Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, -135KE, -135KL, and -135LR Airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP Airplanes, 7561-7563 [E7-2510]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 32 / Friday, February 16, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/
code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
February 6, 2007.
Kim Smith,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–2507 Filed 2–15–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25892; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–120–AD; Amendment
39–14941; AD 2007–04–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(EMBRAER) Model EMB–135BJ,
–135ER, –135KE, –135KL, and –135LR
Airplanes; and Model EMB–145,
–145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR,
–145MP, and –145EP Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
EMBRAER airplanes as described
previously. This AD requires inspecting
to determine the part number of the leftand right-hand windshield temperature
controllers. For airplanes equipped with
certain windshield temperature
controllers, this AD also requires
replacing the attaching hardware of the
power cable terminals of the windshield
temperature controllers with new,
improved attaching hardware;
inspecting the power cable terminals for
signs of melting or damage to the
terminals, cable insulation, or plastic
crimping ring; and performing
corrective actions if necessary. This AD
results from reports of smoke on the
flight deck caused by damage from poor
electrical contact due to loosening of the
attaching hardware of the power cables
of certain windshield temperature
controllers. We are issuing this AD to
prevent overheating of the power cable
terminals of the windshield temperature
controllers, which could result in smoke
on the flight deck.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
March 23, 2007.
rmajette on PROD1PC67 with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:54 Feb 15, 2007
Jkt 211001
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of March 23, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401,
Washington, DC.
Contact Empresa Brasileira de
Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box
343—CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos
Campos—SP, Brazil, for service
information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2125;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (AD) docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the
Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647–5227) is located on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building at
the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to all EMBRAER Model EMB–
135BJ, –135ER, –135KE, –135KL, and
–135LR airplanes; and Model EMB–145,
–145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR,
–145MP, and –145EP airplanes. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on September 26, 2006 (71 FR
56056). That NPRM proposed to require
inspecting to determine the part number
of the left- and right-hand windshield
temperature controllers. For airplanes
equipped with certain windshield
temperature controllers, that NPRM also
proposed to require replacing the
attaching hardware of the power cable
terminals of the windshield temperature
controllers with new, improved
attaching hardware; inspecting the
power cable terminals for signs of
melting or damage to the terminals,
cable insulation, or plastic crimping
ring; and performing corrective actions
if necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
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Fmt 4700
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7561
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments received.
Request To Revise Consequence of
Unsafe Condition
EMBRAER requests that we revise the
possible consequence of the unsafe
condition. EMBRAER states that it has
confirmed that the unsafe condition is
the result of overheating of the power
cables of the windshield temperature
controller due to loosening of the power
cable attachment hardware, and that
tests have shown that this condition
may cause smoke on the flight deck, but
not fire. EMBRAER therefore requests
that we revise the statement ‘‘which
could result in smoke and fire on the
flight deck’’ to read ‘‘which could result
in smoke on the flight deck.’’
We agree for the reasons stated and
have revised the summary and
paragraph (d) of the AD accordingly.
Request To Permit Records Check
EMBRAER requests that we revise the
NPRM to permit a maintenance records
check to determine if the subject
windshield temperature controller is
installed on the airplane. EMBRAER
states that it should be acceptable to
show that the subject controller is or is
not installed on the airplane by
examining the airplane maintenance
records rather than by requiring a
physical inspection of the actual
installed part.
We agree for the reasons given.
Therefore, we have revised paragraph (f)
of the AD to permit a maintenance
records check in lieu of the required
inspection, provided the part number of
the subject controller can be
conclusively determined from that
review.
Request for Publication of Service
Information
One commenter, the Modification and
Replacement Parts Association
(MARPA), requests that we revise our
procedures for incorporation by
reference (IBR) of service information in
ADs. MARPA asserts that ADs are
frequently derived from privatelyauthored, copyright-protected
manufacturer service documents, but
that when such a document is
incorporated by reference into a public
document like an AD, it loses its
private, protected status and becomes
itself a public document. MARPA
continues that public laws by definition
must be public and cannot rely for
compliance upon private writings, and
that unless such writings are
incorporated by reference, a court of law
will not consider them in interpreting
the AD and might invalidate the AD.
