Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Airplanes, 15024-15027 [06-2849]
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15024
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 58 / Monday, March 27, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
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.
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:
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I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
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18:13 Mar 24, 2006
Jkt 208001
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
I
2006–06–14 Airbus: Amendment 39–14523.
Docket No. FAA–2005–23314;
Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–189–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective May 1, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318–
111 and –112 airplanes; Model A319–111,
–112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, and –133
airplanes; A320–111 airplanes; Model A320–
211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and –233
airplanes; Model A321–111, –112, and –131
airplanes; and Model A321–211, –212, –213,
–231, and –232 airplanes; certificated in any
category; except airplanes on which Airbus
Modification 27496 has been installed in
production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from several in-service
incidents of wear and detachment of the topstops from the magnetic fuel level indicators
(MFLI). Such detachment allows the top-stop
to move around the wing fuel tank, and the
top-stop could come into contact or in close
proximity with a gauging probe, resulting in
compromise of the air gap between the probe
and the structure and creating a potential
ignition source. We are issuing this AD to
prevent an ignition source in the wing fuel
tank in the event of a lightning strike, which
could result in a fire or explosion.
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.
Review Airplane Maintenance Records/
Investigative and Corrective Actions
(f) Within 65 months or 6,500 flight hours
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
is first: Review the airplane’s maintenance
records to determine the part number (P/N)
of each MFLI of the wing fuel tanks in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
28–1138, dated March 18, 2005. If the P/N
cannot be identified, or the P/N is identified
in the ‘‘old P/N’’ column of the table in
paragraph 1.L., ‘‘Interchangeability/
Mixability,’’ of the service bulletin, before
further flight, do the applicable related
investigative and corrective actions by
accomplishing all of the actions in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin.
Parts Installation
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install on any airplane any MFLI
of the wing fuel tanks with a P/N identified
in the ‘‘old P/N’’ column of the table in
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Sfmt 4700
paragraph 1.L., ‘‘Interchangeability/
Mixability,’’ of Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–28–1138, dated March 18, 2005.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(h)(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
(i) French airworthiness directive F–2005–
108, dated July 6, 2005, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–28–1138, dated March 18, 2005, to
perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The
Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this document
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 March
10, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–2850 Filed 3–24–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2005–21909; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–059–AD; Amendment
39–14521; AD 2006–06–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale
Model ATR72 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 58 / Monday, March 27, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Aerospatiale Model ATR72 airplanes.
This AD requires a one-time general
visual inspection for contamination of
the surface of the upper arms of the
main landing gear (MLG) secondary side
brace assemblies; and repetitive eddy
current inspections for cracking of the
upper arms, and related specified and
corrective actions if necessary. This AD
also mandates eventual replacement of
aluminum upper arms with steel upper
arms, which would end the repetitive
inspections. This AD results from two
reports of rupture of the upper arm of
the MLG secondary side brace due to
fatigue cracking. We are issuing this AD
to prevent cracking of the upper arms of
the secondary side brace assemblies of
the MLG, which could result in collapse
of the MLG during takeoff or landing,
damage to the airplane, and possible
injury to the flightcrew and passengers.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May
1, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of May 1, 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 Aerospatiale, 316 Route de
Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex 03,
France, for service information
identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 227–1137; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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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 certain Aerospatiale Model
VerDate Aug<31>2005
19:51 Mar 24, 2006
Jkt 208001
ATR72 airplanes. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
July 21, 2005 (70 FR 42003). That NPRM
proposed to require a one-time general
visual inspection for contamination of
the surface of the upper arms of the
main landing gear (MLG) secondary side
brace assemblies; and repetitive eddy
current inspections for cracking of the
upper arms, and related specified and
corrective actions if necessary. That
NPRM also proposed to mandate
eventual replacement of aluminum
upper arms with steel upper arms,
which would end the repetitive
inspections.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comment received from
one commenter.
