Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes, 49385-49387 [E6-13964]
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49385
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
Vol. 71, No. 163
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains notices to the public of the proposed
issuance of rules and regulations. The
purpose of these notices is to give interested
persons an opportunity to participate in the
rule making prior to the adoption of the final
rules.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25670; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–027–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4
series airplanes. This proposed AD
would require revising the airplane
flight manual (AFM) to include
procedures for resetting the trim and
pitch trim levers after each landing,
determining which servomotor moves
the pitch trim control wheel, and doing
applicable other specified actions. This
proposed AD also provides for optional
terminating actions for those
requirements. This proposed AD results
from a report of a sudden nose-up
movement after disengagement of the
autopilot in cruise. We are proposing
this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is
aware of the procedures for resetting the
trim and pitch trim levers after each
landing and to prevent failure of the
servomotors of the pitch trim systems
during flight. Failure of the servomotors
of the pitch trim systems could result in
uncommanded nose-up movement of
the control surface of the pitch trim
systems after disengagement of the
autopilot in cruise.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by September 22,
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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:59 Aug 22, 2006
Jkt 208001
for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Thomas 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–2006–25670; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–027–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
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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 A300 B2
and B4 series airplanes. The DGAC
advises that a sudden nose-up
movement after disengagement of the
autopilot in cruise occurred on a Model
A300 airplane. At the time of the
incident, the first pitch trim system
(pitch trim 1) was inoperative before the
flight and the second pitch trim system
(pitch trim 2) had tripped. During the
resulting investigation, the
manufacturer identified a failure mode
of the servomotors of the pitch trim
systems as the cause of the incident.
This condition, if not corrected, could
result in uncommanded nose-up
movement of the control surface of the
pitch trim systems after disengagement
of the autopilot in cruise.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Temporary
Revision (TR) 4.03.00/04, Issue 02,
dated November 18, 2003, to the A300
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). The TR
describes a procedure for the flightcrew
to follow after each landing of the
airplane. The procedure involves
resetting the trim and pitch trim. This
procedure is to be inserted into the
Normal Procedures section of the AFM.
Airbus also has issued TR No. 22–001,
dated April 11, 2003, of Chapter 22–23–
00 of Airbus A300 Fault Isolation
Manual. The TR describes procedures
for determining which servomotor
moves the pitch trim control wheel and
doing applicable other specified actions.
The applicable other specified actions
involve replacing one or both
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49386
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 163 / Wednesday, August 23, 2006 / Proposed Rules
adequately address the unsafe
condition. The DGAC mandated Airbus
TR 4.03.00/04, Airbus TR No. 22–001,
and Airbus Service Bulletin A300–22–
0120 for any pitch trim servomotor
replaced in accordance with Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–22–0119. In
addition, the DGAC mandated
incorporation of Airbus TR No. 1.22/
01Z, Revision 2, into the MMEL. The
DGAC also issued French airworthiness
directives F–2003–291 R1, dated July 6,
2005, and F–2005–109, dated July 6,
2005, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in
France.
servomotors of the pitch trim systems
with new servomotors or dispatching
the airplane with both servomotors
deactivated in accordance with the
Master Minimum Equipment List
(MMEL).
In addition, Airbus issued Service
Bulletin A300–22–0119, dated May 13,
2005. The service bulletin describes
optional procedures for replacing the
pitch trim servomotors in the
attachment area of the horizontal and
vertical stabilizers with new
servomotors. The service bulletin refers
to Thales Service Bulletin V1AM–22–
005, Revision 01, dated July 27, 2005, as
an additional source of service
information for doing the replacement.
Further, Airbus issued Service
Bulletin A300–22–0120, dated May 13,
2005. The service bulletin describes
procedures for repetitive preventative
maintenance tasks of any pitch trim
servomotor replaced in accordance with
Service Bulletin A300–22–0119. The
service bulletin refers to Thales Service
Bulletin V1AM–22–006, Revision 01,
dated July 26, 2005, as an additional
source of service information for doing
the preventative maintenance task.
Accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information is intended to
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 Airbus TR 4.03.00/
04, Airbus TR No. 22–001, and Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–22–0120 for any
pitch trim servomotor replaced in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin
A300–22–0119, as described previously.
Clarification Between the Proposed AD
and French Airworthiness Directive F–
2003–291 R1
Although the French airworthiness
directive F–2003–291 R1 mandates
incorporation of Airbus TR No. 1.22/
01Z, Revision 2, into the MMEL, this
proposed AD does not include that
requirement. The procedures specified
in Airbus TR No. 1.22/01Z have already
been incorporated into the MMEL for
the U.S. fleet.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the
estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD. The
average labor rate per hour is $80.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Work hours
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
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
15:59 Aug 22, 2006
Jkt 208001
None ...........