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rmajette on PROD1PC67 with RULES
MARPA contends that IBR service
documents should be published in the
Docket Management System (DMS),
keyed to the action that incorporates
them. IBR was adopted to relieve the
Federal Register from publishing
documents already held by affected
individuals, which traditionally meant
aircraft owners and operators who
received service information from
manufacturers. However, MARPA
contends that a new affected class of
maintenance and repair organizations
(MRO), component service and repair
shops, parts purveyors and distributors,
and organizations that manufacture or
service alternatively certified parts
under 14 CFR 21.303 (PMA) now
perform a majority of aircraft
maintenance. MARPA continues that
service information distributed to
owners and operators who are financing
or leasing institutions may not reach
this class, who may actually be
responsible for accomplishing ADs.
MARPA therefore requests that service
documents deemed essential to
accomplishing this proposed action be
(1) incorporated by reference into the
regulatory instrument, and (2) published
in the DMS.
We understand MARPA’s comment
concerning IBR. The Office of the
Federal Register (OFR) requires that
documents that are necessary to
accomplish the requirements of the AD
be incorporated by reference during the
final rule phase of rulemaking. This
final rule incorporates by reference the
documents necessary for accomplishing
the requirements mandated by this AD.
Further, we point out that while
documents that are incorporated by
reference do become public information,
they do not lose their copyright
protection. For that reason, we advise
the public to contact the manufacturer
to obtain copies of the referenced
service information.
In regard to MARPA’s request to post
service bulletins on the Department of
Transportation’s DMS, we are currently
in the process of reviewing issues
surrounding the posting of service
bulletins on the DMS as part of an AD
docket. Once we have thoroughly
examined all aspects of this issue and
have made a final determination, we
will consider whether our current
practice needs to be revised. No change
to the final rule is necessary in response
to this comment.
Request for Policy Changes and
Clarification
MARPA also expresses concern about
several perceived inconsistencies in
current FAA policy as regards parts
manufacturing approval (PMA) parts.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:54 Feb 15, 2007
Jkt 211001
MARPA states: ‘‘Type certificate holders
in their service documents universally
ignore the possible existence of PMA
parts. This is especially true with
foreign manufacturers where the
concept may not exist or be
implemented in the country of origin. In
the instant case we are aware of a
Rosemount Aerospace temperature
controller that carries the part number
(P/N) of 3801D2 approved for
replacement of Embraer P/N: 145–
38558–505 (Rosemount PMA
supplement number 191, dated
September 5, 2002). We do not have
sufficient knowledge to determine
whether the Rosemount part suffers
from the same deficiencies as the
Goodyear part. We are concerned that it
may and because the proposed action
restricts applicability to the Goodyear
part the possibly defective Rosemount
parts may continue in operation. We
believe, at the very least, the Rosemount
part should be addressed in the action
to advise whether the regulatory action
is intended to apply or not apply to this
particular part.’’
We do not agree. EMBRAER P/N 145–
38558–505 is not a replaceable part; it
is a drawing used by EMBRAER to
install the Goodrich (Rosemount)
controller, P/N 3801D2, during
production. As the NPRM does not
address deficiencies in the subject
controller, but only the installation of
the controller power cable mounting
hardware, replacing the subject
controller is not an issue of this AD.
MARPA continues: ‘‘We have, in the
past, issued several comments on
proposed actions suggesting the
incorporation of language designed to
extend applicability to known or
unknown alternatively approved (PMA)
parts. The Small Airplane Directorate
has adopted, in whole or in part,
MARPA’s suggestion and we would
recommend and request that the
Transport Airplane Directorate
coordinate with the Small Airplane
Directorate to promulgate a uniform
policy on this issue pursuant to Section
1, paragraph (b)(10) of Executive Order
12866.’’
The FAA recognizes the need for
standardization on this issue and is
currently in the process of reviewing it
at the national level. However, the
Transport Airplane Directorate
considers that to delay this particular
AD action for resolution of this matter
would be inappropriate, since we have
determined that an unsafe condition
exists and that replacement of certain
parts must be accomplished to ensure
continued safety.
No change has been made to the final
rule in regard to these concerns.
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Frm 00016
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the
available data, including the comments
received, and determined that air safety
and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described
previously. We have determined that
these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 689 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The required actions take
about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $80 per work hour.
Required parts will be supplied from
operator stock. Based on these figures,
the estimated cost of the AD for U.S.
operators is $55,120, or $80 per
airplane.
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 AD will
not have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
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.
E:\FR\FM\16FER1.SGM
16FER1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 32 / Friday, February 16, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this 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, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
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):
I
2007–04–09 Empresa Brasileira De
Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer):
Amendment 39–14941. FAA–2006–
25892; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–
120–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective March 23,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all EMBRAER Model
EMB–135BJ, –135ER, –135KE, –135KL, and
–135LR airplanes; and Model EMB–145,
–145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR, –145MP,
and –145EP airplanes; certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of smoke
on the flight deck caused by damage from
poor electrical contact due to loosening of the
attaching hardware of the power cables of
certain windshield temperature controllers.