Request To Change Number of U.S.Registered Airplanes in Cost Section
American Airlines asks that we
change the estimated number of U.S.registered airplanes listed in the ‘‘Costs
of Compliance’’ section of the NPRM,
which specifies that there are about 18
airplanes of U.S. registry affected by the
AD. American Airlines states that this
number is incorrect because his airline
operates 29 Model ATR72–212 airplanes
and 12 Model ATR72–212A airplanes in
the U.S. American Airlines suggests that
the figure for airplanes of U.S. registry
be changed to add these airplanes.
We agree to change the estimated
number of U.S. airplanes listed in the
‘‘Costs of Compliance’’ section of the
AD. The purpose of that section is only
to ‘estimate’ the number of airplanes
affected by the AD. When an NPRM is
written, we obtain the total number of
U.S-registered airplanes from the Air
Claims database, and that number
frequently changes. The total number of
U.S-registered airplanes is currently 53.
We have changed the ‘‘Costs of
Compliance’’ section accordingly.
For clarification, the AD applies to
Aerospatiale Model ATR72–101, –102,
–201, –202, –211, –212, and –212A
airplanes, certificated in any category;
except airplanes that have received ATR
Modification 5522 in production. We
have made no change to the
applicability specified in this AD.
Clarification of AMOC Paragraph
We have revised paragraph (k) of 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.
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15025
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comment
that has been received, and determined
that air safety and the public interest
require adopting the AD with the
changes described previously. These
changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 53 airplanes of
U.S. registry.
The initial and repetitive inspections
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 inspections for
U.S. operators is $3,445, or $65 per
airplane, per inspection cycle.
The replacement takes about 4 work
hours per airplane (2 work hours per
upper arm), at an average labor rate of
$65 per work hour. Required parts cost
about $4,948 per airplane ($2,474 per
upper arm). Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the replacement for
U.S. operators is $276,024, or $5,208 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 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:
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15026
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 58 / Monday, March 27, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
(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.
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
I
2006–06–12 Aerospatiale: Amendment 39–
14521. Docket No. FAA–2005–21909;
Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–059–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective May 1, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Aerospatiale Model
ATR72–101, –102, –201, –202, –211, –212,
and –212A airplanes, certificated in any
category; except airplanes that have received
ATR Modification 5522 in production.
cchase on PROD1PC60 with RULES
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by two reports
of rupture of the upper arm of the main
landing gear (MLG) secondary side brace
assembly due to fatigue cracking. We are
issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the
upper arms of the secondary side brace
assemblies of the MLG, which could result in
collapse of the MLG during takeoff or
landing, damage to the airplane, and possible
injury to the flightcrew and 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.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:13 Mar 24, 2006
Jkt 208001
Inspections
(f) At the latest of the times specified in
paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD:
Accomplish a general visual inspection for
contamination of the surface of the upper
arms of the MLG secondary side brace
assemblies, and an eddy current inspection
for cracking of the upper arms by doing all
the actions specified in Parts A and B of the
Accomplishment Instructions of MessierDowty Special Inspection Service Bulletin
631–32–178, Revision 1, dated September 30,
2004. Repeat the eddy current inspection at
intervals not to exceed 800 flight cycles until
accomplishment of paragraph (h) of this AD.
(1) Before the accumulation of 4,000 total
flight cycles on the secondary side brace.
(2) Before the accumulation of 800 flight
cycles on the secondary side brace since
overhauled.
(3) Within 200 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a
general visual inspection is: ‘‘A visual
examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious
damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of
inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror
may be necessary to enhance visual access to
all exposed surfaces in the inspection area.
This level of inspection is made under
normally available lighting conditions such
as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or
opening of access panels or doors. Stands,
ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.’’
Related Specified and Corrective Actions
(g) If any cracking is found during any
inspection required by paragraph (f) of this
AD: Before further flight, replace the affected
upper arm of the MLG secondary side brace
assembly as specified in paragraph (g)(1) or
(g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Replace the aluminum upper arm of the
MLG secondary side brace assembly with a
steel upper arm by doing the applicable
actions specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Messier-Dowty Service
Bulletin 631–32–183, dated October 6, 2004.
This replacement ends the repetitive
inspections required by paragraph (f) of this
AD for that side brace only.
