA’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, except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between the Proposed AD and the German Airworthiness Directive.’’ Differences Between the Proposed AD and the German Airworthiness Directive The German airworthiness directive does not include manufacturer’s serial number (S/N) 184 in its list of airplane S/Ns affected by the action. This proposed AD would include S/N 184 in its applicability. S/N 184 was inadvertently excluded from the German airworthiness directive. The German airworthiness directive lists the applicable service bulletin numbers as A300–DA53–073, and A310–DA53–074. This is an inadvertent error. The numbers are identified on the applicable service bulletins as EADS Alert Service Bulletins DA–53–073, and DA–53–074. The German airworthiness directive directs operators to contact the LBA’s delegated agent for repair instructions. This proposed AD would require you to repair those conditions using a method that we or the LBA (or its delegated agent) approve. In light of the type of repair that would be required to address the unsafe condition, and consistent with existing bilateral airworthiness agreements, we have determined that, for this proposed AD, a repair we or the LBA approve would be acceptable for compliance with this proposed AD. Although the German airworthiness directive specifies that operators should submit an inspection report, this proposed AD would not require those actions. Clarification of Inspection Language The service bulletin and the German airworthiness directive request that E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1 56380 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 27, 2005 / Proposed Rules operators ‘‘visually inspect’’ for missing and incorrect fasteners. This proposed AD defines this inspection as a ‘‘general visual inspection.’’ This inspection is defined in Note 1 of this proposed AD. Costs of Compliance This proposed AD would affect about 2 Airbus Model A300 B4–103 and B4– 203 airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take about 80 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 $10,400, or $5,200 per airplane. Currently there are no Airbus Model A310–203 airplanes of U.S. registry. However, should one of these airplanes be imported and placed on the U.S. registry, we estimate that the proposed actions would take about 80 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 would be $5,200 per airplane. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; VerDate Aug<31>2005 13:24 Sep 26, 2005 Jkt 205001 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–2005–22527; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–04–AD. inspection for missing or incorrect rivets in the entire structural area affected by conversion from passenger to freight configuration identified in Airbus All Operator Telex M113–02–007, dated June 21, 2002. Do the inspections in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EADS Alert Service Bulletin DA–53–073, dated June 26, 2002; or EADS Alert Service Bulletin DA–53–074, dated June 27, 2002; 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 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 Action (g) If any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD identifies a missing or incorrect rivet: Before further flight, repair according to a method approved by either the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA) (or its delegated agent). No Reporting Required Comments Due Date (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on this AD action by October 27, 2005. (h) Although the service bulletins referenced in this AD specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Affected ADs (b) None. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2–1A, B2–1C, B2K–3C, B2–203, A300 B4– 103, and B4–203 airplanes, and Model A310– 203 airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in EADS Alert Service Bulletin DA–53–073, dated June 26, 2002, and EADS Alert Service Bulletin DA–53–074, dated June 27, 2002; as applicable. (i)(1) The Manager, New York ACO, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD was prompted by a report of rivets missing from the structural area affected by conversion from passenger to freight configuration. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the main deck and main deck cargo door areas. 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 (f) Within 300 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD: Do a general visual PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Related Information (j) German airworthiness directive 2002– 200, dated June 27, 2002, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 16, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–19237 Filed 9–26–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\27SEP1.SGM 27SEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 27, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56378-56380]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-19237]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22527; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-04-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 Series Airplanes; 
A300 B4-103 and B4-203 Airplanes; and A310-203 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 Model A300 B2 series airplanes, A300 B4-103 and B4-
203 airplanes, and Model A310-203 airplanes. This proposed AD would 
require a one-time inspection for missing or incorrect rivets in the 
entire structural area affected by conversion from passenger to freight 
configuration, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD is 
prompted by a report of rivets missing from the passenger-to-freight 
converted area. We are proposing this AD to prevent structural failure 
of the main deck and main deck cargo door areas.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 27, 
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

[[Page 56379]]

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 
EADS Airbus G.M.B.H., Postfach 95 01 09, 21111 Hamburg, Germany.
    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-2005-22527; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2004-NM-04-AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Lawson, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7327; fax (516) 794-5531.

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-2005-22527; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-04-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 DMS receives them.

