Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310-300 Airplanes, 35400-35402 [E6-9631]
Download as PDF
35400
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 118 / Tuesday, June 20, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this
proposed airworthiness directive (AD) action
by August 18, 2006.
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 FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Air Tractor, Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2006–
24710; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–
29–AD.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD affects Models AT–802 and
AT–802A airplanes, all serial numbers
beginning with 802/802A–0001 through 802/
802A–0219, that are certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of an
uncommanded change in engine power
setting caused by separation of a hopper rinse
tank shelf from the firewall. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct
damage and/or cracks in the attach angles on
the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf,
which could result in failure of the attach
angles. This failure could lead to shelf
movement under maneuver load and shifting
of the engine power cables, which could
result in an uncommanded engine power
setting change.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do
the following:
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(1) Visually inspect the three attach angles on
the firewall mounted hopper rinse tank shelf
for damage and/or cracks.
Initially inspect within the next 100 hours timein-service (TIS) after the effective date of
this AD. Repetitively inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS. Replacing all three attach angles with steel attach angles, part number (P/N) 60568–3 (or
FAA-approved equivalent P/N), terminates
the repetitive inspection requirement of this
AD.
Before further flight after the inspection in
which damage and/or cracks are found. Replacing all three attach angles with steel attach angles, P/N 60568–3 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N), terminates the repetitive inspection requirement of paragraph
(e)(1) of this AD.
As of the effective date of this AD ...................
Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#248, dated August 31, 2005.
As of the effective date of this AD ...................
Not applicable.
(2) If you find any damage and/or cracks on
any of the three attach angles during any inspection required in paragraph (e)(1) of this
AD, replace all three attach angles with steel
attach angles, P/N 60568–3 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N).
(3) You may replace the aluminum attach angles on the firewall mounted hopper rinse
tank shelf with steel attach angles, P/N
60568–3 (or FAA-approved equivalent P/N),
at any time to terminate the repetitive inspections required in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
(4) Do not install aluminum attach angles on
the hopper rinse tank shelf attach angles.
wwhite on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS
(f) 14 CFR 21.303 allows for replacement
parts through parts manufacturer approval
(PMA). The phrase ‘‘or FAA-approved
equivalent P/N’’ in this AD is intended to
allow for the installation of parts approved
through identicality to the design of the
replacement parts. Equivalent replacement
parts to correct the unsafe condition under
PMA (other than identicality) may also be
installed provided they meet current
airworthiness standards, which include those
actions cited in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane
Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Andrew
McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW–150
(c/o MIDO–43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite
650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone:
(210) 308–3365; facsimile: (210) 308–3370,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19.
15:59 Jun 19, 2006
Jkt 208001
Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#248, dated August 31, 2005.
telephone: (940) 564–5616; facsimile: (940)
564–5612. To view the AD docket, go to the
Docket Management Facility; U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC, or on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov. The docket number is
Docket No. FAA–2006–24710; Directorate
Identifier 2006–CE–29–AD.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on June
13, 2006.
James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–9639 Filed 6–19–06; 8:45 am]
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A310–300 Airplanes
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
PO 00000
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25079; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–065–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A310–300
airplanes. This proposed AD would
require replacing the existing non-return
valve (NRV) of the auxiliary center tanks
(ACTs) of the fuel system with a new,
improved NRV. This proposed AD
Related Information
(h) To get copies of the documents
referenced in this AD, contact Air Tractor
Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374;
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Follow Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter
#248, dated August 31, 2005.
Frm 00004
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
E:\FR\FM\20JNP1.SGM
20JNP1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 118 / Tuesday, June 20, 2006 / Proposed Rules
results from a report that it was not
possible to transfer fuel from ACTs 1
and 2 during flight, and no electronic
centralized aircraft monitor warnings
were triggered. Investigation revealed a
faulty static inverter and blown fuse,
resulting in failure of certain fueling bus
bars and subsequent failure of the
automatic ACT fuel transfer. We are
proposing this AD to prevent these
failures, combined with failure of the
NRV to close. If the NRV is open during
flight, the fuel supply to the engines
may be reduced during cross-feed
operation to the extent that fuel
starvation could occur and result in
engine flameout.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 20, 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
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055–4056; telephone
(425) 227–1622; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
wwhite on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS
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–2006–25079; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–065–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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:59 Jun 19, 2006
Jkt 208001
and may amend the proposed AD in
light of those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD.
