Reduction of Fuel Tank Flammability in Transport Category Airplanes, 14122-14123 [E6-4025]

Download as PDF 14122 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 54 / Tuesday, March 21, 2006 / Proposed Rules Amendment Number 6 Effective Date: June 5, 2006. SAR Submitted by: BNG Fuel Solutions Corporation. SAR Title: Final Safety Analysis Report for the Ventilated Storage Cask System. Docket Number: 72–1007. Certificate Expiration Date: May 7, 2013. Model Number: VSC–24. * * * * * Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 3rd day of March, 2005. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Luis A. Reyes, Executive Director for Operations. [FR Doc. E6–4083 Filed 3–20–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 25, 91, 121, 125, and 129 [Docket No. FAA–2005–22997; Notice No. 05–14] RIN 2120–A123 Reduction of Fuel Tank Flammability in Transport Category Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); extension of comment period. cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: This action extends the comment period for an NPRM published on November 23, 2005. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed new rules that would require operators and manufacturers of transport category airplanes to take steps that, in combination with other required actions, should greatly reduce the chance of a catastrophic fuel tank explosion. The extension of the comment period is a result of requests from a number of entities to allow public comment on new information that has recently been placed in the public docket. DATES: Send your comments on or before May 8, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may send comments on the NPRM, identified by Docket No. FAA–2005–22997, using any of the following methods: • 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:06 Mar 20, 2006 Jkt 208001 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For more information on the rulemaking process, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of the NPRM. Privacy: We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. For more information, see the Privacy Act discussion in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of the NPRM. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael E. Dostert, FAA Propulsion/ Mechanical Systems Branch, ANM–112, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2132, facsimile (425–227–1320); e-mail: mike.dostert@faa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited The FAA continues to invite interested persons to take part in this rulemaking by sending written comments, data, or views about the NPRM we issued on November 17, 2005, Reduction of Fuel Tank Flammability in Transport Category Airplanes (70 FR 70922, November 23, 2005). We also invite comments about the economic, environmental, energy, or federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in the NPRM. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the NPRM, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. We ask that you send us two copies of written comments. Background On November 17, 2005, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued Notice No. 05–14, Reduction of Fuel Tank Flammability in Transport Category Airplanes (70 FR 70922, November 23, 2005). The comment period for the NPRM ends on March 23, 2006. We received requests from a number of entities to extend the comment period on this NPRM by 60 days. These entities noted that information contained in a report prepared for the FAA by Sandia National Laboratories, that assesses the effectiveness of previous actions resulting from SFAR 88 at reducing the PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 occurrence of ignition sources and associated accident rate resulting from fuel tank explosions, has only recently been placed in the public docket and they requested additional time to consider this information in their comments. In addition, the FAA will include copies of independent peer reviews of the Sandia Report and the Fuel Tank Flammability Assessment User’s Manual, in the public docket for the NPRM. The FAA agrees with the petitioners’ requests for an extension of the comment period. We recognize the NPRM’s contents are significant and complex. Also, the original comment period is insufficient because the additional information was not available in the public docket earlier in the comment period. Further, we understand that additional requests for extensions will be filed shortly by some entities that will be directly affected by the proposals in the NPRM. We have determined that an additional 45 days will be sufficient to allow for all commenters to collect and send information they believe necessary for the FAA to understand their concerns on the proposed rules and the additional information recently added to the NPRM public docket as previously discussed. Absent unusual circumstances, the FAA does not anticipate any further extension of the comment period for the NPRM. On November 18, 2005, we issued a Notice of availability of proposed AC 25.981–2A, Fuel Tank Flammability, and request for comments (70 FR 71365; November 28, 2005). This Notice announced the availability of and requested comments on a proposed AC which sets forth an acceptable means, but not the only means, of demonstrating compliance with the provisions of the airworthiness standards in the NPRM. The comment period for the proposed AC ends on March 23, 2006 and is also being extended by 45 days. The extension of the comment period for the proposed AC is being published concurrently with this extension. Extension of Comment Period In accordance with 14 CFR 11.47(c), the FAA has reviewed the requests of a number of entities for an extension of the comment period to the NPRM. The FAA finds that an extension of the comment period for Notice No. 05–14 is consistent with the public interest, and that good cause exists for taking this action. Accordingly, the comment period for Notice No. 05–14 is extended until May 8, 2006. E:\FR\FM\21MRP1.SGM 21MRP1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 54 / Tuesday, March 21, 2006 / Proposed Rules Issued in Washington, DC, on March 14, 2006. John J. Hickey, Director, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–4025 Filed 3–20–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. 