Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes, Equipped With General Electric CF6-50 Series Engines, 65045-65047 [E6-18663]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 7, 2006 / Rules and Regulations prevent inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes, Equipped With General Electric CF6–50 Series Engines Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 airplanes. This AD requires modifying the airplane and the engine/nacelle to install a third line of defense against inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight. This AD also requires two other actions that must be accomplished before or concurrently with the modification: installing a structural change in the fan cowl to avoid interference; and installing a dedicated, shielded electrical circuit. This AD results from a report that the manufacturer has developed a third line of defense against the inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser of Model A300 airplanes that are equipped with General Electric CF6–50 series engines (in accordance with FAA guidelines). We are issuing this AD to the street address stated in the section. ADDRESSES Discussion This AD becomes effective December 12, 2006. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of December 12, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for service information identified in this 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: The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A300 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 8, 2006 (71 FR 33264). That NPRM proposed to require modifying the airplane and the engine/nacelle to install a third line of defense against inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight. That NPRM also proposed to require two other actions that must be accomplished before or concurrently with the modification: installing a structural change in the fan cowl to avoid interference; and installing a dedicated, shielded electrical circuit. Examining the Docket Air line Pilots Association supports the NPRM. DATES: [Docket No. FAA–2006–24958; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–075–AD; Amendment 39–14818; AD 2006–23–06] 65045 You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at Comments We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the comments received. Support for the NPRM Request To Revise the ‘‘Costs of Compliance’’ GE Aviation requests that we revise the estimated costs for complying with the NPRM. GE Aviation specifically requests the changes shown in the following table. REQUESTED CHANGES TO ESTIMATED COSTS Work hours in NPRM Action ycherry on PROD1PC64 with RULES Install third line of defense .......................................................................... Install structural change in the fan cowl (prior/concurrent requirement) .... Install dedicated, shielded electrical circuit (prior/concurrent requirement) We agree to revise the cost information. This cost information is not provided in the Airbus service information that was referenced in the NPRM, but is available through Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS), a subsidiary of the General Electric Company. Therefore, we agree that the MRAS cost information provided by GE Aviation is valid. We have revised the estimated costs in this final rule as requested by GE Aviation. We have coordinated this change with Airbus. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:06 Nov 06, 2006 Jkt 211001 Requested change 6 312 94 Request To Revise Description of Service Bulletin GE Aviation also requests that we revise the description of Airbus Service Bulletin A300–78–0022, dated September 27, 2005, which was included in the ‘‘Relevant Service Information’’ section of the NPRM. The NPRM referred to that service bulletin as the appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the proposed actions. GE Aviation specifically requests that we add the phrase ‘‘installing the electro-pneumatic locking bar assembly on each thrust PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 282 328 261 Parts cost in original NPRM Requested change $440 5,680 28,700 $172,744. No change requested. $18,320. reverser half,’’ before the phrase, ‘‘and installing a dual switcher valve. * * *’’ We agree with the commenter that the requested phrase clarifies our description of the service bulletin. However, since that section of the preamble does not reappear in the final rule, no change to this AD is necessary. Conclusion We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. E:\FR\FM\07NOR1.SGM 07NOR1 65046 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 7, 2006 / Rules and Regulations Costs of Compliance This AD affects about 30 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work hour. ESTIMATED COSTS Action Install third line of defense .......................................................................................... Install structural change in the fan cowl (prior/concurrent requirement) ..................... Install dedicated, shielded electrical circuit (prior/concurrent requirement) ................ Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We have determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and 282 328 261 (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: I PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: I Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): I 2006–23–06 Airbus: Amendment 39–14818. Docket No. FAA–2006–24958; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–075–AD. Effective Date (a) This AD becomes effective December 12, 2006. Cost per airplane ($) Parts ($) Work hours 172,744 5,680 18,320 195,304 31,920 39,200 Fleet cost ($) 5,859,120 957,600 1,176,000 Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 airplanes, certificated in any category; equipped with General Electric CF6–50 series engines. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from a report that the manufacturer has developed a third line of defense against the inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser of Model A300 airplanes that are equipped with General Electric CF6–50 series engines (in accordance with FAA guidelines). We are issuing this AD to prevent inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight, 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. Modification (f) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the airplane and the engine/nacelle to install a third line of defense against inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300–78–0022, dated September 27, 2005. Prior/Concurrent Installations (g) Prior to or concurrently with the modification required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the installations specified in Table 1 of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD. TABLE 1.—PRIOR/CONCURRENT ACTIONS ycherry on PROD1PC64 with RULES Action Airbus service bulletin (1) Install a structural change in the fan cowl to avoid interference between the third line of defense hardware installed on the thrust reverser and the fan cowl. (2) Install a dedicated, shielded electrical circuit, segregated from the current thrust reverser control system. VerDate Aug<31>2005 14:06 Nov 06, 2006 Jkt 211001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 A300–54–0098, dated September 27, 2005. A300–78–0021, dated September 27, 2005. E:\FR\FM\07NOR1.SGM 07NOR1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 215 / Tuesday, November 7, 2006 / Rules and Regulations Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (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. Federal Aviation Administration (i) French airworthiness directive F–2005–206, dated December 21, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the service information specified in Table 2 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL–401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at https:// dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/ federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. TABLE 2.—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Airbus service bulletin— Dated— September 27, 2005. September 27, 2005. September 27, 2005. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 25, 2006. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E6–18663 Filed 11–6–06; 8:45 am] ycherry on PROD1PC64 with RULES BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 [Docket No. FAA–2006–26242; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–229–AD; Amendment 39–14817; AD 2006–23–05] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Model 750 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: Related Information A300–54–0098 ......... A300–78–0021 ......... A300–78–0022 ......... 14 CFR Part 39 14:06 Nov 06, 2006 Jkt 211001 SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Cessna Model 750 airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the inboard-hinge brackets of the left and right elevators for cracking, and doing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report of cracking found on the elevator inboard-hinge brackets. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the elevator inboard-hinge brackets, which could result in structural failure of the elevators and consequent loss of control of the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective November 22, 2006. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 22, 2006. We must receive comments on this AD by January 8, 2007. ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this 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 Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, Kansas 67277, for service information identified in this AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: T.N. Baktha, Aerospace Engineer, PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 65047 Airframe and Services Branch, ACE– 118W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; telephone (316) 946–4155; fax (316) 946–4107. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We have received a report indicating that, during a maintenance inspection, a crack was found in one of the lugs on the elevator inboard-hinge bracket of a Cessna Model 750 airplane; cracking was also found on the elevator inboardhinge brackets on seven other Model 750 airplanes. The cracking was attributed to fatigue caused by excessive side loads on the bracket from the flexing of the elevator during flight. This condition, if not corrected, could result in structural failure of the elevators and consequent loss of control of the airplane. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Cessna Alert Service Letter ASL750–27–21, excluding the attachment titled ‘‘Inspection Results Form’’ and including the attachment titled ‘‘Flight Restrictions,’’ dated October 13, 2006. The service letter describes procedures for performing a visual inspection of the inboard-hinge brackets of the left and right elevators. Related investigative and corrective actions include: • If any crack is found: Perform an eddy current inspection of the bracket(s) to confirm the crack and its length. • If the crack is 0.30 inch or more: Replace the bracket(s) before the next flight. • If the crack is less than 0.30 inch: Continued flight for repositioning of the airplane and replacement of the bracket is allowed within the restricted flight envelope included in the attachment to the service letter titled ‘‘Flight Restrictions,’’ for a maximum of 10 flight hours’’ time-in-service. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This AD The unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design. For this reason, we are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the elevator inboard-hinge brackets, which could result in structural failure of the elevators and consequent loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires inspecting the inboard-hinge brackets of the left and right elevators for cracking, and doing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; except as discussed under ‘‘Differences Between the AD and the Service Letter.’’ E:\FR\FM\07NOR1.SGM 07NOR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 215 (Tuesday, November 7, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65045-65047]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-18663]



