Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type Certificate No. A48EU previously held by APEX Aircraft and AVIONS PIERRE ROBIN) Model R2160 Airplanes, 5364-5366 [E7-1873]

Download as PDF 5364 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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–2007–27154; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–139–AD. rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS Comments Due Date (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by March 8, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A310 airplanes, Model A300 B4–601, B4– 603, B4–620, and B4–622 airplanes, Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R airplanes, Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R VerDate Aug<31>2005 11:52 Feb 05, 2007 Jkt 211001 airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (g) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. The FAA has provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular (AC) 25.1529–1. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD results from the manufacturer determining that additional and revised certification maintenance requirements are necessary in order to ensure continued operational safety of the affected airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent safetysignificant latent failures that would, in combination with one or more other specific failures or events, result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition of avionics, hydraulic systems, fire detection systems, fuel systems, or other critical systems. 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. Revise the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (f) Within three months after the effective date of this AD, revise the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating Airbus A300–600 Certification Maintenance Requirements (CMRs) AI/ST5/829/85, Issue 12, dated February 2005 (for Model A310 airplanes); or Airbus A310 CMR AI/ST5/849/ 85, Issue 12, dated February 2005 (for Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, and B4–622 airplanes, Model A300 B4–605R and B4– 622R airplanes, Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R airplanes, and Model A300 C4– 605R Variant F airplanes); as applicable. Accomplish the actions specified in the applicable CMRs at the times specified in the applicable CMRs. The actions must be accomplished in accordance with the applicable CMRs. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(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 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (h) French airworthiness directive F–2005– 123, dated July 20, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 29, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–1872 Filed 2–5–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–26494; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–79–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type Certificate No. A48EU previously held by APEX Aircraft and AVIONS PIERRE ROBIN) Model R2160 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). 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: * * * unchecked corrosion developing on the wing spars due to access for inspections being difficult under normal maintenance practices, which could lead to an unsafe condition and possibly a failure of the wing. 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 March 8, 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. E:\FR\FM\06FEP1.SGM 06FEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules • 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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816) 329–4090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS Streamlined Issuance of AD The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance of ADs related to MCAI. The 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–2006–26494; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–79–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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 11:52 Feb 05, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, which is the airworthiness authority for New Zealand, has issued AD DCA/R2000/37, dated September 28, 2006 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: * * * unchecked corrosion developing on the wing spars due to access for inspections being difficult under normal maintenance practices, which could lead to an unsafe condition and possibly a failure of the wing, remove the main landing gear legs and all the wing inspection panels per the instructions in the aircraft Maintenance Manual. The MCAI Requires: Inspect the visible parts of the spar web, the front face of the spar and the upper and lower boom angle per Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19 and Service Bulletin No. 99. It may be necessary to cut inspection holes or remove the wings to achieve this. Inspection holes must be prepared to a manufacturer approved repair scheme (approved by FAA). If corrosion is found, treat per SL No. 19 and SB No. 99 before further flight. If corrosion is found that exceeds the limits specified in Service Letter No. 19, repair per a manufacturer approved repair scheme before further flight. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information AVIONS PIERRE ROBIN (recent type certificate responsibility was with APEX Aircraft and current responsibility with Alpha Aviation Design Limited) issued Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980, and Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated June 24, 1983. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the 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 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 5365 MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Differences Between This Proposed 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 highlighted in a note within 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 10 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 28 work-hours per product to comply with the proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $22,400, or $2,240 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need any necessary follow-on actions. Since the corrosion damage would vary from airplane to airplane, we are not able to estimate the costs of each follow-on action. 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 E:\FR\FM\06FEP1.SGM 06FEP1 5366 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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: Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: * * * unchecked corrosion developing on the wing spars due to access for inspections being difficult under normal maintenance practices, which could lead to an unsafe condition and possibly a failure of the wing. Actions and Compliance (e) Unless already done, do the following actions within 66 months after aircraft date of manufacture or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, unless already done within the last 24 months, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 months. Accomplishment of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2005–0028 satisfies the requirement of this AD. If the spars are replaced, the inspections at intervals of 24 months must be resumed within 60 months from the date of replacement: (1) Inspect the visible parts of the spar web, the front face of the spar, and the upper and lower boom angle following Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980, and Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated June 24, 1983. (2) If corrosion is found as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD that does not exceed the limits in the service bulletins, before further flight, treat the corrosion following Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980, and Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated June 24, 1983. (3) If corrosion is found as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD that does exceed the limits specified in Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980, before further flight, repair following a manufacturer approved repair scheme. PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES FAA AD Differences 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type Certificate No. A48EU previously held by APEX Aircraft and AVIONS PIERRE ROBIN): Docket No. FAA–2006–26494; Directorate Identifier 2006–CE–79–AD rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by March 8, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model R2160 airplanes, serial numbers 001 through 378, certificated in any category. VerDate Aug<31>2005 11:52 Feb 05, 2007 Jkt 211001 Other FAA AD Provisions (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Staff, FAA, ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4146; fax: (816) 329–4090, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (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. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), 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 New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority AD DCA/R2000/37, dated September 28, 2006, and Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980; and Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated June 24, 1983, for related information. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 31, 2007. Margaret Kline, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–1873 Filed 2–5–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Parts 121, 125, and 135 [Docket No. FAA–2006–26135; Notice No. 06–16] RIN 2120–AI79 Filtered Flight Data Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); extension of comment period. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This action extends the comment period for an NPRM published on November 15, 2006. In that document, the FAA proposed to amend the digital flight data recorder regulations by prohibiting the filtering of some original parameter sensor signals. This extension is a result of a request from The Boeing Company to extend the comment period for the NPRM. Send your comments on the NPRM on or before April 16, 2007. ADDRESSES: You may send comments on the NPRM or this extension [identified by Docket Number 2006–26135] using any of the following methods: • 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 DATES: E:\FR\FM\06FEP1.SGM 06FEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 6, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5364-5366]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1873]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-26494; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-79-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type 
Certificate No. A48EU previously held by APEX Aircraft and AVIONS 
PIERRE ROBIN) Model R2160 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:

* * * unchecked corrosion developing on the wing spars due to access 
for inspections being difficult under normal maintenance practices, 
which could lead to an unsafe condition and possibly a failure of 
the wing.

    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 March 8, 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.

[[Page 5365]]

     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: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Streamlined Issuance of AD

    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance 
of ADs related to MCAI. The 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-2006-
26494; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-79-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 Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, which is the 
airworthiness authority for New Zealand, has issued AD DCA/R2000/37, 
dated September 28, 2006 (referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI 
states:

* * * unchecked corrosion developing on the wing spars due to access 
for inspections being difficult under normal maintenance practices, 
which could lead to an unsafe condition and possibly a failure of 
the wing, remove the main landing gear legs and all the wing 
inspection panels per the instructions in the aircraft Maintenance 
Manual.
    The MCAI Requires:
    Inspect the visible parts of the spar web, the front face of the 
spar and the upper and lower boom angle per Avions Pierre Robin 
Service Letter No. 19 and Service Bulletin No. 99.
    It may be necessary to cut inspection holes or remove the wings 
to achieve this. Inspection holes must be prepared to a manufacturer 
approved repair scheme (approved by FAA).
    If corrosion is found, treat per SL No. 19 and SB No. 99 before 
further flight.
    If corrosion is found that exceeds the limits specified in 
Service Letter No. 19, repair per a manufacturer approved repair 
scheme before further flight.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    AVIONS PIERRE ROBIN (recent type certificate responsibility was 
with APEX Aircraft and current responsibility with Alpha Aviation 
Design Limited) issued Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated 
October 1980, and Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated 
June 24, 1983. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the 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 and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Differences Between This Proposed 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 
highlighted in a note within 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 10 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 28 work-hours per product to comply with the 
proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $22,400, or $2,240 per product.
    We have no way of determining the number of products that may need 
any necessary follow-on actions. Since the corrosion damage would vary 
from airplane to airplane, we are not able to estimate the costs of 
each follow-on action.

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

[[Page 5366]]

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:

Alpha Aviation Design Limited (Type Certificate No. A48EU previously 
held by APEX Aircraft and AVIONS PIERRE ROBIN): Docket No. FAA-2006-
26494; Directorate Identifier 2006-CE-79-AD

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by March 8, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model R2160 airplanes, serial numbers 001 
through 378, certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 57: Wings.

Reason

    (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

* * * unchecked corrosion developing on the wing spars due to access 
for inspections being difficult under normal maintenance practices, 
which could lead to an unsafe condition and possibly a failure of 
the wing.

Actions and Compliance

    (e) Unless already done, do the following actions within 66 
months after aircraft date of manufacture or within 6 months after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, unless 
already done within the last 24 months, and thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 24 months. Accomplishment of European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA) AD 2005-0028 satisfies the requirement of this AD. If 
the spars are replaced, the inspections at intervals of 24 months 
must be resumed within 60 months from the date of replacement:
    (1) Inspect the visible parts of the spar web, the front face of 
the spar, and the upper and lower boom angle following Avions Pierre 
Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980, and Avions Pierre 
Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated June 24, 1983.
    (2) If corrosion is found as a result of the inspection required 
by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD that does not exceed the limits in 
the service bulletins, before further flight, treat the corrosion 
following Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 
1980, and Avions Pierre Robin Service Bulletin No. 99, dated June 
24, 1983.
    (3) If corrosion is found as a result of the inspection required 
by paragraph (e)(1) of this AD that does exceed the limits specified 
in Avions Pierre Robin Service Letter No. 19, dated October 1980, 
before further flight, repair following a manufacturer approved 
repair scheme.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (f) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Staff, FAA, ATTN: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer, 
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; fax: (816) 329-4090, has 
the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (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 (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), 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 New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority AD DCA/
R2000/37, dated September 28, 2006, and Avions Pierre Robin Service 
Letter No. 19, dated October 1980; and Avions Pierre Robin Service 
Bulletin No. 99, dated June 24, 1983, for related information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 31, 2007.
Margaret Kline,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-1873 Filed 2-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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