96–NM–143–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G–159 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking; reopening of comment period. AGENCY: The FAA is revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G–159 airplanes. The original NPRM would have required repetitive non-destructive testing inspections to detect corrosion of the skin of certain structural assemblies, and corrective action if necessary. The original NPRM also would have required x-ray and ultrasonic inspections to detect corrosion and cracking of the splicing of certain structural assemblies, and repair if necessary. The original NPRM resulted from reports that exfoliation corrosion had been found in the lower layer of the lower wing plank splices. This action revises the original NPRM by expanding the inspection areas to include the wing lower plank splices, ailerons, flaps, elevators, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, rudder, rudder trim tab, and aft lower fuselage from fuselage station (FS)559 to FS669. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion and cracking of the lower wing plank splices and spot-welded skins of certain structural assemblies, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition. DATES: Comments must be received by April 17, 2006. ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 96–NM– 143–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:06 Mar 20, 2006 Jkt 208001 Renton, Washington 98055–4056. Comments may be inspected at this location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227–1232. Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 9-anmnprmcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must contain ‘‘Docket No. 96–NM–143–AD’’ in the subject line and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or ASCII text. The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D–25, Savannah, Georgia 31402. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Cann, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE–117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703–6038; fax (770) 703–6097. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All communications received on or before the closing date for comments, specified above, will be considered before taking action on the proposed rule. The proposals contained in this action may be changed in light of the comments received. Submit comments using the following format: • Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a request to change the compliance time and a request to change the service bulletin reference as two separate issues. • For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed AD is being requested. • Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each request. Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All comments PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 14123 submitted will be available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket. Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments submitted in response to this action must submit a self-addressed, stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ‘‘Comments to Docket Number 96–NM–143–AD.’’ The postcard will be date stamped and returned to the commenter. Availability of NPRMs Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM–114, Attention: Rules Docket No. 96–NM–143–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056. Discussion A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to add an airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G–159 airplanes, was published as a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register on June 6, 2001 (66 FR 30343). That NPRM would have required repetitive nondestructive testing inspections to detect corrosion of the skin of certain structural assemblies, and corrective action if necessary. That NPRM also would have required x-ray and ultrasonic inspections to detect corrosion and cracking of the splicing of certain structural assemblies, and repair if necessary. That NPRM was prompted by reports that exfoliation corrosion had been found in the lower layer of the lower wing plank splices. That condition, if not corrected, could result in local instability failures of the wing under certain load conditions and result in degradation of wing capability. Actions Since Issuance of Previous Proposal Since the issuance of that NPRM, we have received additional reports indicating corrosion in a larger area of the wing than the area specified in the original NPRM. This condition, if not corrected, could cause cracking and corrosion of the lower wing plank splices and spot-welded skins of certain structural assemblies, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. E:\FR\FM\21MRP1.SGM 21MRP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 21, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14122-14123]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-4025]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 25, 91, 121, 125, and 129

