Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 Series Airplanes, 56058-56062 [06-8224]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 26, 2006 / Proposed Rules
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.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all EMBRAER Model
EMB–135BJ, –135ER, –135KE, –135KL, and
–135LR airplanes; and Model EMB–145,
–145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR, –145MP,
and –145EP airplanes; certificated in any
category.
Regulatory Findings
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of smoke
on the flight deck caused by damage from
poor electrical contact due to loosening of the
attaching hardware of the power cables of
certain windshield temperature controllers.
We are issuing this AD to prevent
overheating of the power cable terminals of
the windshield temperature controllers,
which could result in smoke and fire on the
flight deck.
We have determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section
for a location to examine the regulatory
evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
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2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(EMBRAER): FAA–2006–25892;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–120–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by October 26, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
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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.
Inspecting for Part Number (P/N) of
Controller
(f) Within 5,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, inspect to
determine the P/N of the left- and right-hand
windshield temperature controllers. If any
windshield temperature controller is found
to have a P/N other than Goodrich P/N
3801D2( ), no further action is required by
this AD for that controller.
Replacement of Attaching Hardware,
Further Inspection, and Corrective Actions
(g) Before further flight after performing the
inspection required by paragraph (f) of this
AD, for all windshield temperature
controllers having Goodrich P/N 3801D2( )
or any controller for which the P/N cannot
be conclusively determined: Replace the
attaching hardware of the power cable
terminals of the controllers with new,
improved attaching hardware having new P/
Ns. Concurrently, perform a detailed
inspection for signs of melting or damage of
the plastic crimping ring, cable insulation, or
terminals of the power cables, and, before
further flight, perform applicable corrective
actions. Perform all the actions in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145–30–0043,
Revision 02, dated May 25, 2006, or
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG–30–
0013, dated June 28, 2005; as applicable.
Credit for Actions Accomplished Using
Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(h) Actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145–30–0043,
dated June 28, 2005; or Revision 01, dated
April 7, 2006; are considered acceptable for
compliance with corresponding actions
required by this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14
FR 39.19.
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(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
(j) Brazilian airworthiness directive 2006–
05–01, effective May 23, 2006, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 14, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–8223 Filed 9–25–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25890; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–115–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).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to
supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus
Model A300 B2, B4–100, and B4–200
series airplanes. The existing AD
currently requires supplemental
structural inspections to detect fatigue
cracking, and repair of cracked
structure. This proposed AD would
require revising the maintenance
program by incorporating new and
revised supplemental structural
inspections, inspection intervals, and
repairs; and repair of any damaged,
cracked, or corroded structure; which
would end the existing supplement
structural inspections. This proposed
AD results from a review of service
history and reports received from the
current supplemental structural
inspection document program. We are
proposing this AD to prevent reduced
structural integrity of these airplanes
due to fatigue cracking.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 26, 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 26, 2006 / Proposed Rules
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: Tom
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1622;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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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 ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2006–25890;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–115–
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
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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
On June 17, 1996, we issued AD 96–
13–11, amendment 39–9679 (61 FR
35122, July 5, 1996), for all Airbus
Model A300 B2, B4–100, and B4–200
series airplanes. That AD requires
supplemental structural inspections to
detect fatigue cracking, and repair of
cracked structure. That AD also requires
revising the supplemental structural
inspection document (SSID) program by
changing some of the inspection
techniques, changing some of the
thresholds and intervals for inspections,
expanding the area to be inspected for
some of the inspections, and revising
the Fleet Leader Program. That AD
resulted from a review of service history
and reports received from existing SSID
inspections. We issued that AD to
prevent reduced structural integrity of
these airplanes due to fatigue cracking.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 96–13–11, the
European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the airworthiness
authority for the European Union,
notified us that an unsafe condition may
exist on all Airbus Model A300 B2 and
B4 series airplanes. The EASA advises
that, based on a review of service
history and reports received from the
current SSID program, further
rulemaking is necessary in order to
ensure the continued structural integrity
of these airplanes.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued A300
Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI)
Document SEM2/95A.1090/05, Issue 3,
dated September 2005 (hereafter
referred to as ‘‘Issue 3 of the ALI’’). Issue
3 of the ALI defines inspections and
modifications necessary to ensure the
structural integrity applicable to the
specified threshold (structural
modification point) arising from the
evaluation of widespread fatigue
damage, and fatigue-related
supplemental structural inspections for
a given applicability period from zero
flight cycles/flight hours to the limit of
validity.
Airbus also has issued Temporary
Revision (TR) 3.1, dated April 2006
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56059
(hereafter referred to as ‘‘TR 3.1’’), of
Issue 3 of the ALI. TR 3.1 contains
changes and additions to Issue 3 of the
ALI. The applicability, limit of validity,
program rules, program notes, and
definitions remain valid as stated in
Issue 3 of the ALI.
