Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-145XR Airplanes, 51465-51467 [E6-14288]
Download as PDF
51465
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 30, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
that entered service with Nickel-Cadmium
plating, but have also operated during the life
of the hub with PWA 110–21 coating:
(1) You are allowed to make a cycle
adjustment.
(2) Use the information under
‘‘CONDITION A’’ of PW ASB JT8D A6430,
Revision 2, dated December 23, 2004, to
determine the adjustment.
Replacement of HPC Front Hubs and Stage
8–9 Spacers That Have Operated With PWA
110–21 Coating, As Optional Action—All
Engines
(l) For all applicable engines, as an
optional action for the visual inspections in
this AD, replace HPC front hubs and stage 8–
9 spacers that have operated with PWA 110–
21 coating in the interface between the hub
and the stage 8–9 spacer and HPC disks
currently coated with PWA 110–21, as
follows:
(1) Install a Nickel-Cadmium plated HPC
front hub that has never operated with PWA
110–21 coating in the interface between the
HPC front hub and the stage 8–9 spacer.
(2) Install a Nickel-Cadmium plated or
Electroless Nickel-plated stage 8–9 spacer.
(3) Install HPC disks that have never
operated with PWA 110–21 coating.
Prohibition Against Recoating the HPC Front
Hub, Stage 7 HPC Disk, and Stage 8–9
Spacer With PWA 110–21—All Engines
(m) Do not recoat the HPC front hub with
PWA 110–21 (Repair-23 of Chapter/Section
72–36–42 of JT8D–200 Engine Manual, P/N
773128, and Repair-27 and Repair-28 of
Chapter/Section 72–36–42 of JT8D Engine
Manual, P/N 481672).
(n) Do not recoat the 7th stage disk with
PWA 110–21 (Repair-15 of Chapter/Section
72–36–41 of JT8D–200 Engine Manual, P/N
773128, and Repair-15 of Chapter/Section
72–36–41 of JT8D Engine Manual, P/N
481672).
(o) Do not recoat the stage 8–9 spacer with
PWA 110–21 (Repair-03, Task 72–36–12–30–
003–002, of Chapter/Section 72–36–12 of
JT8D–200 Engine Manual, P/N 773128, and
Repair-01, Task 72–36–12–30–001–002, of
Chapter/Section 72–36–12 of JT8D Engine
Manual, P/N 481672).
Prohibition Against Reinstalling HPC Front
Hubs and Stage 8–9 Spacers Coated With
PWA 110–21
(p) After the effective date of this AD, do
not reinstall HPC front hubs and stage 8–9
spacers coated with PWA 110–21.
Definition
(q) For the purpose of this AD, ‘‘accessible’’
is defined as when the HPC front hub is
removed from the engine and the hub is
debladed.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(r) The Manager, Engine Certification
Office, has the authority to approve
alternative methods of compliance for this
AD if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19.
Related Information
(s) None.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(t) You must use the service information
specified in Table 6 of this AD to perform the
actions required by this AD. The Director of
the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the documents
listed in Table 6 of this AD in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Pratt & Whitney, 400 Main St., East
Hartford, CT 06108, telephone (860) 565–
7700; fax (860) 565–1605 for a copy of this
service information. You may review copies
at the FAA, New England Region, Office of
the Regional Counsel, 12 New England
Executive Park, Burlington, MA; or at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
TABLE 6.—INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
Pratt & Whitney Alert Service Bulletin No.
Page
Revision
JT8D A6430, Total Pages: 35 ...................................................................
JT8D A6468, Total Pages: 20 ...................................................................
ALL ...............
ALL ...............
2 ...........................................
Original .................................
Issued in Burlington, Massachusetts, on
August 21, 2006.
Francis A. Favara,
Manager, Engine and Propeller Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–14238 Filed 8–29–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–24439; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–039–AD; Amendment
39–14741; AD 2006–18–03]
RIN 2120–AA64
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(EMBRAER) Model EMB–145XR
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:32 Aug 29, 2006
Jkt 208001
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
EMBRAER Model EMB–145XR
airplanes. This AD requires
modification of the flap system interface
wiring. This AD results from a finding
that the aural and visual warnings,
which should be activated when the
flaps are set to 22 degrees during
takeoff, were not enabled during the
manufacture of certain Model EMB–
145XR airplanes. We are issuing this AD
to prevent overrunning the runway
during takeoff.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
October 4, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of October 4, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Empresa Brasileira de
Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box
PO 00000
Frm 00045
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Date
December 23, 2004.
