Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes, 71101-71103 [E6-20852]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 236 / Friday, December 8, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from loss of a number
(No.) 3 window in-flight. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct cracking in the failsafe interlayer of certain No. 2 and No. 3
glass windows, which could result in loss of
the window and consequent rapid loss of
cabin pressure. Loss of the window could
also result in crew communication
difficulties or incapacitation of the crew.
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.
Inspection, Related Investigative Actions,
and Corrective Action
Exception to Compliance Times
(g) Where Tables 1, 2, and 3 of paragraph
1.E. of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–
56A2012, dated August 24, 2006, specify
counting the compliance time from ‘‘* * *
after the date on this service bulletin,’’ this
AD requires counting the compliance time
from the effective date of this AD.
pwalker on PRODPC60 with PROPOSALS
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(h)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD, if it is approved by an
Authorized Representative for the Boeing
Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option
Authorization Organization who has been
authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to
make those findings. For a repair method to
be approved, the repair must meet the
certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
16:40 Dec 07, 2006
Jkt 211001
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–26272; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–153–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
(f) Inspect the No. 2 and No. 3 windows
on the left and right sides of the airplane to
determine their part numbers (P/Ns), and do
all the applicable related investigative and
corrective actions, by accomplishing all of
the actions specified in Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
747–56A2012, dated August 24, 2006, as
applicable. Do all of these actions at the
compliance times specified in Tables 1, 2,
and 3 of paragraph 1.E. of the service
bulletin, as applicable, except as provided by
paragraph (g) of this AD. A review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of
the inspection if the part numbers of the
windows can be conclusively determined
from that review. Repeat the related
investigative and corrective actions thereafter
at the interval specified in Table 2 or 3 of the
service bulletin, as applicable.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 20, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–20863 Filed 12–7–06; 8:45 am]
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 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 A318, A319, A320, and
A321 airplanes. This proposed AD
would require repetitive inspections of
the operation of the main landing gear
(MLG) door opening sequence to
determine if a defective actuator is
installed, and replacing any defective
actuator with a new actuator. This
proposed AD results from reports of
slow operation of the MLG door
opening/closing sequence due to a
defective actuator. We are proposing
this AD to detect and correct defective
actuators of the MLG door, which could
result in slow operation of the MLG
door and consequent non-extension of
the MLG during an emergency freefall
operation.
We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 8, 2007.
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,
DATES:
PO 00000
Frm 00027
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
71101
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: Tim
Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 98057–
3356; telephone (425) 227–2141; 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–2006–26272; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–153–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
E:\FR\FM\08DEP1.SGM
08DEP1
71102
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 236 / Friday, December 8, 2006 / Proposed Rules
authority for the European Union,
notified us that an unsafe condition may
exist on all Airbus Model A318, A319,
A320, and A321 airplanes. The EASA
advises that there have been several
reports of slow operation of the MLG
door opening/closing sequence due to a
defective actuator. This could lead to
the generation of electronic centralized
aircraft monitor warnings during the
landing gear retraction or extension
sequence. Investigation revealed that the
affected MLG doors were difficult to
open manually (unusually high pressure
was required to extend the actuator to
open the door) due to a problem with
the door actuator. The damping ring and
associated retaining ring were found
broken, with subsequent damage to the
damping housing from resulting debris.
The resulting high friction delays the
MLG extension/retraction sequence.
This condition, if not corrected, could
result in slow operation of the MLG
door and consequent non-extension of
the MLG during an emergency freefall
operation.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A320–32–1309, dated March 7, 2006.
The service bulletin describes
procedures for repetitive inspections of
the operation of the main landing gear
door (MLG) opening sequence to
determine if a defective actuator is
installed, and replacing any defective
actuator with a new actuator.
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 2006–0112,
dated May 15, 2006, to ensure the
continued airworthiness of these
airplanes in France.
pwalker on PRODPC60 with PROPOSALS
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 airplanes of this
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:40 Dec 07, 2006
Jkt 211001
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,
except as discussed under ‘‘Difference
Between Proposed AD and the Service
Information.’’
Difference Between Proposed AD and
the Service Information
Although the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletin
describe procedures for submitting
certain information to the manufacturer
and sending defective actuators back to
the component manufacturer for
investigation, this AD does not include
those requirements.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD
interim action. If final action is later
identified, we may consider further
rulemaking then.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
In this proposed AD, the ‘‘inspection’’
specified in the service bulletin is
referred to as a ‘‘general visual
inspection.’’ We have included the
definition for a general visual inspection
in a note in the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about
700 airplanes of U.S. registry. The
proposed inspection would take about 1
work hour per airplane, at an average
labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based
on these figures, the estimated cost of
the proposed AD for U.S. operators is
$56,000, or $80 per airplane, 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
PO 00000
Frm 00028
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2006–26272;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–153–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by January 8, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
E:\FR\FM\08DEP1.SGM
08DEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 236 / Friday, December 8, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of slow
operation of the main landing gear (MLG)
door opening/closing sequence due to a
defective actuator. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct defective actuators of the
MLG door, which could result in slow
operation of the MLG door and consequent
non-extension of the MLG during an
emergency freefall operation.
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.
pwalker on PRODPC60 with PROPOSALS
Repetitive Inspections/Replacement
(f) At the time specified in paragraph (f)(1)
or (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable: Do a
general visual inspection of the operation of
the MLG door opening sequence to determine
if a defective actuator is installed by doing
all the applicable actions, including
replacing the door actuator, as applicable,
specified in the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
32–1309, dated March 7, 2006. Do all
applicable replacements before further flight.
