Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes, 78105-78107 [E6-22280]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 249 / Thursday, December 28, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA
Flight Standards Certificate Holding District
Office.
Related Information
(k) EASA airworthiness directives 2006–
0158 and 2006–0159, both dated June 7,
2006, also address the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 19, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–22281 Filed 12–27–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–26706; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–216–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and
A321 airplanes. This proposed AD
would require installing spacer
assemblies at the attachment points of
the YZ–latches of the cargo loading
system in the forward and aft cargo
compartments, as applicable. This
proposed AD results from tests that have
shown that the attachment points of the
YZ-latches of the cargo loading system
fail under maximum loads. We are
proposing this AD to prevent failure of
the attachment points of the YZ-latches,
which could result in unrestrained
cargo causing damage to the fire
protection system, hydraulic system,
electrical wiring, or other equipment
located in the forward and aft cargo
compartments. This damage could
adversely affect the continued safe flight
of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by January 29, 2007.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:22 Dec 27, 2006
Jkt 211001
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 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2125;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 ‘‘FAA–2006–26706; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–216–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
PO 00000
Frm 00010
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
78105
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 certain Airbus Model A319,
A320, and A321 airplanes. The EASA
advises that tests have revealed that the
attachment points of the YZ-latches of
the cargo loading system fail under
maximum loads. Unrestrained cargo
parts, if not corrected, could result in
damage to the fire protection system,
hydraulic system, electrical wiring, or
other equipment located in the forward
and aft cargo compartments. This
damage could adversely affect the
continued safe flight of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A320–25–1294, Revision 01, dated
March 27, 2006. The service bulletin
describes procedures for installing
spacer assemblies (supporting ring with
spring ring) at the attachment points of
the YZ-latches of the cargo loading
system in the forward and aft cargo
compartments, as applicable.
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 2006–0184,
dated July 3, 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
E:\FR\FM\28DEP1.SGM
28DEP1
78106
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 249 / Thursday, December 28, 2006 / Proposed Rules
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 the Proposed AD and EASA
Airworthiness Directive.’’
Differences Between the Proposed AD
and EASA Airworthiness Directive
The applicability of EASA
airworthiness directive 2006–0184
excludes airplanes on which Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–25–1294 has
been accomplished in service. However,
we have not excluded those airplanes in
the applicability of this proposed AD;
rather, this proposed AD includes a
requirement to accomplish the actions
specified in Revision 01 of that service
bulletin. This requirement would ensure
that the actions specified in the service
bulletin and required by this proposed
AD are accomplished on all affected
airplanes. Operators must continue to
operate the airplane in the configuration
required by this proposed AD unless an
alternative method of compliance is
approved.
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about
1 airplane of U.S. registry. The proposed
actions would take about 4 work hours
per airplane, at an average labor rate of
$80 per work hour. Required parts
would cost about $2,049 per airplane.
Based on these figures, the estimated
cost of the proposed AD for the U.S.
operator is $2,369.
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
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:22 Dec 27, 2006
Jkt 211001
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by adding the following new
airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2006–26706;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–216–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by January 29, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
PO 00000
Frm 00011
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319,
A320, and A321 airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD,
certificated in any category. This AD
excludes Airbus Model A319, A320, and
A321 airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(3)
of this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) Including airplanes on which one the
following has been incorporated in
production: Airbus Modification 20065,
20040, 24495, 24848, 24496, 21895, 21896,
25905, 25907, 22601, 22602, 27187, 28319,
28322, 28330, 28335, or 31797.
(2) Including airplanes on which one of the
following has been incorporated in service:
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–25–1132,
A320–25–1133, A320–25–1145, A320–25–
1175, A320–25–1177, A320–25–1276, A320–
25–1278, A320–28–1134, or A320–28–1141.