None ...........
$80 ..........................................
$80 ..........................................
23
23
$1,840.
$1,840.
3
3
Authority for This Rulemaking
Cost per airplane
1
1
AFM revision ...........................
Determination if pitch trim control wheel moves.
Optional replacement ..............
Optional repetitive preventative
maintenance tasks.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Number of
U.S.-registered
airplanes
Parts
$264 ............
None ...........
$504 ........................................
$240, per task cycle ................
23
23
$11,592.
$5,520, per task cycle.
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,
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Fleet cost
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:
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 163 / Wednesday, August 23, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Determination if Pitch Trim Control Wheel
Moves
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]
Determination if Servomotor Moves
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2006–25670;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–027–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by September 22, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model
A300 airplanes; certificated in any category;
except the following airplanes:
(1) Model A300 B4–220, A300 B4–203, and
A300 B2–203 airplanes in a forward facing
crew cockpit certified configuration;
(2) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620,
and B4–622 airplanes;
(3) Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R
airplanes;
(4) Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R
airplanes; and
(5) Airbus Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of a
sudden nose-up movement after
disengagement of the autopilot in cruise. We
are issuing this AD to ensure that the
flightcrew is aware of the procedures for
resetting the trim and pitch trim levers after
each landing and to prevent failure of the
servomotors of the pitch trim systems during
flight. Failure of the servomotors of the pitch
trim systems could result in uncommanded
nose up movement of the control surface of
the pitch trim systems after disengagement of
the autopilot in cruise.
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.
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Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
(f) Within 14 days after the effective date
of this AD, revise the Normal Procedures
section of the Airbus A300 AFM to include
the information in Airbus A300 Temporary
Revision (TR) 4.03.00/04, Issue 02, dated
November 18, 2003, as specified in the TR.
Note 1: This may be done by inserting a
copy of TR 4.03.00/04, Issue 02, in the AFM.
When the TR has been included in the
general revisions of the AFM, the general
revisions may be inserted in the AFM,
provided the relevant information in the
general revision is identical to that in the TR.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:59 Aug 22, 2006
Jkt 208001
(g) Following accomplishment of the AFM
revision required by paragraph (f) of this AD:
After each landing and before shutting down
the engines, do the AFM procedures
specified in Airbus A300 TR 4.03.00/04,
Issue 02, dated November 18, 2003.
(h) Before further flight after any
movement reported in accordance with
paragraph (g) of this AD, determine which
servomotor moves the pitch trim control
wheel, and do applicable other specified
actions in accordance with Airbus TR No.
22–001, dated April 11, 2003, of Chapter 22–
23–00 of Airbus A300 Fault Isolation
Manual.
Note 2: Airbus TR No. 22–001 contains a
typographical error. The TR incorrectly refers
to ‘‘MM 22–23–39’’ as the appropriate source
of service information for replacing the pitch
trim actuator; the correct reference is ‘‘MM
22–23–29.’’
Optional Replacement of the Pitch Trim
Servomotors
(i) Replace the pitch trim servomotors in
the attachment area of the horizontal and
vertical stabilizers with new servomotors, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300–
22–0119, dated May 13, 2005.
Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletin A300–22–
0119, dated May 13, 2005, refers to Thales
Service Bulletin V1AM–22–005, Revision 01,
dated July 27, 2005, as an additional source
of service information for doing the
replacement.
Repetitive Preventative Maintenance Tasks
(j) Within 12,000 flight hours after
replacing one or both servomotors in
accordance with paragraph (h) or (i) of this
AD, or within 6 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do
the preventative maintenance task of the
pitch trim servomotor(s), in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–22–0120, dated May
13, 2005. Repeat the preventative
maintenance task thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 12,000 flight hours.
Note 4: Airbus Service Bulletin A300–22–
0120, dated May 13, 2005, refers to Thales
Service Bulletin V1AM–22–006, Revision 01,
dated July 26, 2005, as an additional source
of service information for doing the
preventative maintenance task.
Removal of AFM Revision
(k) After accomplishing the actions
specified in paragraph (i) and the initial task
in paragraph (j) of this AD, the AFM revision
required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be
removed, and the requirements of paragraphs
(g) and (h) of this AD are no longer required.
No Reporting
(l) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A300–
22–0120 specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that a requirement.