We are issuing this AD to prevent
overheating of the power cable terminals of
the windshield temperature controllers,
which could result in smoke on the flight
deck.
rmajette on PROD1PC67 with RULES
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection of Part Number (P/N) of
Controller
(f) Within 5,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, inspect to
determine the part number of the left- and
right-hand windshield temperature
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:54 Feb 15, 2007
Jkt 211001
7563
controllers. A review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of
this inspection if the part number of the
subject controller can be conclusively
determined from that review. If any
windshield temperature controller is found
to have a part number other than Goodrich
P/N 3801D2( ), no further action is required
by this AD for that controller.
of this service information. You may review
copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, S.W., Renton,
Washington; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go
to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/
cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Replacement of Attaching Hardware,
Further Inspection, and Corrective Actions
(g) Before further flight after performing the
inspection required by paragraph (f) of this
AD, for all windshield temperature
controllers having Goodrich P/N 3801D2( ) or
any controller for which the part number
cannot be conclusively determined: Replace
the attaching hardware of the power cable
terminals of the controllers with new,
improved attaching hardware having new
part numbers. Concurrently, perform a
detailed inspection for signs of melting or
damage of the plastic crimping ring, cable
insulation, or terminals of the power cables,
and, before further flight, perform applicable
corrective actions. Perform all the actions in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin
145–30–0043, Revision 02, dated May 25,
2006; or EMBRAER Service Bulletin
145LEG–30–0013, dated June 28, 2005; as
applicable.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
6, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–2510 Filed 2–15–07; 8:45 am]
Credit for Actions Accomplished Using
Previous Issue of Service Bulletin
(h) Actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145–30–0043,
dated June 28, 2005; or Revision 01, dated
April 7, 2006; are considered acceptable for
compliance with the applicable
corresponding actions required by this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i)(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 FR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA
Flight Standards Certificate Holding District
Office.
Related Information
(j) Brazilian airworthiness directive 2006–
05–01, effective May 23, 2006, also addresses
the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use EMBRAER Service
Bulletin 145–30–0043, Revision 02, dated
May 25, 2006; or EMBRAER Service Bulletin
145LEG–30–0013, dated June 28, 2005; as
applicable; to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies
otherwise. The Director of the Federal
Register approved the incorporation by
reference of these documents in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica
S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343—CEP 12.225,
Sao Jose dos Campos—SP, Brazil, for a copy
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BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25470; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–090–AD; Amendment
39–14942; AD 2007–04–10]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 747–400 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an
existing airworthiness directive (AD),
which applies to certain Boeing Model
747–400 series airplanes. That AD
currently requires replacement of the
decompression panels that are located
in the smoke barrier between the
passenger and main deck cargo
compartment with new panels of an
improved design. This new AD requires
modification of the decompression
panels on the smoke barrier in the main
deck cargo compartment, or
replacement of the smoke barrier with
an improved smoke barrier, as
applicable. This new AD also requires
repetitive inspections of the
decompression (vent) panels on the
smoke barrier and corrective actions if
necessary. This new AD also adds
airplanes to the applicability. This AD
results from reports of decompression
panels on the smoke barrier opening in
flight and on the ground without a
decompression event. We are issuing
this AD to prevent inadvertent opening
or tearing of decompression panels,
which could result in degraded cargo
fire detection and suppression
capability, smoke penetration into an
occupied compartment, and an
uncontrolled cargo fire, if a fire occurs
in the main deck cargo compartment.
E:\FR\FM\16FER1.SGM
16FER1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 32 (Friday, February 16, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7561-7563]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-2510]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25892; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-120-AD;
Amendment 39-14941; AD 2007-04-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(EMBRAER) Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, -135KE, -135KL, and -135LR
Airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP,
and -145EP Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
EMBRAER airplanes as described previously. This AD requires inspecting
to determine the part number of the left- and right-hand windshield
temperature controllers. For airplanes equipped with certain windshield
temperature controllers, this AD also requires replacing the attaching
hardware of the power cable terminals of the windshield temperature
controllers with new, improved attaching hardware; inspecting the power
cable terminals for signs of melting or damage to the terminals, cable
insulation, or plastic crimping ring; and performing corrective actions
if necessary. This AD results from reports of smoke on the flight deck
caused by damage from poor electrical contact due to loosening of the
attaching hardware of the power cables of certain windshield
temperature controllers. We are issuing this AD to prevent overheating
of the power cable terminals of the windshield temperature controllers,
which could result in smoke on the flight deck.