Accomplishing the actions specified
in Issue 3 of the ALI as revised by TR
3.1 ends the supplemental structural
inspections required by AD 96–13–11.
Accomplishing the actions specified
in the service information is intended to
adequately address the unsafe
condition. The EASA mandated the
service information and issued
airworthiness directive 2006–0071,
dated March 30, 2006, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in the European Union.
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. As described in FAA Order
8100.14A, ‘‘Interim Procedures for
Working with the European Community
on Airworthiness Certification and
Continued Airworthiness,’’ dated
August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the
FAA informed of the situation described
above. We have examined the EASA’s
findings, evaluated all pertinent
information, and determined that we
need to issue an AD for products of this
type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
This proposed AD would supersede
AD 96–13–11 and would retain all the
requirements of the existing AD. This
proposed AD would also require
revising the FAA-approved maintenance
program by incorporating new and
revised supplemental structural
inspections, inspection intervals, and
repairs; and repair of any damaged,
cracked, or corroded structure; which
would end the existing supplement
structural inspections.
Differences Between the Proposed AD,
EASA Airworthiness Directive, Issue 3
of the ALI, and TR 3.1
The EASA airworthiness directive
specifies a compliance time of within 90
days from the effective date of the
airworthiness directive for doing the
actions specified in Issue 3 of the ALI,
which replaces the actions specified in
Airbus A300 SSID, Revision 4.
However, this proposed AD would
require, within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD, revising the
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 26, 2006 / Proposed Rules
FAA-approved maintenance program by
incorporating the new and revised
actions specified in Issue 3 of the ALI
as revised by TR 3.1. In developing an
appropriate compliance time for this
action, we considered the safety
implications and normal maintenance
schedules for the timely
accomplishment of the proposed
revision. We also consider the proposed
revision to be more complex than that
required by the EASA airworthiness
directive. AD 96–13–11 did not mandate
incorporation of Revision 3 or Revision
4 of the Airbus A300 SSID and thus U.S.
operators would be required to
incorporate more changes than those
specified in the EASA airworthiness
directive. In consideration of these
items, we have determined that a
compliance time of 12 months will
ensure an acceptable level of safety and
allow the revision to be done during
scheduled maintenance intervals for
most affected operators.
Unlike the procedures described in
Issue 3 of the ALI as revised by TR 3.1,
this proposed AD would not permit
further flight if any cracked structure is
detected. We have determined that,
because of the safety implications and
consequences associated with that
cracking, any cracked structure must be
repaired before further flight. This
difference has been coordinated with
the EASA.
Issue 3 of the ALI as revised by TR 3.1
specifies to contact the manufacturer for
instructions on how to repair certain
conditions, but this proposed AD would
require repairing those conditions using
a method that we or the EASA (or its
delegated agent) approve. In light of the
type of repair that would be required to
address the unsafe condition, and
consistent with existing bilateral
airworthiness agreements, we have
determined that, for this proposed AD,
a repair we or the EASA approve would
be acceptable for compliance with this
proposed AD.
Although Issue 3 of the ALI as revised
by TR 3.1 specifies a ‘‘Sampling
Concept’’ in section B, this proposed AD
does not include that requirement.
Since issuance of AD 98–16–06, we
have determined that such a sampling
does not provide an adequate statistical
sampling size to provide confidence in
the structural integrity of the fleet of
airplanes. Therefore, the proposed AD
would prohibit the use of such a
sampling program and would require all
affected airplanes of the fleet to be
inspected.
Change to Existing AD
This proposed AD would retain all
requirements of AD 96–13–11. Since AD
96–13–11 was issued, the AD format has
been revised, and certain paragraphs
have been rearranged. As a result, the
corresponding paragraph identifiers
have changed in this proposed AD, as
listed in the following table:
REVISED PARAGRAPH IDENTIFIERS
Requirement in AD
96–13–11
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
(a) ............
(b) ............
(c) ............
(d) ............
(e) ............
(f) .............
(g) ............
(h) ............
(i) .............
(j) .............
(k) ............
(l) .............
Corresponding requirement in this proposed AD
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
paragraph
(f).
(g).
(h).
(i).
(j).
(k).
(l).
(m).
(n).
(o).
(p).
(q).
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the
estimated costs for U.S. operators to
comply with this proposed AD.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Work
hours
Action
Implementation of SSID (required by AD 96–13–11) ..................
Revision of the FAA-approved maintenance program (new proposed action).
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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
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Average
labor rate per
hour
Parts
$80
80
None
None
597
10
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
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Cost per
airplane
$47,760
800
Number
of U.S.registered
airplanes
29
29
Fleet cost
$1,385,040
23,200
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section
for a location to examine the regulatory
evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 26, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by removing amendment 39–9679 (61
FR 35122, July 5, 1996) and adding the
following new airworthiness directive
(AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2006–25890;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–115–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by October 26, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 96–13–11.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model
A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes, certificated
in any category.