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22997; Notice No. 05-14]
RIN 2120-A123


Reduction of Fuel Tank Flammability in Transport Category 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); extension of comment 
period.

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

SUMMARY: This action extends the comment period for an NPRM published 
on November 23, 2005. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed new rules that 
would require operators and manufacturers of transport category 
airplanes to take steps that, in combination with other required 
actions, should greatly reduce the chance of a catastrophic fuel tank 
explosion. The extension of the comment period is a result of requests 
from a number of entities to allow public comment on new information 
that has recently been placed in the public docket.

DATES: Send your comments on or before May 8, 2006.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments on the NPRM, identified by Docket No. 
FAA-2005-22997, using any of the following methods:
     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 20590-0001.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For more information on the rulemaking process, see the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of the NPRM.
    Privacy: We will post all comments we receive, without change, to 
https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. For 
more information, see the Privacy Act discussion in the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section of the NPRM.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael E. Dostert, FAA Propulsion/
Mechanical Systems Branch, ANM-112, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Aircraft Certification Service, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2132, facsimile (425-227-
1320); e-mail: mike.dostert@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA continues to invite interested persons to take part in this 
rulemaking by sending written comments, data, or views about the NPRM 
we issued on November 17, 2005, Reduction of Fuel Tank Flammability in 
Transport Category Airplanes (70 FR 70922, November 23, 2005). We also 
invite comments about the economic, environmental, energy, or 
federalism impacts that might result from adopting the proposals in the 
NPRM. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the 
NPRM, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include 
supporting data. We ask that you send us two copies of written 
comments.

Background

    On November 17, 2005, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
issued Notice No. 05-14, Reduction of Fuel Tank Flammability in 
Transport Category Airplanes (70 FR 70922, November 23, 2005). The 
comment period for the NPRM ends on March 23, 2006.
    We received requests from a number of entities to extend the 
comment period on this NPRM by 60 days. These entities noted that 
information contained in a report prepared for the FAA by Sandia 
National Laboratories, that assesses the effectiveness of previous 
actions resulting from SFAR 88 at reducing the occurrence of ignition 
sources and associated accident rate resulting from fuel tank 
explosions, has only recently been placed in the public docket and they 
requested additional time to consider this information in their 
comments. In addition, the FAA will include copies of independent peer 
reviews of the Sandia Report and the Fuel Tank Flammability Assessment 
User's Manual, in the public docket for the NPRM.
    The FAA agrees with the petitioners' requests for an extension of 
the comment period. We recognize the NPRM's contents are significant 
and complex. Also, the original comment period is insufficient because 
the additional information was not available in the public docket 
earlier in the comment period. Further, we understand that additional 
requests for extensions will be filed shortly by some entities that 
will be directly affected by the proposals in the NPRM. We have 
determined that an additional 45 days will be sufficient to allow for 
all commenters to collect and send information they believe necessary 
for the FAA to understand their concerns on the proposed rules and the 
additional information recently added to the NPRM public docket as 
previously discussed. Absent unusual circumstances, the FAA does not 
anticipate any further extension of the comment period for the NPRM.
    On November 18, 2005, we issued a Notice of availability of 
proposed AC 25.981-2A, Fuel Tank Flammability, and request for comments 
(70 FR 71365; November 28, 2005). This Notice announced the 
availability of and requested comments on a proposed AC which sets 
forth an acceptable means, but not the only means, of demonstrating 
compliance with the provisions of the airworthiness standards in the 
NPRM. The comment period for the proposed AC ends on March 23, 2006 and 
is also being extended by 45 days. The extension of the comment period 
for the proposed AC is being published concurrently with this 
extension.

Extension of Comment Period

    In accordance with 14 CFR 11.47(c), the FAA has reviewed the 
requests of a number of entities for an extension of the comment period 
to the NPRM. The FAA finds that an extension of the comment period for 
Notice No. 05-14 is consistent with the public interest, and that good 
cause exists for taking this action.
    Accordingly, the comment period for Notice No. 05-14 is extended 
until May 8, 2006.


[[Page 14123]]


    Issued in Washington, DC, on March 14, 2006.
John J. Hickey,
Director, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6-4025 Filed 3-20-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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