Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes, 1470-1472 [E7-314]

Download as PDF 1470 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 8 / Friday, January 12, 2007 / Proposed Rules (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2005–19–14, are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of paragraph (f) of this AD. Related Information (j) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) airworthiness directive 2006–0176, dated June 26, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 26, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–315 Filed 1–11–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–26834; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–235–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as an incomplete discharge of the extinguishing agent in the fire zone, which could lead, in the worst case, in combination with an engine fire, to a temporary uncontrolled engine fire. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 12, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:30 Jan 11, 2007 Jkt 211001 • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • 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. • Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647– 5227) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Streamlined Issuance of AD The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products. This proposed AD references the MCAI and related service information that we considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe condition. The proposed AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this reason might not follow our plain language principles. Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–26834; Directorate Identifier PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 2006–NM–235–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because 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 we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the aviation authority for the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006– 0297, dated September 29, 2006 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states that one Model A330 operator discovered that the line connection to the discharge head could not be properly secured during engine fire bottle replacement, due to a missing retaining-ring. Inspections revealed that all four discharge-heads line connectors, two per engine, were missing the retaining-ring. It was confirmed later that it was a quality issue. The function of the retaining-ring is to secure a tight connection between the fire-extinguishing line and the discharge head. In absence of the retaining-ring, in case of activation of the fire extinguishing system, the pressure exerted by the agent on the pipe could compromise the tightness of the connection, leading to an incomplete discharge of the extinguishing agent in the fire zone. This situation, if not corrected,could lead, in the worst case, in combination with an engine fire, to a temporary uncontrolled engine fire which constitutes an unsafe condition. The MCAI requires a one-time detailed visual inspection for the presence of the retaining-ring on the discharge head assembly of the engine fire extinguishing system, and repair if necessary. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330–26A3037, dated July 26, 2006. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. E:\FR\FM\12JAP1.SGM 12JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 8 / Friday, January 12, 2007 / Proposed Rules FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. 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. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information. We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are described in a separate paragraph of the proposed AD. These requirements, if ultimately adopted, will take precedence over the actions copied from the MCAI. Regulatory Findings rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 27 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $8,640, or $320 per product. 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:30 Jan 11, 2007 Jkt 211001 We 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 this 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. 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 FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2007–26834; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–235–AD. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 1471 Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by February 12, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330 airplanes, all certified models, certificated in any category, all serial numbers up to 755 included. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states that one Model A330 operator discovered that the line connection to the discharge head could not be properly secured during engine fire bottle replacement, due to a missing retaining-ring. Inspections revealed that all four discharge-heads line connectors, two per engine, were missing the retaining-ring. It was confirmed later that it was a quality issue. The function of the retaining-ring is to secure a tight connection between the fireextinguishing line and the discharge head. In absence of the retaining-ring, in case of activation of the fire extinguishing system, the pressure exerted by the agent on the pipe could compromise the tightness of the connection, leading to an incomplete discharge of the extinguishing agent in the fire zone. This situation if not corrected could lead, in the worst case, in combination with an engine fire, to a temporary uncontrolled engine fire which constitutes an unsafe condition. The MCAI requires a onetime detailed visual inspection for the presence of the retaining-ring on the discharge head assembly of engine fire extinguishing system, and repair if necessary. Actions and Compliance (e) Unless already done, do the following actions. Within 900 flight hours from the effective date of this AD: On both engine pylons (left hand and right hand), for all four engine fire extinguisher bottles, two per engine pylon, perform a one-time detailed visual inspection for the presence of the retaining ring on the discharge head of the bottles and apply all applicable corrective actions, in accordance with instructions defined in Airbus Service Bulletin A330– 26A3037, dated July 26, 2006. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Aircraft on which the four engine fire extinguishing bottles, 2 per engine pylon, have been removed and re-installed at the opportunity of hydrostatic test of engine fire extinguishing as per Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) task 26.21.00/04, are not concerned by this Airworthiness Directive (AD). Other FAA AD Provisions (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, Attn: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if E:\FR\FM\12JAP1.SGM 12JAP1 1472 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 8 / Friday, January 12, 2007 / Proposed Rules requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 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. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (g) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2006– 0297, dated September 29, 2006, and Airbus Service Bulletin A330–26A3037, dated July 26, 2006, for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 28, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–314 Filed 1–11–07; 8:45 am] Requests and submissions should be captioned ‘‘Carpet and Rug Amendment.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia K. Adair, Project Manager, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814; telephone (301) 504– 7536 or e-mail: padair@cpsc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On November 13, 2006, the Consumer Product Safety Commission proposed to amend the flammability standards for carpets and rugs to remove the reference to Eli Lilly Company Product No. 1588 in Catalog No. 79, December 1, 1969, as the standard ignition source and provide a technical specification defining the ignition source. 71 FR 66145. Pursuant to Section 4(d) of the Flammable Fabrics Act, interested persons are hereby given an opportunity for the oral presentation of data, views, or arguments, as well as an opportunity to make written submissions. 15 U.S.C. 1193(d). Authority: 15 U.S.C. 1193(d)). Dated: January 8, 2007. Todd A. Stevenson, Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission. [FR Doc. E7–266 Filed 1–11–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P BILLING CODE 6355–01–P CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION ARCHITECTURAL AND TRANSPORTATION BARRIERS COMPLIANCE BOARD 16 CFR Parts 1630 and 1631 Proposed Technical Amendment to the Flammability Standards for Carpets and Rugs; Notice of Opportunity for Oral Comment Consumer Product Safety Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: Requests to make an oral presentation or written submissions must be received by February 12, 2007. ADDRESSES: Requests should be filed by e-mail to cpsc-os@cpsc.gov, by fax to (301) 504–0127, or mailed or delivered, preferably in five copies, to the Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Room 502, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814– 4408; telephone (301) 504–7923. rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:30 Jan 11, 2007 Jkt 211001 Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines; Electronic and Information Technology Accessibility Standards Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board. ACTION: Notice of meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document provides interested persons the opportunity for the oral presentation or written submissions regarding the proposed technical amendment to the flammability standards for carpets and rugs. DATES: 36 CFR Parts 1193 and 1194 SUMMARY: The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) has established a Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee (Committee) to assist it in revising and updating accessibility guidelines for telecommunications products and accessibility standards for electronic and information technology. This notice announces the dates, time, and location of the third committee meeting, which will be open to the public. The meeting is scheduled for February 6–8, 2007 (beginning at 9 a.m. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 and ending at 5 p.m. on February 6 and 7; and beginning at 9 a.m. on February 8 and ending at 3 p.m.). Notices of future meetings will be published in the Federal Register. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the Transportation Security Administration, 601 South 12th Street (town hall meeting room), Arlington, VA 22202. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Timothy Creagan, Office of Technical and Information Services, Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 1331 F Street, NW., suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004–1111. Telephone number: 202–272–0016 (Voice); 202–272–0082 (TTY). Electronic mail address: creagan@access-board.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Board organized the Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee to review its standards for electronic and information technology covered by section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and to provide recommendations on how they should be updated. The Committee will also address updating the Board’s guidelines for telecommunications products covered by section 255 of the Telecommunications Act. The next meeting of the Committee will take place on February 6–8, 2007. A draft meeting agenda is provided below. Topics to be discussed on Tuesday, February 6, 2007, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: • Federal panel on section 508 exceptions • Directed discussion on editorial work product of the committee • Directed discussion on goals of the committee • Presentation on methodology: Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and section 508 standards approaches • Presentation on low vision and technology • Public comment periods Topics to be discussed on Wednesday, February 7, 2007, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: • Break out sessions of selected subcommittees • Subcommittee reports • Presentation on cognition • Directed discussion on themes • Public comment periods Topics to be discussed on Thursday, February 8, 2007, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: • Assistive technology and information technology interoperability panel presentation and discussion • Goals, future action items, timelines, and next steps • Public comment periods Information about the Committee, including future meeting dates and E:\FR\FM\12JAP1.SGM 12JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 8 (Friday, January 12, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1470-1472]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-314]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-26834; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-235-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as an incomplete discharge of the extinguishing agent in the 
fire zone, which could lead, in the worst case, in combination with an 
engine fire, to a temporary uncontrolled engine fire. The proposed AD 
would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 12, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     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.
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD 
docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any 
comments received, and other information. The street address for the 
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Streamlined Issuance of AD

    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance 
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt 
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce 
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD 
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure 
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our 
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct 
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
    This proposed AD references the MCAI and related service 
information that we considered in forming the engineering basis to 
correct the unsafe condition. The proposed AD contains text copied from 
the MCAI and for this reason might not follow our plain language 
principles.