Using the search function of that Web
site, anyone can find and read the
comments in any of our dockets,
including the name of the individual
who sent the comment (or signed the
comment on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78), or you may visit https://
dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza
level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the Docket
Management System receives them.
Discussion
´ ´
The Direction Generale de l’Aviation
Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France,
notified us that an unsafe condition may
exist on certain Airbus Model A310–300
series airplanes. The DGAC advises of
receiving a report that it was not
possible to transfer fuel from auxiliary
center tanks (ACTs) 1 and 2 during
flight, and no electronic centralized
aircraft monitor warnings were
triggered. Investigation revealed a faulty
static inverter and blown fuse, resulting
in failure of certain fueling bus bars and
subsequent failure of the automatic ACT
fuel transfer. In addition, there are
known problems with certain nonreturn valves (NRVs) used throughout
the fuel system, which could result in
intermittent failure of the NRV to close.
If the NRV is open during flight, the fuel
supply to the engines may be reduced
during cross-feed operation to the extent
that fuel starvation could occur and
result in engine flameout.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A310–28–2158, dated September 1,
2005. The service bulletin describes
procedures for replacing the existing
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
35401
NRV with a new, improved NRV.
Accomplishing the actions specified in
the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition. The DGAC mandated the
service information and issued French
airworthiness directive F–2005–197,
dated December 7, 2005, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in France.
The Airbus service bulletin refers to
Lucas Air Equipment Service Bulletin
C23AE01–28–01, Revision 1, dated July
20, 1994, as an additional source of
service information for replacing the
NRV.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are
manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United
States under the provisions of section
21.29 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the
applicable bilateral airworthiness
agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral
airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has
kept the FAA informed of the situation
described above. We have examined the
DGAC’s findings, evaluated all pertinent
information, and determined that we
need to issue an AD for airplanes of this
type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD,
which would require accomplishing the
actions specified in the Airbus service
information described previously.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about
11 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
proposed replacement would take about
1 work hour per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $80 per work hour.
Required parts would cost about $368
per airplane. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for
U.S. operators is $4,928, or $448 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
E:\FR\FM\20JNP1.SGM
20JNP1
35402
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 118 / Tuesday, June 20, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Applicability
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14,
2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–9631 Filed 6–19–06; 8:45 am]
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.
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A310–
304, –308, –324, and –325 airplanes,
certificated in any category; equipped with
auxiliary center tanks (ACTs); except those
on which Airbus Modification 8928 has been
done in production.
Regulatory Findings
Unsafe Condition
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.
(d) This AD results from a report that it
was not possible to transfer fuel from ACTs
1 and 2 during flight, and no electronic
centralized aircraft monitor warnings were
triggered. Investigation revealed a faulty
static inverter and blown fuse, resulting in
failure of certain fueling bus bars and
subsequent failure of the automatic ACT fuel
transfer. We are issuing this AD to prevent
these failures, combined with failure of the
non-return valve (NRV) to close. If the NRV
is open during flight, the fuel supply to the
engines may be reduced during cross-feed
operation to the extent that fuel starvation
could occur and result in engine flameout.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Compliance
SUMMARY: This proposed rule amends
the exclusion of services and supplies
provided as part of or under a research
study, grant or research program to add
coverage for routine patient care that
would have been necessary in the
absence of the study as well as care of
complications that result from
participation in the trial.
DATES: Written comments received at
the address indicated below by August
21, 2006 will be accepted.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments,
identified by docket number and or RIN
number and title, by any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
• Mail: Federal Docket Management
System Office, 1160 Defense Pentagon,
Washington, DC 20301–1160.
Instructions: All submissions received
must include the agency name and
docket number or Regulatory
Information Number (RIN) for this
Federal Register document. The general
policy for comments and other
submissions from members of the public
is to make these submissions available
for public viewing on the Internet at
https://regulations.gov as they are
received without change, including any
personal identifiers or contact
information.
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:
(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.
Replacement
(f) Within 15,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD: Replace the existing
NRV with a new, improved NRV by doing all
the actions in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A310–28–2158, dated
September 1, 2005.
Note 1: The Airbus service bulletin refers
to Lucas Air Equipment Service Bulletin
C23AE01–28–01, Revision 1, dated July 20,
1994, as an additional source of service
information for replacing the NRV.