[[Page 65045]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-24958; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-075-AD; 
Amendment 39-14818; AD 2006-23-06]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes, Equipped 
With General Electric CF6-50 Series Engines

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A300 airplanes. This AD requires modifying the 
airplane and the engine/nacelle to install a third line of defense 
against inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight. This 
AD also requires two other actions that must be accomplished before or 
concurrently with the modification: installing a structural change in 
the fan cowl to avoid interference; and installing a dedicated, 
shielded electrical circuit. This AD results from a report that the 
manufacturer has developed a third line of defense against the 
inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser of Model A300 airplanes 
that are equipped with General Electric CF6-50 series engines (in 
accordance with FAA guidelines). We are issuing this AD to prevent 
inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 12, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of December 12, 
2006.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, 
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this 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: 

Examining the Docket

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

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model 
A300 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 
8, 2006 (71 FR 33264). That NPRM proposed to require modifying the 
airplane and the engine/nacelle to install a third line of defense 
against inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in flight. That 
NPRM also proposed to require two other actions that must be 
accomplished before or concurrently with the modification: installing a 
structural change in the fan cowl to avoid interference; and installing 
a dedicated, shielded electrical circuit.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Support for the NPRM

    Air line Pilots Association supports the NPRM.

Request To Revise the ``Costs of Compliance''

    GE Aviation requests that we revise the estimated costs for 
complying with the NPRM. GE Aviation specifically requests the changes 
shown in the following table.

                                      Requested Changes to Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Parts cost
               Action                 Work hours   Requested   in original            Requested change
                                       in NPRM       change        NPRM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install third line of defense......            6          282         $440  $172,744.
Install structural change in the             312          328        5,680  No change requested.
 fan cowl (prior/concurrent
 requirement).
Install dedicated, shielded                   94          261       28,700  $18,320.
 electrical circuit (prior/
 concurrent requirement).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We agree to revise the cost information. This cost information is 
not provided in the Airbus service information that was referenced in 
the NPRM, but is available through Middle River Aircraft Systems 
(MRAS), a subsidiary of the General Electric Company. Therefore, we 
agree that the MRAS cost information provided by GE Aviation is valid. 
We have revised the estimated costs in this final rule as requested by 
GE Aviation. We have coordinated this change with Airbus.

Request To Revise Description of Service Bulletin

    GE Aviation also requests that we revise the description of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-78-0022, dated September 27, 2005, which was 
included in the ``Relevant Service Information'' section of the NPRM. 
The NPRM referred to that service bulletin as the appropriate source of 
service information for accomplishing the proposed actions. GE Aviation 
specifically requests that we add the phrase ``installing the electro-
pneumatic locking bar assembly on each thrust reverser half,'' before 
the phrase, ``and installing a dual switcher valve. * * *''
    We agree with the commenter that the requested phrase clarifies our 
description of the service bulletin. However, since that section of the 
preamble does not reappear in the final rule, no change to this AD is 
necessary.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

[[Page 65046]]

Costs of Compliance

    This AD affects about 30 airplanes of U.S. registry. The following 
table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with 
this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work hour.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Cost per
                          Action                            Work hours   Parts  ($)    airplane     Fleet cost
                                                                                         ($)            ($)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install third line of defense............................          282      172,744      195,304       5,859,120
Install structural change in the fan cowl (prior/                  328        5,680       31,920         957,600
 concurrent requirement).................................
Install dedicated, shielded electrical circuit (prior/             261       18,320       39,200       1,176,000
 concurrent requirement).................................
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866;
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    (3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2006-23-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-14818. Docket No. FAA-2006-24958; 
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-075-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective December 12, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 airplanes, certificated 
in any category; equipped with General Electric CF6-50 series 
engines.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report that the manufacturer has 
developed a third line of defense against the inadvertent deployment 
of the thrust reverser of Model A300 airplanes that are equipped 
with General Electric CF6-50 series engines (in accordance with FAA 
guidelines). We are issuing this AD to prevent inadvertent 
deployment of the thrust reverser in flight, 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.

Modification

    (f) Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the airplane and the engine/nacelle to install a third line of 
defense against inadvertent deployment of the thrust reverser in 
flight, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A300-78-0022, dated September 27, 2005.

Prior/Concurrent Installations

    (g) Prior to or concurrently with the modification required by 
paragraph (f) of this AD, do the installations specified in Table 1 
of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD.

                                       Table 1.--Prior/Concurrent Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  Action                                          Airbus service bulletin
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Install a structural change in the     A300-54-0098, dated September 27, 2005.
 fan cowl to avoid interference between
 the third line of defense hardware
 installed on the thrust reverser and the
 fan cowl.
(2) Install a dedicated, shielded          A300-78-0021, dated September 27, 2005.
 electrical circuit, segregated from the
 current thrust reverser control system.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 65047]]

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) French airworthiness directive F-2005-206, dated December 
21, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the service information specified in Table 2 of 
this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless 
the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register 
approved the incorporation by reference of these documents in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy 
of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket 
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh 
Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the 
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability 
of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to https://
www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.

              Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Airbus service  bulletin--                     Dated--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-54-0098..............................  September 27, 2005.
A300-78-0021..............................  September 27, 2005.
A300-78-0022..............................  September 27, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 25, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-18663 Filed 11-6-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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