Airworthiness Directives; Goodrich Evacuation Systems Approved Under Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO-C69b and Installed on Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes; Model A340-200 and -300 Series Airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 Airplanes, 7876-7878 [E6-2173]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
7876
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 15, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i)(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 § 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) French airworthiness directive F–2005–
066, dated April 27, 2005, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
6, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–2175 Filed 2–14–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–23890; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–229–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Goodrich
Evacuation Systems Approved Under
Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO–
C69b and Installed on Airbus Model
A330–200 and –300 Series Airplanes;
Model A340–200 and –300 Series
Airplanes; and Model A340–541 and
–642 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
Goodrich Evacuation Systems approved
under TSO–C69b and installed on
certain Airbus Model A330–200 and
–300 series airplanes; Model A340–200
and –300 series airplanes; and Model
A340–541 and –642 airplanes. This
proposed AD would require inspecting
to determine the part number of the
pressure relief valves on the affected
Goodrich evacuation systems, and
corrective action if necessary. This
proposed AD results from a report
indicating that, during maintenance
testing, the pressure relief valves on the
affected Goodrich evacuation systems
did not seal when activated, which
caused the pressure in the escape slide/
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:04 Feb 14, 2006
Jkt 208001
raft to drop below the minimum
allowable raft mode pressure. We are
proposing this AD to prevent loss of
pressure in the escape slides/rafts after
an emergency evacuation, which could
result in inadequate buoyancy to
support the raft’s passenger capacity
during ditching, and increase the
chance for injury to raft passengers.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by March 17, 2006.
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.
• 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 Goodrich, Aircraft Interior
Products, ATTN: Technical
Publications, 3414 South Fifth Street,
Phoenix, AZ 85040, for service
information identified in this proposed
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Tracy Ton, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin
Safety/Mechanical and Environmental
Systems Branch, ANM–150L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office,
3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood,
California 90712–4137; telephone (562)
627–5352; fax (562) 627–5210.
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–2006–23890; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–229–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
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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
We have received a report indicating
that an unsafe condition may exist on
certain Airbus Model A330–200 and
–300 series airplanes; Model A340–200
and –300 series airplanes; and Model
A340–541 and –642 airplanes; equipped
with certain Goodrich evacuation
systems. During maintenance testing,
the pressure relief valves of the affected
Goodrich evacuation systems did not
seal when activated, which caused the
pressure in the slide/raft to drop below
the minimum allowable operating
pressure. The affected Goodrich
evacuation systems have certain part
numbers (P/Ns) and are approved under
Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO–
C69b. A review of service data indicates
that there have been similar problems
with pressure relief valves on multiple
transport category airplane models. Loss
of pressure in the escape slides/rafts
after an emergency evacuation could
result in inadequate buoyancy to
support the raft’s passenger capacity
during ditching, and increase the
chance for injury to raft passengers.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Goodrich Service
Bulletin 25–355, dated July 25, 2005.
The service bulletin describes
procedures for inspecting to determine
the P/N of the pressure relief valves on
affected Goodrich evacuation systems,
and corrective actions if necessary. The
service bulletin also describes
E:\FR\FM\15FEP1.SGM
15FEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 15, 2006 / Proposed Rules
procedures for permanently marking the
service bulletin number on the girt
adjacent to the system identification
placard to indicate compliance with the
bulletin. The corrective action involves
replacing any affected pressure relief
valve on the affected evacuation system
with a new valve. Accomplishing the
actions specified in the service
information is intended to adequately
address the unsafe condition.
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.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the
actions specified in the service
information described previously,
except as discussed under ‘‘Difference
Between This Proposed AD and the
Service Bulletin.’’
