Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Airplanes, 58320-58322 [E6-16204]

Download as PDF 58320 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 3, 2006 / Proposed Rules 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] 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by removing amendment 39–12728 (67 FR 21569, May 1, 2002) and adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2006–25965; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–127–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 2, 2006. Affected ADs (b) This AD supersedes AD 2002–08–51. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with General Electric CF6–50 engines. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reports indicating that the directional pilot valve (DPV) was assembled incorrectly; further investigation revealed excessive wear on certain correctly assembled DPVs and the associated control mechanism. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncommanded in-flight deployment of a thrust reverser, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. 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. ycherry on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS Restatement of Requirements of AD 2002– 08–51 Thrust Reverser Deactivation and Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision (f) Within 72 clock hours after May 6, 2002 (the effective date of AD 2002–08–51), accomplish paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD. (1) Deactivate both thrust reversers according to Airbus All Operators Telex A300/78A0023, dated April 5, 2002. (2) Revise the Limitations Section of the AFM to include the following (this may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM): ‘‘When the runway is wet or contaminated, reduce by five percent the corrected VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:42 Oct 02, 2006 Jkt 211001 acceleration-stop distance resulting from the airplane flight manual takeoff performance analysis. (Note: This supersedes any relief provided by the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).)’’ New Requirements of This AD Inspections and Corrective Actions (g) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: Do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD in consecutive order, in accordance with the procedures specified in Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A300–78A0024, dated May 29, 2002, which ends the requirements in paragraph (f) of this AD. (1) Do a detailed inspection of the DPV on each thrust reverser for incorrect assembly, incorrect diameter, or excessive wear, by doing all the applicable actions, including all applicable corrective actions. All applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight. (2) Do a detailed inspection of the rocker arm of the DPV for excessive wear by doing all the applicable actions, including all applicable corrective actions. All applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight. (3) Reactivate both thrust reversers and do a one-time operational test before further flight. Note 1: Airbus AOT A300–78A0024, dated May 29, 2002, refers to Middle River Aircraft Systems CF6–50 Alert Service Bulletin 78A3040, Revision 2, dated June 18, 2004 (including Honeywell Service Bulletin 121332–78–1620, Revision 2, dated June 18, 2004), as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the inspections. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: ‘‘An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.’’ Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions (h) Within 18 months after accomplishing paragraph (g) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the DPV and the associated control mechanism of the thrust reverser for incorrect assembly or excessive wear, by doing all the applicable actions, including all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300–78–0025, Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, dated February 16, 2005. All applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,000 flight hours. Note 3: Airbus Service Bulletin A300–78– 0025, Revision 01, dated February 16, 2005, refers to Middle River Aircraft Systems Component Maintenance Manual 78–31–06, Revision 10, dated May 31, 2005, as an additional source of service information for replacing defective components. PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Actions Accomplished Previously (i) Inspections and corrective actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A300–78–0025, dated July 21, 2004, is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2002–08–51, are not approved as AMOCs with this AD. (3) 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 (k) French airworthiness directives 2002– 293(B), dated June 12, 2002, and F–2005– 208, dated December 21, 2005, also address the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 22, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–16201 Filed 10–2–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–25966; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–149–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 airplanes. This proposed AD would require doing repetitive inspections for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed wiper rings in the splined couplings of the flap transmissions shafts; inspections for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber gaiters and straps on the sliding bearing/plunging joints of the flap transmission; and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD E:\FR\FM\03OCP1.SGM 03OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 3, 2006 / Proposed Rules ycherry on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS results from reviews in which the manufacturer determined that the splined couplings and sliding bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by corrosion and wear. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct damaged, missing, or incorrectly installed components of the flap transmission system, which could result in reduced functional integrity of the flap transmission system and consequent reduced control of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 2, 2006. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this proposed AD. • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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 ‘‘FAA–2006–25966; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–149–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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:42 Oct 02, 2006 Jkt 211001 We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit https:// dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System receives them. Discussion The 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 A310 airplanes. The EASA advises that the manufacturer conducted high-time equipment reviews as part of the Model A310 aircraft design service goal extension work. The manufacturer determined that the splined couplings and sliding bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by corrosion and wear. In addition, the manufacturer determined that the protective components of the flap transmission system could be defective. The protective components include the wiper rings and rubber gaiters. This condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced functional integrity of the flap transmission system and consequent reduced control of the airplane. 58321 procedures for doing an inspection for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed wiper rings in the splined couplings of the flap transmission shafts; an inspection for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber gaiters and straps on the sliding bearing/ plunging joints of the flap transmission; and corrective action if necessary. The corrective action is replacing any damaged, missing, or incorrectly installed wiper rings, rubber gaiters, or straps with serviceable components. 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 2006–0111, dated May 12, 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. Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require accomplishing the actions specified in the service information described previously. Clarification of Type of Inspection The service bulletin specifies to ‘‘visually inspect’’ the flap transmission shafts. We have determined that the procedures in the service bulletin should be described as a ‘‘general visual inspection.’’ Note 1 has been included in this proposed AD to define this type of inspection. Relevant Service Information Costs of Compliance Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A310–27–2099, dated February 17, 2006. The service bulletin describes The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD. PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\03OCP1.SGM 03OCP1 58322 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 191 / Tuesday, October 3, 2006 / Proposed Rules ESTIMATED COSTS Inspection, per inspection cycle ................... 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. ycherry on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:42 Oct 02, 2006 Average labor rate per hour Work hours Action Jkt 211001 3 $80 Cost per airplane Number of U.S.registered airplanes $240 3 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] 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2006–25966; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–149–AD. Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 2, 2006. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310 airplanes, certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from reviews in which the manufacturer determined that the splined couplings and sliding bearings of the flap transmission system could be affected by corrosion and wear. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged, missing, or incorrectly installed components of the flap transmission system, which could result in reduced functional integrity of the flap transmission system and consequent reduced control of the airplane. 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. Initial and Repetitive Inspections (f) Within 2,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD: Do a general visual inspection for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed wiper rings in the splined couplings of the flap transmission shafts; and a general visual inspection for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber gaiters and straps on the sliding bearing/plunging joints of the flap transmission; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310–27–2099, dated PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Fleet cost $15,120, per inspection cycle. February 17, 2006. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight cycles. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: ‘‘A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.’’ Corrective Actions (g) If any damaged, missing or incorrectly installed wiper rings, rubber gaiters, or straps are found during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Within 400 flight cycles after accomplishing the inspection, replace the applicable component with a serviceable component in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310–27–2099, dated February 17, 2006. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (i) The European Aviation Safety Agency’s airworthiness directive 2006–0111, dated May 12, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 22, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–16204 Filed 10–2–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P E:\FR\FM\03OCP1.SGM 03OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 191 (Tuesday, October 3, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58320-58322]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-16204]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-25966; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-149-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Airbus Model A310 airplanes. This proposed AD would require 
doing repetitive inspections for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly 
installed wiper rings in the splined couplings of the flap 
transmissions shafts; inspections for any missing, damaged, or 
incorrectly installed rubber gaiters and straps on the sliding bearing/
plunging joints of the flap transmission; and corrective action if 
necessary. This proposed AD