Note 1: This AD requires revisions to
certain operator maintenance documents to
include new inspections. Compliance with
these inspections is required by 14 CFR
91.403(c). For airplanes that have been
previously modified, altered, or repaired in
the areas addressed by these inspections, the
operator may not be able to accomplish the
inspections described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c),
the operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance according
to paragraph (x) of this AD. The request
should include a description of changes to
the required inspections that will ensure the
continued damage tolerance of the affected
structure. The FAA has provided guidance
for this determination in Advisory Circular
(AC) 25–1529.
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Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a review of service
history and reports received from the current
supplemental structural inspection document
program. We are issuing this AD to prevent
reduced structural integrity of these airplanes
due to fatigue cracking.
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.
Requirements of AD 96–13–11:
(f) Within one year after March 9, 1993 (the
effective date of AD 93–01–24, amendment
39–8478), incorporate a revision into the
FAA-approved maintenance inspection
program that provides for supplemental
maintenance inspections, modifications,
repair, or replacement of the significant
structural details (SSD) and significant
structural items (SSI) specified in ‘‘Airbus
Industrie A300 Supplemental Structural
Inspection Document’’ (SSID), dated
September 1989 (hereafter referred to as ‘‘the
SSID’’).
(g) Within one year after August 9, 1996
(the effective date of AD 96–13–11), replace
the revision of the FAA-approved
maintenance program required by paragraph
(f) of this AD with the inspections, inspection
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intervals, repairs, and replacements defined
in ‘‘Airbus Industrie A300 Supplemental
Structural Inspection Document’’ (SSID),
Revision 2, dated June 1994 (hereafter
referred to as ‘‘Revision 2 of the SSID’’).
Accomplish the actions specified in the
service bulletins identified in Section 6, ‘‘SB
Reference List,’’ Revision 2 of the SSID, at the
times specified in those service bulletins.
The actions are to be accomplished in
accordance with those service bulletins.
(1) For airplanes that have exceeded the
threshold specified in any of the service
bulletins identified in Section 6, ‘‘SB
Reference List,’’ Revision 2 of the SSID:
Accomplish the actions specified in those
service bulletins within the grace period
specified in that service bulletin. The grace
period is to be measured from August 9,
1996.
(2) For airplanes that have exceeded the
threshold specified in any of the service
bulletins identified in Section 6, ‘‘SB
Reference List,’’ Revision 2 of the SSID, and
a grace period is not specified in that service
bulletin: Accomplish the actions specified in
that service bulletin within 1,500 flight
cycles after August 9, 1996.
(h) If any cracked structure is detected
during the inspections required by either
paragraph (f) or (g) of this AD, prior to further
flight, permanently repair the cracked
structure in accordance with either paragraph
(h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD.
Note 2: A permanent repair is defined as
a repair that meets the certification basis of
the airplane, and does not require additional
modification at a later date.
(1) The service bulletins listed in Section
6, ‘‘SB Reference List,’’ of the SSID (for
airplanes that are currently being inspected
in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD);
or in accordance with a method approved by
the Manager, International Branch, ANM–116
(formerly the Standardization Branch, ANM–
113), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, if
a permanent repair is not specified in any of
these service bulletins. Or
(2) The service bulletins listed in Section
6, ‘‘SB Reference List,’’ of Revision 2 of the
SSID (for airplanes that are currently being
inspected in accordance with paragraph (g) of
this AD); or in accordance with a method
approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116 (formerly the
Standardization Branch, ANM–113), if a
permanent repair is not specified in any of
these service bulletins. Or
(3) Other permanent repair data meeting
the certification basis of the airplane which
is approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116 (formerly the
Standardization Branch, ANM–113), or by
´ ´
the Direction Geanearale de l’Aviation Civile
(DGAC) of France.
(i) For airplanes identified as Fleet Leader
Program (FLP) in Section 5, ‘‘Fleet Leader
Program,’’ of the SSID or Revision 2 of the
SSID: Inspect according to the instructions
and intervals specified in paragraph 4.4,
‘‘Adjustment of Inspection Requirements and
DSG,’’ of Section 4, or Section 9, as
applicable, of the SSID (for airplanes
inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of
this AD), or Revision 2 of the SSID (for
airplanes inspected in accordance with
paragraph (g) of this AD), for each SSD.
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(j) For the purpose of accomplishing
paragraphs (i), (k), (l), and (n) of this AD,
operators shall not use paragraph 6.2,
‘‘Complete RR Method,’’ of Section 9 of the
SSID to calculate inspection thresholds and
intervals.