December 23, 2004.
343—CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos
Campos—SP, Brazil, for service
information identified in this AD.
Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2125;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (AD) docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the
Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building at
the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM
30AUR1
51466
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 30, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
apply to certain EMBRAER Model
EMB–145XR airplanes. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
April 13, 2006 (71 FR 19138). That
NPRM proposed to require modification
of the flap system interface wiring.
airworthiness directive 2006–02–01,
effective February 24, 2006, to address
this same unsafe condition and ensure
the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in Brazil. We have not revised
this AD in this regard.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments received.
Request To Require Additional Action
ExpressJet Airlines and a private
citizen both request that EMBRAER
provide an engine indication and crew
alerting system (EICAS) message, in
addition to the aural and visual takeoff
warnings proposed in the NPRM. To
accomplish this request, ExpressJet
Airlines proposes that EMBRAER revise
Service Bulletin 145–31–0049 to
provide procedures for updating the IC–
600 configuration files. The commenter
states that this change would allow the
EICAS visual warning, ‘‘No Takeoff
Config,’’ to be displayed. As
justification, the commenter states that
this change would provide indications
consistent with other takeoff related
warnings such as pitch trim settings.
The private citizen specifically
requests that the manufacturer provide
an EICAS configuration file with the
‘‘FLAPS 22 AVAIL’’ parameter set to
‘‘UNAVAILABLE.’’ As justification, the
commenter states if the modification is
accomplished as proposed in the NPRM,
the warnings associated with an
attempted takeoff in a prohibited
condition will be inconsistent. The
commenter points out that if takeoff is
attempted with the flaps set to 0 degrees
or to 45 degrees, the flightcrew will
receive an aural warning, a master
warning light, and an EICAS message.
The commenter asserts that the
manufacturer cannot justify omission of
the EICAS message, and that including
an EICAS message would add less than
1 work hour to the proposed
modification.
We do not agree. We have determined
that the addition of the aural and visual
takeoff warnings is adequate for
addressing the unsafe condition of this
AD. We have not revised this AD in this
regard.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
Support for NPRM
The Air Line Pilots Association
supports the NPRM.
Request To Withdraw NPRM
EMBRAER requests that we withdraw
the NPRM. EMBRAER states that,
according to section 39.5 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.5), an
AD is issued when an unsafe condition
exists in a product and is likely to exist
or develop in other products of the same
type design. However, EMBRAER
asserts that the missing aural and visual
takeoff warnings for flaps selected to 22
degrees do not cause an unsafe
condition. EMBRAER states that its
analysis has shown that erroneously
selecting the flaps to 22 degrees would
not affect the controllability, stall, or
maneuver margins of Model EMB–
145XR airplanes. Also, EMBRAER states
that the approved airplane flight manual
prohibits takeoff with flaps selected to
22 degrees. Its analysis has also shown
that airplane performance would be an
issue during climb only when
associated with an engine shutdown.
EMBRAER maintains that this combined
failure is remote or extremely
improbable and would lead to a
catastrophic event only if limited by the
climb gradient or an obstacle.
EMBRAER states that the effect of this
failure is similar to the inability to
retract flaps.
We do not agree to withdraw the
NPRM, since we have determined that
an unsafe condition does exist. An
erroneous flap selection (set to 22
degrees instead of 18) in combination
with engine failure during takeoff could
result in an overrun of the runway. In
its comment, EMBRAER considers only
a combined failure (wrong flap
configuration plus an engine failure).
Such consideration is unacceptable
since the human failure rate for a given
operation depends on a large number of
factors. No adequate models exist that
will enable the failure rate of a given
human, carrying out a given operation,
to be accurately predicted. Furthermore,
the Departamento de Aviacao Civil
¸˜
(DAC), which is the airworthiness
authority for Brazil, issued Brazilian
VerDate Aug<31>2005
18:34 Aug 29, 2006
Jkt 208001
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comments
received, and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting
the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 97 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The actions required by
this AD take about 5 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80
per work hour. Required parts cost
about $60 per airplane. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the AD for
PO 00000
Frm 00046
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
U.S. operators is $44,620, or $460 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
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
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30AUR1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 168 / Wednesday, August 30, 2006 / Rules and Regulations
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
2006–18–03 Empresa Brasileira de
Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER):
Amendment 39–14741. Docket No.
