Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Model AT-602 Airplanes, 5359-5362 [E7-1874]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules
oxide fuels, shall complete and submit
in computer-readable format Nuclear
Material Transaction Reports as
specified in the instructions in NUREG/
BR–0006 and NMMSS Report D–24,
‘‘Personal Computer Data Input for NRC
Licensees.’’ Each person who, under an
Agreement State specific license exports
one kilogram or more of uranium or
thorium source material shall complete
in the format listed above the licensee’s
portion of the Nuclear Material
Transaction Report unless there is
indication of loss, theft, or diversion as
discussed in § 40.64(c)(1) of this chapter
is identified, in which case both the
licensee’s and the foreign facility’s
information shall be reported. For
imports, the shipper’s portion of the
form must also be completed. Copies of
the instructions may be obtained either
by writing to the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Division of
Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards,
Washington, DC 20555–0001, or by email to RidsNmssFcss@nrc.gov. Each
licensee who transfers the material shall
submit a Nuclear Material Transaction
Report in computer-readable format as
specified in the instructions no later
than the close of business the next
working day. Each licensee who
receives the material shall submit a
Nuclear Material Transaction Report in
computer-readable format in accordance
with instructions within ten (10) days
after the material is received. The
Commission’s copy of the report must
be submitted to the address specified in
the instructions. These prescribed
computer-readable forms replace the
DOE/NRC Form 741 which have been
previously submitted in paper form.
*
*
*
*
*
18. In § 150.17, the section heading
and paragraphs (a) and (b) are revised to
read as follows:
rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS
§ 150.17 Submission to Commission of
nuclear material status reports.
(a) Except as specified in paragraph
(d) of this section and § 150.17a, each
person possessing, or who had
possessed in the previous reporting
period, at any one time and location,
under an Agreement State license,
special nuclear material in a quantity
totaling one gram or more of contained
uranium-235, uranium-233, or
plutonium, shall complete and submit,
in computer-readable format Material
Balance Reports concerning special
nuclear material that the licensee has
received, produced, possessed,
transferred, consumed, disposed of, or
lost. This prescribed computer-readable
report replaces the DOE/NRC Form 742
which has been previously submitted in
paper form. The Physical Inventory
VerDate Aug<31>2005
11:52 Feb 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
Listing Report must be submitted with
each Material Balance Report. This
prescribed computer-readable report
replaces the DOE/NRC Form 742C
which has been previously submitted in
paper form. Each licensee shall prepare
and submit the reports described in this
paragraph as specified in the
instructions in NUREG/BR–0007 and
NMMSS Report D–24 ‘‘Personal
Computer Data Input for NRC
Licensees.’’ Copies of these instructions
may be obtained from the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Division of
Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards,
Washington, DC 20555–0001, or by email to RidsNmssFcss@nrc.gov. Each
person subject to this requirement shall
submit a report no later than March 31
of each year. The Commission may,
when good cause is shown, permit a
licensee to submit Material Balance
Reports and Physical Inventory Listing
Reports at other times. Each licensee
required to report material balance, and
inventory information, as described in
this part, shall resolve any discrepancies
identified during the report review and
reconciliation process within 30
calendar days of notification of a
discrepancy identified by NRC.
(b) Except as specified in paragraph
(d) of this section and § 150.17a, each
person possessing, or who had
possessed in the previous reporting
period, at any one time and location,
under an Agreement State license:
(1) One kilogram or more of uranium
or thorium source material with foreign
obligations, shall document holdings as
of September 30 of each year and submit
to the Commission within 30 days.
Alternatively, these reports may be
submitted with the licensee’s material
status reports on special nuclear
material filed under parts 72 or 74 of
this chapter.
(2) One kilogram or more of uranium
or thorium source material in the
operation of enrichment services,
downblending uranium that has an
initial enrichment of the U235 isotope
of 10 percent or more, or in the
fabrication of mixed-oxide fuels shall
complete and submit, in computerreadable format, Material Balance and
Physical Inventory Listing Reports
concerning source material that the
licensee has received, produced,
possessed, transferred, consumed,
disposed of, or lost. Reports must be
submitted for each Reporting
Identification Symbol (RIS) account
including all holding accounts. Each
licensee shall prepare and submit these
reports as specified in the instructions
in NUREG/BR–0007 and NMMSS
Report D–24, ‘‘Personal Computer Data
Input for NRC Licensees.’’ These reports
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
5359
must document holdings as of
September 30 of each year and be
submitted to the Commission within 30
days. Alternatively, these reports may
be submitted with the licensee’s
material status reports on special
nuclear material filed under parts 72 or
74 of this chapter. Copies of the
reporting instructions may be obtained
by writing the to U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, Division of
Fuel Cycle Safety and Safeguards,
Washington, DC 20555–0001, or by email to RidsNmssFcss@nrc.gov. Each
licensee required to report material
balance, and inventory information, as
described in this part, shall resolve any
discrepancies identified during the
report review and reconciliation process
within 30 calendar days of the
notification of a discrepancy identified
by the NRC.
