Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes), 14398-14400 [E7-5555]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
14398
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 59 / Wednesday, March 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–26250; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–104–AD; Amendment
39–15001; AD 2007–07–01]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 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: Final rule.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with RULES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A300–600 airplanes. This
AD requires an inspection to determine
if certain spoiler actuators having
certain part numbers are installed, and
eventual replacement of all affected
actuators. This AD results from failure
of a distribution block, which was
detected during fatigue qualification
tests of certain spoiler actuators. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
distribution block, which could result in
leakage of the hydraulic fluid that
supplies those actuators. This failure
could cause failure of one of the three
spoiler actuators and the associated
hydraulic circuits, which could result in
loss of those hydraulic circuits and
consequent reduced controllability of
the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May
2, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in the AD
as of May 2, 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 Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
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:
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:03 Mar 27, 2007
Jkt 211001
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 certain Airbus Model A300–
600 airplanes. That NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on
November 6, 2006 (71 FR 64904). That
NPRM proposed to require an
inspection to determine if certain
spoiler actuators having certain part
numbers are installed, and eventual
replacement of all affected actuators.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments received.
Request To Add Alternate Inspection of
Distribution Blocks
The Air Transport Association (ATA),
on behalf of one of its members, FedEx
Express, asks that the inspection
procedure recommended by FedEx
Express of the distribution blocks on the
affected spoiler actuators be included in
any future rulemaking. FedEx Express
states that it accomplished the proposed
inspection on its airplanes, and during
the inspection it found that most spoiler
actuators of the specified age no longer
had data plates attached; therefore, no
part number or serial number was
available. FedEx Express performed a
detailed inspection of the distribution
block on the affected spoiler actuator at
the inboard and outboard positions to
determine the part number. If the part
number was installed, FedEx Express
replaced the spoiler actuator with a
serviceable spoiler actuator. FedEx
Express recommends that this
inspection procedure be used in any
future rulemaking requiring the same
actions. FedEx Express states that the
procedure was coordinated with Airbus
and the parts manufacturer before
implementation.
We agree with the commenter’s
request to add an alternative inspection
method of the distribution blocks on the
spoiler actuators to determine the part
number. Therefore, we have added an
inspection to determine the part number
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
of the distribution block of the spoiler
actuator if the spoiler actuator part
number cannot be found on the spoiler
actuator. Paragraph (f) of this AD has
been changed accordingly. In addition,
if the same actions are required by
future rulemaking we may consider
using this inspection procedure on a
case-by-case basis.
Request To State FAA Intent To
Incorporate by Reference and To
Publish Service Information in the
Docket Management System (DMS)
The Modification and Replacement
Parts Association (MARPA) asks that the
NPRM, and subsequent NPRMs,
indicate which documents will be
incorporated by reference, and adds that
those documents should be published in
the DMS concurrently with the NPRM.
MARPA assumes that when the final
rule is issued the FAA intends to
incorporate by reference the service
bulletin referenced in the NPRM.
MARPA states that the NPRM is
incomplete if that’s the case, and
MARPA is unable to address the
substantive elements of the NPRM
without having access to the documents
that are incorporated by reference.
We do not agree with the commenter’s
requests. When we refer to certain
service information in a proposed AD,
the public can assume we intend to
incorporate by reference that service
information, as required by the Office of
the Federal Register. In regard to the
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 AD is
necessary in this regard.
Request To Change Costs of Compliance
Section
FedEx Express asks that the cost
estimate specified in the Costs of
Compliance section be changed. FedEx
Express states that there are two
airplanes of U.S. registry affected by the
NPRM; however, the NPRM specifies
only one. The ATA, on behalf of FedEx
Express, reiterates the above comment.
FedEx Express adds that both of its
Airbus Model A300–600 airplanes
manufacturer serial numbers 361 and
365, are listed in the service bulletin
effectivity and are operated by FedEx
Express.
We agree with the commenter for the
reason provided, and have changed the
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 59 / Wednesday, March 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
Costs of Compliance section in this AD
accordingly.
Conclusion
We 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.
These changes will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or
increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 2 airplanes of
U.S. registry.
The inspection takes about 1 hour per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80
per hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the inspection for U.S.
operators is $160, or $80 per airplane.
The replacements, if accomplished,
take about 5 work hours per airplane, at
an average labor rate of $80 per work
hour. Required parts cost is minimal.