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
26834; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-235-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because 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 we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the aviation 
authority for the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness 
Directive 2006-0297, dated September 29, 2006 (referred to after this 
as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states that one Model A330 operator discovered that 
the line connection to the discharge head could not be properly secured 
during engine fire bottle replacement, due to a missing retaining-ring. 
Inspections revealed that all four discharge-heads line connectors, two 
per engine, were missing the retaining-ring. It was confirmed later 
that it was a quality issue.
    The function of the retaining-ring is to secure a tight connection 
between the fire-extinguishing line and the discharge head. In absence 
of the retaining-ring, in case of activation of the fire extinguishing 
system, the pressure exerted by the agent on the pipe could compromise 
the tightness of the connection, leading to an incomplete discharge of 
the extinguishing agent in the fire zone.
    This situation, if not corrected,could lead, in the worst case, in 
combination with an engine fire, to a temporary uncontrolled engine 
fire which constitutes an unsafe condition.
    The MCAI requires a one-time detailed visual inspection for the 
presence of the retaining-ring on the discharge head assembly of the 
engine fire extinguishing system, and repair if necessary. You may 
obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A330-26A3037, dated July 26, 
2006. The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

[[Page 1471]]

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information provided by the State of Design Authority 
and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of the same type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
described in a separate paragraph of the proposed AD. These 
requirements, if ultimately adopted, will take precedence over the 
actions copied from the MCAI.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 27 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with this 
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required 
parts would cost about $0 per product. Where the service information 
lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have 
assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not 
control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur 
costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $8,640, or $320 per 
product.

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 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 this 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.

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2007-26834; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
235-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by February 12, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330 airplanes, all 
certified models, certificated in any category, all serial numbers 
up to 755 included.

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states that one Model A330 operator discovered that the line 
connection to the discharge head could not be properly secured 
during engine fire bottle replacement, due to a missing retaining-
ring. Inspections revealed that all four discharge-heads line 
connectors, two per engine, were missing the retaining-ring. It was 
confirmed later that it was a quality issue. The function of the 
retaining-ring is to secure a tight connection between the fire-
extinguishing line and the discharge head. In absence of the 
retaining-ring, in case of activation of the fire extinguishing 
system, the pressure exerted by the agent on the pipe could 
compromise the tightness of the connection, leading to an incomplete 
discharge of the extinguishing agent in the fire zone. This 
situation if not corrected could lead, in the worst case, in 
combination with an engine fire, to a temporary uncontrolled engine 
fire which constitutes an unsafe condition. The MCAI requires a one-
time detailed visual inspection for the presence of the retaining-
ring on the discharge head assembly of engine fire extinguishing 
system, and repair if necessary.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Unless already done, do the following actions. Within 900 
flight hours from the effective date of this AD: On both engine 
pylons (left hand and right hand), for all four engine fire 
extinguisher bottles, two per engine pylon, perform a one-time 
detailed visual inspection for the presence of the retaining ring on 
the discharge head of the bottles and apply all applicable 
corrective actions, in accordance with instructions defined in 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-26A3037, dated July 26, 2006. Do all 
applicable corrective actions before further flight. Aircraft on 
which the four engine fire extinguishing bottles, 2 per engine 
pylon, have been removed and re-installed at the opportunity of 
hydrostatic test of engine fire extinguishing as per Maintenance 
Review Board Report (MRBR) task 26.21.00/04, are not concerned by 
this Airworthiness Directive (AD).

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
Attn: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98057-3356, has the authority to approve AMOCs 
for this AD, if

[[Page 1472]]

requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. 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.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (g) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2006-0297, dated September 29, 2006, and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-26A3037, dated July 26, 2006, for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 28, 2006.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-314 Filed 1-11-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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