Parts Installation
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install, on any airplane, a NRV
having part number C23AE0102, unless it has
been modified according to paragraph (f) of
this AD.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
wwhite on PROD1PC61 with PROPOSALS
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2006–25079;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–065–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by July 20, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:59 Jun 19, 2006
Jkt 208001
(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–
197, dated December 7, 2005, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Office of the Secretary
32 CFR Part 199
[DoD–OS–2006–0054]
RIN 0720–AA98 (previously 0720–AA94)
TRICARE Program; Routine Care Not
Directly Related to Study, Grant or
Research Program
Office of the Secretary, DoD.
Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
´
Rene Morrell, Medical Benefits and
Reimbursement Systems, TRICARE
Management Activity, telephone (303)
676–3618.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: TRICARE
supplements the availability of health
care in military hospitals and clinics.
E:\FR\FM\20JNP1.SGM
20JNP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 118 (Tuesday, June 20, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35400-35402]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-9631]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25079; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-065-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310-300 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus Model A310-300 airplanes. This proposed AD would
require replacing the existing non-return valve (NRV) of the auxiliary
center tanks (ACTs) of the fuel system with a new, improved NRV. This
proposed AD
[[Page 35401]]
results from a report that it was not possible to transfer fuel from
ACTs 1 and 2 during flight, and no electronic centralized aircraft
monitor warnings were triggered. Investigation revealed a faulty static
inverter and blown fuse, resulting in failure of certain fueling bus
bars and subsequent failure of the automatic ACT fuel transfer. We are
proposing this AD to prevent these failures, combined with failure of
the NRV to close. If the NRV is open during flight, the fuel supply to
the engines may be reduced during cross-feed operation to the extent
that fuel starvation could occur and result in engine flameout.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 20, 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 AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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-
25079; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-065-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the
proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A310-300 series airplanes.
The DGAC advises of receiving a report that it was not possible to
transfer fuel from auxiliary center tanks (ACTs) 1 and 2 during flight,
and no electronic centralized aircraft monitor warnings were triggered.
Investigation revealed a faulty static inverter and blown fuse,
resulting in failure of certain fueling bus bars and subsequent failure
of the automatic ACT fuel transfer. In addition, there are known
problems with certain non-return valves (NRVs) used throughout the fuel
system, which could result in intermittent failure of the NRV to close.
If the NRV is open during flight, the fuel supply to the engines may be
reduced during cross-feed operation to the extent that fuel starvation
could occur and result in engine flameout.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A310-28-2158, dated September 1,
2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for replacing the
existing NRV with a new, improved NRV. Accomplishing the actions
specified in the service information is intended to adequately address
the unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated the service information and
issued French airworthiness directive F-2005-197, dated December 7,
2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
The Airbus service bulletin refers to Lucas Air Equipment Service
Bulletin C23AE01-28-01, Revision 1, dated July 20, 1994, as an
additional source of service information for replacing the NRV.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to
issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the Airbus service information
described previously.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 11 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed replacement would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at
an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts would cost
about $368 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of
the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $4,928, or $448 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
[[Page 35402]]
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-2006-25079; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
065-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 20,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-304, -308, -324, and -
325 airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with auxiliary
center tanks (ACTs); except those on which Airbus Modification 8928
has been done in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that it was not possible to
transfer fuel from ACTs 1 and 2 during flight, and no electronic
centralized aircraft monitor warnings were triggered. Investigation
revealed a faulty static inverter and blown fuse, resulting in
failure of certain fueling bus bars and subsequent failure of the
automatic ACT fuel transfer. We are issuing this AD to prevent these
failures, combined with failure of the non-return valve (NRV) to
close. If the NRV is open during flight, the fuel supply to the
engines may be reduced during cross-feed operation to the extent
that fuel starvation could occur and result in engine flameout.
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.
Replacement
(f) Within 15,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD: Replace the existing NRV with a new, improved NRV by doing all
the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2158, dated September 1, 2005.
Note 1: The Airbus service bulletin refers to Lucas Air
Equipment Service Bulletin C23AE01-28-01, Revision 1, dated July 20,
1994, as an additional source of service information for replacing
the NRV.
Parts Installation
(g) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install,
on any airplane, a NRV having part number C23AE0102, unless it has
been modified according to paragraph (f) of this AD.
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 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) French airworthiness directive F-2005-197, dated December 7,
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-9631 Filed 6-19-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P