(k) For Model A300–B2 and B2K–3C series
airplanes: For any SSD that has exceeded the
values of the threshold specified in
paragraph 6, ‘‘Inspection Threshold and
Intervals,’’ Section 9 of the SSID, inspect at
the time specified in either paragraph (k)(1)
or (k)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes inspected in accordance
with paragraph (f) of this AD: Inspect within
2,000 landings after March 9, 1993, in
accordance with the SSID. Or
(2) For airplanes inspected in accordance
with paragraph (g) of this AD: Inspect within
2,000 landings after August 9, 1996, in
accordance with Revision 2 of the SSID.
(l) For Model A300–B4 series airplanes:
For any SSD that has exceeded the values of
the threshold specified in paragraph 6,
‘‘Inspection Threshold and Intervals,’’
Section 9 of the SSID, inspect at the time
specified in either paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2) of
this AD, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes inspected in accordance
with paragraph (f) of this AD: Inspect within
1,500 landings after March 9, 1993 [the
effective date of AD 93–01–24, amendment
39–8478]. Or
(2) For airplanes inspected in accordance
with paragraph (g) of this AD: Inspect within
1,500 landings after August 9, 1996.
(m) For airplanes identified as FLP in
Section 5, ‘‘Fleet Leader Program,’’ of the
SSID or Revision 2 of the SSID: Within one
year after August 9, 1996, apply the basic
requirements given in Revision 2 of the SSID.
(n) For airplanes that are subject to the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, and
have exceeded the initial inspection
threshold specified in paragraph 4.4,
‘‘Adjustment of Inspection Requirements and
DSG,’’ of Section 4, or paragraph 6,
‘‘Inspection Threshold and Intervals,’’ of
Section 9, for each SSD: Perform the initial
inspection prior to the accumulation of the
number of flight cycles specified in
paragraph 7, ‘‘Additional Information,’’
Section 9, of Revision 2 of the SSID.
Note 3: Fatigue ratings are not applicable
to these allowances; therefore, no adjustment
is required.
Note 4: Paragraph (n) of this AD provides
the ‘‘grace’’ periods for those airplanes that
are new to the FLP or that have newly added
or revised SSID requirements in accordance
with paragraph (g) of this AD.
(o) The grace period provided by paragraph
(n) of this AD is also applicable to the
thresholds and/or repeat intervals for each
SSD for which the inspection interval or
threshold was reduced in accordance with
the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(p) For FLP airplanes identified in Section
5, ‘‘Fleet Leader Program,’’ of the SSID or
Revision 2 of the SSID that are listed in
Section 7, ‘‘SSI Limitation List,’’ of the SSID
(for airplanes that are currently being
inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of
this AD) , or Revision 2 of the SSID (for
airplanes that are currently being inspected
in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD):
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56062
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 186 / Tuesday, September 26, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Inspect at intervals not to exceed the interval
specified for each SSI, in accordance with the
values given in Section 7, ‘‘SSI Limitation
List,’’ of the SSID or Revision 2 of the SSID,
as applicable.
(q) For all airplanes: All inspection results,
positive or negative, must be reported to
Airbus in accordance with either paragraph
(q)(1) or (q)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
Information collection requirements
contained in this regulation have been
approved by the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB
Control Number 2120–0056.
(1) For FLP airplanes, identified in Section
5, ‘‘Fleet Leader Program,’’ of the SSID or
Revision 2 of the SSID: Submit reports in
accordance with the instructions in
paragraph 5.2, ‘‘SSIP Inspection Reporting,’’
of Section 5, and paragraph 7.1, ‘‘General,’’
of Section 7 of the SSID (for airplanes that
are currently being inspected in accordance
with paragraph (f) of this AD); or Revision 2
of the SSID (for airplanes inspected in
accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD).
(2) For all airplanes that are subject to
Section 6, ‘‘SB Reference List,’’ of the SSID:
Submit reports in accordance with the
instructions in the applicable service
bulletins identified in Section 6 of the SSID
(for airplanes that are currently being
inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of
this AD); or Revision 2 of the SSID (for
airplanes that are currently being inspected
in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD).
sroberts on PROD1PC70 with PROPOSALS
New Requirements of This AD
Revision of the FAA-Approved Maintenance
Inspection Program
(r) Within 12 months after the effective
date of this AD, replace the revision of the
FAA-approved maintenance program
required by paragraph (g) of this AD with the
supplemental structural inspections,
inspection intervals, and repairs defined in
Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitation Items
(ALI) Document SEM2/95A.1090/05, Issue 3,
dated September 2005, as revised by Airbus
Temporary Revision (TR) 3.1, dated April
2006 (hereafter referred to as ‘‘Issue 3 of the
ALI’’). Accomplish the actions specified in
Issue 3 of the ALI at the times specified in
that ALI, except as provided by paragraph (s)
of this AD. The actions must be
accomplished in accordance with Issue 3 of
the ALI. Accomplishing the applicable initial
ALI tasks constitutes terminating action for
the requirements of paragraphs (f) through (q)
of this AD.
