Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310-200 and A310-300 Series Airplanes, 61078-61080 [05-20965]

Download as PDF 61078 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 202 / Thursday, October 20, 2005 / Proposed Rules sector of the economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or communities. * * * ’’ 22 Regulatory actions that satisfy one or more of these criteria are called ‘‘economically significant regulatory actions.’’ If OCC or OTS determines that the rules implementing the domestic capital modifications comprise an ‘‘economically significant regulatory action,’’ then the agency making that determination would be required to prepare and submit to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) an economic analysis. The economic analysis must include: • A description of the need for the rules and an explanation of how they will meet the need; • An assessment of the benefits anticipated from the rules (for example, the promotion of the efficient functioning of the economy and private markets) together with, to the extent feasible, a quantification of those benefits; • An assessment of the costs anticipated from the rules (for example, the direct cost both to the government in administering the regulation and to businesses and others in complying with the regulation, and any adverse effects on the efficient functioning of the economy, private markets (including productivity, employment, and competitiveness)), together with, to the extent feasible, a quantification of those costs; and • An assessment of the costs and benefits of potentially effective and reasonably feasible alternatives to the planned regulation (including improving the current regulation and reasonably viable nonregulatory actions), and an explanation why the planned regulatory action is preferable to the identified potential alternatives.23 22 Executive Order 12866 (September 30, 1993), 58 FR 51735 (October 4, 1993), as amended by Executive Order 13258, 67 FR 9385. For the complete text of the definition of ‘‘significant regulatory action,’’ see E.O. 12866 at § 3(f). A ‘‘regulatory action’’ is ‘‘any substantive action by an agency (normally published in the Federal Register) that promulgates or is expected to lead to the promulgation of a final rule or regulation, including notices of inquiry, advance notices of proposed rulemaking, and notices of proposed rulemaking.’’ E.O. 12866 at § 3(e). 23 The components of the economic analysis are set forth in E.O. 12866 § 6(a)(3)(C)(i)–(iii). For a description of the methodology that OMB recommends for preparing an economic analysis, see Office of Management and Budget Circular A– 4, ‘‘Regulatory Analysis’’ (September 17, 2003). This publication is available on OMB’s Web site at https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/circulars/a004/a4.pdf. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:49 Oct 19, 2005 Jkt 208001 For purposes of determining whether this rulemaking would constitute an ‘‘economically significant regulatory action,’’ as defined by E.O. 12866, and to assist any economic analysis that E.O. 12866 may require, OCC and OTS encourage commenters to provide information about: • The direct and indirect costs of compliance with the revisions described in this ANPR; • The effects of these revisions on regulatory capital requirements; • The effects of these revisions on competition among banks; and • The economic benefits of the revisions, such as the economic benefits of a potentially more efficient allocation of capital that might result from revisions to the current risk-based capital requirements. OCC and OTS also encourage comment on any alternatives to the revisions described in this ANPR that the Agencies should consider. Specifically, commenters are encouraged to provide information addressing the direct and indirect costs of compliance with the alternative, the effects of the alternative on regulatory capital requirements, the effects of the alternative on competition, and the economic benefits from the alternative. Quantitative information would be the most useful to the Agencies. However, commenters may also provide estimates of costs, benefits, or other effects, or any other information they believe would be useful to the Agencies in making the determination. In addition, commenters are asked to identify or estimate start-up, or nonrecurring, costs separately from costs or effects they believe would be ongoing. Dated: October 6, 2005. John C. Dugan, Comptroller of the Currency. By order of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, October 12, 2005. Jennifer J. Johnson, Secretary of the Board. Dated at Washington, DC, this 6th day of October, 2005. By order of the Board of Directors, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Robert E. Feldman, Executive Secretary. Dated: October 6, 2005. By the Office of Thrift Supervision. John M. Reich, Director. [FR Doc. 05–20858 Filed 10–19–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–33–P, 6210–01–P, 6714–01–P, 6720–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2005–22739; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–098–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4–605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300–600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310–200 and 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 A300–600, A310–200, and A310–300 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require modifying the forward outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem. This proposed AD results from a report of accidents resulting in injuries occurring on in-service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly initiated opening of passenger/crew doors against residual pressure, causing the doors to rapidly open. In these accidents, the buildup of residual pressure in the cabin was caused by the blockage of the outflow valve by an insulation blanket. We are proposing this AD to prevent an insulation blanket or other debris from being ingested into and jamming the forward outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem, which could lead to the inability to control cabin pressurization and adversely affect continued safe flight of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 21, 2005. 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. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\20OCP1.SGM 20OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 202 / Thursday, October 20, 2005 / Proposed Rules • 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 proposed 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: Discussion 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2005–22739; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–098–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 received by the closing date and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You 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. ´ ´ 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 A300–600, A310–200, and A310–300 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that accidents resulting in injuries 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 buildup of residual pressure in the cabin was caused by the blockage of the outflow valve by an insulation blanket, which prevented the valve from opening and closing during flight and on the ground to maintain control of cabin pressurization. In addition, there have been several reports of operator difficulty maintaining cabin pressure during cruise. Investigation revealed that pieces of a cargo insulation blanket had been ingested into the