Based on these figures, the estimated
cost of the replacements for U.S.
operators is $800, or $400 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.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with RULES
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;
VerDate Aug<31>2005
16:03 Mar 27, 2007
Jkt 211001
(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.
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
2007–07–01 Airbus: Amendment 39–15001.
Docket No. FAA–2006–26250;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–104–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective May 2, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300
B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series
airplanes, and Model C4–605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called A300–600
series airplanes); certificated in any category;
as identified in Airbus Service Bulletin
A300–27–6057, dated May 17, 2005.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from failure of a
distribution block, which was detected
during fatigue qualification tests of certain
spoiler actuators. We are issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the distribution block,
which could result in leakage of the
hydraulic fluid that supplies those actuators.
This failure could cause failure of one of the
three spoiler actuators and the associated
hydraulic circuits, which could result in loss
of those hydraulic circuits and consequent
reduced controllability of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the
actions required by this AD performed within
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
14399
the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection for Actuator Part Numbers and
Corrective Action
(f) Within 700 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD: Inspect to
determine if a spoiler actuator with part
number P376A0002–04 or P376A0002–08 is
installed, by doing all the applicable actions
in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300–
27–6057, excluding Appendix 01, dated May
17, 2005. If the part number cannot be found
on the spoiler actuator: Operators may
inspect the distribution block on the spoiler
actuator to determine if part number
P376A0089–00 is installed (distribution
blocks having this part number are only on
actuators with the affected part numbers).
(1) If no actuator with any part number
identified in paragraph (f) of this AD is
installed, no further action is required by this
paragraph.
(2) If any actuator with any part number
identified in paragraph (f) of this AD is
installed and the three associated hydraulic
circuits are affected (at least one actuator
supplied by the yellow circuit and at least
one actuator supplied by the blue circuit and
at least one actuator supplied by the green
circuit): Within 100 flight hours after
accomplishing the inspection required by
paragraph (f) of this AD, replace all affected
actuators on one of the hydraulic circuits
with new actuators in accordance with the
service bulletin. Within 12 months after
accomplishing that replacement, replace all
the remaining affected actuators with new
actuators in accordance with the service
bulletin.
(3) If any actuator with any part number
identified in paragraph (f) of this AD is
installed and one or two of the associated
hydraulic circuits are affected: Within 12
months after accomplishing the inspection
required by paragraph (f) of this AD, replace
all affected actuators with new actuators in
accordance with the service bulletin.
Parts Installation
(g) After the effective date of this AD, no
spoiler actuator with part number
P376A0002–04 or P376A0002–08 may be
installed on any airplane.
No Reporting Required
(h) Although Airbus Service Bulletin
A300–27–6057, excluding Appendix 01,
dated May 17, 2005, specifies to submit an
inspection report to the manufacturer, this
AD does not include that requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested in
accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in
accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA
Flight Standards Certificate Holding District
Office.
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28MRR1
14400
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 59 / Wednesday, March 28, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
Related Information
(j) French airworthiness directive F–2005–
125, dated July 20, 2005, also addresses the
subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin
A300–27–6057, excluding Appendix 01,
dated May 17, 2005, 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 this document in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a
copy of this service information. You may
review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 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 March
20, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–5555 Filed 3–27–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
Examining the Docket
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25336; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–070–AD; Amendment
39–15002; AD 2007–07–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 737–300, –400, –500, –600, –700,
–800 and –900 Series Airplanes; and
Model 757–200 and –300 Series
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
pwalker on PROD1PC71 with RULES
AGENCY:
16:03 Mar 27, 2007
Jkt 211001
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
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 737–300, –400, –500,
–600, –700, –800 and –900 series
airplanes; and Model 757–200 and –300
series airplanes. This AD requires
modifying the activation mechanism in
the chemical oxygen generator of each
passenger service unit (PSU). This AD
results from several reports indicating
that some chemical oxygen generators
failed to activate during in-flight
decompression events. These failures
were due to fracture of components
between the passenger oxygen mask and
the release pin in the oxygen generator.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
We are issuing this AD to prevent
failure of the activation mechanism in
the chemical oxygen generator, which
could result in the unavailability of
supplemental oxygen and possible
incapacitation of passengers and cabin
crew during an in-flight decompression.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May
2, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of May 2, 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 Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207, for service
information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susan Letcher, Aerospace Engineer,
Cabin Safety and Environmental
Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA,
Seattle Aircraft Certification Office,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6474; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to certain Boeing Model 737–300,
–400, –500, –600, –700, –800 and –900
series airplanes; and Model 757–200
and –300 series airplanes. That NPRM
was published in the Federal Register
on July 13, 2006 (71 FR 39593). That
NPRM proposed to require modifying
the activation mechanism in the
chemical oxygen generator of each
passenger service unit (PSU).