FAA–2006–24439; Directorate Identifier
2006–NM–039–AD.
otherwise. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by
reference of this document in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica
S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343—CEP 12.225,
Sao Jose dos Campos—SP, Brazil, 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 August
17, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–14288 Filed 8–29–06; 8:45 am]
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective October 4,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to EMBRAER Model
EMB–145XR airplanes, certificated in any
category; as identified in EMBRAER Service
Bulletin 145–27–0113, dated December 6,
2005.
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a finding that the
aural and visual warnings, which should be
activated when the flaps are set to 22 degrees
during takeoff, were not enabled during the
manufacture of certain Model EMB–145XR
airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent
overrunning the runway during takeoff.
14 CFR Part 39
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.
Modification
(f) Within 2,500 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, modify the flap
system interface wiring, by accomplishing all
of the actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER
Service Bulletin 145–27–0113, dated
December 6, 2005.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(h) You must use EMBRAER Service
Bulletin 145–27–0113, dated December 6,
2005, to perform the actions that are required
by this AD, unless the AD specifies
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:32 Aug 29, 2006
Jkt 208001
51467
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of October 4, 2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Long Beach Division, 3855
Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach,
California 90846, Attention: Data and
Service Management, Dept. C1–L5A
(D800–0024), for service information
identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Serj
Harutunian, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140L, FAA,
Los Angeles Aircraft Certification
Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard,
Lakewood, California 90712–4137;
telephone (562) 627–5254; fax (562)
627–5210.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Examining the Docket
Federal Aviation Administration
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (AD) docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the
Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building at
the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
[Docket No. FAA–2006–24368; Directorate
Identifier 2005–NM–230–AD; Amendment
39–14740; AD 2006–18–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell
Douglas Model DC–9–10, –20, –30, –40,
and –50 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
McDonnell Douglas Model DC–9–10,
–20, –30, –40, and –50 series airplanes.
This AD requires replacing the clamp
bases for the fuel vent pipe with
improved clamp bases. This AD results
from reports that the foil wrapping on
existing plastic clamp bases has
migrated out of position, which
compromises the bonding of the fuel
vent lines to the airplane structure. We
are issuing this AD to ensure that the
fuel vent lines are properly bonded to
the airplane structure. Improper
bonding could prevent electrical energy
from a lightning strike from dissipating
to the airplane structure, and create an
ignition source, which could result in a
fuel tank explosion.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
October 4, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
PO 00000
Frm 00047
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to all McDonnell Douglas Model
DC–9–10, –20, –30, –40, and –50 series
airplanes. That NPRM was published in
the Federal Register on April 11, 2006
(71 FR 18249). That NPRM proposed to
require replacing the clamp bases for the
fuel vent pipe with improved clamp
bases.
New Relevant Service Information
Since we issued the NPRM, Boeing
has issued Service Bulletin DC9–28–
211, Revision 1, dated June 21, 2006.
(The NPRM referred to the original issue
of that service bulletin, dated February
23, 2005, as the appropriate source of
service information for the replacement
of the clamp bases.) The instructions in
Revision 1 are essentially the same as
those in the original issue of the service
bulletin. Among other things, Revision
1 of the service bulletin reduces the
recommended compliance time from 10
years to 5 years, and revises the cost of
parts. The NPRM specified a
E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 168 (Wednesday, August 30, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51465-51467]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-14288]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-24439; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-039-AD;
Amendment 39-14741; AD 2006-18-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(EMBRAER) Model EMB-145XR 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 EMBRAER Model EMB-145XR airplanes. This AD requires
modification of the flap system interface wiring. This AD results from
a finding that the aural and visual warnings, which should be activated
when the flaps are set to 22 degrees during takeoff, were not enabled
during the manufacture of certain Model EMB-145XR airplanes. We are
issuing this AD to prevent overrunning the runway during takeoff.
DATES: This AD becomes effective October 4, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of October 4,
2006.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box
343--CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos--SP, Brazil, 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 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would
[[Page 51466]]
apply to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-145XR airplanes. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on April 13, 2006 (71 FR 19138). That
NPRM proposed to require modification of the flap system interface
wiring.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Support for NPRM
The Air Line Pilots Association supports the NPRM.
