Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes, and Model A340-541 and A340-642 Airplanes, 38059-38062 [06-5944]
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38059
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 5, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE C.—INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE—Continued
Service Bulletin (SB)
Page
20
21
22–24
25
26
27–54
1–2
3
4
5
6
7–14
15
16–22
23–27
28–32
33
34
35
36
37–41
42
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Honeywell SB No. TPE331–72–0476 ............................................................................
Total pages: 46
Alert Service Bulletin (ASB)
Honeywell ASB No.
Total Pages: 12
Honeywell ASB No.
Total Pages: 12
Honeywell ASB No.
Total Pages: 16
Honeywell ASB No.
Total Pages: 14
Page
Revision
August 23, 2002.
November 7, 2003.
August 23, 2002.
November 7, 2003.
August 23, 2002.
November 7, 2003.
September 17, 2003.
May 24, 2002.
September 17, 2003.
May 24, 2002.
September 17, 2003.
May 24, 2002.
July 26, 2002.
May 24, 2002.
September 17, 2003.
May 24, 2002.
July 26, 2002.
May 24, 2002.
September 17, 2003.
May 24, 2002.
September 17, 2003.
May 24, 2002.
September 17, 2003.
May 24, 2002.
September 17, 2003.
May 24, 2002.
Date
ALL
Original
November 12, 2002.
TPE331–A72–2123 ........................................................................
ALL
Original
February 8, 2006.
TPE331–A72–2130 ........................................................................
ALL
Original
September 27, 2005.
TPE331–A72–2131 ........................................................................
ALL
Original
September 27, 2005.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Francis A. Favara,
Federal Aviation Administration
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–5929 Filed 7–3–06; 8:45 am]
14 CFR Part 39
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
[Docket No. FAA–2005–22524; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–135–AD; Amendment
39–14672; AD 2006–14–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A330–200, A330–300, A340–200, and
A340–300 Series Airplanes, and Model
A340–541 and A340–642 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
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TPE331–A72–2111 ........................................................................
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
June 26, 2006.
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A330–200, A330–300,
A340–200, and A340–300 series
airplanes, and Model A340–541 and
A340–642 airplanes. This AD requires
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inspecting to determine if certain
emergency escape slides/slide rafts
(referred to as slide/rafts) are installed
in certain crew/passenger doors; and, if
so, performing a one-time inspection to
determine if the electrical harnesses of
the slide/rafts are properly routed, and
rerouting the harnesses if necessary.
This AD results from report that a slide/
raft failed to deploy properly during a
deployment test. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct improper routing
of the electrical harnesses of certain
slide/rafts, which could prevent proper
deployment of the slide/rafts and delay
evacuation of passengers and flightcrew
during an emergency.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
August 9, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of August 9, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket
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38060
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 5, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2125;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 street
address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a supplemental
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an
AD that would apply to certain Airbus
Model A330–200, A330–300, A340–200,
and A340–300 series airplanes, and
Model A340–541 and A340–642
airplanes. That supplemental NPRM
was published in the Federal Register
on March 27, 2006 (71 FR 15073). That
supplemental NPRM proposed to
require inspecting to determine if
certain emergency escape slides/slide
rafts (referred to as slide/rafts) are
installed in certain crew/passenger
doors; and, if so, performing a one-time
inspection to determine if the electrical
harnesses of the slide/rafts are properly
routed, and rerouting the harnesses if
necessary.
clarified to ensure that operators having
such prior knowledge have the full span
of 1,700 flight hours specified by this
AD to accomplish corrective actions on
any affected airplane. Though NWA did
not specifically make such a statement,
it appears that NWA is concerned that
such prior knowledge might require
immediate grounding of some airplanes
because of the ‘‘before further flight’’
clause of the NPRM.
We partially agree. For any AD,
compliance times are mandated during
which operators are responsible for
accomplishing the requirements of an
AD. For example, operators may
perform an inspection or, as allowed by
this AD, review the maintenance
records to comply with the AD.
