Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes; Model A310 Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes), 33929-33932 [E7-11931]
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 20, 2007 / Proposed Rules
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–27010; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–259–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A300 Airplanes; Model A310 Airplanes;
and Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and
F4–600R Series Airplanes, and Model
C4–605R Variant F Airplanes
(Collectively Called A300–600 Series
Airplanes)
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM);
reopening of comment period.
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an earlier
NPRM for an airworthiness directive
(AD) that applies to all Airbus Model
A300 airplanes and Model A310
airplanes, and certain Airbus Model
A300–600 series airplanes. The original
NPRM would have superseded an
existing AD that currently requires an
inspection of the wing and center fuel
tanks to determine if certain P-clips are
installed and corrective action if
necessary; an inspection of electrical
bonding points of certain equipment in
the center fuel tank for the presence of
a blue coat and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary; and
installation of new bonding leads and
electrical bonding points on certain
equipment in the wing, center, and trim
fuel tanks, as necessary. The original
NPRM proposed to require, for certain
airplanes, installation of bonding on an
additional bracket. The original NPRM
resulted from fuel system reviews
conducted by the manufacturer. This
new action revises the original NPRM
by adding a requirement, for certain
airplanes, to modify the fuel/defuel
valves on the left-hand wing. We are
proposing this supplemental NPRM to
ensure continuous electrical bonding
protection of equipment in the wing,
center, and trim fuel tanks and to
prevent damage to wiring in the wing
and center fuel tanks, due to failed Pclips used for retaining the wiring and
pipes, which could result in a possible
fuel ignition source in the fuel tanks.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this supplemental NPRM by July 16,
2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following
addresses to submit comments on this
proposed AD.
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17:23 Jun 19, 2007
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• 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: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
• Hand Delivery: Room W12–140 on
the ground floor of the West Building,
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France,
for service information identified in this
proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1622;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant
written data, views, or arguments
regarding this proposal. Send your
comments to an address listed in the
ADDRESSES section. Include the docket
number ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–27010;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–259–
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 proposed AD. 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.
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33929
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://dms.dot.gov, or in
person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The Docket Operations office (telephone
(800) 647–5527) is located on the
ground floor of the West Building at the
street address stated in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in
the AD docket shortly after the Docket
Management System receives them.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) (the ‘‘original
NPRM’’) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to
include an AD that supersedes AD
2006–15–09, amendment 39–14689 (71
FR 42026, July 25, 2006). The existing
AD applies to all Airbus Model A300
airplanes and Model A310 airplanes,
and to certain Airbus Model A300–600
series airplanes. The original NPRM was
published in the Federal Regisgter on
January 25, 2007 (72 FR 3373). The
original NPRM proposed to continue to
require inspection of the wing and
center fuel tanks to determine if certain
P-clips are installed and corrective
action if necessary; inspection of
electrical bonding points of certain
equipment in the center fuel tank for the
presence of a blue coat and related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary; and installation of new
bonding leads and electrical bonding
points on certain equipment in the
wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, as
necessary. The original NPRM also
proposed to require, for certain
airplanes, installation of bonding on an
additional bracket.
Actions Since Original NPRM Was
Issued
Since we issued the original NPRM,
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A300–28–6064, Revision 01, dated April
3, 2007. We referred to Airbus Service
Bulletin A300–28–6064, dated July 28,
2005, as the appropriate source of
service information for accomplishing
the required actions for Airbus Model
A300–600 series airplanes in the
original NPRM. Revision 01 of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–28–6064
includes the additional work of
modifying the fuel/defuel valves on the
left-hand wing. Therefore, we have
included in this supplemental NPRM a
new paragraph (k) to include this new
action. We have also revised Table 1 of
this supplemental NPRM to specify that
either the original issue or Revision 01
of the service bulletin is acceptable for
compliance with the actions previously
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33930
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 20, 2007 / Proposed Rules
required for these airplanes by AD
2006–15–09. We have also revised the
Costs of Compliance section of this
supplemental NPRM to reflect the
change in costs related to Revision 01 of
this service bulletin.