(3) Excluding airplanes on which both
Airbus Modifications 32244 and 32245, or
both Airbus Modifications 32316 and 32317,
have been incorporated in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from tests that have
shown that the attachment points of the YZlatches of the cargo loading system fail under
maximum loads. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the attachment points of
the YZ-latches, which could result in
unrestrained cargo causing damage to the fire
protection system, hydraulic system,
electrical wiring, or other equipment located
in the forward and aft cargo compartments.
This damage could adversely affect the
continued safe flight 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.
Installation
(f) Within 36 months after the effective
date of this AD, install spacer assemblies at
the attachment points of the YZ-latches of the
cargo loading system in the forward and aft
cargo compartments, as applicable, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
25–1294, Revision 01, dated March 27, 2006.
Credit for Actions Done According to
Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(g) Actions done before the effective date
of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–25–1294, dated March 14,
2003, are acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding requirements of paragraph (f)
of this AD.
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.
E:\FR\FM\28DEP1.SGM
28DEP1
Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 249 / Thursday, December 28, 2006 / Proposed Rules
Related Information
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) airworthiness directive 2006–0184,
dated July 3, 2006, also addresses the subject
of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 19, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E6–22280 Filed 12–27–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25391; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–097–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Fokker
Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
cprice-sewell on PROD1PC66 with PROPOSALS
Comments Invited
The FAA is revising an earlier
NPRM for an airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to certain Fokker
Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100
airplanes. The original NPRM would
have superseded an existing AD that
currently requires a one-time inspection
of the sliding members in the main
landing gear (MLG) for cracking and
replacement of the sliding members
with serviceable parts if necessary. The
original NPRM proposed to require
repetitive magnetic particle inspections
of the sliding members of the MLG for
cracking and corrective actions as
necessary. The original NPRM resulted
from inspection findings that have
shown repetitive inspections are needed
to establish fleet safety. This new action
revises the original NPRM by correcting
a certain part number in the
applicability. We are proposing this
supplemental NPRM to detect and
correct fatigue cracking of the sliding
member, which could result in possible
separation of the MLG from the airplane
and consequent reduced controllability
of the airplane upon landing and
possible injury to passengers.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this supplemental NPRM by January 22,
2007.
SUMMARY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:22 Dec 27, 2006
Jkt 211001
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 Fokker Services B.V.,
Technical Services Dept., P.O. Box 231,
2150 AE Nieuw-Vennep, the
Netherlands, for service information
identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Rodriguez, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1137;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
ADDRESSES:
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposal. Send your
comments to an address listed in the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2006–25391;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–097–
AD’’ at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this supplemental NPRM. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
supplemental NPRM in light of those
comments.
We will post all comments submitted,
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
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
78107
(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 ADDRESSES.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after the Docket
Management System receives them.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) (the ‘‘original
NPRM’’) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to
include an AD that supersedes AD
2004–08–01, amendment 39–13570 (69
FR 19759, April 14, 2004). The existing
AD applies to certain Fokker Model F.28
Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. The
original NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on July 19, 2006 (71 FR
40945). The original NPRM proposed to
continue to require a one-time
inspection of the sliding members in the
main landing gear (MLG) for cracking
and replacement of the sliding members
with serviceable parts if necessary. That
NPRM also proposed to require
repetitive magnetic particle inspections
of the sliding members of the MLG for
cracking and corrective actions as
necessary.
Actions Since Original NPRM Was
Issued
Since we issued the original NPRM,
we have discovered a typographical
error in the applicability of AD 2004–
08–01 and the original NPRM. Table 1
of AD 2004–08–01 and the original
NPRM incorrectly identified MLG part
number (P/N) 201012014. We have
revised Table 1 of the supplemental
NPRM to refer to P/N 201072014.
Comments
We have considered the following
comment on the original NPRM.
Request To Publish Service Information
The Modification and Replacement
Parts Association (MARPA) states that,
typically, ADs are based on service
information originating with the type
certificate holder or its suppliers.
