Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes, 2455-2457 [06-315]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
May I Request an Alternative Method of
Compliance?
(f) You may request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD by following the procedures in 14
CFR 39.19. Unless FAA authorizes otherwise,
send your request to your principal
inspector. The principal inspector may add
comments and will send your request to the
Manager, Standards Office, Small Airplane
Directorate, FAA. For information on any
already approved alternative methods of
compliance, contact Karl Schletzbaum,
Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane
Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–
4146; facsimile: (816) 329–4090.
Is There Other Information That Relates to
This Subject?
(g) Civil Aviation Authority airworthiness
directive DCA/750XL/7, dated December 22,
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January
5, 2006.
John R. Colomy,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–260 Filed 1–13–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–22035; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–016–AD; Amendment
39–14442; AD 2006–01–03]
This AD becomes effective
February 21, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of February 21, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building, room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 227–1622; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (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 street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with RULES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series
airplanes. This AD requires repetitive
replacement of the angle of attack
(AOA) sensors with new or overhauled
AOA sensors. This AD also provides an
optional terminating action for the
repetitive replacements. This AD results
from reports of several false stall
warnings associated with stick-shaker
activation, occurring during take-off. We
are issuing this AD to prevent false stall
warnings associated with stick-shaker
activation, which could result in
increased pilot workload as the pilot
tries to determine the cause of the stall
warning and possible reduction in the
pilot’s ability to control the airplane.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:48 Jan 13, 2006
Jkt 208001
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to all Airbus Model A300 B2 and
B4 series airplanes. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
August 8, 2005 (70 FR 45592). That
NPRM proposed to require an
inspection to determine the part number
of all angle of attack (AOA) sensors, and
repetitive replacement of the AOA
sensors with new or overhauled AOA
sensors if necessary.
Relevant Service Information
After the NPRM was issued, we
received Airbus Service Bulletin A300–
34–0092, Revision 04, dated April 25,
2005. Revision 03, dated November 2,
2004, was referenced as the appropriate
source of service information for
accomplishing the optional terminating
action specified in paragraph (g) of the
NPRM. We have reviewed Revision 04
of the service bulletin and have
determined that the procedures for
replacing the Honeywell AOA sensors
with ‘‘vane type’’ AOA sensors and
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
2455
replacing the current detectors in relay
boxes 252VU and 107VU with new
current detectors are identical to the
procedures in Revision 03 of the service
bulletin. Therefore, we have revised
paragraph (g) of this AD to reference
Revision 04 of the service bulletin as the
appropriate source of service
information for accomplishing the
optional terminating action. We have
also moved reference to Revision 03 of
the service bulletin to paragraph (k) of
this AD to give credit for actions done
in accordance with Revision 03 before
the effective date of this AD.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments received.
Request To Revise the Applicability
One commenter, the airplane
manufacturer, requests that we limit the
applicability of the NPRM to certain
Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series
airplanes equipped with Honeywell
angle of attack (AOA) sensors having
part number 965–4020–007. The
commenter states that this matches the
applicability of French airworthiness
directive F–2003–457 R1, dated
December 22, 2004. As justification for
limiting the applicability, the
commenter asserts that operators can
easily trace the affected part on their
airplanes. The commenter also states
that limiting the applicability will
relieve operators from inspecting
airplanes, which are not equipped with
the affected AOA sensor.
We do not agree to revise the
applicability of this AD. Even if
operators could easily trace AOA
sensors installed on an airplane, this AD
must be applicable to all Model A300
B2 and B4 series airplanes to ensure that
an affected AOA sensor is not installed
on an airplane after the effective date of
this AD. However, we have added a
provision to paragraph (f) of this AD to
relieve operators of the inspection
requirement. Operators may conduct a
review of airplane maintenance records,
instead of doing an inspection, if the
part numbers of the AOA sensors can
positively be determined from that
review.
Request To Delete Compliance Time
The same commenter requests that we
delete the compliance time for replacing
the AOA sensor before further flight, as
specified in paragraph (f) of the NPRM.