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals
not to exceed 900 flight cycles.
(1) For airplanes on which a record of the
total number of flight cycles on the MLG door
actuator is available: Before the accumulation
of 3,000 total flight cycles on the MLG door
actuator, or within 800 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, whichever is later.
(2) For airplanes on which a record of the
total number of flight cycles on the MLG door
actuator is not available: With 800 flight
cycles after the effective date of this AD.
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 enhance visual access to
all exposed 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.’’
(g) Although the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
32–1309, dated March 7, 2006, specifies
submitting certain information to the
manufacturer and sending defective actuators
back to the component manufacturer for
investigation; this AD does not include those
requirements.
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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:40 Dec 07, 2006
Jkt 211001
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA
Flight Standards Certificate Holding District
Office.
Related Information
(i) EASA airworthiness directive 2006–
0112, dated May 15, 2006, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
November 21, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–20852 Filed 12–7–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–26516; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–173–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 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 A318–100 and A319–100 series
airplanes, Model A320–111 airplanes,
and Model A320–200, A321–100, and
A321–200 series airplanes. The existing
AD currently requires repetitive
inspections of the upper and lower
attachments of the trimmable horizontal
stabilizer actuator (THSA) to measure
for proper clearance and to detect
cracks, damage, and metallic particles.
The existing AD also requires corrective
actions, if necessary, and reports of
inspection findings. This proposed AD
would shorten the repetitive interval for
inspecting the upper THSA attachment.
This proposed AD results from new test
results on the secondary load path,
which indicated the need to shorten the
repetitive interval for inspecting the
upper THSA attachment. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct
failure of the THSA’s primary load path,
which could result in latent
(undetected) loading and eventual
failure of the THSA’s secondary load
path and consequent uncontrolled
movement of the horizontal stabilizer
and loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 8, 2007.
PO 00000
Frm 00029
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
71103
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: Tim
Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2141;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ADDRESSES:
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–2006–26516;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–173–
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.
E:\FR\FM\08DEP1.SGM
08DEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 236 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71101-71103]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-20852]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26272; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-153-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321
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 A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. This
proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the operation of
the main landing gear (MLG) door opening sequence to determine if a
defective actuator is installed, and replacing any defective actuator
with a new actuator. This proposed AD results from reports of slow
operation of the MLG door opening/closing sequence due to a defective
actuator. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct defective
actuators of the MLG door, which could result in slow operation of the
MLG door and consequent non-extension of the MLG during an emergency
freefall operation.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 8, 2007.
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: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2141;
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-
26272; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-153-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
[[Page 71102]]
authority for the European Union, notified us that an unsafe condition
may exist on all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. The
EASA advises that there have been several reports of slow operation of
the MLG door opening/closing sequence due to a defective actuator. This
could lead to the generation of electronic centralized aircraft monitor
warnings during the landing gear retraction or extension sequence.
Investigation revealed that the affected MLG doors were difficult to
open manually (unusually high pressure was required to extend the
actuator to open the door) due to a problem with the door actuator. The
damping ring and associated retaining ring were found broken, with
subsequent damage to the damping housing from resulting debris. The
resulting high friction delays the MLG extension/retraction sequence.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in slow operation of the
MLG door and consequent non-extension of the MLG during an emergency
freefall operation.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-32-1309, dated March 7,
2006. The service bulletin describes procedures for repetitive
inspections of the operation of the main landing gear door (MLG)
opening sequence to determine if a defective actuator is installed, and
replacing any defective actuator with a new actuator. 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 2006-0112, dated May 15, 2006, to
ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. 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 airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Difference Between
Proposed AD and the Service Information.''
Difference Between Proposed AD and the Service Information
Although the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin
describe procedures for submitting certain information to the
manufacturer and sending defective actuators back to the component
manufacturer for investigation, this AD does not include those
requirements.
Interim Action
We consider this proposed AD interim action. If final action is
later identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
In this proposed AD, the ``inspection'' specified in the service
bulletin is referred to as a ``general visual inspection.'' We have
included the definition for a general visual inspection in a note in
the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 700 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed inspection would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at
an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $56,000, or $80
per airplane, 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-2006-26272; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
153-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January
8, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and
A321 airplanes, certificated in any category.
[[Page 71103]]
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of slow operation of the main
landing gear (MLG) door opening/closing sequence due to a defective
actuator. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct defective
actuators of the MLG door, which could result in slow operation of
the MLG door and consequent non-extension of the MLG during an
emergency freefall operation.
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.
Repetitive Inspections/Replacement
(f) At the time specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this
AD, as applicable: Do a general visual inspection of the operation
of the MLG door opening sequence to determine if a defective
actuator is installed by doing all the applicable actions, including
replacing the door actuator, as applicable, specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1309,
dated March 7, 2006. Do all applicable replacements before further
flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed
900 flight cycles.
(1) For airplanes on which a record of the total number of
flight cycles on the MLG door actuator is available: Before the
accumulation of 3,000 total flight cycles on the MLG door actuator,
or within 800 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever is later.
(2) For airplanes on which a record of the total number of
flight cycles on the MLG door actuator is not available: With 800
flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
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
enhance visual access to all exposed 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.''
(g) Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-32-1309, dated March 7, 2006, specifies submitting
certain information to the manufacturer and sending defective
actuators back to the component manufacturer for investigation; this
AD does not include those requirements.
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) EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0112, dated May 15, 2006,
also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 21, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-20852 Filed 12-7-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
