Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300-600R Series Airplanes; and Model A310-300 Series Airplanes, 33409-33411 [E7-11677]

Download as PDF 33409 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 72, No. 116 Monday, June 18, 2007 [Docket No. FAA–2007–28374; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–067–AD] 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. RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300–600R Series Airplanes; and Model A310–300 Series Airplanes 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: 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: This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: 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: SUMMARY: jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS While they were gaining access to the THS (trimmable horizontal stabilizer) fuel tank for maintenance check, several operators have found one or several of the 8 THS hoist point fitting bases cracked or broken-off. The breakage resulted in metallic debris being released within the Trim Tank. The origin of the damage is most probably due to interference with the THS hoisting lugs that are stowed in the hoist point fittings in the reverse position, being screwed too deep inside the THS hoist fittings. Damaged hoist point fittings could cause the release of metallic debris within the THS fuel system. * * * Compliance with the requirements of this AD will also eliminate potential contributing factor[s] to ignition risks. 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 18, 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 VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:04 Jun 15, 2007 Jkt 211001 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 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 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–2007–28374; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–067–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD 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 2007–0024, dated January 25, 2007 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: While they were gaining access to the THS (trimmable horizontal stabilizer) fuel tank for maintenance check, several operators have found one or several of the 8 THS hoist point fitting bases cracked or broken-off. The breakage resulted in metallic debris being released within the Trim Tank. The origin of the damage is most probably due to interference with the THS hoisting lugs that are stowed in the hoist point fittings in the reverse position, being screwed too deep inside the THS hoist fittings. Damaged hoist point fittings could cause the release of metallic debris within the THS fuel system. This Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires the repair of any damaged THS hoist point fittings to prevent any risk of further hoist point fittings damage as well as any fuel leak. Compliance with the requirements of this AD will also eliminate potential contributing factor[s] to ignition risks. The MCAI requires an inspection of the internal base of the THS hoist point fittings for signs of score, cracks, perforation or other damage; and an inspection of the hoist point fittings base inside the fuel tank for structural damage, as applicable, and applicable E:\FR\FM\18JNP1.SGM 18JNP1 33410 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 116 / Monday, June 18, 2007 / Proposed Rules corrective actions (repair damaged fittings and install new plastic plugs). Corrective actions must be done before return to revenue service. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300–55–6041, and A310–55–2042, both dated September 13, 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. jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 137 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 10 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $332 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $155,084, or $1,132 per product. VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:04 Jun 15, 2007 Jkt 211001 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. § 39.13 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. Subject (d) Stabilizers. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2007–28374; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–067–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by July 18, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A310– 300 and A300–600R series airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers fitted with a THS (trimmable horizontal stabilizer) containing fuel on which, during production Airbus Modifications 04801 and 04802 have been embodied, and Airbus Modification 06549 has not been embodied; except aircraft on which Airbus Modification 13191 has been embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A310–55–2042 or A300–55–6041 has been incorporated in service. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: While they were gaining access to the THS (trimmable horizontal stabilizer) fuel tank for maintenance check, several operators have found one or several of the 8 THS hoist point fitting bases cracked or broken-off. The breakage resulted in metallic debris being released within the Trim Tank. The origin of the damage is most probably due to interference with the THS hoisting lugs that are stowed in the hoist point fittings in the reverse position being screwed too deep inside the THS hoist fittings. Damaged hoist point fittings could cause the release of metallic debris within the THS fuel system. This Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires the repair of any damaged THS hoist point fittings to prevent any risk of further hoist point fittings damage as well as any fuel leak. Compliance with the requirements of this AD will also eliminate potential contributing factor[s] to ignition risks. The MCAI requires an inspection of the internal base of the THS hoist point fittings for signs of score, cracks, perforation or other damage; and an inspection of the hoist point fittings base inside the fuel tank for structural damage, as applicable, and applicable corrective actions (repair damaged fittings and install new plastic plugs). Corrective actions must be done before return to revenue service. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) through (f)(6) of this AD in accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin A300–55–6041 or A310–55–2042, both dated September 13, 2006, as applicable. (1) Remove the 8 THS metallic hoisting lugs. E:\FR\FM\18JNP1.SGM 18JNP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 116 / Monday, June 18, 2007 / Proposed Rules (2) Do a detailed visual inspection of the internal base of the 8 THS hoist point fittings in order to detect visible signs of score, cracks, perforation or other damage. (3) In case of no finding, install the new plastic plugs. (4) In case of any finding, entry into the fuel trim tank is required to do a detailed visual inspection for structural damage of the hoist point fittings base inside the fuel tank. (5) If structural damage is not confirmed, blend-out/protect the scoring area of the fitting internal base and install the new plastic plugs. (6) If structural damage is confirmed, repair the damaged fittings and install the new plastic plugs. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. 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: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1622; fax (425) 227–1149. 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. (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 jlentini on PROD1PC65 with PROPOSALS (h) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2007– 0024, dated January 25, 2007; and Airbus Service Bulletins A300–55–6041 and A310– 55–2042, both dated September 13, 2006; for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 8, 2007. Stephen P. Boyd, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–11677 Filed 6–15–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 16:04 Jun 15, 2007 Jkt 211001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2006–24270; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–200–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 777 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period. AGENCY: The FAA is revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for all Boeing Model 777–200, –300, and –300ER series airplanes. The original NPRM would have required, for the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer, repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies; repetitive lubrication of the ballnut and ballscrew; repetitive measurements of the freeplay between the ballnut and the ballscrew; and corrective action if necessary. The original NPRM resulted from a report of extensive corrosion of a ballscrew in the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer on a Boeing Model 757 airplane, which is similar in design to the ballscrew on Model 777 airplanes. This action revises the original NPRM by adding airplanes to the applicability. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to prevent an undetected failure of the primary load path for the ballscrew in the horizontal stabilizer and subsequent wear and failure of the secondary load path, which could lead to loss of control of the horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss of control of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by July 13, 2007. SUMMARY: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on this supplemental NPRM. • DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your comments electronically. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL–401, Washington, DC 20590. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 33411 • Hand Delivery: Room PL–401 on the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207, for the service information identified in this proposed AD. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kelly McGuckin, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM– 130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6490; fax (425) 917–6590. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this supplemental NPRM. Send your comments to an address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ‘‘FAA–2006–24270; Directorate Identifier 2005–NM–200– AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this supplemental NPRM. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this supplemental NPRM in light of those comments. We will post all comments submitted, without change, to https://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this supplemental NPRM. Using the search function of that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the DOT’s complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477–78), or you may visit https://dms.dot.gov. Examining the Docket You may examine the 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 in the Nassif Building at the DOT street address stated in ADDRESSES. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System receives them. E:\FR\FM\18JNP1.SGM 18JNP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 116 (Monday, June 18, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33409-33411]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11677]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 116 / Monday, June 18, 2007 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 33409]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28374; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-067-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300-600R Series 
Airplanes; and Model A310-300 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:

    While they were gaining access to the THS (trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer) fuel tank for maintenance check, several operators have 
found one or several of the 8 THS hoist point fitting bases cracked 
or broken-off. The breakage resulted in metallic debris being 
released within the Trim Tank. The origin of the damage is most 
probably due to interference with the THS hoisting lugs that are 
stowed in the hoist point fittings in the reverse position, being 
screwed too deep inside the THS hoist fittings. Damaged hoist point 
fittings could cause the release of metallic debris within the THS 
fuel system.
    * * * Compliance with the requirements of this AD will also 
eliminate potential contributing factor[s] to ignition risks.

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 18, 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: 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:

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-
28374; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-067-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD 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 2007-0024, dated January 25, 2007 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    While they were gaining access to the THS (trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer) fuel tank for maintenance check, several operators have 
found one or several of the 8 THS hoist point fitting bases cracked 
or broken-off. The breakage resulted in metallic debris being 
released within the Trim Tank. The origin of the damage is most 
probably due to interference with the THS hoisting lugs that are 
stowed in the hoist point fittings in the reverse position, being 
screwed too deep inside the THS hoist fittings. Damaged hoist point 
fittings could cause the release of metallic debris within the THS 
fuel system.
    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires the repair of any 
damaged THS hoist point fittings to prevent any risk of further 
hoist point fittings damage as well as any fuel leak. Compliance 
with the requirements of this AD will also eliminate potential 
contributing factor[s] to ignition risks.

The MCAI requires an inspection of the internal base of the THS hoist 
point fittings for signs of score, cracks, perforation or other damage; 
and an inspection of the hoist point fittings base inside the fuel tank 
for structural damage, as applicable, and applicable

[[Page 33410]]

corrective actions (repair damaged fittings and install new plastic 
plugs). Corrective actions must be done before return to revenue 
service. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in 
the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-55-6041, and A310-55-2042, 
both dated September 13, 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 137 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 10 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $332 per product. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators to be $155,084, or $1,132 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-2007-28374; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
067-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by July 18, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-300 and A300-600R 
series airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers 
fitted with a THS (trimmable horizontal stabilizer) containing fuel 
on which, during production Airbus Modifications 04801 and 04802 
have been embodied, and Airbus Modification 06549 has not been 
embodied; except aircraft on which Airbus Modification 13191 has 
been embodied in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A310-55-2042 
or A300-55-6041 has been incorporated in service.

Subject

    (d) Stabilizers.

Reason

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

    While they were gaining access to the THS (trimmable horizontal 
stabilizer) fuel tank for maintenance check, several operators have 
found one or several of the 8 THS hoist point fitting bases cracked 
or broken-off. The breakage resulted in metallic debris being 
released within the Trim Tank. The origin of the damage is most 
probably due to interference with the THS hoisting lugs that are 
stowed in the hoist point fittings in the reverse position being 
screwed too deep inside the THS hoist fittings. Damaged hoist point 
fittings could cause the release of metallic debris within the THS 
fuel system.
    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires the repair of any 
damaged THS hoist point fittings to prevent any risk of further 
hoist point fittings damage as well as any fuel leak. Compliance 
with the requirements of this AD will also eliminate potential 
contributing factor[s] to ignition risks.

The MCAI requires an inspection of the internal base of the THS 
hoist point fittings for signs of score, cracks, perforation or 
other damage; and an inspection of the hoist point fittings base 
inside the fuel tank for structural damage, as applicable, and 
applicable corrective actions (repair damaged fittings and install 
new plastic plugs). Corrective actions must be done before return to 
revenue service.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, within 60 months after the effective 
date of this AD, do the actions specified in paragraphs (f)(1) 
through (f)(6) of this AD in accordance with the instructions given 
in Airbus Service Bulletin A300-55-6041 or A310-55-2042, both dated 
September 13, 2006, as applicable.
    (1) Remove the 8 THS metallic hoisting lugs.

[[Page 33411]]

    (2) Do a detailed visual inspection of the internal base of the 
8 THS hoist point fittings in order to detect visible signs of 
score, cracks, perforation or other damage.
    (3) In case of no finding, install the new plastic plugs.
    (4) In case of any finding, entry into the fuel trim tank is 
required to do a detailed visual inspection for structural damage of 
the hoist point fittings base inside the fuel tank.
    (5) If structural damage is not confirmed, blend-out/protect the 
scoring area of the fitting internal base and install the new 
plastic plugs.
    (6) If structural damage is confirmed, repair the damaged 
fittings and install the new plastic plugs.

FAA AD Differences

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

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: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149. 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.
    (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 MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2007-0024, dated January 25, 2007; and Airbus Service 
Bulletins A300-55-6041 and A310-55-2042, both dated September 13, 
2006; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 8, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-11677 Filed 6-15-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.