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
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49387
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(m)(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
(n) French airworthiness directives F–
2003–291 R1, issued July 6, 2005, and F–
2005–109, issued July 6, 2005, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
15, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–13964 Filed 8–22–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
COMMODITY FUTURES TRADING
COMMISSION
17 CFR Part 4
RIN 3038–AC35
Advertising by Commodity Pool
Operators, Commodity Trading
Advisors, and the Principals Thereof
Commodity Futures Trading
Commission.
ACTION: Proposed rules.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The Commodity Futures
Trading Commission (Commission or
CFTC) is proposing to amend Regulation
4.41, which governs advertising by
commodity pool operators (CPOs),
commodity trading advisors (CTAs) and
the principals thereof, (1) To restrict the
use of testimonials, (2) to clarify the
required placement of the prescribed
simulated or hypothetical performance
disclaimer, and (3) to include within the
regulation’s coverage advertisement
through electronic media (Proposal).
This action is in furtherance of the
Commission’s longstanding position
that CPOs, CTAs, and their principals
may not advertise in a false, deceptive
or misleading manner.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before September 22, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Comments on the Proposal
should be sent to Eileen Donovan,
Acting Secretary, Commodity Futures
Trading Commission, Three Lafayette
Centre, 1155 21st Street, NW.,
Washington, DC 20581. Comments may
be sent by facsimile transmission to
(202) 418–5528, or by e-mail to
E:\FR\FM\23AUP1.SGM
23AUP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 163 (Wednesday, August 23, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49385-49387]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-13964]
========================================================================
Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 163 / Wednesday, August 23, 2006 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 49385]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25670; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-027-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series
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 A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes. This proposed
AD would require revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to include
procedures for resetting the trim and pitch trim levers after each
landing, determining which servomotor moves the pitch trim control
wheel, and doing applicable other specified actions. This proposed AD
also provides for optional terminating actions for those requirements.
This proposed AD results from a report of a sudden nose-up movement
after disengagement of the autopilot in cruise. We are proposing this
AD to ensure that the flightcrew is aware of the procedures for
resetting the trim and pitch trim levers after each landing and to
prevent failure of the servomotors of the pitch trim systems during
flight. Failure of the servomotors of the pitch trim systems could
result in uncommanded nose-up movement of the control surface of the
pitch trim systems after disengagement of the autopilot in cruise.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 22,
2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas 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-
25670; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-027-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 G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that a sudden nose-up movement after
disengagement of the autopilot in cruise occurred on a Model A300
airplane. At the time of the incident, the first pitch trim system
(pitch trim 1) was inoperative before the flight and the second pitch
trim system (pitch trim 2) had tripped. During the resulting
investigation, the manufacturer identified a failure mode of the
servomotors of the pitch trim systems as the cause of the incident.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in uncommanded nose-up
movement of the control surface of the pitch trim systems after
disengagement of the autopilot in cruise.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Temporary Revision (TR) 4.03.00/04, Issue 02,
dated November 18, 2003, to the A300 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). The
TR describes a procedure for the flightcrew to follow after each
landing of the airplane. The procedure involves resetting the trim and
pitch trim. This procedure is to be inserted into the Normal Procedures
section of the AFM.
Airbus also has issued TR No. 22-001, dated April 11, 2003, of
Chapter 22-23-00 of Airbus A300 Fault Isolation Manual. The TR
describes procedures for determining which servomotor moves the pitch
trim control wheel and doing applicable other specified actions. The
applicable other specified actions involve replacing one or both
[[Page 49386]]
servomotors of the pitch trim systems with new servomotors or
dispatching the airplane with both servomotors deactivated in
accordance with the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).
In addition, Airbus issued Service Bulletin A300-22-0119, dated May
13, 2005. The service bulletin describes optional procedures for
replacing the pitch trim servomotors in the attachment area of the
horizontal and vertical stabilizers with new servomotors. The service
bulletin refers to Thales Service Bulletin V1AM-22-005, Revision 01,
dated July 27, 2005, as an additional source of service information for
doing the replacement.
Further, Airbus issued Service Bulletin A300-22-0120, dated May 13,
2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for repetitive
preventative maintenance tasks of any pitch trim servomotor replaced in
accordance with Service Bulletin A300-22-0119. The service bulletin
refers to Thales Service Bulletin V1AM-22-006, Revision 01, dated July
26, 2005, as an additional source of service information for doing the
preventative maintenance task.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The DGAC mandated
Airbus TR 4.03.00/04, Airbus TR No. 22-001, and Airbus Service Bulletin
A300-22-0120 for any pitch trim servomotor replaced in accordance with
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0119. In addition, the DGAC mandated
incorporation of Airbus TR No. 1.22/01Z, Revision 2, into the MMEL. The
DGAC also issued French airworthiness directives F-2003-291 R1, dated
July 6, 2005, and F-2005-109, dated July 6, 2005, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
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 Airbus TR 4.03.00/04, Airbus TR
No. 22-001, and Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0120 for any pitch trim
servomotor replaced in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-
0119, as described previously.