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments received.
PO 00000
Frm 00008
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Support for the NPRM
Boeing and AirTran support the
NPRM.
Request To Change Compliance Time
The Air Transport Association (ATA),
on behalf of its member, Delta Airlines,
asks that the compliance time for
accomplishing the modification be
changed from 60 months to 72 months.
Delta states that this would better align
with airplane heavy maintenance visits.
We do not agree with ATA and Delta.
The commenters provided no technical
justification for revising this compliance
time. Chemical oxygen generators
failing to activate during in-flight
decompression events is a significant
safety issue; therefore, we have
determined that the proposed 60-month
compliance time is warranted. This
determination is based on the
effectiveness of the modification and the
fact that failure of the activation
mechanism of the chemical oxygen
generator could result in the
unavailability of supplemental oxygen
and possible incapacitation of
passengers and cabin crew during an inflight decompression. In developing an
appropriate compliance time for this
AD, we considered those safety issues,
as well as the manufacturer
recommendations, the availability of
necessary repair parts, and the practical
aspect of accomplishing the required
modification within an interval of time
that corresponds to the normal
maintenance schedules of most affected
operators. In light of these factors, we
have determined that the 60-month
initial compliance time, as proposed, is
appropriate. We do not find it necessary
to change the AD in this regard.
Request To Publish Service
Information/Incorporate by Reference
in NPRM
The Modification and Replacement
Parts Association (MARPA) states that
ADs are based on service information
that originates from the type certificate
holder or its suppliers. MARPA adds
that manufacturers’ service documents
are privately authored instruments,
generally having copyright protection
against duplication and distribution.
MARPA states that when a service
document is incorporated by reference
into a public document, such as an AD,
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51, it loses its private, protected
status and becomes a public document.
MARPA notes that if a service document
is used as a mandatory element of
compliance, it should not simply be
referenced, but should be incorporated
by reference. MARPA believes that
E:\FR\FM\28MRR1.SGM
28MRR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 28, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 14398-14400]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-5555]
[[Page 14398]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-26250; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-104-AD;
Amendment 39-15001; AD 2007-07-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and
F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes
(Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A300-600 airplanes. This AD requires an inspection
to determine if certain spoiler actuators having certain part numbers
are installed, and eventual replacement of all affected actuators. This
AD results from failure of a distribution block, which was detected
during fatigue qualification tests of certain spoiler actuators. We are
issuing this AD to prevent failure of the distribution block, which
could result in leakage of the hydraulic fluid that supplies those
actuators. This failure could cause failure of one of the three spoiler
actuators and the associated hydraulic circuits, which could result in
loss of those hydraulic circuits and consequent reduced controllability
of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 2, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of May 2, 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 Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this 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:
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 certain Airbus Model
A300-600 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on
November 6, 2006 (71 FR 64904). That NPRM proposed to require an
inspection to determine if certain spoiler actuators having certain
part numbers are installed, and eventual replacement of all affected
actuators.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Add Alternate Inspection of Distribution Blocks
The Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of one of its
members, FedEx Express, asks that the inspection procedure recommended
by FedEx Express of the distribution blocks on the affected spoiler
actuators be included in any future rulemaking. FedEx Express states
that it accomplished the proposed inspection on its airplanes, and
during the inspection it found that most spoiler actuators of the
specified age no longer had data plates attached; therefore, no part
number or serial number was available. FedEx Express performed a
detailed inspection of the distribution block on the affected spoiler
actuator at the inboard and outboard positions to determine the part
number. If the part number was installed, FedEx Express replaced the
spoiler actuator with a serviceable spoiler actuator. FedEx Express
recommends that this inspection procedure be used in any future
rulemaking requiring the same actions. FedEx Express states that the
procedure was coordinated with Airbus and the parts manufacturer before
implementation.
We agree with the commenter's request to add an alternative
inspection method of the distribution blocks on the spoiler actuators
to determine the part number. Therefore, we have added an inspection to
determine the part number of the distribution block of the spoiler
actuator if the spoiler actuator part number cannot be found on the
spoiler actuator. Paragraph (f) of this AD has been changed
accordingly. In addition, if the same actions are required by future
rulemaking we may consider using this inspection procedure on a case-
by-case basis.