(s) For airplanes that have exceeded the
threshold or intervals specified in Issue 3 of
the ALI for the application tolerance on the
first interval for new and revised
requirements and have exceeded 50 percent
of the intervals specified in sections D and
E of Issue 3 of the ALI: Do the actions within
6 months after the effective date of this AD.
Corrective Actions
(t) Damaged, cracked, or corroded structure
detected during any inspection done in
accordance with Issue 3 of the ALI must be
repaired, before further flight, in accordance
with Issue 3 of the ALI, except as provided
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:58 Sep 25, 2006
Jkt 208001
by paragraph (u) of this AD; or other data
meeting the certification basis of the airplane
which is approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM–116; or by the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or
its delegated agent).
(u) Where Issue 3 of the ALI specifies
contacting Airbus for appropriate action:
Before further flight, repair the damaged,
cracked, or corroded structure using a
method approved by either the Manager,
International Branch, ANM–116; or the
EASA (or its delegated agent).
No Fleet Sampling
(v) Although Issue 3 of the ALI specifies to
do a ‘‘Sampling Concept’’ in section B, this
AD prohibits the use of such a sampling
program and requires all affected airplanes of
the fleet to be inspected.
No Reporting
(w) Although Issue 3 of the ALI specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(x)(1) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116 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.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in
accordance with AD 96–13–11 are approved
as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions
of paragraphs (f) through (q) of this AD.
Related Information
(y) The EASA airworthiness directive
2006–0071, dated March 30, 2006, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 14, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 06–8224 Filed 9–25–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25889; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–168–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
AGENCY:
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain EMBRAER Model ERJ 170
airplanes. This proposed AD would
require replacement of certain electrical
bonding clamps and attaching hardware
with new or serviceable parts, as
applicable, and other specified action.
This proposed AD results from failure of
an electrical bonding clamp, used to
attach the electrical bonding straps to
the fuel system lines. We are proposing
this AD to prevent loss of bonding
protection in the interior of the fuel
tanks or adjacent areas that, in
combination with lightning strike, could
result in a fuel tank explosion and
consequent loss of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 26, 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 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 proposed
AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175;
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–2006–25889; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–168–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. We
E:\FR\FM\26SEP1.SGM
26SEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 186 (Tuesday, September 26, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 56058-56062]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-8224]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25890; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-115-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 supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2, B4-100, and
B4-200 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires
supplemental structural inspections to detect fatigue cracking, and
repair of cracked structure. This proposed AD would require revising
the maintenance program by incorporating new and revised supplemental
structural inspections, inspection intervals, and repairs; and repair
of any damaged, cracked, or corroded structure; which would end the
existing supplement structural inspections. This proposed AD results
from a review of service history and reports received from the current
supplemental structural inspection document program. We are proposing
this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of these airplanes due
to fatigue cracking.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 26,
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
[[Page 56059]]
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: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 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 ``Docket No.
FAA-2006-25890; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-115-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
On June 17, 1996, we issued AD 96-13-11, amendment 39-9679 (61 FR
35122, July 5, 1996), for all Airbus Model A300 B2, B4-100, and B4-200
series airplanes. That AD requires supplemental structural inspections
to detect fatigue cracking, and repair of cracked structure. That AD
also requires revising the supplemental structural inspection document
(SSID) program by changing some of the inspection techniques, changing
some of the thresholds and intervals for inspections, expanding the
area to be inspected for some of the inspections, and revising the
Fleet Leader Program. That AD resulted from a review of service history
and reports received from existing SSID inspections. We issued that AD
to prevent reduced structural integrity of these airplanes due to
fatigue cracking.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 96-13-11, the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the airworthiness authority for the European Union,
notified us that an unsafe condition may exist on all Airbus Model A300
B2 and B4 series airplanes. The EASA advises that, based on a review of
service history and reports received from the current SSID program,
further rulemaking is necessary in order to ensure the continued
structural integrity of these airplanes.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued A300 Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI)
Document SEM2/95A.1090/05, Issue 3, dated September 2005 (hereafter
referred to as ``Issue 3 of the ALI''). Issue 3 of the ALI defines
inspections and modifications necessary to ensure the structural
integrity applicable to the specified threshold (structural
modification point) arising from the evaluation of widespread fatigue
damage, and fatigue-related supplemental structural inspections for a
given applicability period from zero flight cycles/flight hours to the
limit of validity.