Clarification Between the Proposed AD and French Airworthiness
Directive F-2003-291 R1
Although the French airworthiness directive F-2003-291 R1 mandates
incorporation of Airbus TR No. 1.22/01Z, Revision 2, into the MMEL,
this proposed AD does not include that requirement. The procedures
specified in Airbus TR No. 1.22/01Z have already been incorporated into
the MMEL for the U.S. fleet.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate per hour is
$80.
Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of U.S.-
Action Work hours Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFM revision...................... 1 None.................. $80................. 23 $1,840.
Determination if pitch trim 1 None.................. $80................. 23 $1,840.
control wheel moves.
Optional replacement.............. 3 $264.................. $504................ 23 $11,592.
Optional repetitive preventative 3 None.................. $240, per task cycle 23 $5,520, per task cycle.
maintenance tasks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 49387]]
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-2006-25670; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
027-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by September
22, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes;
certificated in any category; except the following airplanes:
(1) Model A300 B4-220, A300 B4-203, and A300 B2-203 airplanes in
a forward facing crew cockpit certified configuration;
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes;
(3) Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes;
(4) Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; and
(5) Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report of a sudden nose-up movement
after disengagement of the autopilot in cruise. We are issuing this
AD to ensure that the flightcrew is aware of the procedures for
resetting the trim and pitch trim levers after each landing and to
prevent failure of the servomotors of the pitch trim systems during
flight. Failure of the servomotors of the pitch trim systems could
result in uncommanded nose up movement of the control surface of the
pitch trim systems after disengagement of the autopilot in cruise.
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.
Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
(f) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Normal Procedures section of the Airbus A300 AFM to include the
information in Airbus A300 Temporary Revision (TR) 4.03.00/04, Issue
02, dated November 18, 2003, as specified in the TR.
Note 1: This may be done by inserting a copy of TR 4.03.00/04,
Issue 02, in the AFM. When the TR has been included in the general
revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the
AFM, provided the relevant information in the general revision is
identical to that in the TR.
Determination if Pitch Trim Control Wheel Moves
(g) Following accomplishment of the AFM revision required by
paragraph (f) of this AD: After each landing and before shutting
down the engines, do the AFM procedures specified in Airbus A300 TR
4.03.00/04, Issue 02, dated November 18, 2003.
Determination if Servomotor Moves
(h) Before further flight after any movement reported in
accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD, determine which servomotor
moves the pitch trim control wheel, and do applicable other
specified actions in accordance with Airbus TR No. 22-001, dated
April 11, 2003, of Chapter 22-23-00 of Airbus A300 Fault Isolation
Manual.
Note 2: Airbus TR No. 22-001 contains a typographical error. The
TR incorrectly refers to ``MM 22-23-39'' as the appropriate source
of service information for replacing the pitch trim actuator; the
correct reference is ``MM 22-23-29.''
Optional Replacement of the Pitch Trim Servomotors
(i) Replace the pitch trim servomotors in the attachment area of
the horizontal and vertical stabilizers with new servomotors, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-22-0119, dated May 13, 2005.
Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0119, dated May 13,
2005, refers to Thales Service Bulletin V1AM-22-005, Revision 01,
dated July 27, 2005, as an additional source of service information
for doing the replacement.
Repetitive Preventative Maintenance Tasks
(j) Within 12,000 flight hours after replacing one or both
servomotors in accordance with paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD, or
within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later, do the preventative maintenance task of the pitch trim
servomotor(s), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0120, dated May 13, 2005. Repeat the
preventative maintenance task thereafter at intervals not to exceed
12,000 flight hours.
Note 4: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0120, dated May 13,
2005, refers to Thales Service Bulletin V1AM-22-006, Revision 01,
dated July 26, 2005, as an additional source of service information
for doing the preventative maintenance task.
Removal of AFM Revision
(k) After accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (i)
and the initial task in paragraph (j) of this AD, the AFM revision
required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be removed, and the
requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD are no longer
required.
No Reporting
(l) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A300-22-0120 specifies to
submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that a requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(m)(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
(n) French airworthiness directives F-2003-291 R1, issued July
6, 2005, and F-2005-109, issued July 6, 2005, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 15, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-13964 Filed 8-22-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