*
*
*
*
*
Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 30th day
of January 2007.
For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Annette L. Vietti-Cook,
Secretary of the Commission.
[FR Doc. E7–1867 Filed 2–5–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7590–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–26775; Directorate
Identifier 2007–CE–01–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor,
Inc. Model AT–602 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 certain
Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Model
AT–602 airplanes. This proposed AD
would require you to install access
holes to do repetitive detailed visual
inspections for cracks in the horizontal
stabilizer brace tube assembly, and if
any cracks are found as a result of a
visual inspection, to replace the
horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly with a new design horizontal
stabilizer brace tube assembly. The
installation of the new design horizontal
stabilizer brace tube assembly is
terminating action for the repetitive
inspection requirement. This proposed
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules
AD results from two reports of Model
AT–602 airplanes with cracked
horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assemblies. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct cracks in the
horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly, which could result in failure
of the horizontal stabilizer. This failure
could affect the ability to control pitch
with consequent loss of control.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by April 9, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to comment 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–
0001.
• 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.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Air Tractor
Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374;
telephone: (940) 564–5616; fax: (940)
564–5612.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer,
ASW–150 (c/o MIDO–43), 10100
Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio,
Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308–
3365; fax: (210) 308–3370.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposed AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number, ‘‘FAA–2006–26775; Directorate
Identifier 2007–CE–01–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 we receive
concerning this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received two reports of
Model AT–602 airplanes with cracked
horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assemblies. One tube was cracked
completely in two. The horizontal
stabilizer brace tube assemblies failed as
a result of fatigue. Air Tractor has also
identified excessive corrosion as a
potential contributing factor.
This condition, if not corrected, could
result in failure of the horizontal
stabilizer. This failure could affect the
ability to control pitch with consequent
loss of control.
Air Tractor has developed an
improved design horizontal stabilizer
brace tube assembly with a larger shank.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Snow Engineering
Co. Service Letter #129A, dated August
7, 2004, revised November 15, 2005;
Service Letter #235, dated August 25,
2004, revised October 23, 2006; and
Labor cost
Drill Template—602, Drawing Number
SL129–602, dated August 2, 2004.
The service information describes
procedures for:
• Installing access holes for visual
inspection of the horizontal stabilizer
brace tube assembly (part number (P/N)
30012–7);
• Conducting a detailed visual
inspection for cracks in the horizontal
stabilizer brace tube assembly (P/N
30012–7); and
• Replacing the horizontal stabilizer
brace tube assembly (P/N 30012–7) with
a new design horizontal stabilizer brace
tube assembly (P/N 30766–1).
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of the Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all information and
determined the unsafe condition
described previously is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design. This proposed AD would
require you to:
• Install access holes to do visual
inspections;
• Do repetitive detailed visual
inspections for cracks in the horizontal
stabilizer brace tube assembly; and
• If any cracks are found as a result
of a visual inspection, replace the
horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly with a new design horizontal
stabilizer brace tube assembly.
The installation of the new design
horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly is terminating action for the
repetitive inspection requirement.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
would affect 128 airplanes in the U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to do
the proposed installation of access holes
to do visual inspections:
$5
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Parts cost
1 work-hour × $80 per hour = $80 ............................................................
Not Applicable .................................
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Jkt 211001
$85
$10,880
Total cost on
U.S. operators
for initial
inspection
$80
$10,240
horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly:
Labor cost
We estimate the following costs to do
any necessary replacement of the
Total cost on
U.S. operators
Total cost per
airplane
1 work-hour × $80 per hour = $80 ..............................................................................................
We estimate the following costs to do
each visual inspection for cracks of the
Total cost per
airplane
Parts cost
horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly with a new design horizontal
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
stabilizer brace tube assembly that
would be required based on the results
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules
of the proposed inspection or as the
terminating action for the repetitive
inspection requirement. We have no
way of determining the number of
airplanes that may need this
replacement:
Labor cost
Parts cost
35 work-hours × $80 per hour = $2,800 ...............................................................................................................
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
rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS
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;
VerDate Aug<31>2005
11:52 Feb 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
Total cost
per airplane
$896
$3,696
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.
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
Examining the AD Docket
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this
airworthiness directive (AD) action by April
9, 2007.