[[Page 58321]]

results from reviews in which the manufacturer determined that the 
splined couplings and sliding bearings of the flap transmission system 
could be affected by corrosion and wear. We are proposing this AD to 
detect and correct damaged, missing, or incorrectly installed 
components of the flap transmission system, which could result in 
reduced functional integrity of the flap transmission system and 
consequent reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 2, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to  https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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 ``FAA-2006-
25966; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-149-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit https://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    The 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 A310 airplanes. The EASA 
advises that the manufacturer conducted high-time equipment reviews as 
part of the Model A310 aircraft design service goal extension work. The 
manufacturer determined that the splined couplings and sliding bearings 
of the flap transmission system could be affected by corrosion and 
wear. In addition, the manufacturer determined that the protective 
components of the flap transmission system could be defective. The 
protective components include the wiper rings and rubber gaiters. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in reduced functional 
integrity of the flap transmission system and consequent reduced 
control of the airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, dated February 17, 
2006. The service bulletin describes procedures for doing an inspection 
for any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed wiper rings in the 
splined couplings of the flap transmission shafts; an inspection for 
any missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber gaiters and 
straps on the sliding bearing/plunging joints of the flap transmission; 
and corrective action if necessary. The corrective action is replacing 
any damaged, missing, or incorrectly installed wiper rings, rubber 
gaiters, or straps with serviceable components. 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 2006-0111, dated May 12, 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.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously.

Clarification of Type of Inspection

    The service bulletin specifies to ``visually inspect'' the flap 
transmission shafts. We have determined that the procedures in the 
service bulletin should be described as a ``general visual 
inspection.'' Note 1 has been included in this proposed AD to define 
this type of inspection.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD.

[[Page 58322]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                            Number of
                                          Work     Average      Cost per      U.S.-
                Action                   hours    labor rate    airplane    registered         Fleet cost
                                                   per hour                 airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection, per inspection cycle......        3          $80         $240            3  $15,120, per inspection
                                                                                         cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2006-25966; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
149-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November 
2, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310 airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reviews in which the manufacturer 
determined that the splined couplings and sliding bearings of the 
flap transmission system could be affected by corrosion and wear. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged, missing, or 
incorrectly installed components of the flap transmission system, 
which could result in reduced functional integrity of the flap 
transmission system and consequent reduced control of the airplane.

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.

Initial and Repetitive Inspections

    (f) Within 2,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD: Do a general visual inspection for any missing, damaged, or 
incorrectly installed wiper rings in the splined couplings of the 
flap transmission shafts; and a general visual inspection for any 
missing, damaged, or incorrectly installed rubber gaiters and straps 
on the sliding bearing/plunging joints of the flap transmission; in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A310-27-2099, dated February 17, 2006. Repeat the 
inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,500 flight 
cycles.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''

Corrective Actions

    (g) If any damaged, missing or incorrectly installed wiper 
rings, rubber gaiters, or straps are found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Within 400 flight cycles after 
accomplishing the inspection, replace the applicable component with 
a serviceable component in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-27-2099, dated February 
17, 2006.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (i) The European Aviation Safety Agency's airworthiness 
directive 2006-0111, dated May 12, 2006, also addresses the subject 
of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 22, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E6-16204 Filed 10-2-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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