The commenter states that it is not
possible to comply with this compliance
time because Airbus Service Bulletin
A300–34–0176, Revision 01, dated
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
February 3, 2004, recommends
replacing an affected AOA sensor with
an overhauled AOA sensor, which
would require operators to return the
affected AOA sensor to the parts
manufacturer for overhaul.
We do not agree. In developing an
appropriate compliance time for this
action, we considered the safety
implications, parts availability, and
normal maintenance schedules for the
timely accomplishment of the
replacement. In consideration of these
items, we have determined that
replacing an affected AOA sensors
before further flight after inspecting to
the determine its part number will
ensure an acceptable level of safety and
allow the replacement to be done during
scheduled maintenance intervals for
most affected operators. Also, we point
out that paragraph (g) of this AD
provides an optional terminating action
to the repetitive replacements required
by paragraph (f) of this AD. This
terminating action allows operators to
replace the affected AOA sensors with
‘‘vane type’’ AOA sensors and does not
require returning an affected AOA
sensor to the parts manufacturer for
overhaul. According to the
manufacturer, an ample number of
‘‘vane type’’ AOA sensors will be
available to modify the U.S. fleet within
the proposed compliance time.
Furthermore, according to the
provisions of paragraph (l) of this AD,
we may approve requests to adjust the
compliance time if the request includes
data that prove that the new compliance
time would provide an acceptable level
of safety.
Request To Reduce the Compliance
Time
One commenter states that a
compliance time of 4,500 flight hours or
36 months is too long given that the
unsafe condition could result in
increased pilot workload as the pilot
tries to determine the cause of the stall
warning and possible reduction in the
pilot’s ability to control the airplane. We
infer the commenter would like us to
reduce the compliance time.
We disagree. After considering all the
available information, we have
determined that the compliance time, as
proposed, represents an appropriate
interval of time for accomplishing the
required actions in a timely manner
within the affected fleet, while still
maintaining an adequate level of safety.
In developing an appropriate
compliance time, we considered the
safety implications, parts availability,
and normal maintenance schedules for
timely accomplishment of the
inspection. Furthermore, we arrived at
the compliance time of 4,500 flight
hours or 36 months, whichever is first,
with concurrence from the manufacturer
´ ´
and the Direction Generale de l’Aviation
Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France.
Reducing the compliance time would
necessitate (under the provisions of the
Administrative Procedure Act) reissuing
the notice, reopening the period for
public comment, considering additional
comments subsequently received, and
eventually issuing a final rule. That
procedure could take as long as four
months. We have determined that
further delay of this AD is
inappropriate. However, if additional
data are presented that would justify a
shorter compliance time, we may
consider further rulemaking on this
issue.
Clarification of Alternative Method of
Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph
We have revised this AD to clarify the
appropriate procedure for notifying the
principal inspector before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comments
received, and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described
previously. We have determined that
these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the
estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this AD.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Average
labor rate
per hour
Work
hours
Inspection .............................
Replacement, per replacement cycle.
Optional terminating action ..
1
2
$65
65
None ....................................
$3,300 ($1,100 per sensor)
$65
3,430
20
20
7
65
$8,780 .................................
9,235
20
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with RULES
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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:48 Jan 13, 2006
Number of
U.S.registered
airplanes
Cost per
airplane
Parts
Jkt 208001
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will
not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
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Fleet cost
$1,300.
$68,600, per replacement
cycle.
$184,700.
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 10 / Tuesday, January 17, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
See the ADDRESSES section for a location
to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
Optional Terminating Action
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
sensors can be conclusively determined from
that review. If no Honeywell AOA sensor
having part number (P/N) 965–4020–007 is
found, then no further action is required by
this paragraph. If any Honeywell AOA sensor
having P/N 965–4020–007 is found, before
further flight, replace the AOA sensor with
a new or overhauled AOA sensor having
P/N 965–4020–007, in accordance with the
service bulletin. Repeat the replacement
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000
flight hours or 96 months, whichever is first.
Accomplishing the actions specified in
paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the
repetitive replacements.
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
I
2006–01–03 Airbus: Amendment 39–14442.
Docket No. FAA–2005–22035;
Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–016–AD.