Airbus also has issued Temporary Revision (TR) 3.1, dated April
2006 (hereafter referred to as ``TR 3.1''), of Issue 3 of the ALI. TR
3.1 contains changes and additions to Issue 3 of the ALI. The
applicability, limit of validity, program rules, program notes, and
definitions remain valid as stated in Issue 3 of the ALI.
Accomplishing the actions specified in Issue 3 of the ALI as
revised by TR 3.1 ends the supplemental structural inspections required
by AD 96-13-11.
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The EASA mandated
the service information and issued airworthiness directive 2006-0071,
dated March 30, 2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in the European Union.
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. As described in FAA
Order 8100.14A, ``Interim Procedures for Working with the European
Community on Airworthiness Certification and Continued Airworthiness,''
dated August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the
situation described above. We have examined the EASA's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
This proposed AD would supersede AD 96-13-11 and would retain all
the requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD would also
require revising the FAA-approved maintenance program by incorporating
new and revised supplemental structural inspections, inspection
intervals, and repairs; and repair of any damaged, cracked, or corroded
structure; which would end the existing supplement structural
inspections.
Differences Between the Proposed AD, EASA Airworthiness Directive,
Issue 3 of the ALI, and TR 3.1
The EASA airworthiness directive specifies a compliance time of
within 90 days from the effective date of the airworthiness directive
for doing the actions specified in Issue 3 of the ALI, which replaces
the actions specified in Airbus A300 SSID, Revision 4. However, this
proposed AD would require, within 12 months after the effective date of
this AD, revising the
[[Page 56060]]
FAA-approved maintenance program by incorporating the new and revised
actions specified in Issue 3 of the ALI as revised by TR 3.1. In
developing an appropriate compliance time for this action, we
considered the safety implications and normal maintenance schedules for
the timely accomplishment of the proposed revision. We also consider
the proposed revision to be more complex than that required by the EASA
airworthiness directive. AD 96-13-11 did not mandate incorporation of
Revision 3 or Revision 4 of the Airbus A300 SSID and thus U.S.
operators would be required to incorporate more changes than those
specified in the EASA airworthiness directive. In consideration of
these items, we have determined that a compliance time of 12 months
will ensure an acceptable level of safety and allow the revision to be
done during scheduled maintenance intervals for most affected
operators.
Unlike the procedures described in Issue 3 of the ALI as revised by
TR 3.1, this proposed AD would not permit further flight if any cracked
structure is detected. We have determined that, because of the safety
implications and consequences associated with that cracking, any
cracked structure must be repaired before further flight. This
difference has been coordinated with the EASA.
Issue 3 of the ALI as revised by TR 3.1 specifies to contact the
manufacturer for instructions on how to repair certain conditions, but
this proposed AD would require repairing those conditions using a
method that we or the EASA (or its delegated agent) approve. In light
of the type of repair that would be required to address the unsafe
condition, and consistent with existing bilateral airworthiness
agreements, we have determined that, for this proposed AD, a repair we
or the EASA approve would be acceptable for compliance with this
proposed AD.
Although Issue 3 of the ALI as revised by TR 3.1 specifies a
``Sampling Concept'' in section B, this proposed AD does not include
that requirement. Since issuance of AD 98-16-06, we have determined
that such a sampling does not provide an adequate statistical sampling
size to provide confidence in the structural integrity of the fleet of
airplanes. Therefore, the proposed AD would prohibit the use of such a
sampling program and would require all affected airplanes of the fleet
to be inspected.
Change to Existing AD
This proposed AD would retain all requirements of AD 96-13-11.
Since AD 96-13-11 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and
certain paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding
paragraph identifiers have changed in this proposed AD, as listed in
the following table:
Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Corresponding requirement in
Requirement in AD 96-13-11 this proposed AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
paragraph (a)............................. paragraph (f).
paragraph (b)............................. paragraph (g).
paragraph (c)............................. paragraph (h).
paragraph (d)............................. paragraph (i).
paragraph (e)............................. paragraph (j).
paragraph (f)............................. paragraph (k).
paragraph (g)............................. paragraph (l).
paragraph (h)............................. paragraph (m).
paragraph (i)............................. paragraph (n).
paragraph (j)............................. paragraph (o).
paragraph (k)............................. paragraph (p).
paragraph (l)............................. paragraph (q).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Work Average Cost per U.S.-
Action hours labor rate Parts airplane registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Implementation of SSID (required 597 $80 None......... $47,760 29 $1,385,040
by AD 96-13-11).
Revision of the FAA-approved 10 80 None......... 800 29 23,200
maintenance program (new proposed
action).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
[[Page 56061]]
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing amendment 39-9679 (61 FR 35122, July 5, 1996) and adding the
following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2006-25890; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
115-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by October
26, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 96-13-11.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series
airplanes, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes
that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the
areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able
to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must
request approval for an alternative method of compliance according
to paragraph (x) of this AD. The request should include a
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure
the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. The FAA
has provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular
(AC) 25-1529.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a review of service history and reports
received from the current supplemental structural inspection
document program. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced
structural integrity of these airplanes due to fatigue cracking.