Comments
We have considered the following
comments on the original NPRM.
Request To Use New Revision of
Additional Service Bulletin
Airbus requests that we refer to
Revision 01 of Airbus Service Bulletin
A300–28–6077, dated October 26, 2006,
rather than the original issue of that
service bulletin, dated July 25, 2005. (In
the original NPRM we referred to the
original issue of that service bulletin as
the appropriate source of service
information for doing the following:
Installing a new bonding lead(s) on the
water drain system of the trim fuel tank,
and installing electrical bonding points
for certain airplanes.)
We agree with Airbus’ request to refer
to Revision 01 of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300–28–6077. The procedures
in Revision 01 of the service bulletin are
essentially the same as those in the
original issue. Revision 01 adds a
modification classification table, makes
minor changes to procedures, and
changes the work hours and kit prices
for certain airplanes. Therefore, we have
revised Table 1 of this supplemental
NPRM to specify that either the original
issue or Revision 01 of the service
bulletin is acceptable for compliance.
We have also revised the Costs of
Compliance section of this
supplemental NPRM to reflect the
change in costs related to this service
bulletin.
Explanation of Changes to Paragraph
(m) of the Supplemental NPRM
Since we issued the original NPRM
we have issued alternative methods of
compliance (AMOCs) for AD 2006–15–
09. Therefore, we have revised the
AMOCs paragraph of this supplemental
NPRM (paragraph (l) of the original
NPRM) to state that AMOCs approved
previously in accordance with AD
2006–15–09 are approved as AMOCs for
the corresponding provisions of this
supplemental NPRM.
We have also revised paragraph (m) of
this supplemental NPRM (paragraph (l)
of the original NPRM) to clarify the
appropriate procedure for notifying the
principal inspector before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to
which the AMOC applies.
FAA’s Determination and Proposed
Requirements of the Supplemental
NPRM
Certain changes discussed above
expand the scope of the original NPRM;
therefore, we have determined that it is
necessary to reopen the comment period
to provide additional opportunity for
public comment on this supplemental
NPRM.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 29 Model A300
airplanes, 63 Model A310 airplanes, and
102 Model A300–600 series airplanes of
the affected design in the U.S. fleet. The
following table provides the estimated
costs, at an average labor rate of $80 per
hour, for U.S. operators to comply with
this proposed AD. For some actions, the
estimated work hours and cost of parts
in the following table depend on the
airplane configuration.
ESTIMATED COSTS
Number
of U.S.registered
airplanes
Model
Action
Work hours
Parts
Cost per
airplane
A300 airplanes ...
Inspect wing and center fuel
tanks for P-clips (required by
AD 2006–15–09).
Install bonding leads/points in
wing and center fuel tank (required by AD 2006–15–09).
Inspect wing and center fuel
tanks for P-clips (required by
AD 2006–15–09).
Install bonding leads/points in
wing and center fuel tank (required by AD 2006–15–09).
40 .....................
None .................
$3,200 ..............
29
$92,800.
Between 136
and 155.
Between $3,800
and $5,200.
29
40 .....................
None .................
Between
$14,680 and
$17,600.
$3,200 ..............
Between
$425,720 and
$510,400.
$201,600.
Between 248
and 285.
Between $8,840
and $9,190.
Between
$28,680 and
$31,990.
63
Inspect and install bonding leads/
points in the trim fuel tank (required by AD 2006–15–09).
Install bonding for slat track 11
canister bracket (new proposed action).
Inspect wing and center fuel
tanks for P-clips (required by
AD 2006–15–09).
Install bonding leads/points in
wing and center fuel tanks (required by AD 2006–15–09).
Between 53 and
61.
Between $50
and $70.
Between $4,290
and $4,950.
63
2 .......................
$30 ...................
$190 .................
63
40 .....................
None .................
$3,200 ..............
102
$326,400.
Between 157
and 185.