‘‘Compliance time’’ specifies a period of
time during which operators may
determine the best time to accomplish
the inspection, and we have no
knowledge of individual operator
inspection or review schedules within
the compliance time limits. However,
we acknowledge the concern of NWA
and have determined that, in this case,
‘‘before further flight’’ is not needed to
ensure an acceptable level of safety,
provided that corrective actions are
accomplished within the specified
compliance time. Therefore, we have
revised paragraphs (f)(1)(ii) and (f)(2)(ii)
of the AD to read ‘‘within 1,700 flight
hours after the effective date of this
AD.’’
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comment
received, and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the change described
previously. We have determined that
this change will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor
increase the scope of the AD.
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Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the single comment
received.
Costs of Compliance
This AD will affect about 27 airplanes
of U.S. registry. The required actions
will take about 3 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65
per work hour. Based on these figures,
the estimated cost of the AD for U.S.
operators is $5,265 or $195 per airplane.
Request for Clarification of Compliance
Time
The Air Transport Association (ATA),
on behalf of its member Northwest
Airlines (NWA), requests that the
compliance time be clarified. NWA
asserts that some operators may have
prior knowledge of airplanes having
slide/rafts with affected part numbers
before the release of this AD. NWA
requests that the compliance time be
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,
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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:
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
2006–14–01 Airbus: Amendment 39–14672.
Docket No. FAA–2005–22524;
Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–135–AD.
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 5, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective August 9,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model
A330–201, –202, –203, –223, –243, –301,
–302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342,
and –343 airplanes; Model A340–211, –212,
–213, –311, –312, and –313 airplanes; and
Model A340–541 and –642 airplanes;
certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that an
emergency escape slide/slide raft (referred to
hereafter as a ‘‘slide/raft’’) failed to deploy
properly during a deployment test. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct
improper routing of the electrical harnesses
of certain slide/rafts, which could prevent
proper deployment of the slide/raft and delay
evacuation of passengers and flightcrew
during an emergency.
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 and Corrective Actions
(f) Within 1,700 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD: Inspect certain
crew/passenger doors as required by
paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2), as applicable, of this
AD to determine if slide/rafts having certain
part numbers (P/Ns) are installed. A review
of airplane maintenance records is acceptable
in lieu of this inspection if the presence of
the subject slide/rafts can be conclusively
determined from that review.
(1) For Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,
–243, –301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323,
–341, –342, and –343 airplanes and Model
A340–211, –212, –213, –311, –312, and –313
airplanes: On both right- and left-hand sides,
inspect to determine the P/N of the slide/rafts
of crew/passenger doors 1 and 4, and—only
if it is a type 1 door—crew/passenger door 3.
If crew/passenger door 3 is not a type 1 door,
it is not subject to any requirement of this
AD.
(i) If a slide/raft does not have P/N
7A1508–( ) or 7A1509–( ), no further action
is required for that slide/raft by this
paragraph.
(ii) If a slide/raft has P/N 7A1508–( ) or
7A1509–( ), within 1,700 flight hours after
the effective date of this AD, perform a
general visual inspection of the electrical
harness of that slide/raft and reroute the
harness, as applicable, in accordance with
paragraphs 4.2 through 4.2.4 of Airbus All
Operators Telex (AOT) A330–25A3272,
Revision 02; or Airbus AOT A340–25A4259,
Revision 02, both dated June 1, 2005, as
applicable.
(2) For Model A340–541 and –642
airplanes: On both right- and left-hand sides,
inspect to determine the P/N of the slide/rafts
of crew/passenger doors 1 and 4.
(i) If a slide/raft does not have P/N
7A1508–( ), no further action is required for
that slide/raft by this paragraph.
(ii) If a slide/raft has P/N 7A1508–( ),
within 1,700 flight hours after the effective
date of this AD, perform a general visual
inspection of the electrical harness of that
slide/raft and reroute the harness, as
applicable, in accordance with paragraphs
4.2 through 4.2.4 of Airbus AOT A340–
25A5091, Revision 02, dated June 1, 2005.
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 ensure visual access to
all 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.’’
Actions Accomplished According to
Previous Issues of AOTs
(g) Actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with
the Airbus AOTs listed in Table 1 of this AD,
as applicable, are considered acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding actions
specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
TABLE 1.—PREVIOUS ISSUES OF AOTS
Airbus AOT
Revision level
................................................................................................................................................
A330–25A3272–2005 1 ......................................................................................................................................
A340–25A4259 2 ................................................................................................................................................