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.
Requirements of AD 96-13-11:
(f) Within one year after March 9, 1993 (the effective date of
AD 93-01-24, amendment 39-8478), incorporate a revision into the
FAA-approved maintenance inspection program that provides for
supplemental maintenance inspections, modifications, repair, or
replacement of the significant structural details (SSD) and
significant structural items (SSI) specified in ``Airbus Industrie
A300 Supplemental Structural Inspection Document'' (SSID), dated
September 1989 (hereafter referred to as ``the SSID'').
(g) Within one year after August 9, 1996 (the effective date of
AD 96-13-11), replace the revision of the FAA-approved maintenance
program required by paragraph (f) of this AD with the inspections,
inspection intervals, repairs, and replacements defined in ``Airbus
Industrie A300 Supplemental Structural Inspection Document'' (SSID),
Revision 2, dated June 1994 (hereafter referred to as ``Revision 2
of the SSID''). Accomplish the actions specified in the service
bulletins identified in Section 6, ``SB Reference List,'' Revision 2
of the SSID, at the times specified in those service bulletins. The
actions are to be accomplished in accordance with those service
bulletins.
(1) For airplanes that have exceeded the threshold specified in
any of the service bulletins identified in Section 6, ``SB Reference
List,'' Revision 2 of the SSID: Accomplish the actions specified in
those service bulletins within the grace period specified in that
service bulletin. The grace period is to be measured from August 9,
1996.
(2) For airplanes that have exceeded the threshold specified in
any of the service bulletins identified in Section 6, ``SB Reference
List,'' Revision 2 of the SSID, and a grace period is not specified
in that service bulletin: Accomplish the actions specified in that
service bulletin within 1,500 flight cycles after August 9, 1996.
(h) If any cracked structure is detected during the inspections
required by either paragraph (f) or (g) of this AD, prior to further
flight, permanently repair the cracked structure in accordance with
either paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD.
Note 2: A permanent repair is defined as a repair that meets the
certification basis of the airplane, and does not require additional
modification at a later date.
(1) The service bulletins listed in Section 6, ``SB Reference
List,'' of the SSID (for airplanes that are currently being
inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD); or in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116 (formerly the Standardization Branch, ANM-113), FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, if a permanent repair is not
specified in any of these service bulletins. Or
(2) The service bulletins listed in Section 6, ``SB Reference
List,'' of Revision 2 of the SSID (for airplanes that are currently
being inspected in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD); or in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116 (formerly the Standardization Branch, ANM-113), if a
permanent repair is not specified in any of these service bulletins.
Or
(3) Other permanent repair data meeting the certification basis
of the airplane which is approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116 (formerly the Standardization Branch, ANM-113), or
by the Direction Ge[aacute]ne[aacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile
(DGAC) of France.
(i) For airplanes identified as Fleet Leader Program (FLP) in
Section 5, ``Fleet Leader Program,'' of the SSID or Revision 2 of
the SSID: Inspect according to the instructions and intervals
specified in paragraph 4.4, ``Adjustment of Inspection Requirements
and DSG,'' of Section 4, or Section 9, as applicable, of the SSID
(for airplanes inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of this
AD), or Revision 2 of the SSID (for airplanes inspected in
accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD), for each SSD.
(j) For the purpose of accomplishing paragraphs (i), (k), (l),
and (n) of this AD, operators shall not use paragraph 6.2,
``Complete RR Method,'' of Section 9 of the SSID to calculate
inspection thresholds and intervals.
(k) For Model A300-B2 and B2K-3C series airplanes: For any SSD
that has exceeded the values of the threshold specified in paragraph
6, ``Inspection Threshold and Intervals,'' Section 9 of the SSID,
inspect at the time specified in either paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2)
of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of
this AD: Inspect within 2,000 landings after March 9, 1993, in
accordance with the SSID. Or
(2) For airplanes inspected in accordance with paragraph (g) of
this AD: Inspect within 2,000 landings after August 9, 1996, in
accordance with Revision 2 of the SSID.
(l) For Model A300-B4 series airplanes: For any SSD that has
exceeded the values of the threshold specified in paragraph 6,
``Inspection Threshold and Intervals,'' Section 9 of the SSID,
inspect at the time specified in either paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2)
of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of
this AD: Inspect within 1,500 landings after March 9, 1993 [the
effective date of AD 93-01-24, amendment 39-8478]. Or
(2) For airplanes inspected in accordance with paragraph (g) of
this AD: Inspect within 1,500 landings after August 9, 1996.
