Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A321 Series Airplanes, 31209-31211 [E7-10865]
Download as PDF
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 108 / Wednesday, June 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules
31209
TABLE 1.—CONCURRENT SERVICE BULLETINS
Do the following—
In accordance with Hamilton Sundstrand Service Bulletin—
Rework the transformer rectifier unit assembly (TRU) ............................
Rework the W3 wiring harness assembly to install direct lead wires to
the TRU.
Add a ground wire to the TRU transformer.
Add an insulated spacer to the PCDU top cover.
Install new PCDU 186 firmware ...............................................................
Install new PCDU 186 firmware ...............................................................
Modify the top cover of the PCDU ...........................................................
Modify printed wiring board (PWB) assemblies A4 and A5 .....................
Check and apply torque seal to fasteners on the TRU assembly and to
PCDU internal fasteners, as applicable.
Modify the PWB assembly A4 ..................................................................
40EGS22P–24–3, dated June 30, 2000.
40EGS22P–24–4,
40EGS22P–24–6,
40EGS22P–24–7,
40EGS22P–24–8,
Revision 1, dated January 2, 2002.
dated July 25, 2002.
dated September 3, 2003.
dated September 4, 2003.
40EGS22P–24–9, dated November 19, 2003.
Credit for Accomplishment of Earlier
Service Bulletin
(i) Installation of new PCDU 186 firmware
before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Hamilton Sundstrand
Service Bulletin 40EGS22P–24–4, dated
April 26, 2001, is acceptable for compliance
with the corresponding requirements of
paragraph (h) of this AD.
products listed above. This proposed
AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(j)(1) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if
requested in accordance with the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19.
(2) To request a different method of
compliance or a different compliance time
for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR
39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies,
notify your appropriate principal inspector
(PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
Some operators have reported wheel
corrosion, mainly under the heat-shield
overlap area. In some cases a circular crack
initiated from a corrosion pit. When the crack
is initiated under the bead seat, it does not
lead to tire pressure loss, and can cause a
flange separation as experienced by few
operators.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 25,
2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–10864 Filed 6–5–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–28358; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–019–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A321 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:18 Jun 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
This condition could result in
separation of the wheel and consequent
reduced controllability of the airplane.
The proposed AD would require actions
that are intended to address the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by July 6, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• DOT Docket Web Site: Go to
https://dms.dot.gov and follow the
instructions for sending your comments
electronically.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 400
Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
• Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on
the plaza level of the Nassif Building,
400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington,
DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov; or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
holidays. The AD docket contains this
proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–
5227) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim
Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2141;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new
process for streamlining the issuance of
ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined
process will allow us to adopt MCAI
safety requirements in a more efficient
manner and will reduce safety risks to
the public. This process continues to
follow all FAA AD issuance processes to
meet legal, economic, Administrative
Procedure Act, and Federal Register
requirements. We also continue to meet
our technical decision-making
responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated
products.
This proposed AD references the
MCAI and related service information
that we considered in forming the
engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The proposed AD contains
text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain
language principles.
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2007–28358; Directorate Identifier
2007–NM–019–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
E:\FR\FM\06JNP1.SGM
06JNP1
31210
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 108 / Wednesday, June 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal
information you provide. We will also
post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2006–0328,
dated October 23, 2006 (referred to after
this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
Some operators have reported wheel
corrosion, mainly under the heat-shield
overlap area. In some cases a circular crack
initiated from a corrosion pit. When the crack
is initiated under the bead seat, it does not
lead to tire pressure loss, and can cause a
flange separation as experienced by few
operators.
The unsafe condition could result in
separation of the wheel and consequent
reduced controllability of the airplane.
The MCAI mandates inspecting the
main landing gear (MLG) wheel
assembly for discrepancies (corrosion,
damage, cracks, and loose or missing
heat shield spacers) and, if necessary,
repair of the MLG wheel assembly. You
may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS
Relevant Service Information
Messier-Bugatti has issued Special
Inspection Service Bulletin C20452–32–
3254, Revision 2, dated September 5,
2006. The actions described in this
service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified
in the MCAI.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:18 Jun 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
Differences Between This AD and the
MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and
related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But
we might have found it necessary to use
different words from those in the MCAI
to ensure the AD is clear for U.S.
operators and is enforceable. In making
these changes, we do not intend to differ
substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related
service information.