You may examine the AD docket that
contains the proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information 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 Docket Office (telephone
(800) 647–5227) is located at the street
address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
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:
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
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:
Air Tractor Inc.: Docket No. FAA–2006–
26775; Directorate Identifier 2007–CE–
01–AD.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model AT–602
airplanes, all serial numbers through 602–
0695 that:
(1) have horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly, part number (P/N) 30012–7,
installed; and
(2) are certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from two reports of
Model AT–602 airplanes with cracked
horizontal stabilizer brace tube assemblies.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracks in the horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly, which could result in failure of the
horizontal stabilizer. This failure could affect
the ability to control pitch with consequent
loss of control.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do
the following, unless already done:
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 24 / Tuesday, February 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Actions
Compliance
Procedures
(1) Do the following:
(i) Install access holes for visual inspection of the part number (P/N)
30012–7 horizontal stabilizer
brace tube assembly.
(ii) Conduct a detailed visual inspection for cracks in the P/N
30012–7 horizontal stabilizer
brace tube assembly.
(2) Replace the P/N 30012–7 horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly with a new design P/N
30766–1 horizontal stabilizer
brace tube assembly.
Install the access holes and do the initial inspection upon accumulating 2,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) or within the next 60 days
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repetitively inspect thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS.
Replacement of the P/N 30012–7 horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly with a new design P/N 30766–1 horizontal stabilizer
brace tube assembly following paragraph (e)(2) of this AD is terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD.
Follow Snow Engineering Co.
Service Letter #235, dated August 25, 2004, revised October
23, 2006.
Before further flight after any inspection required by paragraph (e)(1)
of this AD where cracks are found. The installation of a new design
P/N 30766–1 horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly is terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD.
(3) Do not install any P/N 30012–7
horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly.
As of the effective date of this AD ........................................................
Follow Snow Engineering Co.
Service Letter #129A, dated August 7, 2004, revised November
15, 2005; Snow Engineering Co.
Service Letter #235, dated August 25, 2004, revised October
23, 2006; and Snow Engineering Co. Drill Template—602,
Drawing Number SL129–602,
dated August 2, 2004.
Not Applicable.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane
Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Andrew
McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW–150 (c/
o MIDO–43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650,
San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone: (210)
308–3365; fax: (210) 308–3370, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested using the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
Federal Aviation Administration
Related Information
(g) To get copies of the service information
referenced in this AD, contact Air Tractor
Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374;
telephone: (940) 564–5616; fax: (940) 564–
5612. To view the AD docket, go to the
Docket Management Facility; U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC, or on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov. The docket number is Docket
No. FAA–2006–26775; Directorate Identifier
2007–CE–01–AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January
31, 2007.
Margaret Kline,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–1874 Filed 2–5–07; 8:45 am]
rmajette on PROD1PC67 with PROPOSALS
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:49 Feb 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–27154; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–139–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A310 Airplanes and Model A300 B4–
600, B4–600R, and F4–600R Series
Airplanes, and Model C4–605R Variant
F airplanes (Collectively Called A300–
600 Series Airplanes)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A310 airplanes and
Model A300–600 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require revising the
Airworthiness Limitations section of the
Instructions for Continued
Airworthiness by incorporating new and
revised certification maintenance
requirements. This proposed 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
proposing 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
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
systems, fire detection systems, fuel
systems, or other critical systems.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by March 8, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
• DOT Docket Web site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Government-wide rulemaking Web
site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending
your comments electronically.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1622;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 6, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5359-5362]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-1874]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26775; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-01-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Model AT-602
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
certain Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Model AT-602 airplanes. This
proposed AD would require you to install access holes to do repetitive
detailed visual inspections for cracks in the horizontal stabilizer
brace tube assembly, and if any cracks are found as a result of a
visual inspection, to replace the horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly with a new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly.
The installation of the new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly is terminating action for the repetitive inspection
requirement. This proposed
[[Page 5360]]
AD results from two reports of Model AT-602 airplanes with cracked
horizontal stabilizer brace tube assemblies. We are proposing this AD
to detect and correct cracks in the horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly, which could result in failure of the horizontal stabilizer.
This failure could affect the ability to control pitch with consequent
loss of control.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 9, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to comment 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 20590-0001.
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.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Air
Tractor Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374; telephone: (940) 564-
5616; fax: (940) 564-5612.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer,
ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43), 10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio,
Texas 78216; telephone: (210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number, ``FAA-
2006-26775; Directorate Identifier 2007-CE-01-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 we
receive concerning this proposed AD.
Discussion
We have received two reports of Model AT-602 airplanes with cracked
horizontal stabilizer brace tube assemblies. One tube was cracked
completely in two. The horizontal stabilizer brace tube assemblies
failed as a result of fatigue. Air Tractor has also identified
excessive corrosion as a potential contributing factor.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the
horizontal stabilizer. This failure could affect the ability to control
pitch with consequent loss of control.
Air Tractor has developed an improved design horizontal stabilizer
brace tube assembly with a larger shank.
Relevant Service Information
We have reviewed Snow Engineering Co. Service Letter 129A,
dated August 7, 2004, revised November 15, 2005; Service Letter
235, dated August 25, 2004, revised October 23, 2006; and
Drill Template--602, Drawing Number SL129-602, dated August 2, 2004.