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS
Difference Between This Proposed AD
and the Service Bulletin
Although the service bulletin
recommends accomplishing the
inspection ‘‘at the next scheduled shop
visit of the unit,’’ we have determined
that this imprecise compliance time
might not address the identified unsafe
condition soon enough to ensure an
adequate level of safety for the affected
fleet. In developing an appropriate
compliance time for this AD, we
considered the manufacturer’s
recommendation, the degree of urgency
associated with the subject unsafe
condition, and the average utilization of
the affected fleet. In light of all of these
factors, we find that a compliance time
of 36 months for the inspection
represents an appropriate interval of
time for affected airplanes to continue to
operate without compromising safety.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about
27 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
proposed actions would take about 1
work hour per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the estimated cost of
the proposed AD for U.S. operators is
$1,755, or $65 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,
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:04 Feb 14, 2006
Jkt 208001
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
PO 00000
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
7877
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2006–23890;
Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–229–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by March 17, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Goodrich Evacuation
Systems Approved Under Technical
Standard Order (TSO) TSO–C69b and having
any part number identified in Goodrich
Service Bulletin 25–355, dated July 25, 2005,
as installed on Airbus Model A330–201,
–202, –203, –223, –243, –301, –321, –322,
–323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes; Model
A340–211, –212, –213, –311, –312, and –313
airplanes; and Model A340–541 and –642
airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report indicating
that, during maintenance testing, the
pressure relief valves of certain Goodrich
evacuation systems did not seal when
activated, which allowed the pressure in the
slide/raft to drop below the minimum
allowable raft mode pressure. We are issuing
this AD to prevent loss of pressure in the
escape slides/rafts after an emergency
evacuation, which could result in inadequate
buoyancy to support the raft’s passenger
capacity during ditching, and increase the
chance for injury to raft passengers.
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 36 months after the effective
date of this AD: Perform an inspection to
determine the part number (P/N) of the
pressure relief valve on the Goodrich
evacuation systems in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Goodrich
Service Bulletin 25–355, dated July 25, 2005.
(1) If any pressure relief valve having P/N
4A3791–3 is installed, before further flight,
replace the valve with a new or serviceable
valve having P/N 4A3641–1 and mark the girt
adjacent to the placard, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of the
service bulletin.
(2) If any pressure release valve having P/
N 4A3641–1 is installed, before further flight,
mark the girt adjacent to the placard in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin.
Part Installation
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install a pressure relief valve
having P/N 4A3791–3, on any airplane
equipped with Goodrich evacuation systems
identified in Goodrich Service Bulletin 25–
355, dated July 25, 2005.
E:\FR\FM\15FEP1.SGM
15FEP1
7878
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 15, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(h)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (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.
Related Information
(i) None.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
7, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–2173 Filed 2–14–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–23889; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–252–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A318–111 Airplanes; A319–100 Series
Airplanes; A320–111 Airplanes; A320–
200 Series Airplanes; and A321–100
and –200 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus transport category
airplanes. This proposed AD would
require inspecting to determine the part
number of the twin motor actuators, and
related investigative and corrective
actions if necessary. This proposed AD
results from a report of a low pressure
valve of the twin motor actuator found
partially open, although the valve
detection system indicated that the
valve was closed. Investigation revealed
that the locating pin in the actuator was
too short to engage with the valve slot,
resulting in incorrect alignment of the
actuator and the drive assembly, causing
the valve to remain partially open. We
are proposing this AD to ensure that, in
the event of an engine fire, the valve
actuator functions properly to delay or
block the fuel flow to the engine and
prevent an uncontrollable fire.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:04 Feb 14, 2006
Jkt 208001
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by March 17, 2006.
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.
• 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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2125;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
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–2006–23889; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–252–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
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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 Generale de l’Aviation
Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France,
notified us that an unsafe condition may
exist on certain Airbus transport
category airplanes. The DGAC advises
that it received a report of a low
pressure valve of the twin motor
actuator found partially open, although
the valve detection system indicated
that the valve was closed. Investigation
revealed that the locating pin in the
actuator was too short to engage with
the valve slot, resulting in incorrect
alignment. The cause of the defective
locating pin was erroneous
manufacturing tolerances. In the event
of an engine fire, proper functioning of
the valve actuator will delay or block
the fuel flow to the engine and prevent
an uncontrollable fire.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A320–28–1122, including Appendix 01,
dated November 19, 2004. The service
bulletin describes procedures for
inspecting to determine the part number
of the twin motor actuators, and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. If there is no affected
actuator, the service bulletin specifies
that no further action is required. If
there is any affected actuator, the
service bulletin specifies that operators
should do the related investigative
action of inspecting the locating pin of
the valve of the twin-motor actuator for
damage or misalignment, and
accomplish all necessary corrective
actions. The corrective action includes
replacing any defective pin and
repairing any damage to the actuator or
drive assembly to ensure correct
alignment can be attained.
Accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition. The DGAC mandated the
E:\FR\FM\15FEP1.SGM
15FEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 15, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 7876-7878]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-2173]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-23890; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-229-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Goodrich Evacuation Systems Approved
Under Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO-C69b and Installed on Airbus
Model A330-200 and -300 Series Airplanes; Model A340-200 and -300
Series Airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 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 Goodrich Evacuation Systems approved under TSO-C69b and installed
on certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; Model A340-
200 and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes.