Between $8,840
and $9,190.
Between
$21,400 and
$23,990.
102
Inspect and install bonding leads/
points in the trim fuel tank (required by AD 2006–15–09).
Modify the fuel/defuel valves on
the left-hand wing (new proposed action).
Between 2 and
62.
Between $60
and $520.
Between $220
and $5,480.
102
1 .......................
$20 ...................
$100 .................
102
Between
$2,182,800
and
$2,446,980.
Between
$22,440 and
$558,960.
$10,200.
A310 airplanes ...
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS
A300–600 series
airplanes.
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63
Fleet cost
Between
$1,806,840
and
$2,015,370.
Between
$270,270 and
$311,850.
$11,970.
33931
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 20, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
Section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII,
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701,
‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this
proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order
13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the
States, on the relationship between the
national Government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that the proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this supplemental NPRM 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, 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 Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) amends § 39.13
by removing amendment 39–14689 (71
FR 42026, July 25, 2006) and by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2007–27010;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–259–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on
this AD action by July 16, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2006–15–09.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of
this AD, certificated in any category.
(1) All Model A300 airplanes and Model
A310 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620,
and B4–622 airplanes; Model A300 B4–605R
and B4–622R airplanes; Model A300 F4–
605R and F4–622R airplanes; and Model
A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes; except
those airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) Airplanes not equipped with trim fuel
tanks on which Airbus Modifications 12226,
12365, and 12308 have been incorporated in
production.
(ii) Airplanes equipped with trim fuel
tanks on which Airbus Modifications 12226,
12365, 12308, 12294, and 12476 have been
incorporated in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from fuel system
reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We
are issuing this AD to ensure continuous
electrical bonding protection of equipment in
the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks and to
prevent damage to wiring in the wing and
center fuel tanks, due to failed P-clips used
for retaining the wiring and pipes, which
could result in a possible fuel ignition source
in the fuel tanks.
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.
Restatement of the Requirements of AD
2006–15–09
Service Bulletin References
(f) The term ‘‘service bulletin,’’ as used in
this AD, means the Accomplishment
Instructions of the service bulletins identified
in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable.
TABLE 1.—SERVICE BULLETIN REFERENCES
And the actions specified
in—
Use Airbus Service
Bulletin—
Dated—
Model A300 airplanes ....................................................
Paragraph (g) of this AD ...
Paragraph (h) of this AD ...
A300–28–0081 ....................
A300–28–0079 ....................
Model A310 airplanes ....................................................
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS
For Airbus—
Paragraph (g) of this AD ...
Paragraph (h) of this AD ...
A310–28–2143 ....................
A310–28–2142 ....................
Paragraph (i) of this AD ....
Paragraph (g) of this AD ...
A310–28–2153 ....................
A300–28–6068 ....................
July 20, 2005.
September 29, 2005; or
Revision 01, dated June
6, 2006. After the effective date of this AD, only
Revision 01 may be
used.
July 20, 2005.
August 26, 2005; or Revision 01, dated July 17,
2006. After the effective
date of this AD, only Revision 01 may be used.
July 20, 2005.
July 20, 2005.
Paragraph (h) of this AD ...
A300–28–6064 ....................
Model A300 B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, and B4–622
airplanes; Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R airplanes; Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes.
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July 28, 2005; or Revision
01, dated April 3, 2007.
33932
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 118 / Wednesday, June 20, 2007 / Proposed Rules
TABLE 1.—SERVICE BULLETIN REFERENCES—Continued
And the actions specified
in—
Use Airbus Service
Bulletin—
Dated—
Paragraph (i) of this AD ....
For Airbus—
A300–28–6077 ....................
July 25, 2005; or Revision
01, dated October 26,
2006.