(g) Replacement of all Honeywell AOA
sensors having P/N 965–4020–007 between
frame (FR)18 and FR19 with ‘‘vane type’’
AOA sensors; and replacement of the current
detectors in relay boxes 252VU and 107VU
with new current detectors; in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A300–34–0092,
Revision 04, dated April 25, 2005; terminate
the repetitive replacements required by
paragraph (f) of this AD.
No Reporting Requirement
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective February 21,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
(h) Although Airbus Service Bulletin
A300–34–0176, Revision 01, dated February
3, 2004, specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
Parts Installation
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model
A300 B2–1A, B2–1C, B2K–3C, and B2–203
airplanes; and Model A300 B4–2C, B4–103,
and B4–203 airplanes; certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of
several false stall warnings associated with
stick-shaker activation, occurring during
take-off. We are issuing this AD to prevent
false stall warnings associated with stickshaker activation, which could result in
increased pilot workload as the pilot tries to
determine the cause of the stall warning and
possible reduction in the pilot’s ability to
control the airplane.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with RULES
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.
Repetitive Replacements
(f) Within 4,500 flight hours or 36 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
is first: Inspect zone 120 to determine the
part numbers (P/Ns) of all three angle of
attack (AOA) sensors, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–34–0176, Revision 01,
dated February 3, 2004. Instead of inspecting
zone 120 to determine the P/Ns of the AOA
sensors, a review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable if the P/Ns of the AOA
VerDate Aug<31>2005
13:48 Jan 13, 2006
Jkt 208001
(i) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install an AOA sensor having
P/N 965–4020–007 on any airplane, unless it
is new or overhauled. Thereafter repetitively
replace the new or overhauled AOA sensor
in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD.
Credit for Previously Accomplished Actions
(j) Actions done before the effective date of
this AD in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300–34–0176, dated July 9, 2003,
are acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding requirements of paragraph (f)
of this AD.
Credit for Optional Terminating Action
(k) Actions done before the effective date
of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300–34–092, Revision 2, dated July
18, 1985, or Airbus Service Bulletin A300–
34–0092, Revision 03, dated November 2,
2004, are acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(l)(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.
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2457
Related Information
(m) French airworthiness directive F–
2003–457 R1, dated December 22, 2004, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin
A300–34–0176, Revision 01, excluding
Appendix 01, dated February 3, 2004, to
perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
optional terminating action provided by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if accomplished,
must be done in accordance with Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–34–0092, Revision 04,
dated April 25, 2005. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation
by reference of these documents in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for a copy of this service information.
You may review copies at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW.,
room PL–401, Nassif Building, Washington,
DC; on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or
at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at the NARA,
call (202) 741–6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
5, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–315 Filed 1–13–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Bureau of Customs and Border
Protection
19 CFR Part 101
[CBP Dec. 05–38]
Extension of Port Limits of Rockford,
IL
Customs and Border Protection;
Department of Homeland Security.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This rule amends the
Department of Homeland Security
regulations pertaining to the field
organization of the Bureau of Customs
and Border Protection by extending the
geographical limits of the port of entry
at Rockford, Illinois, to include the City
of Rochelle, Illinois. The extension of
the port is necessary to accommodate
the Union Pacific Railroad Company’s
new intermodal facility in Rochelle.
This change is part of the Bureau of
E:\FR\FM\17JAR1.SGM
17JAR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 10 (Tuesday, January 17, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 2455-2457]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-315]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22035; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-016-AD;
Amendment 39-14442; AD 2006-01-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes. This AD requires
repetitive replacement of the angle of attack (AOA) sensors with new or
overhauled AOA sensors. This AD also provides an optional terminating
action for the repetitive replacements. This AD results from reports of
several false stall warnings associated with stick-shaker activation,
occurring during take-off. We are issuing this AD to prevent false
stall warnings associated with stick-shaker activation, which could
result in increased pilot workload as the pilot tries to determine the
cause of the stall warning and possible reduction in the pilot's
ability to control the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 21, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of February 21,
2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the 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., Nassif Building,
room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (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 street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A300
B2 and B4 series airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on August 8, 2005 (70 FR 45592). That NPRM proposed to require
an inspection to determine the part number of all angle of attack (AOA)
sensors, and repetitive replacement of the AOA sensors with new or
overhauled AOA sensors if necessary.