(m) For airplanes identified as FLP in Section 5, ``Fleet Leader
Program,'' of the SSID or Revision 2 of the SSID: Within one year
after August 9, 1996, apply the basic requirements given in Revision
2 of the SSID.
(n) For airplanes that are subject to the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD, and have exceeded the initial inspection
threshold specified in paragraph 4.4, ``Adjustment of Inspection
Requirements and DSG,'' of Section 4, or paragraph 6, ``Inspection
Threshold and Intervals,'' of Section 9, for each SSD: Perform the
initial inspection prior to the accumulation of the number of flight
cycles specified in paragraph 7, ``Additional Information,'' Section
9, of Revision 2 of the SSID.
Note 3: Fatigue ratings are not applicable to these allowances;
therefore, no adjustment is required.
Note 4: Paragraph (n) of this AD provides the ``grace'' periods
for those airplanes that are new to the FLP or that have newly added
or revised SSID requirements in accordance with paragraph (g) of
this AD.
(o) The grace period provided by paragraph (n) of this AD is
also applicable to the thresholds and/or repeat intervals for each
SSD for which the inspection interval or threshold was reduced in
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(p) For FLP airplanes identified in Section 5, ``Fleet Leader
Program,'' of the SSID or Revision 2 of the SSID that are listed in
Section 7, ``SSI Limitation List,'' of the SSID (for airplanes that
are currently being inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of
this AD) , or Revision 2 of the SSID (for airplanes that are
currently being inspected in accordance with paragraph (g) of this
AD):
[[Page 56062]]
Inspect at intervals not to exceed the interval specified for each
SSI, in accordance with the values given in Section 7, ``SSI
Limitation List,'' of the SSID or Revision 2 of the SSID, as
applicable.
(q) For all airplanes: All inspection results, positive or
negative, must be reported to Airbus in accordance with either
paragraph (q)(1) or (q)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Information
collection requirements contained in this regulation have been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) For FLP airplanes, identified in Section 5, ``Fleet Leader
Program,'' of the SSID or Revision 2 of the SSID: Submit reports in
accordance with the instructions in paragraph 5.2, ``SSIP Inspection
Reporting,'' of Section 5, and paragraph 7.1, ``General,'' of
Section 7 of the SSID (for airplanes that are currently being
inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD); or Revision
2 of the SSID (for airplanes inspected in accordance with paragraph
(g) of this AD).
(2) For all airplanes that are subject to Section 6, ``SB
Reference List,'' of the SSID: Submit reports in accordance with the
instructions in the applicable service bulletins identified in
Section 6 of the SSID (for airplanes that are currently being
inspected in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD); or Revision
2 of the SSID (for airplanes that are currently being inspected in
accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD).
New Requirements of This AD
Revision of the FAA-Approved Maintenance Inspection Program
(r) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the revision of the FAA-approved maintenance program
required by paragraph (g) of this AD with the supplemental
structural inspections, inspection intervals, and repairs defined in
Airbus A300 Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI) Document SEM2/
95A.1090/05, Issue 3, dated September 2005, as revised by Airbus
Temporary Revision (TR) 3.1, dated April 2006 (hereafter referred to
as ``Issue 3 of the ALI''). Accomplish the actions specified in
Issue 3 of the ALI at the times specified in that ALI, except as
provided by paragraph (s) of this AD. The actions must be
accomplished in accordance with Issue 3 of the ALI. Accomplishing
the applicable initial ALI tasks constitutes terminating action for
the requirements of paragraphs (f) through (q) of this AD.
(s) For airplanes that have exceeded the threshold or intervals
specified in Issue 3 of the ALI for the application tolerance on the
first interval for new and revised requirements and have exceeded 50
percent of the intervals specified in sections D and E of Issue 3 of
the ALI: Do the actions within 6 months after the effective date of
this AD.
Corrective Actions
(t) Damaged, cracked, or corroded structure detected during any
inspection done in accordance with Issue 3 of the ALI must be
repaired, before further flight, in accordance with Issue 3 of the
ALI, except as provided by paragraph (u) of this AD; or other data
meeting the certification basis of the airplane which is approved by
the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or by the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent).
(u) Where Issue 3 of the ALI specifies contacting Airbus for
appropriate action: Before further flight, repair the damaged,
cracked, or corroded structure using a method approved by either the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA (or its
delegated agent).
No Fleet Sampling
(v) Although Issue 3 of the ALI specifies to do a ``Sampling
Concept'' in section B, this AD prohibits the use of such a sampling
program and requires all affected airplanes of the fleet to be
inspected.
No Reporting
(w) Although Issue 3 of the ALI specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(x)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116 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.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 96-13-11 are
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraphs (f)
through (q) of this AD.
Related Information
(y) The EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0071, dated March 30,
2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 14, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 06-8224 Filed 9-25-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