(2) Replace the aluminum upper arm of the
MLG secondary side brace assembly with a
new or serviceable aluminum upper arm in
accordance with a method approved by
either the Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
´ ´
FAA; or the Direction Generale de l’Aviation
Civile (or its delegated agent). ATR
Component Maintenance Manual, Chapter
32–18–41, Revision 3, dated September 30,
2002, is one approved method. Accomplish
a general visual inspection for contamination
of the surface of the upper arm before the
accumulation of 4,000 total flight cycles on
the replacement aluminum upper arm, and if
cracks are found, before further flight, replace
the aluminum upper arm with a steel upper
arm as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD. If no cracks are found, repeat the eddy
current inspection thereafter at intervals not
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to exceed 800 flight cycles until
accomplishment of paragraph (h) of this AD.
Terminating Action
(h) Replace all aluminum upper arms of
the MLG secondary side brace assembly with
steel upper arms by doing all the applicable
actions in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of MessierDowty Service Bulletin 631–32–183, dated
October 6, 2004; at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), or
(h)(4) of this AD. Accomplishing this
replacement ends the repetitive inspections
required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes on which any upper arm
has been overhauled before the effective date
of this AD and on which Messier-Bugatti
Service Bulletin 631–32–085, dated August
21, 1992, has not been accomplished, as of
the effective date of this AD: Within 15,000
flight cycles or 96 months, whichever is first,
since overhaul on the affected upper arm.
(2) For airplanes on which any upper arm
has been overhauled before the effective date
of this AD and on which Messier-Bugatti
Service Bulletin 631–32–085, dated August
21, 1992, has been accomplished, as of the
effective date of this AD: Within 18,000 flight
cycles or 96 months, whichever is first, since
overhaul on the affected upper arm.
(3) For airplanes on which any upper arm
has not been overhauled and on which
Messier-Bugatti Service Bulletin 631–32–085,
dated August 21, 1992, has not been
accomplished, as of the effective date of this
AD: Before the accumulation of 15,000 total
flight cycles on an upper arm since new, or
within 96 months on an upper arm since
new, whichever is first.
(4) For airplanes on which any upper arm
has not been overhauled and on which
Messier-Bugatti Service Bulletin 631–32–085,
dated August 21, 1992, has been
accomplished, as of the effective date of this
AD: Before the accumulation of 18,000 total
flight cycles on an upper arm since new, or
within 96 months on an upper arm since
new, whichever is first.
No Report Required
(i) Messier-Dowty Special Inspection
Service Bulletin 631–32–178, Revision 1,
dated September 30, 2004, recommends
sending an inspection report to MessierDowty, but this AD does not contain that
requirement.
Parts Installation
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install, on any airplane, an
aluminum upper arm of the MLG secondary
side brace assembly, unless the applicable
requirements specified in paragraphs (f) and
(g) of this AD have been accomplished.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(k)(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
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 58 / Monday, March 27, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding
District Office.
Related Information
(l) French airworthiness directive F–2004–
164, dated October 13, 2004, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Messier-Dowty Special
Inspection Service Bulletin 631–32–178,
Revision 1, dated September 30, 2004; and
Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 631–32–183,
dated October 6, 2004; as applicable; to
perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Messier-Dowty Special Inspection Service
Bulletin 631–32–178, Revision 1, dated
September 30, 2004, contains the following
effective pages:
Page No.
Revision
level
shown
on page
Date shown on
page
1–3, 5–9 .......
4 ...................
1 ..............
Original ....
Sept. 30, 2004.
May 3, 2004.
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
Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060
Toulouse, Cedex 03, 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 March
10, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–2849 Filed 3–24–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2005–23436; Airspace
Docket No. 05–ASO–10]
cchase on PROD1PC60 with RULES
RIN 2120–AA66
Establishment of Area Navigation
Instrument Flight Rules Terminal
Transition Route (RITTR) T–210;
Jacksonville, FL
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:13 Mar 24, 2006
Jkt 208001
SUMMARY: This action establishes a
RITTR, designated T–210, in the
Jacksonville, FL, terminal area. The
purpose of this route is to expedite the
handling of Instrument Flight Rules
(IFR) overflight aircraft transitioning
through busy terminal airspace. The
FAA is taking this action to enhance the
safe and efficient use of the navigable
airspace in the Jacksonville, FL,
terminal area.
DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC, June 8,
2006.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Gallant, Airspace and Rules, Office of
System Operations Airspace and AIM,
Federal Aviation Administration, 800
Independence Avenue, SW.,
Washington, DC 20591; telephone: (202)
267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
History
On January 9, 2006, the FAA
published in the Federal Register a
notice of proposed rulemaking to
establish route T–210 in the
Jacksonville, FL, terminal area (71 FR
1397). Interested parties were invited to
participate in this rulemaking
proceeding by submitting written
comments on this proposal to the FAA.
One comment was received in response
to the proposal.
Analysis of Comment
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots
Association (AOPA) wrote in support of
the proposal. AOPA noted that the
NPRM did not list a defined altitude for
T–210 and recommended that the route
be available at multiple altitudes to
allow users to take full advantage of the
benefits of RITTR. AOPA also asked the
FAA to incorporate guidance into FAA
publications to allow pilots operating
under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to use
the route when transitioning through
terminal airspace.
The FAA confirms that the route will
be available at various altitudes in the
low altitude structure within the
airspace assigned to Jacksonville
Terminal Radar Approach Control
(TRACON). These altitudes will vary
depending on factors such as direction
of flight, filed altitude, air traffic
volume, etc. Altitudes will be assigned
by either Jacksonville TRACON or
Jacksonville Air Route Traffic Control
Center (ARTCC).
The FAA does not plan to issue
guidance regarding VFR use of RITTRs
at this time. RITTRs were developed
specifically to provide routing for
Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS)-equipped aircraft that are
operating on an IFR flight plan, to
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15027
transition through busy terminal areas.
The fixes/waypoints used to define the
routes do not have associated visual
landmarks for reference by VFR pilots
when navigating through the area. Pilots
of suitably equipped VFR aircraft could
utilize the route for navigation, in
compliance with all applicable VFR
regulations. This is similar to current
practice where a pilot operating in
accordance with VFR may use a Very
High Frequency Omni-directional Range
Federal airway for navigation.
RITTRs are low altitude RNAV routes
and are published under Area
Navigation Routes in paragraph 6011 of
FAA Order 7400.9N dated September 1,
2006 and effective September 15, 2006,
which is incorporated by reference in 14
CFR 71.1. The RITTR route listed in this
document will be published
subsequently in the order.
The Rule
This action amends Title 14 Code of
Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 71 by
establishing route T–210 in the
Jacksonville, FL, terminal area. The
route may be used by GNSS-equipped
aircraft that are capable of filing flight
plan equipment code ‘‘/G.’’ The route
will be depicted in blue on the
appropriate IFR en route low altitude
charts. The FAA is taking this action to
enhance safety and the flexible and
efficient use of the navigable airspace by
en route IFR aircraft transitioning
through the Jacksonville, FL, terminal
area.
In the NPRM, the point BRADO was
erroneously identified as a ‘‘WP’’
(waypoint). This point is currently a
charted navigation fix, therefore, an
editorial change is being made in this
rule to replace ‘‘WP’’ with ‘‘Fix’’ in the
description of BRADO. With the
exception of this change, this
amendment is the same as that proposed
in the notice.