Relevant Service Information
After the NPRM was issued, we received Airbus Service Bulletin
A300-34-0092, Revision 04, dated April 25, 2005. Revision 03, dated
November 2, 2004, was referenced as the appropriate source of service
information for accomplishing the optional terminating action specified
in paragraph (g) of the NPRM. We have reviewed Revision 04 of the
service bulletin and have determined that the procedures for replacing
the Honeywell AOA sensors with ``vane type'' AOA sensors and replacing
the current detectors in relay boxes 252VU and 107VU with new current
detectors are identical to the procedures in Revision 03 of the service
bulletin. Therefore, we have revised paragraph (g) of this AD to
reference Revision 04 of the service bulletin as the appropriate source
of service information for accomplishing the optional terminating
action. We have also moved reference to Revision 03 of the service
bulletin to paragraph (k) of this AD to give credit for actions done in
accordance with Revision 03 before the effective date of this AD.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Revise the Applicability
One commenter, the airplane manufacturer, requests that we limit
the applicability of the NPRM to certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4
series airplanes equipped with Honeywell angle of attack (AOA) sensors
having part number 965-4020-007. The commenter states that this matches
the applicability of French airworthiness directive F-2003-457 R1,
dated December 22, 2004. As justification for limiting the
applicability, the commenter asserts that operators can easily trace
the affected part on their airplanes. The commenter also states that
limiting the applicability will relieve operators from inspecting
airplanes, which are not equipped with the affected AOA sensor.
We do not agree to revise the applicability of this AD. Even if
operators could easily trace AOA sensors installed on an airplane, this
AD must be applicable to all Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes to
ensure that an affected AOA sensor is not installed on an airplane
after the effective date of this AD. However, we have added a provision
to paragraph (f) of this AD to relieve operators of the inspection
requirement. Operators may conduct a review of airplane maintenance
records, instead of doing an inspection, if the part numbers of the AOA
sensors can positively be determined from that review.
Request To Delete Compliance Time
The same commenter requests that we delete the compliance time for
replacing the AOA sensor before further flight, as specified in
paragraph (f) of the NPRM. The commenter states that it is not possible
to comply with this compliance time because Airbus Service Bulletin
A300-34-0176, Revision 01, dated
[[Page 2456]]
February 3, 2004, recommends replacing an affected AOA sensor with an
overhauled AOA sensor, which would require operators to return the
affected AOA sensor to the parts manufacturer for overhaul.
We do not agree. In developing an appropriate compliance time for
this action, we considered the safety implications, parts availability,
and normal maintenance schedules for the timely accomplishment of the
replacement. In consideration of these items, we have determined that
replacing an affected AOA sensors before further flight after
inspecting to the determine its part number will ensure an acceptable
level of safety and allow the replacement to be done during scheduled
maintenance intervals for most affected operators. Also, we point out
that paragraph (g) of this AD provides an optional terminating action
to the repetitive replacements required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
This terminating action allows operators to replace the affected AOA
sensors with ``vane type'' AOA sensors and does not require returning
an affected AOA sensor to the parts manufacturer for overhaul.
According to the manufacturer, an ample number of ``vane type'' AOA
sensors will be available to modify the U.S. fleet within the proposed
compliance time. Furthermore, according to the provisions of paragraph
(l) of this AD, we may approve requests to adjust the compliance time
if the request includes data that prove that the new compliance time
would provide an acceptable level of safety.
Request To Reduce the Compliance Time
One commenter states that a compliance time of 4,500 flight hours
or 36 months is too long given that the unsafe condition could result
in increased pilot workload as the pilot tries to determine the cause
of the stall warning and possible reduction in the pilot's ability to
control the airplane. We infer the commenter would like us to reduce
the compliance time.