We might also have proposed
different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA
policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a Note within the
proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we
estimate that this proposed AD would
affect about 34 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 6 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of the
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be
$16,320, or $480 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this proposed AD and placed it in the
AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2007–28358;
Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–019–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by July 6,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A321
series airplanes; all certified models;
certificated in any category; equipped with
Messier-Goodrich S.A. or Goodrich-Messier
Inc., main landing gear (MLG) wheel
assemblies having part number (P/N)
C20500000 or P/N C20452000.
Subject
(d) Landing gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
Some operators have reported wheel
corrosion, mainly under the heat-shield
overlap area. In some cases a circular crack
initiated from a corrosion pit. When the crack
is initiated under the bead seat, it does not
lead to tire pressure loss, and can cause a
flange separation as experienced by few
operators.
This condition could result in separation of
the wheel and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane. The MCAI
E:\FR\FM\06JNP1.SGM
06JNP1
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 108 / Wednesday, June 6, 2007 / Proposed Rules
mandates inspecting the MLG wheel
assembly for discrepancies (corrosion,
damage, cracks, and loose or missing heat
shield spacers) and, if necessary, repair of the
MLG wheel assembly.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) At the next scheduled tire change, but
no later than 6 months after the effective date
of this AD: Inspect the MLG wheel assembly
for discrepancies (corrosion, damage, cracks,
and loose or missing heat shield spacers) in
accordance with the instructions of MessierBugatti Special Inspection Service Bulletin
C20452–32–3254, Revision 2, dated
September 5, 2006. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed every tire
change or 6 months, whichever is earlier.
(2) If any discrepancy is found: Before
further flight, repair the MLG wheel assembly
in accordance with the instructions of
Messier-Bugatti Special Inspection Service
Bulletin C20452–32–3254, Revision 2, dated
September 5, 2006.
FAA AD Differences
rmajette on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: The MCAI
specifies an imprecise compliance time for
inspecting the MLG wheel assembly—i.e., ‘‘at
each tire change.’’ This AD would require
inspecting the MLG wheel assembly at the
next scheduled tire change, but no later than
6 months after the effective date of the AD;
and thereafter at intervals not to exceed every
tire change or 6 months, whichever is earlier.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
Send information to ATTN: Tim Dulin,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch,
ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 98057–3356, telephone (425)
227–2141; fax (425) 227–1149. Before using
any AMOC approved in accordance with
§ 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify the appropriate principal
inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any
reporting requirement in this AD, under the
provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act,
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
has approved the information collection
requirements and has assigned OMB Control
Number 2120–0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to EASA Airworthiness Directive
2006–0328, dated October 23, 2006; and
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:18 Jun 05, 2007
Jkt 211001
Messier-Bugatti Special Inspection Service
Bulletin C20452–32–3254, Revision 2, dated
September 5, 2006, for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 25,
2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–10865 Filed 6–5–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 73
[Docket No. FAA–2006–26192; Airspace
Docket No. 06–ASO–11]
RIN 2120–AA66
Proposed Modification and
Establishment of Restricted Areas and
Other Special Use Airspace,
Adirondack Airspace Complex; Fort
Drum, NY
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: This action proposes to
restructure the restricted areas located
in the vicinity of Fort Drum, NY. The
Air National Guard (ANG) proposed to
redesign the airspace, referred to as the
Adirondack Airspace Complex, by
making a minor modification to the
ceiling of existing restricted area R–
5201, and by establishing two new
restricted areas: R–5202A and R–5202B.
In addition, the ANG proposes to
redesign the Military Operations Areas
(MOA) associated with the Fort Drum
restricted areas. MOAs are not
regulatory airspace, but are established
administratively. Because the MOAs
form an integral part of the Adirondack
Airspace Complex, the FAA is also
seeking comment on the proposed MOA
changes through this NPRM. The ANG
proposes these airspace changes to
provide additional special use airspace
(SUA) needed to conduct high altitude,
long-range weapons releases and to
allow more realistic training in modern
tactics to be conducted in the
Adirondack Airspace Complex.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before August 6, 2007.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the Docket Management
System, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone: (202)
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
31211
366–9826. You must identify FAA
Docket No. FAA–2006–26192 and
Airspace Docket No. 06–ASO–11, at the
beginning of your comments. You may
also submit comments through the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
Comments on environmental and land
use aspects should be directed to: NGB/
A7CVN, Conaway Hall, 3500 Fetchet
Ave, Andrews AFB, MD 20762;
telephone: (301) 835–8143.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul
Gallant, Airspace and Rules Group,
Office of System Operations Airspace
and AIM, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591;
telephone: (202) 267–8783.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal. Comments are
also invited on the nonregulatory MOA
part of this proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA–
2006–26192 and Airspace Docket No.