A340–25A4259–2005 2 ......................................................................................................................................
A340–25A5091 3 ................................................................................................................................................
A340–25A5091–2005 3 ......................................................................................................................................
Original .............
01 .....................
Original .............
01 .....................
Original .............
01 .....................
A330–25A3272 1
1 For
2 For
3 For
Date
March
March
March
March
March
March
17,
24,
17,
24,
17,
24,
2005.
2005.
2005.
2005.
2005.
2005.
Model A330–200 and –300 series airplanes.
Model A340–200 and –300 series airplanes.
Model A340–541 and –642 airplanes.
Parts Installation
(h) After the effective date of this AD, no
person may install any slide/raft having P/N
7A1508–( ) or 7A1509–( ) on any airplane
unless the electrical harness of that slide/raft
is determined to be properly routed in
accordance with the requirements of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested in accordance with
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with 14 CFR 39.19 on any
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify
the appropriate principal inspector in the
FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding
District Office.
Related Information
(j) French airworthiness directive F–2005–
077, dated May 11, 2005, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the service information
specified in Table 2 of this AD, as applicable,
to perform the actions that are required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
TABLE 2.—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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Airbus All Operators Telex
Revision level
A330–25A3272 ..................................................................................................................................................
A340–25A4259 ..................................................................................................................................................
A340–25A5091 ..................................................................................................................................................
02 .....................
02 .....................
02 .....................
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Date
June 1, 2005.
June 1, 2005.
June 1, 2005.
38062
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 5, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France, for a copy of this service
information. You may review copies at the
Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Room PL–401, Nassif Building,
Washington, DC; on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at the NARA, call (202) 741–6030,
or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 23,
2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–5944 Filed 7–3–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002–NM–247–AD; Amendment
39–14673; AD 2006–14–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A330–200 and A330–300 Series
Airplanes, and Airbus Model A340–200
and A340–300 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a
new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Model
A330–200 and A330–300 series
airplanes; and Airbus Model A340–200
and A340–300 series airplanes. This AD
requires lubrication of the upper and
lower shortening mechanism (SM) link
of the main landing gear, and
consequent detection of resistance or
blockage of the greaseway. Depending
upon the resistance finding and upon
whether or not the airplane has a certain
modification, this AD also requires
various other actions including
unblocking the greaseway;
accomplishing all necessary repairs;
performing various inspections; and
accomplishing the eventual replacement
of the SM8 pin, if necessary. This action
is necessary to prevent failure of the
landing gear lengthening system, which
could result in reduced controllability
of the airplane on the ground during
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19:23 Jul 03, 2006
Jkt 208001
landing. This action is intended to
address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective August 9, 2006.
The incorporation by reference of
certain publications listed in the
regulations is approved by the Director
of the Federal Register as of August 9,
2006.
ADDRESSES: The service information
referenced in this AD may be obtained
from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
This information may be examined at
the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate,
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2125;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A
proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to
include an airworthiness directive (AD)
that is applicable to certain Airbus
Model A330 series airplanes; Airbus
Model A340–300 series airplanes; and
Airbus Model A340–541 airplanes was
published in the Federal Register on
April 1, 2004 (69 FR 17088). That action
proposed to require lubrication of the
upper and lower shortening mechanism
(SM) link of the main landing gear, and
consequent detection of resistance or
blockage of the greaseway. Depending
upon the resistance finding and upon
whether or not the airplane has a certain
modification, that action also proposed
to require various other actions
including unblocking the greaseway;
accomplishing all necessary repairs;
performing various inspections; and
accomplishing the eventual replacement
of the SM8 pin, if necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded
an opportunity to participate in the
making of this amendment. Due
consideration has been given to the
comments received.
Support for the Proposed AD
US Airways expresses support for the
proposed AD. Northwest Airlines notes
that it does not operate any airplanes
affected by the proposed AD.
Request To Remove Certain Airplanes
From Applicability
Airbus notes that the applicability of
the proposed AD should not include
Airbus Model A340–541 airplanes.
Airbus states that Model A340–541
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airplanes do not have SM8 pins that are
affected by the actions in this proposed
AD.