forward outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem located at frame 39 of the fuselage. These conditions, if not corrected, could lead to the inability to control cabin pressurization and adversely affect continued safe flight of the airplane. Other Relevant Rulemaking 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:49 Oct 19, 2005 Jkt 208001 On June 29, 2004, we issued AD 2004–14–08, amendment 39–13717 (69 FR 41925, July 13, 2004), for certain Airbus Model A300–600 and A310 series airplanes. That AD requires modification of the attachment system of the insulation blankets of the forward cargo compartment and related corrective action. That AD was prompted by several reports of operator difficulty maintaining cabin pressure during cruise. Investigation revealed that pieces of a cargo insulation blanket had been ingested into the forward outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem located at frame 39 of the fuselage. We issued that AD to prevent failure of the attachment system of the cargo insulation blankets, which could result in detachment and consequent tearing of the blankets. Such tearing could result in blanket pieces being ingested into and jamming the forward outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem, which could lead to cabin depressurization and adversely affect continued safe flight of the airplane. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300–63–6149 (for Model A300–600 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 61079 series airplanes), and Service Bulletin A310–53–2121 (for Model A310–200 and A310–300 series airplanes), both dated February 25, 2005. The service bulletins describe procedures for modifying the forward outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem. The modification includes installing brackets and installing a fence (protective grating) in the area of frame 38.2. The DGAC mandated the service information and issued French airworthiness directive F–2005–061 R1, dated May 25, 2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 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 airplanes 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. Difference Between French Airworthiness Directive and This Proposed AD The applicability of French airworthiness directive F–2005–061 R1, dated May 25, 2005, excludes airplanes on which either Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–6149 or Airbus Service Bulletin A310–53–2121 has been accomplished. However, we have not excluded those airplanes in the applicability of this proposed AD; rather, this proposed AD includes a requirement to accomplish the actions specified in the service bulletins. This requirement would ensure that the actions specified in the service bulletins and required by this proposed AD are accomplished on all affected airplanes. Operators must continue to operate the airplane in the configuration required by this proposed AD unless an alternative method of compliance is approved. Costs of Compliance This proposed AD would affect about 169 airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed modification would take E:\FR\FM\20OCP1.SGM 20OCP1 61080 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 202 / Thursday, October 20, 2005 / Proposed Rules between 3 and 4 work hours per airplane, depending on airplane configuration, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts cost ranges between $120 and $420 per kit, (2 kits per airplane). Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the modification proposed by this AD for U.S. operators ranges between $73,515 and $185,900 or between $435 and $1,100 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 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2005–22739; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–098–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 21, 2005. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in Table 1 of this AD, certificated in any category; except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 12921 has been done in production. TABLE 1.—AIRBUS AIRPLANES AFFECTED BY THIS AD As identified in Airbus service bulletin— Airbus model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, B4–622, B4–605R, B4–622R, F4–605R, F4–622R, and A300 C4– 605R Variant F airplanes A310–203, –204, –221, –222, –304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes Unsafe Condition Modification (d) This AD results from a report of accidents resulting in injuries occurring on in-service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly initiated opening of passenger/crew doors against residual pressure, causing the doors to rapidly open. In these accidents, the buildup of residual pressure in the cabin was caused by the blockage of the outflow valve by an insulation blanket. We are issuing this AD to prevent an insulation blanket or other debris from being ingested into and jamming the forward outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem, which could lead to the inability to control cabin pressurization and adversely affect continued safe flight of the airplane. (f) Within 22 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify the forward outflow value of the pressure regulation subsystem by doing all the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300–63–6149 (for Model A300–600 series airplanes) or A310–53–2121 (for Model A310–200 and A310–300 series airplanes), both dated February 25, 2005; as applicable. 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:49 Oct 19, 2005 Jkt 208001 Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) 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. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Dated— A300–53–6149 February 25, 2005. A310–53–2121 February 25, 2005. FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (h) French airworthiness directive F–2005– 061 R1, dated May 25, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 13, 2005. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05–20965 Filed 10–19–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\20OCP1.SGM 20OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 202 (Thursday, October 20, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 61078-61080]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-20965]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22739; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-098-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and
F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes
(Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310-200 and
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 A300-600, A310-200, and A310-300 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require modifying the forward outflow valve of the
pressure regulation subsystem. This proposed AD results from a report
of accidents resulting in injuries occurring on in-service airplanes
when crewmembers forcibly initiated opening of passenger/crew doors
against residual pressure, causing the doors to rapidly open. In these
accidents, the buildup of residual pressure in the cabin was caused by
the blockage of the outflow valve by an insulation blanket. We are
proposing this AD to prevent an insulation blanket or other debris from
being ingested into and jamming the forward outflow valve of the
pressure regulation subsystem, which could lead to the inability to
control cabin pressurization and adversely affect continued safe flight
of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 21,
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.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.