Request To Withdraw NPRM
EMBRAER requests that we withdraw the NPRM. EMBRAER states that,
according to section 39.5 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR
39.5), an AD is issued when an unsafe condition exists in a product and
is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type
design. However, EMBRAER asserts that the missing aural and visual
takeoff warnings for flaps selected to 22 degrees do not cause an
unsafe condition. EMBRAER states that its analysis has shown that
erroneously selecting the flaps to 22 degrees would not affect the
controllability, stall, or maneuver margins of Model EMB-145XR
airplanes. Also, EMBRAER states that the approved airplane flight
manual prohibits takeoff with flaps selected to 22 degrees. Its
analysis has also shown that airplane performance would be an issue
during climb only when associated with an engine shutdown. EMBRAER
maintains that this combined failure is remote or extremely improbable
and would lead to a catastrophic event only if limited by the climb
gradient or an obstacle. EMBRAER states that the effect of this failure
is similar to the inability to retract flaps.
We do not agree to withdraw the NPRM, since we have determined that
an unsafe condition does exist. An erroneous flap selection (set to 22
degrees instead of 18) in combination with engine failure during
takeoff could result in an overrun of the runway. In its comment,
EMBRAER considers only a combined failure (wrong flap configuration
plus an engine failure). Such consideration is unacceptable since the
human failure rate for a given operation depends on a large number of
factors. No adequate models exist that will enable the failure rate of
a given human, carrying out a given operation, to be accurately
predicted. Furthermore, the Departamento de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil
(DAC), which is the airworthiness authority for Brazil, issued
Brazilian airworthiness directive 2006-02-01, effective February 24,
2006, to address this same unsafe condition and ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in Brazil. We have not revised this AD
in this regard.
Request To Require Additional Action
ExpressJet Airlines and a private citizen both request that EMBRAER
provide an engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS) message,
in addition to the aural and visual takeoff warnings proposed in the
NPRM. To accomplish this request, ExpressJet Airlines proposes that
EMBRAER revise Service Bulletin 145-31-0049 to provide procedures for
updating the IC-600 configuration files. The commenter states that this
change would allow the EICAS visual warning, ``No Takeoff Config,'' to
be displayed. As justification, the commenter states that this change
would provide indications consistent with other takeoff related
warnings such as pitch trim settings.
The private citizen specifically requests that the manufacturer
provide an EICAS configuration file with the ``FLAPS 22 AVAIL''
parameter set to ``UNAVAILABLE.'' As justification, the commenter
states if the modification is accomplished as proposed in the NPRM, the
warnings associated with an attempted takeoff in a prohibited condition
will be inconsistent. The commenter points out that if takeoff is
attempted with the flaps set to 0 degrees or to 45 degrees, the
flightcrew will receive an aural warning, a master warning light, and
an EICAS message. The commenter asserts that the manufacturer cannot
justify omission of the EICAS message, and that including an EICAS
message would add less than 1 work hour to the proposed modification.
We do not agree. We have determined that the addition of the aural
and visual takeoff warnings is adequate for addressing the unsafe
condition of this AD. We have not revised this AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 97 airplanes of U.S. registry. The actions
required by this AD take about 5 work hours per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts cost about $60 per
airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for U.S.
operators is $44,620, or $460 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:
[[Page 51467]]
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):
2006-18-03 Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER):
Amendment 39-14741. Docket No. FAA-2006-24439; Directorate
Identifier 2006-NM-039-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective October 4, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to EMBRAER Model EMB-145XR airplanes,
certificated in any category; as identified in EMBRAER Service
Bulletin 145-27-0113, dated December 6, 2005.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a finding that the aural and visual
warnings, which should be activated when the flaps are set to 22
degrees during takeoff, were not enabled during the manufacture of
certain Model EMB-145XR airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent
overrunning the runway during takeoff.
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.
Modification
(f) Within 2,500 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, modify the flap system interface wiring, by accomplishing all of
the actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER
Service Bulletin 145-27-0113, dated December 6, 2005.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(g)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(h) You must use EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-27-0113, dated
December 6, 2005, to perform the actions that are required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343--CEP 12.225,
Sao Jose dos Campos--SP, Brazil, 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 August 17, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-14288 Filed 8-29-06; 8:45 am]
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