Discussion

    The Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), which is the airworthiness authority 
for Germany, notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on certain 
Airbus Model A300 B2 series airplanes, A300 B4-103 and B4-203 
airplanes, and A310-203 airplanes. The LBA advises that rivets were 
reported as missing from the fuselage main deck and main deck cargo 
door area on one affected A300 airplane. The findings occurred during a 
maintenance check on an airplane that had been converted from passenger 
use to freighter use. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
structural failure of the main deck and main deck cargo door areas.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued EADS Alert Service Bulletin DA-53-073, dated June 
26, 2002 (for Airbus Model A300 B2 series airplanes, and A300 B4-103 
and B4-203 airplanes); and EADS Alert Service Bulletin DA-53-074, dated 
June 27, 2002 (for Airbus Model A310-203 airplanes). Airbus has also 
issued All Operator Telex (AOT) M113-02-007, dated June 21, 2002. The 
service bulletins describe procedures for visually inspecting for 
missing or incorrect rivets in the area affected by the conversion. If 
there are missing or incorrect rivets, the service bulletins recommend 
contacting the LBA's delegated agent for further instructions. The AOT 
describes the areas on which the inspection is required, in accordance 
with the riveting layouts in the service bulletins. The service 
bulletins also request that operators report the inspection results to 
the delegated agent, and the AOT requests that operators provide this 
report to Airbus.
    The LBA mandated the service information and issued German 
airworthiness directive 2002-200, dated June 27, 2002, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in Germany.

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 LBA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. We have examined the LBA'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, except as discussed under ``Differences Between 
the Proposed AD and the German Airworthiness Directive.''

Differences Between the Proposed AD and the German Airworthiness 
Directive

    The German airworthiness directive does not include manufacturer's 
serial number (S/N) 184 in its list of airplane S/Ns affected by the 
action. This proposed AD would include S/N 184 in its applicability. S/
N 184 was inadvertently excluded from the German airworthiness 
directive.
    The German airworthiness directive lists the applicable service 
bulletin numbers as A300-DA53-073, and A310-DA53-074. This is an 
inadvertent error. The numbers are identified on the applicable service 
bulletins as EADS Alert Service Bulletins DA-53-073, and DA-53-074.
    The German airworthiness directive directs operators to contact the 
LBA's delegated agent for repair instructions. This proposed AD would 
require you to repair those conditions using a method that we or the 
LBA (or its delegated agent) approve. In light of the type of repair 
that would be required to address the unsafe condition, and consistent 
with existing bilateral airworthiness agreements, we have determined 
that, for this proposed AD, a repair we or the LBA approve would be 
acceptable for compliance with this proposed AD.
    Although the German airworthiness directive specifies that 
operators should submit an inspection report, this proposed AD would 
not require those actions.

Clarification of Inspection Language

    The service bulletin and the German airworthiness directive request 
that

[[Page 56380]]

operators ``visually inspect'' for missing and incorrect fasteners. 
This proposed AD defines this inspection as a ``general visual 
inspection.'' This inspection is defined in Note 1 of this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 2 Airbus Model A300 B4-103 and 
B4-203 airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed actions would take 
about 80 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 $10,400, or $5,200 per airplane.
    Currently there are no Airbus Model A310-203 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. However, should one of these airplanes be imported and placed 
on the U.S. registry, we estimate that the proposed actions would take 
about 80 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 would be $5,200 per airplane.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location 
to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

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-2005-22527; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
04-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by October 27, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-3C, 
B2-203, A300 B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes, and Model A310-203 
airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified in EADS Alert 
Service Bulletin DA-53-073, dated June 26, 2002, and EADS Alert 
Service Bulletin DA-53-074, dated June 27, 2002; as applicable.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report of rivets missing from the 
structural area affected by conversion from passenger to freight 
configuration. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure 
of the main deck and main deck cargo door areas.

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

    (f) Within 300 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD: Do a general visual inspection for missing or incorrect rivets 
in the entire structural area affected by conversion from passenger 
to freight configuration identified in Airbus All Operator Telex 
M113-02-007, dated June 21, 2002. Do the inspections in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of EADS Alert Service Bulletin 
DA-53-073, dated June 26, 2002; or EADS Alert Service Bulletin DA-
53-074, dated June 27, 2002; 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 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 Action

    (g) If any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD 
identifies a missing or incorrect rivet: Before further flight, 
repair according to a method approved by either the Manager, New 
York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or the Luftfahrt-
Bundesamt (LBA) (or its delegated agent).

No Reporting Required

    (h) Although the service bulletins referenced in this AD specify 
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not 
include that requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) The Manager, New York ACO, FAA, has the authority to 
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (j) German airworthiness directive 2002-200, dated June 27, 
2002, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 16, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-19237 Filed 9-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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