The FAA has determined that this
regulation only involves an established
body of technical regulations for which
frequent and routine amendments are
necessary to keep them operationally
current. Therefore, this regulation: (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)
does not warrant preparation of a
regulatory evaluation as the anticipated
impact is so minimal. Since this is a
routine matter that will only affect air
traffic procedures and air navigation, it
is certified that this rule, when
promulgated, will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
E:\FR\FM\27MRR1.SGM
27MRR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 58 (Monday, March 27, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 15024-15027]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-2849]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-21909; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-059-AD;
Amendment 39-14521; AD 2006-06-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Aerospatiale Model ATR72 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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[[Page 15025]]
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Aerospatiale Model ATR72 airplanes. This AD requires a one-time
general visual inspection for contamination of the surface of the upper
arms of the main landing gear (MLG) secondary side brace assemblies;
and repetitive eddy current inspections for cracking of the upper arms,
and related specified and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also
mandates eventual replacement of aluminum upper arms with steel upper
arms, which would end the repetitive inspections. This AD results from
two reports of rupture of the upper arm of the MLG secondary side brace
due to fatigue cracking. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of
the upper arms of the secondary side brace assemblies of the MLG, which
could result in collapse of the MLG during takeoff or landing, damage
to the airplane, and possible injury to the flightcrew and passengers.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 1, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 1, 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 Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060 Toulouse, Cedex
03, France, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1137; 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 certain Aerospatiale
Model ATR72 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register
on July 21, 2005 (70 FR 42003). That NPRM proposed to require a one-
time general visual inspection for contamination of the surface of the
upper arms of the main landing gear (MLG) secondary side brace
assemblies; and repetitive eddy current inspections for cracking of the
upper arms, and related specified and corrective actions if necessary.
That NPRM also proposed to mandate eventual replacement of aluminum
upper arms with steel upper arms, which would end the repetitive
inspections.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comment received from
one commenter.
Request To Change Number of U.S.-Registered Airplanes in Cost Section
American Airlines asks that we change the estimated number of U.S.-
registered airplanes listed in the ``Costs of Compliance'' section of
the NPRM, which specifies that there are about 18 airplanes of U.S.
registry affected by the AD. American Airlines states that this number
is incorrect because his airline operates 29 Model ATR72-212 airplanes
and 12 Model ATR72-212A airplanes in the U.S. American Airlines
suggests that the figure for airplanes of U.S. registry be changed to
add these airplanes.
We agree to change the estimated number of U.S. airplanes listed in
the ``Costs of Compliance'' section of the AD. The purpose of that
section is only to `estimate' the number of airplanes affected by the
AD. When an NPRM is written, we obtain the total number of U.S-
registered airplanes from the Air Claims database, and that number
frequently changes. The total number of U.S-registered airplanes is
currently 53. We have changed the ``Costs of Compliance'' section
accordingly.
For clarification, the AD applies to Aerospatiale Model ATR72-101,
-102, -201, -202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes, certificated in any
category; except airplanes that have received ATR Modification 5522 in
production. We have made no change to the applicability specified in
this AD.
Clarification of AMOC Paragraph
We have revised paragraph (k) of 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
comment that has been received, and determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described
previously. These changes will neither increase the economic burden on
any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 53 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The initial and repetitive inspections 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 inspections for U.S. operators is
$3,445, or $65 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The replacement takes about 4 work hours per airplane (2 work hours
per upper arm), at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required
parts cost about $4,948 per airplane ($2,474 per upper arm). Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the replacement for U.S. operators
is $276,024, or $5,208 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 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:
[[Page 15026]]
(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. 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):
2006-06-12 Aerospatiale: Amendment 39-14521. Docket No. FAA-2005-
21909; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-059-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective May 1, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Aerospatiale Model ATR72-101, -102, -201,
-202, -211, -212, and -212A airplanes, certificated in any category;
except airplanes that have received ATR Modification 5522 in
production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by two reports of rupture of the upper
arm of the main landing gear (MLG) secondary side brace assembly due
to fatigue cracking. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of
the upper arms of the secondary side brace assemblies of the MLG,
which could result in collapse of the MLG during takeoff or landing,
damage to the airplane, and possible injury to the flightcrew and
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.
Inspections
(f) At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (f)(1),
(f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD: Accomplish a general visual
inspection for contamination of the surface of the upper arms of the
MLG secondary side brace assemblies, and an eddy current inspection
for cracking of the upper arms by doing all the actions specified in
Parts A and B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-Dowty
Special Inspection Service Bulletin 631-32-178, Revision 1, dated
September 30, 2004. Repeat the eddy current inspection at intervals
not to exceed 800 flight cycles until accomplishment of paragraph
(h) of this AD.