We disagree. After considering all the available information, we
have determined that the compliance time, as proposed, represents an
appropriate interval of time for accomplishing the required actions in
a timely manner within the affected fleet, while still maintaining an
adequate level of safety. In developing an appropriate compliance time,
we considered the safety implications, parts availability, and normal
maintenance schedules for timely accomplishment of the inspection.
Furthermore, we arrived at the compliance time of 4,500 flight hours or
36 months, whichever is first, with concurrence from the manufacturer
and the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France. Reducing the
compliance time would necessitate (under the provisions of the
Administrative Procedure Act) reissuing the notice, reopening the
period for public comment, considering additional comments subsequently
received, and eventually issuing a final rule. That procedure could
take as long as four months. We have determined that further delay of
this AD is inappropriate. However, if additional data are presented
that would justify a shorter compliance time, we may consider further
rulemaking on this issue.
Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph
We have revised this AD to clarify the appropriate procedure for
notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on any
airplane to which the AMOC applies.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average Number of
Work labor Cost per U.S.-
Action hours rate per Parts airplane registered Fleet cost
hour airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection................... 1 $65 None............ $65 20 $1,300.
Replacement, per replacement 2 65 $3,300 ($1,100 3,430 20 $68,600, per
cycle. per sensor). replacement
cycle.
Optional terminating action.. 7 65 $8,780.......... 9,235 20 $184,700.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
[[Page 2457]]
See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory
evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2006-01-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-14442. Docket No. FAA-2005-22035;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-016-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective February 21, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2-1A, B2-1C, B2K-
3C, and B2-203 airplanes; and Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203
airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by reports of several false stall
warnings associated with stick-shaker activation, occurring during
take-off. We are issuing this AD to prevent false stall warnings
associated with stick-shaker activation, which could result in
increased pilot workload as the pilot tries to determine the cause
of the stall warning and possible reduction in the pilot's ability
to control 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.
Repetitive Replacements
(f) Within 4,500 flight hours or 36 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever is first: Inspect zone 120 to determine
the part numbers (P/Ns) of all three angle of attack (AOA) sensors,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-34-0176, Revision 01, dated February 3, 2004. Instead
of inspecting zone 120 to determine the P/Ns of the AOA sensors, a
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the P/Ns of
the AOA sensors can be conclusively determined from that review. If
no Honeywell AOA sensor having part number (P/N) 965-4020-007 is
found, then no further action is required by this paragraph. If any
Honeywell AOA sensor having P/N 965-4020-007 is found, before
further flight, replace the AOA sensor with a new or overhauled AOA
sensor having P/N 965-4020-007, in accordance with the service
bulletin. Repeat the replacement thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 8,000 flight hours or 96 months, whichever is first.
Accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (g) of this AD
terminates the repetitive replacements.
Optional Terminating Action
(g) Replacement of all Honeywell AOA sensors having P/N 965-
4020-007 between frame (FR)18 and FR19 with ``vane type'' AOA
sensors; and replacement of the current detectors in relay boxes
252VU and 107VU with new current detectors; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0092,
Revision 04, dated April 25, 2005; terminate the repetitive
replacements required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
No Reporting Requirement
(h) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0176, Revision 01,
dated February 3, 2004, specifies to submit certain information to
the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
Parts Installation
(i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an AOA sensor having P/N 965-4020-007 on any airplane, unless it is
new or overhauled. Thereafter repetitively replace the new or
overhauled AOA sensor in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD.
Credit for Previously Accomplished Actions
(j) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0176, dated July 9,
2003, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
Credit for Optional Terminating Action
(k) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-092, Revision 2,
dated July 18, 1985, or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0092,
Revision 03, dated November 2, 2004, are acceptable for compliance
with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(l)(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
(m) French airworthiness directive F-2003-457 R1, dated December
22, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(n) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-34-0176, Revision
01, excluding Appendix 01, dated February 3, 2004, to perform the
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. The optional terminating action provided by paragraph (g)
of this AD, if accomplished, must be done in accordance with Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-34-0092, Revision 04, dated April 25, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and
1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information. You
may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif
Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call
(202) 741-6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 5, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-315 Filed 1-13-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