DATES: This AD becomes effective March 23, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of March 23,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box
343--CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos--SP, Brazil, for service
information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management
Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office
(telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif
Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to all EMBRAER Model EMB-
135BJ, -135ER, -135KE, -135KL, and -135LR airplanes; and Model EMB-145,
-145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. That NPRM
was published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2006 (71 FR
56056). That NPRM proposed to require inspecting to determine the part
number of the left- and right-hand windshield temperature controllers.
For airplanes equipped with certain windshield temperature controllers,
that NPRM also proposed to require replacing the attaching hardware of
the power cable terminals of the windshield temperature controllers
with new, improved attaching hardware; inspecting the power cable
terminals for signs of melting or damage to the terminals, cable
insulation, or plastic crimping ring; and performing corrective actions
if necessary.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Revise Consequence of Unsafe Condition
EMBRAER requests that we revise the possible consequence of the
unsafe condition. EMBRAER states that it has confirmed that the unsafe
condition is the result of overheating of the power cables of the
windshield temperature controller due to loosening of the power cable
attachment hardware, and that tests have shown that this condition may
cause smoke on the flight deck, but not fire. EMBRAER therefore
requests that we revise the statement ``which could result in smoke and
fire on the flight deck'' to read ``which could result in smoke on the
flight deck.''
We agree for the reasons stated and have revised the summary and
paragraph (d) of the AD accordingly.
Request To Permit Records Check
EMBRAER requests that we revise the NPRM to permit a maintenance
records check to determine if the subject windshield temperature
controller is installed on the airplane. EMBRAER states that it should
be acceptable to show that the subject controller is or is not
installed on the airplane by examining the airplane maintenance records
rather than by requiring a physical inspection of the actual installed
part.
We agree for the reasons given. Therefore, we have revised
paragraph (f) of the AD to permit a maintenance records check in lieu
of the required inspection, provided the part number of the subject
controller can be conclusively determined from that review.
Request for Publication of Service Information
One commenter, the Modification and Replacement Parts Association
(MARPA), requests that we revise our procedures for incorporation by
reference (IBR) of service information in ADs. MARPA asserts that ADs
are frequently derived from privately-authored, copyright-protected
manufacturer service documents, but that when such a document is
incorporated by reference into a public document like an AD, it loses
its private, protected status and becomes itself a public document.
MARPA continues that public laws by definition must be public and
cannot rely for compliance upon private writings, and that unless such
writings are incorporated by reference, a court of law will not
consider them in interpreting the AD and might invalidate the AD.
[[Page 7562]]
MARPA contends that IBR service documents should be published in the
Docket Management System (DMS), keyed to the action that incorporates
them. IBR was adopted to relieve the Federal Register from publishing
documents already held by affected individuals, which traditionally
meant aircraft owners and operators who received service information
from manufacturers. However, MARPA contends that a new affected class
of maintenance and repair organizations (MRO), component service and
repair shops, parts purveyors and distributors, and organizations that
manufacture or service alternatively certified parts under 14 CFR
21.303 (PMA) now perform a majority of aircraft maintenance. MARPA
continues that service information distributed to owners and operators
who are financing or leasing institutions may not reach this class, who
may actually be responsible for accomplishing ADs. MARPA therefore
requests that service documents deemed essential to accomplishing this
proposed action be (1) incorporated by reference into the regulatory
instrument, and (2) published in the DMS.
We understand MARPA's comment concerning IBR. The Office of the
Federal Register (OFR) requires that documents that are necessary to
accomplish the requirements of the AD be incorporated by reference
during the final rule phase of rulemaking. This final rule incorporates
by reference the documents necessary for accomplishing the requirements
mandated by this AD. Further, we point out that while documents that
are incorporated by reference do become public information, they do not
lose their copyright protection. For that reason, we advise the public
to contact the manufacturer to obtain copies of the referenced service
information.
In regard to MARPA's request to post service bulletins on the
Department of Transportation's DMS, we are currently in the process of
reviewing issues surrounding the posting of service bulletins on the
DMS as part of an AD docket. Once we have thoroughly examined all
aspects of this issue and have made a final determination, we will
consider whether our current practice needs to be revised. No change to
the final rule is necessary in response to this comment.