06–ASO–11) and be submitted in
triplicate to the Docket Management
System (see ADDRESSES section for
address and phone number). You may
also submit comments through the
Internet at https://dms.dot.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket No. FAA–2006–26192 and
Airspace Docket No. 06–ASO–11.’’ The
postcard will be date/time stamped and
returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified closing date for
comments will be considered before
taking action on the proposed rule. The
proposal contained in this action may
be changed in light of comments
received. All comments submitted will
be available for examination in the
public docket both before and after the
closing date for comments. A report
summarizing each substantive public
contact with FAA personnel concerned
with this rulemaking will be filed in the
docket.
E:\FR\FM\06JNP1.SGM
06JNP1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 6, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31209-31211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-10865]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28358; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-019-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A321 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
Some operators have reported wheel corrosion, mainly under the
heat-shield overlap area. In some cases a circular crack initiated
from a corrosion pit. When the crack is initiated under the bead
seat, it does not lead to tire pressure loss, and can cause a flange
separation as experienced by few operators.
This condition could result in separation of the wheel and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. The proposed AD
would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 6, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for the
Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Streamlined Issuance of AD
The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance
of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt
MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce
safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD
issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure
Act, and Federal Register requirements. We also continue to meet our
technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct
unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.
This proposed AD references the MCAI and related service
information that we considered in forming the engineering basis to
correct the unsafe condition. The proposed AD contains text copied from
the MCAI and for this reason might not follow our plain language
principles.
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
28358; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-019-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
[[Page 31210]]
comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by
the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those
comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2006-0328, dated October 23, 2006 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Some operators have reported wheel corrosion, mainly under the
heat-shield overlap area. In some cases a circular crack initiated
from a corrosion pit. When the crack is initiated under the bead
seat, it does not lead to tire pressure loss, and can cause a flange
separation as experienced by few operators.
The unsafe condition could result in separation of the wheel and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. The MCAI mandates
inspecting the main landing gear (MLG) wheel assembly for discrepancies
(corrosion, damage, cracks, and loose or missing heat shield spacers)
and, if necessary, repair of the MLG wheel assembly. You may obtain
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Messier-Bugatti has issued Special Inspection Service Bulletin
C20452-32-3254, Revision 2, dated September 5, 2006. The actions
described in this service information are intended to correct the
unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a Note within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 34 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $16,320, or $480 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2007-28358; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
019-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by July 6, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A321 series airplanes; all
certified models; certificated in any category; equipped with
Messier-Goodrich S.A. or Goodrich-Messier Inc., main landing gear
(MLG) wheel assemblies having part number (P/N) C20500000 or P/N
C20452000.
Subject
(d) Landing gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Some operators have reported wheel corrosion, mainly under the
heat-shield overlap area. In some cases a circular crack initiated
from a corrosion pit. When the crack is initiated under the bead
seat, it does not lead to tire pressure loss, and can cause a flange
separation as experienced by few operators.
This condition could result in separation of the wheel and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. The MCAI
[[Page 31211]]
mandates inspecting the MLG wheel assembly for discrepancies
(corrosion, damage, cracks, and loose or missing heat shield
spacers) and, if necessary, repair of the MLG wheel assembly.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) At the next scheduled tire change, but no later than 6
months after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the MLG wheel
assembly for discrepancies (corrosion, damage, cracks, and loose or
missing heat shield spacers) in accordance with the instructions of
Messier-Bugatti Special Inspection Service Bulletin C20452-32-3254,
Revision 2, dated September 5, 2006. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed every tire change or 6 months,
whichever is earlier.
(2) If any discrepancy is found: Before further flight, repair
the MLG wheel assembly in accordance with the instructions of
Messier-Bugatti Special Inspection Service Bulletin C20452-32-3254,
Revision 2, dated September 5, 2006.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: The MCAI specifies an imprecise compliance time for
inspecting the MLG wheel assembly--i.e., ``at each tire change.''
This AD would require inspecting the MLG wheel assembly at the next
scheduled tire change, but no later than 6 months after the
effective date of the AD; and thereafter at intervals not to exceed
every tire change or 6 months, whichever is earlier.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR
39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
98057-3356, telephone (425) 227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149. Before
using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec. 39.19 on any
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal
inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District
Office.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006-0328, dated
October 23, 2006; and Messier-Bugatti Special Inspection Service
Bulletin C20452-32-3254, Revision 2, dated September 5, 2006, for
related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 25, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-10865 Filed 6-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P