(1) Before the accumulation of 4,000 total flight cycles on the
secondary side brace.
(2) Before the accumulation of 800 flight cycles on the
secondary side brace since overhauled.
(3) Within 200 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection
area. This level of inspection is made under normally available
lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight,
or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Related Specified and Corrective Actions
(g) If any cracking is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the
affected upper arm of the MLG secondary side brace assembly as
specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Replace the aluminum upper arm of the MLG secondary side
brace assembly with a steel upper arm by doing the applicable
actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of Messier-
Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-183, dated October 6, 2004. This
replacement ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph
(f) of this AD for that side brace only.
(2) Replace the aluminum upper arm of the MLG secondary side
brace assembly with a new or serviceable aluminum upper arm in
accordance with a method approved by either the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA;
or the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (or its
delegated agent). ATR Component Maintenance Manual, Chapter 32-18-
41, Revision 3, dated September 30, 2002, is one approved method.
Accomplish a general visual inspection for contamination of the
surface of the upper arm before the accumulation of 4,000 total
flight cycles on the replacement aluminum upper arm, and if cracks
are found, before further flight, replace the aluminum upper arm
with a steel upper arm as required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
If no cracks are found, repeat the eddy current inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 800 flight cycles until
accomplishment of paragraph (h) of this AD.
Terminating Action
(h) Replace all aluminum upper arms of the MLG secondary side
brace assembly with steel upper arms by doing all the applicable
actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-183, dated October 6, 2004; at
the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3),
or (h)(4) of this AD. Accomplishing this replacement ends the
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes on which any upper arm has been overhauled
before the effective date of this AD and on which Messier-Bugatti
Service Bulletin 631-32-085, dated August 21, 1992, has not been
accomplished, as of the effective date of this AD: Within 15,000
flight cycles or 96 months, whichever is first, since overhaul on
the affected upper arm.
(2) For airplanes on which any upper arm has been overhauled
before the effective date of this AD and on which Messier-Bugatti
Service Bulletin 631-32-085, dated August 21, 1992, has been
accomplished, as of the effective date of this AD: Within 18,000
flight cycles or 96 months, whichever is first, since overhaul on
the affected upper arm.
(3) For airplanes on which any upper arm has not been overhauled
and on which Messier-Bugatti Service Bulletin 631-32-085, dated
August 21, 1992, has not been accomplished, as of the effective date
of this AD: Before the accumulation of 15,000 total flight cycles on
an upper arm since new, or within 96 months on an upper arm since
new, whichever is first.
(4) For airplanes on which any upper arm has not been overhauled
and on which Messier-Bugatti Service Bulletin 631-32-085, dated
August 21, 1992, has been accomplished, as of the effective date of
this AD: Before the accumulation of 18,000 total flight cycles on an
upper arm since new, or within 96 months on an upper arm since new,
whichever is first.
No Report Required
(i) Messier-Dowty Special Inspection Service Bulletin 631-32-
178, Revision 1, dated September 30, 2004, recommends sending an
inspection report to Messier-Dowty, but this AD does not contain
that requirement.
Parts Installation
(j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install,
on any airplane, an aluminum upper arm of the MLG secondary side
brace assembly, unless the applicable requirements specified in
paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD have been accomplished.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k)(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
[[Page 15027]]
FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(l) French airworthiness directive F-2004-164, dated October 13,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(m) You must use Messier-Dowty Special Inspection Service
Bulletin 631-32-178, Revision 1, dated September 30, 2004; and
Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin 631-32-183, dated October 6, 2004; as
applicable; to perform the actions that are required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise. Messier-Dowty Special Inspection
Service Bulletin 631-32-178, Revision 1, dated September 30, 2004,
contains the following effective pages:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revision level
Page No. shown on page Date shown on page
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-3, 5-9....................... 1.............. Sept. 30, 2004.
4.............................. Original....... May 3, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 Aerospatiale, 316 Route de Bayonne, 31060
Toulouse, Cedex 03, 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 March 10, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-2849 Filed 3-24-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