The service information describes procedures for:
Installing access holes for visual inspection of the
horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly (part number (P/N) 30012-7);
Conducting a detailed visual inspection for cracks in the
horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly (P/N 30012-7); and
Replacing the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly
(P/N 30012-7) with a new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly (P/N 30766-1).
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and
determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist
or develop on other products of the same type design. This proposed AD
would require you to:
Install access holes to do visual inspections;
Do repetitive detailed visual inspections for cracks in
the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly; and
If any cracks are found as a result of a visual
inspection, replace the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly with
a new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly.
The installation of the new design horizontal stabilizer brace tube
assembly is terminating action for the repetitive inspection
requirement.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD would affect 128 airplanes in the
U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to do the proposed installation of
access holes to do visual inspections:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per Total cost on
Labor cost Parts cost airplane U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $80 per hour = $80............................... $5 $85 $10,880
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do each visual inspection for
cracks of the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost on
Total cost per U.S. operators
Labor cost Parts cost airplane for initial
inspection
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 work-hour x $80 per hour = $80.............. Not Applicable.................. $80 $10,240
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement of
the horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly with a new design
horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly that would be required based
on the results
[[Page 5361]]
of the proposed inspection or as the terminating action for the
repetitive inspection requirement. We have no way of determining the
number of airplanes that may need this replacement:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total cost per
Labor cost Parts cost airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
35 work-hours x $80 per hour = $2,800.. $896 $3,696
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket that contains the proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information 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 Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227)
is located at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
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:
Air Tractor Inc.: Docket No. FAA-2006-26775; Directorate Identifier
2007-CE-01-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) action by April 9, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Model AT-602 airplanes, all serial
numbers through 602-0695 that:
(1) have horizontal stabilizer brace tube assembly, part number
(P/N) 30012-7, installed; and
(2) are certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from two reports of Model AT-602 airplanes
with cracked horizontal stabilizer brace tube assemblies. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the horizontal
stabilizer brace tube assembly, which could result in failure of the
horizontal stabilizer. This failure could affect the ability to
control pitch with consequent loss of control.
Compliance
(e) To address this problem, you must do the following, unless
already done:
[[Page 5362]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Actions Compliance Procedures
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Do the following: Install the access Follow Snow
(i) Install access holes for holes and do the Engineering Co.
visual inspection of the part initial inspection Service Letter
number (P/N) 30012-7 upon accumulating 235,
horizontal stabilizer brace 2,000 hours time-in- dated August
tube assembly. service (TIS) or 25, 2004,
(ii) Conduct a detailed visual within the next 60 revised October
inspection for cracks in the days after the 23, 2006.
P/N 30012-7 horizontal effective date of
stabilizer brace tube this AD, whichever
assembly. occurs later.
Repetitively inspect
thereafter at
intervals not to
exceed 100 hours TIS.
Replacement of the P/
N 30012-7 horizontal
stabilizer brace tube
assembly with a new
design P/N 30766-1
horizontal stabilizer
brace tube assembly
following paragraph
(e)(2) of this AD is
terminating action
for the repetitive
inspection
requirement of this
AD.
(2) Replace the P/N 30012-7 Before further flight Follow Snow
horizontal stabilizer brace after any inspection Engineering Co.
tube assembly with a new required by paragraph Service Letter
design P/N 30766-1 horizontal (e)(1) of this AD 129A,
stabilizer brace tube where cracks are dated August 7,
assembly. found. The 2004, revised
installation of a new November 15,
design P/N 30766-1 2005; Snow
horizontal stabilizer Engineering Co.
brace tube assembly Service Letter
is terminating action 235,
for the repetitive dated August
inspection 25, 2004,
requirement of this revised October
AD. 23, 2006; and
Snow
Engineering Co.
Drill Template--
602, Drawing
Number SL129-
602, dated
August 2, 2004.
(3) Do not install any P/N As of the effective Not Applicable.
30012-7 horizontal stabilizer date of this AD.
brace tube assembly.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(f) The Manager, Fort Worth Airplane Certification Office, FAA,
ATTN: Andrew McAnaul, Aerospace Engineer, ASW-150 (c/o MIDO-43),
10100 Reunion Place, Suite 650, San Antonio, Texas 78216; telephone:
(210) 308-3365; fax: (210) 308-3370, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19.
Related Information
(g) To get copies of the service information referenced in this
AD, contact Air Tractor Inc., P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374;
telephone: (940) 564-5616; fax: (940) 564-5612. To view the AD
docket, go to the Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-
401, Washington, DC, or on the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov. The
docket number is Docket No. FAA-2006-26775; Directorate Identifier
2007-CE-01-AD.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on January 31, 2007.
Margaret Kline,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-1874 Filed 2-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