This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine the part number
of the pressure relief valves on the affected Goodrich evacuation
systems, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD results
from a report indicating that, during maintenance testing, the pressure
relief valves on the affected Goodrich evacuation systems did not seal
when activated, which caused the pressure in the escape slide/raft to
drop below the minimum allowable raft mode pressure. We are proposing
this AD to prevent loss of pressure in the escape slides/rafts after an
emergency evacuation, which could result in inadequate buoyancy to
support the raft's passenger capacity during ditching, and increase the
chance for injury to raft passengers.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 17, 2006.
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.
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 Goodrich, Aircraft Interior Products, ATTN: Technical
Publications, 3414 South Fifth Street, Phoenix, AZ 85040, for service
information identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tracy Ton, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin
Safety/Mechanical and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150L, FAA, Los
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, California 90712-4137; telephone (562) 627-5352; fax (562)
627-5210.
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-2006-
23890; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-229-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
We have received a report indicating that an unsafe condition may
exist on certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; Model
A340-200 and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642
airplanes; equipped with certain Goodrich evacuation systems. During
maintenance testing, the pressure relief valves of the affected
Goodrich evacuation systems did not seal when activated, which caused
the pressure in the slide/raft to drop below the minimum allowable
operating pressure. The affected Goodrich evacuation systems have
certain part numbers (P/Ns) and are approved under Technical Standard
Order (TSO) TSO-C69b. A review of service data indicates that there
have been similar problems with pressure relief valves on multiple
transport category airplane models. Loss of pressure in the escape
slides/rafts after an emergency evacuation could result in inadequate
buoyancy to support the raft's passenger capacity during ditching, and
increase the chance for injury to raft passengers.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-355, dated July 25,
2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for inspecting to
determine the P/N of the pressure relief valves on affected Goodrich
evacuation systems, and corrective actions if necessary. The service
bulletin also describes
[[Page 7877]]
procedures for permanently marking the service bulletin number on the
girt adjacent to the system identification placard to indicate
compliance with the bulletin. The corrective action involves replacing
any affected pressure relief valve on the affected evacuation system
with a new valve. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
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.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Difference Between
This Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin.''
Difference Between This Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin
Although the service bulletin recommends accomplishing the
inspection ``at the next scheduled shop visit of the unit,'' we have
determined that this imprecise compliance time might not address the
identified unsafe condition soon enough to ensure an adequate level of
safety for the affected fleet. In developing an appropriate compliance
time for this AD, we considered the manufacturer's recommendation, the
degree of urgency associated with the subject unsafe condition, and the
average utilization of the affected fleet. In light of all of these
factors, we find that a compliance time of 36 months for the inspection
represents an appropriate interval of time for affected airplanes to
continue to operate without compromising safety.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 27 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $1,755, or $65
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-2006-23890; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
229-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by March 17,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Goodrich Evacuation Systems Approved
Under Technical Standard Order (TSO) TSO-C69b and having any part
number identified in Goodrich Service Bulletin 25-355, dated July
25, 2005, as installed on Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -
243, -301, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; Model
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes; and Model
A340-541 and -642 airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report indicating that, during
maintenance testing, the pressure relief valves of certain Goodrich
evacuation systems did not seal when activated, which allowed the
pressure in the slide/raft to drop below the minimum allowable raft
mode pressure. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of pressure in
the escape slides/rafts after an emergency evacuation, which could
result in inadequate buoyancy to support the raft's passenger
capacity during ditching, and increase the chance for injury to raft
passengers.
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 36 months after the effective date of this AD:
Perform an inspection to determine the part number (P/N) of the
pressure relief valve on the Goodrich evacuation systems in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Goodrich Service
Bulletin 25-355, dated July 25, 2005.
(1) If any pressure relief valve having P/N 4A3791-3 is
installed, before further flight, replace the valve with a new or
serviceable valve having P/N 4A3641-1 and mark the girt adjacent to
the placard, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
the service bulletin.
(2) If any pressure release valve having P/N 4A3641-1 is
installed, before further flight, mark the girt adjacent to the
placard in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the
service bulletin.
Part Installation
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
pressure relief valve having P/N 4A3791-3, on any airplane equipped
with Goodrich evacuation systems identified in Goodrich Service
Bulletin 25-355, dated July 25, 2005.
[[Page 7878]]
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office
(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
(i) None.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 7, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-2173 Filed 2-14-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