[[Page 61079]]

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 proposed 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 in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2005-
22739; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-098-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 received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You 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.

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 A300-600, A310-200, and A310-300
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that accidents resulting in injuries
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
buildup of residual pressure in the cabin was caused by the blockage of
the outflow valve by an insulation blanket, which prevented the valve
from opening and closing during flight and on the ground to maintain
control of cabin pressurization.
In addition, there have been several reports of operator difficulty
maintaining cabin pressure during cruise. Investigation revealed that
pieces of a cargo insulation blanket had been ingested into the forward
outflow valve of the pressure regulation subsystem located at frame 39
of the fuselage.
These conditions, if not corrected, could lead to the inability to
control cabin pressurization and adversely affect continued safe flight
of the airplane.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

On June 29, 2004, we issued AD 2004-14-08, amendment 39-13717 (69
FR 41925, July 13, 2004), for certain Airbus Model A300-600 and A310
series airplanes. That AD requires modification of the attachment
system of the insulation blankets of the forward cargo compartment and
related corrective action. That AD was prompted by several reports of
operator difficulty maintaining cabin pressure during cruise.
Investigation revealed that pieces of a cargo insulation blanket had
been ingested into the forward outflow valve of the pressure regulation
subsystem located at frame 39 of the fuselage. We issued that AD to
prevent failure of the attachment system of the cargo insulation
blankets, which could result in detachment and consequent tearing of
the blankets. Such tearing could result in blanket pieces being
ingested into and jamming the forward outflow valve of the pressure
regulation subsystem, which could lead to cabin depressurization and
adversely affect continued safe flight of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-63-6149 (for Model A300-600
series airplanes), and Service Bulletin A310-53-2121 (for Model A310-
200 and A310-300 series airplanes), both dated February 25, 2005. The
service bulletins describe procedures for modifying the forward outflow
valve of the pressure regulation subsystem. The modification includes
installing brackets and installing a fence (protective grating) in the
area of frame 38.2. The DGAC mandated the service information and
issued French airworthiness directive F-2005-061 R1, dated May 25,
2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
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 airplanes 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.

Difference Between French Airworthiness Directive and This Proposed AD

The applicability of French airworthiness directive F-2005-061 R1,
dated May 25, 2005, excludes airplanes on which either Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-53-6149 or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2121 has been
accomplished. However, we have not excluded those airplanes in the
applicability of this proposed AD; rather, this proposed AD includes a
requirement to accomplish the actions specified in the service
bulletins. This requirement would ensure that the actions specified in
the service bulletins and required by this proposed AD are accomplished
on all affected airplanes. Operators must continue to operate the
airplane in the configuration required by this proposed AD unless an
alternative method of compliance is approved.

Costs of Compliance

This proposed AD would affect about 169 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed modification would take

[[Page 61080]]

between 3 and 4 work hours per airplane, depending on airplane
configuration, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required
parts cost ranges between $120 and $420 per kit, (2 kits per airplane).
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the modification proposed
by this AD for U.S. operators ranges between $73,515 and $185,900 or
between $435 and $1,100 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 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-22739; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
098-AD.

Comments Due Date

(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November
21, 2005.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in Table
1 of this AD, certificated in any category; except airplanes on
which Airbus Modification 12921 has been done in production.

Table 1.--Airbus Airplanes Affected by This AD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As identified in
Airbus model Airbus service Dated--
bulletin--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, A300-53-6149 February 25, 2005.
B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and A300 C4-605R
Variant F airplanes
A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, A310-53-2121 February 25, 2005.
and -325 airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD results from a report of accidents resulting in
injuries occurring on in-service airplanes when crewmembers forcibly
initiated opening of passenger/crew doors against residual pressure,
causing the doors to rapidly open. In these accidents, the buildup
of residual pressure in the cabin was caused by the blockage of the
outflow valve by an insulation blanket. We are issuing this AD to
prevent an insulation blanket or other debris from being ingested
into and jamming the forward outflow valve of the pressure
regulation subsystem, which could lead to the inability to control
cabin pressurization and adversely affect continued safe flight of
the airplane.

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.

Modification

(f) Within 22 months after the effective date of this AD: Modify
the forward outflow value of the pressure regulation subsystem by
doing all the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-63-6149 (for Model
A300-600 series airplanes) or A310-53-2121 (for Model A310-200 and
A310-300 series airplanes), both dated February 25, 2005; as
applicable.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(g)(1) 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.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR
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

(h) French airworthiness directive F-2005-061 R1, dated May 25,
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 13, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-20965 Filed 10-19-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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