We agree. Airbus Model A340–541
airplanes are not included in either the
French airworthiness directives or the
all-operators telexes (AOTs) that are
referenced in the proposed AD. We
included the Airbus Model A340–541
inadvertently in our proposed AD. We
have revised the final rule to exclude
this airplane model.
Request To Revise Compliance Time in
Paragraph (e)(1) of the Proposed AD
Airbus also observes that the
proposed AD includes in paragraph
(e)(1) the requirement to make all
necessary repairs and unblock any
blocked greaseway ‘‘before further
flight.’’ Airbus suggests that we may
have misunderstood the intent of the
French airworthiness directives and the
AOTs, and requests that we change this
compliance time to agree with the time
in those documents. Instead of ‘‘before
further flight,’’ Airbus states that the
compliance time should be ‘‘within 700
flight hours.’’
We agree. We have changed paragraph
(e)(1) of the final rule to state that
operators should comply with the
actions in that paragraph ‘‘within 700
flight hours after the general visual
inspection’’ rather than ‘‘before further
flight.’’ We have determined that
extending the compliance time will not
adversely affect safety.
Requests To Revise Compliance Time in
Paragraph (e)(2) of the Proposed AD
Air Transportation Association, on
behalf of U.S. Airways, expresses
concern over the facilities needed to
perform the ‘‘tall’’ airplane jacking that
must be done to accomplish the SM8
pin replacement. U.S. Airways notes
that this jacking procedure must be
accomplished indoors and requires
equipment and a facility capable of
handling the abnormal jacking height.
U.S. Airways recommends that we
revise paragraph (e)(2) of the proposed
AD to allow 180 flight cycles for
operators to plan for the pin
replacement after a finding in
accordance with paragraph (e) of the
proposed AD. ATA supports the
observation and recommends that we
adopt U.S. Airways’ recommendation.
We partially agree. We agree with the
commenters that a grace period should
be added. We disagree with the
proposed 180 flight cycles. Instead, we
have changed paragraph (e)(2) of the
final rule to require that the actions in
paragraph (e)(2) be performed ‘‘within
20 flight cycles after the general visual
inspection’’ to match the intent of the
E:\FR\FM\05JYR1.SGM
05JYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 5, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38059-38062]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-5944]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22524; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-135-AD;
Amendment 39-14672; AD 2006-14-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-
200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes, and Model A340-541 and A340-642
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series
airplanes, and Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. This AD requires
inspecting to determine if certain emergency escape slides/slide rafts
(referred to as slide/rafts) are installed in certain crew/passenger
doors; and, if so, performing a one-time inspection to determine if the
electrical harnesses of the slide/rafts are properly routed, and
rerouting the harnesses if necessary. This AD results from report that
a slide/raft failed to deploy properly during a deployment test. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct improper routing of the
electrical harnesses of certain slide/rafts, which could prevent proper
deployment of the slide/rafts and delay evacuation of passengers and
flightcrew during an emergency.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 9, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of August 9,
2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket
[[Page 38060]]
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series
airplanes, and Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes. That supplemental
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2006 (71 FR
15073). That supplemental NPRM proposed to require inspecting to
determine if certain emergency escape slides/slide rafts (referred to
as slide/rafts) are installed in certain crew/passenger doors; and, if
so, performing a one-time inspection to determine if the electrical
harnesses of the slide/rafts are properly routed, and rerouting the
harnesses if necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the single comment received.
Request for Clarification of Compliance Time
The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of its member
Northwest Airlines (NWA), requests that the compliance time be
clarified. NWA asserts that some operators may have prior knowledge of
airplanes having slide/rafts with affected part numbers before the
release of this AD. NWA requests that the compliance time be clarified
to ensure that operators having such prior knowledge have the full span
of 1,700 flight hours specified by this AD to accomplish corrective
actions on any affected airplane. Though NWA did not specifically make
such a statement, it appears that NWA is concerned that such prior
knowledge might require immediate grounding of some airplanes because
of the ``before further flight'' clause of the NPRM.