Request for Policy Changes and Clarification
MARPA also expresses concern about several perceived
inconsistencies in current FAA policy as regards parts manufacturing
approval (PMA) parts. MARPA states: ``Type certificate holders in their
service documents universally ignore the possible existence of PMA
parts. This is especially true with foreign manufacturers where the
concept may not exist or be implemented in the country of origin. In
the instant case we are aware of a Rosemount Aerospace temperature
controller that carries the part number (P/N) of 3801D2 approved for
replacement of Embraer P/N: 145-38558-505 (Rosemount PMA supplement
number 191, dated September 5, 2002). We do not have sufficient
knowledge to determine whether the Rosemount part suffers from the same
deficiencies as the Goodyear part. We are concerned that it may and
because the proposed action restricts applicability to the Goodyear
part the possibly defective Rosemount parts may continue in operation.
We believe, at the very least, the Rosemount part should be addressed
in the action to advise whether the regulatory action is intended to
apply or not apply to this particular part.''
We do not agree. EMBRAER P/N 145-38558-505 is not a replaceable
part; it is a drawing used by EMBRAER to install the Goodrich
(Rosemount) controller, P/N 3801D2, during production. As the NPRM does
not address deficiencies in the subject controller, but only the
installation of the controller power cable mounting hardware, replacing
the subject controller is not an issue of this AD.
MARPA continues: ``We have, in the past, issued several comments on
proposed actions suggesting the incorporation of language designed to
extend applicability to known or unknown alternatively approved (PMA)
parts. The Small Airplane Directorate has adopted, in whole or in part,
MARPA's suggestion and we would recommend and request that the
Transport Airplane Directorate coordinate with the Small Airplane
Directorate to promulgate a uniform policy on this issue pursuant to
Section 1, paragraph (b)(10) of Executive Order 12866.''
The FAA recognizes the need for standardization on this issue and
is currently in the process of reviewing it at the national level.
However, the Transport Airplane Directorate considers that to delay
this particular AD action for resolution of this matter would be
inappropriate, since we have determined that an unsafe condition exists
and that replacement of certain parts must be accomplished to ensure
continued safety.
No change has been made to the final rule in regard to these
concerns.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 689 airplanes of U.S. registry. The required
actions take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an average labor rate
of $80 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied from operator
stock. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for U.S.
operators is $55,120, or $80 per airplane.
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 AD will not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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.
[[Page 7563]]
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
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]
0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2007-04-09 Empresa Brasileira De Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer):
Amendment 39-14941. FAA-2006-25892; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
120-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective March 23, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all EMBRAER Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, -
135KE, -135KL, and -135LR airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -
145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes; certificated in
any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of smoke on the flight deck
caused by damage from poor electrical contact due to loosening of
the attaching hardware of the power cables of certain windshield
temperature controllers. We are issuing this AD to prevent
overheating of the power cable terminals of the windshield
temperature controllers, which could result in smoke on the flight
deck.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection of Part Number (P/N) of Controller
(f) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this
AD, inspect to determine the part number of the left- and right-hand
windshield temperature controllers. A review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number
of the subject controller can be conclusively determined from that
review. If any windshield temperature controller is found to have a
part number other than Goodrich P/N 3801D2( ), no further action is
required by this AD for that controller.
Replacement of Attaching Hardware, Further Inspection, and Corrective
Actions
(g) Before further flight after performing the inspection
required by paragraph (f) of this AD, for all windshield temperature
controllers having Goodrich P/N 3801D2( ) or any controller for
which the part number cannot be conclusively determined: Replace the
attaching hardware of the power cable terminals of the controllers
with new, improved attaching hardware having new part numbers.
Concurrently, perform a detailed inspection for signs of melting or
damage of the plastic crimping ring, cable insulation, or terminals
of the power cables, and, before further flight, perform applicable
corrective actions. Perform all the actions in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0043,
Revision 02, dated May 25, 2006; or EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-
30-0013, dated June 28, 2005; as applicable.
Credit for Actions Accomplished Using Previous Issue of Service
Bulletin
(h) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0043, dated June 28,
2005; or Revision 01, dated April 7, 2006; are considered acceptable
for compliance with the applicable corresponding actions required by
this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(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
FR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(j) Brazilian airworthiness directive 2006-05-01, effective May
23, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0043, Revision
02, dated May 25, 2006; or EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-30-0013,
dated June 28, 2005; as applicable; to perform the actions that are
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
these documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O.
Box 343--CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos--SP, Brazil, for a copy of
this service information. You may review copies at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, S.W., Renton,
Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-
register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 6, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-2510 Filed 2-15-07; 8:45 am]
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