Request To State FAA Intent To Incorporate by Reference and To Publish
Service Information in the Docket Management System (DMS)
The Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA) asks
that the NPRM, and subsequent NPRMs, indicate which documents will be
incorporated by reference, and adds that those documents should be
published in the DMS concurrently with the NPRM. MARPA assumes that
when the final rule is issued the FAA intends to incorporate by
reference the service bulletin referenced in the NPRM. MARPA states
that the NPRM is incomplete if that's the case, and MARPA is unable to
address the substantive elements of the NPRM without having access to
the documents that are incorporated by reference.
We do not agree with the commenter's requests. When we refer to
certain service information in a proposed AD, the public can assume we
intend to incorporate by reference that service information, as
required by the Office of the Federal Register. In regard to the
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 AD is necessary in this
regard.
Request To Change Costs of Compliance Section
FedEx Express asks that the cost estimate specified in the Costs of
Compliance section be changed. FedEx Express states that there are two
airplanes of U.S. registry affected by the NPRM; however, the NPRM
specifies only one. The ATA, on behalf of FedEx Express, reiterates the
above comment. FedEx Express adds that both of its Airbus Model A300-
600 airplanes manufacturer serial numbers 361 and 365, are listed in
the service bulletin effectivity and are operated by FedEx Express.
We agree with the commenter for the reason provided, and have
changed the
[[Page 14399]]
Costs of Compliance section in this AD accordingly.
Conclusion
We 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. These changes will not
increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of
the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 2 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The inspection takes about 1 hour per airplane, at an average labor
rate of $80 per hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the
inspection for U.S. operators is $160, or $80 per airplane.
The replacements, if accomplished, take about 5 work hours per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts
cost is minimal. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the
replacements for U.S. operators is $800, or $400 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.
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
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Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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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]
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2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2007-07-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-15001. Docket No. FAA-2006-26250;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-104-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective May 2, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and
F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes
(collectively called A300-600 series airplanes); certificated in any
category; as identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6057,
dated May 17, 2005.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from failure of a distribution block, which
was detected during fatigue qualification tests of certain spoiler
actuators. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the
distribution block, which could result in leakage of the hydraulic
fluid that supplies those actuators. This failure could cause
failure of one of the three spoiler actuators and the associated
hydraulic circuits, which could result in loss of those hydraulic
circuits and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Inspection for Actuator Part Numbers and Corrective Action
(f) Within 700 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Inspect to determine if a spoiler actuator with part number
P376A0002-04 or P376A0002-08 is installed, by doing all the
applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6057, excluding
Appendix 01, dated May 17, 2005. If the part number cannot be found
on the spoiler actuator: Operators may inspect the distribution
block on the spoiler actuator to determine if part number P376A0089-
00 is installed (distribution blocks having this part number are
only on actuators with the affected part numbers).
(1) If no actuator with any part number identified in paragraph
(f) of this AD is installed, no further action is required by this
paragraph.
(2) If any actuator with any part number identified in paragraph
(f) of this AD is installed and the three associated hydraulic
circuits are affected (at least one actuator supplied by the yellow
circuit and at least one actuator supplied by the blue circuit and
at least one actuator supplied by the green circuit): Within 100
flight hours after accomplishing the inspection required by
paragraph (f) of this AD, replace all affected actuators on one of
the hydraulic circuits with new actuators in accordance with the
service bulletin. Within 12 months after accomplishing that
replacement, replace all the remaining affected actuators with new
actuators in accordance with the service bulletin.
(3) If any actuator with any part number identified in paragraph
(f) of this AD is installed and one or two of the associated
hydraulic circuits are affected: Within 12 months after
accomplishing the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD,
replace all affected actuators with new actuators in accordance with
the service bulletin.
Parts Installation
(g) After the effective date of this AD, no spoiler actuator
with part number P376A0002-04 or P376A0002-08 may be installed on
any airplane.
No Reporting Required
(h) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6057, excluding
Appendix 01, dated May 17, 2005, specifies to submit an inspection
report to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in
14 CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
[[Page 14400]]
Related Information
(j) French airworthiness directive F-2005-125, dated July 20,
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-27-6057, excluding
Appendix 01, dated May 17, 2005, 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
this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for a copy of this service information. You may review
copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue,
SW., 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 March 20, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-5555 Filed 3-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