We partially agree. For any AD, compliance times are mandated
during which operators are responsible for accomplishing the
requirements of an AD. For example, operators may perform an inspection
or, as allowed by this AD, review the maintenance records to comply
with the AD. ``Compliance time'' specifies a period of time during
which operators may determine the best time to accomplish the
inspection, and we have no knowledge of individual operator inspection
or review schedules within the compliance time limits. However, we
acknowledge the concern of NWA and have determined that, in this case,
``before further flight'' is not needed to ensure an acceptable level
of safety, provided that corrective actions are accomplished within the
specified compliance time. Therefore, we have revised paragraphs
(f)(1)(ii) and (f)(2)(ii) of the AD to read ``within 1,700 flight hours
after the effective date of this AD.''
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comment received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the change described previously.
We have determined that this change will neither increase the economic
burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD will affect about 27 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
required actions will take about 3 work hours per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $5,265 or $195 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:
(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):
2006-14-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-14672. Docket No. FAA-2005-22524;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-135-AD.
[[Page 38061]]
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective August 9, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -
223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343
airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313
airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes; certificated in
any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that an emergency escape
slide/slide raft (referred to hereafter as a ``slide/raft'') failed
to deploy properly during a deployment test. We are issuing this AD
to detect and correct improper routing of the electrical harnesses
of certain slide/rafts, which could prevent proper deployment of the
slide/raft and delay evacuation of passengers and flightcrew during
an emergency.
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 and Corrective Actions
(f) Within 1,700 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD: Inspect certain crew/passenger doors as required by paragraph
(f)(1) or (f)(2), as applicable, of this AD to determine if slide/
rafts having certain part numbers (P/Ns) are installed. A review of
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this
inspection if the presence of the subject slide/rafts can be
conclusively determined from that review.
(1) For Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -
303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes and Model
A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 airplanes: On both right-
and left-hand sides, inspect to determine the P/N of the slide/rafts
of crew/passenger doors 1 and 4, and--only if it is a type 1 door--
crew/passenger door 3. If crew/passenger door 3 is not a type 1
door, it is not subject to any requirement of this AD.
(i) If a slide/raft does not have P/N 7A1508-( ) or 7A1509-( ),
no further action is required for that slide/raft by this paragraph.
(ii) If a slide/raft has P/N 7A1508-( ) or 7A1509-( ), within
1,700 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a
general visual inspection of the electrical harness of that slide/
raft and reroute the harness, as applicable, in accordance with
paragraphs 4.2 through 4.2.4 of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT)
A330-25A3272, Revision 02; or Airbus AOT A340-25A4259, Revision 02,
both dated June 1, 2005, as applicable.
(2) For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes: On both right- and
left-hand sides, inspect to determine the P/N of the slide/rafts of
crew/passenger doors 1 and 4.
(i) If a slide/raft does not have P/N 7A1508-( ), no further
action is required for that slide/raft by this paragraph.
(ii) If a slide/raft has P/N 7A1508-( ), within 1,700 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual
inspection of the electrical harness of that slide/raft and reroute
the harness, as applicable, in accordance with paragraphs 4.2
through 4.2.4 of Airbus AOT A340-25A5091, Revision 02, dated June 1,
2005.
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
ensure visual access to all 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.''
Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issues of AOTs
(g) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the Airbus AOTs listed in Table 1 of this AD, as
applicable, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
Table 1.--Previous Issues of AOTs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus AOT Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-25A3272 \1\............ Original............ March 17, 2005.
A330-25A3272-2005 \1\....... 01.................. March 24, 2005.
A340-25A4259 \2\............ Original............ March 17, 2005.
A340-25A4259-2005 \2\....... 01.................. March 24, 2005.
A340-25A5091 \3\............ Original............ March 17, 2005.
A340-25A5091-2005 \3\....... 01.................. March 24, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ For Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes.
\2\ For Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes.
\3\ For Model A340-541 and -642 airplanes.
Parts Installation
(h) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install
any slide/raft having P/N 7A1508-( ) or 7A1509-( ) on any airplane
unless the electrical harness of that slide/raft is determined to be
properly routed in accordance with the requirements of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(j) French airworthiness directive F-2005-077, dated May 11,
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use the service information specified in Table 2 of
this AD, as applicable, to perform the actions that are required by
this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus All Operators Telex Revision level Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-25A3272................ 02.................. June 1, 2005.
A340-25A4259................ 02.................. June 1, 2005.
A340-25A5091................ 02.................. June 1, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 38062]]
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation
by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information.
You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401,
Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the
NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_
locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 23, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-5944 Filed 7-3-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