MARPA adds that manufacturer service
documents are privately authored
instruments generally having copyright
protection against duplication and
distribution. MARPA notes that when a
service document is incorporated by
E:\FR\FM\28DEP1.SGM
28DEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 249 (Thursday, December 28, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 78105-78107]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-22280]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26706; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-216-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model 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 certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. This proposed
AD would require installing spacer assemblies at the attachment points
of the YZ-latches of the cargo loading system in the forward and aft
cargo compartments, as applicable. This proposed AD results from tests
that have shown that the attachment points of the YZ-latches of the
cargo loading system fail under maximum loads. We are proposing this AD
to prevent failure of the attachment points of the YZ-latches, which
could result in unrestrained cargo causing damage to the fire
protection system, hydraulic system, electrical wiring, or other
equipment located in the forward and aft cargo compartments. This
damage could adversely affect the continued safe flight of the
airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 29,
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 9:00
a.m. and 5:00 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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-
26706; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-216-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 certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321
airplanes. The EASA advises that tests have revealed that the
attachment points of the YZ-latches of the cargo loading system fail
under maximum loads. Unrestrained cargo parts, if not corrected, could
result in damage to the fire protection system, hydraulic system,
electrical wiring, or other equipment located in the forward and aft
cargo compartments. This damage could adversely affect the continued
safe flight of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-25-1294, Revision 01, dated
March 27, 2006. The service bulletin describes procedures for
installing spacer assemblies (supporting ring with spring ring) at the
attachment points of the YZ-latches of the cargo loading system in the
forward and aft cargo compartments, as applicable. 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 2006-0184, dated July 3, 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
[[Page 78106]]
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
the Proposed AD and EASA Airworthiness Directive.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and EASA Airworthiness Directive
The applicability of EASA airworthiness directive 2006-0184
excludes airplanes on which Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1294 has
been accomplished in service. However, we have not excluded those
airplanes in the applicability of this proposed AD; rather, this
proposed AD includes a requirement to accomplish the actions specified
in Revision 01 of that service bulletin. This requirement would ensure
that the actions specified in the service bulletin and required by this
proposed AD are accomplished on all affected airplanes. Operators must
continue to operate the airplane in the configuration required by this
proposed AD unless an alternative method of compliance is approved.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 1 airplane of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 4 work hours per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts would cost
about $2,049 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost
of the proposed AD for the U.S. operator is $2,369.
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-2006-26706; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
216-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January
29, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321
airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD,
certificated in any category. This AD excludes Airbus Model A319,
A320, and A321 airplanes identified in paragraph (c)(3) of this AD,
certificated in any category.
(1) Including airplanes on which one the following has been
incorporated in production: Airbus Modification 20065, 20040, 24495,
24848, 24496, 21895, 21896, 25905, 25907, 22601, 22602, 27187,
28319, 28322, 28330, 28335, or 31797.
(2) Including airplanes on which one of the following has been
incorporated in service: Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1132, A320-
25-1133, A320-25-1145, A320-25-1175, A320-25-1177, A320-25-1276,
A320-25-1278, A320-28-1134, or A320-28-1141.
(3) Excluding airplanes on which both Airbus Modifications 32244
and 32245, or both Airbus Modifications 32316 and 32317, have been
incorporated in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from tests that have shown that the
attachment points of the YZ-latches of the cargo loading system fail
under maximum loads. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of
the attachment points of the YZ-latches, which could result in
unrestrained cargo causing damage to the fire protection system,
hydraulic system, electrical wiring, or other equipment located in
the forward and aft cargo compartments. This damage could adversely
affect the continued safe flight 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.
Installation
(f) Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD,
install spacer assemblies at the attachment points of the YZ-latches
of the cargo loading system in the forward and aft cargo
compartments, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1294, Revision 01,
dated March 27, 2006.
Credit for Actions Done According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1294, dated March
14, 2003, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding
requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
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.
[[Page 78107]]
Related Information
(i) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness
directive 2006-0184, dated July 3, 2006, also addresses the subject
of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 19, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-22280 Filed 12-27-06; 8:45 am]
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