Inspection and Corrective Actions
New Requirements of This AD
(g) Within 59 months after August 29, 2006
(the effective date of AD 2006–15–09): Do a
general visual inspection of the right and left
wing fuel tanks and center fuel tank, if
applicable, to determine if any NSA5516–
XXND– and NSA5516–XXNJ–type P-clips are
installed for retaining wiring and pipes in
any tank, and do all applicable corrective
actions before further flight after the
inspection, by accomplishing all the actions
specified in the Service Bulletin.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a
general visual inspection is: ‘‘A visual
examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious
damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of
inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror
may be necessary to ensure visual access to
all surfaces in the inspection area. This level
of inspection is made under normally
available lighting conditions such as
daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or
opening of access panels or doors. Stands,
ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.’’
Installation of Bonding for Slat Track 11
Canister Bracket
Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for
Wing and Center Fuel Tanks
Parts Installation
(h) Within 59 months after August 29,
2006: Do the actions specified in paragraphs
(h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, by accomplishing
all the actions specified in the Service
Bulletin.
(1) In the center fuel tank, if applicable, do
a general visual inspection of the electrical
bonding points of the equipment identified
in the service bulletin for the presence of a
blue coat, and do all related investigative and
corrective actions before further flight after
the inspection.
(2) In the left and right wing fuel tanks and
center fuel tank, if applicable, install bonding
leads and electrical bonding points on the
equipment identified in the service bulletin.
rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS
Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for
the Trim Fuel Tank
(i) For Model A310 airplanes; Model A300
B4–601, B4–603, B4–620, and B4–622
airplanes; Model A300 B4–605R and B4–
622R airplanes; Model A300 F4–605R and
F4–622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4–
605R Variant F airplanes; equipped with a
trim fuel tank: Within 59 months after
August 29, 2006, install a new bonding
lead(s) on the water drain system of the trim
fuel tank and install electrical bonding points
on the equipment identified in the service
bulletin in the trim fuel tank, by
accomplishing all the actions specified in the
service bulletin, as applicable.
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19:17 Jun 19, 2007
Jkt 211001
(j) For all Model A310 airplanes on which
the actions specified in Airbus Service
Bulletin A310–28–2142, dated August 26,
2005, have been done before the effective
date of this AD: Within 50 months after the
effective date of this AD, install bonding for
the slat track 11 canister bracket, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310–
28–2142, Revision 01, dated July 17, 2006.
Modification of the Fuel/Defuel Valves
(k) For all Model A300 B4–601, B4–603,
B4–620, and B4–622 airplanes; Model A300
B4–605R and B4–622R airplanes; Model
A300 F4–605R and F4–622R airplanes; and
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes:
Within 44 months after the effective date of
this AD, modify the fuel/defuel valves on the
left-hand wing in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300–28–6064, Revision 01,
dated April 3, 2007.
(l) As of August 29, 2006, no person may
install any NSA5516–XXND- or NSA5516–
XXNJ-type P-clip for retaining wiring and
pipes in any wing, center, or trim fuel tank,
on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(m)(1) The Manager, International Branch,
ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested in accordance with
the procedures found in 14 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.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in
accordance with AD 2006–15–09 are
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding
provisions of this AD.
Related Information
(n) European Aviation Safety Agency
airworthiness directive 2006–0325, dated
October 23, 2006, also addresses the subject
of this AD.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13,
2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–11931 Filed 6–19–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
22 CFR Part 171
[Public Notice 5835]
RIN 1400–AC25
Search Fees in Freedom of Information
Act Cases
Department of State.
Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
SUMMARY: The Department of State
proposes to revise its regulations on fees
to be charged for searching for
information responsive to requests made
under the Freedom of Information Act.
The existing regulations have proved to
be unworkable, particularly in terms of
ascertaining the costs of electronic
searches.
The Department will consider
any comments from the public that are
received by September 18, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
to Margaret P. Grafeld, Director, Office
of Information Programs and Services,
(202) 261–8300, U.S. Department of
State, SA–2, 515 22nd St., NW.,
Washington, DC 20522–6001; Fax: 202–
261–8590. E-mail: GrafeldMP@state.gov.
If submitting comments by e-mail, you
must include the RIN in the subject line
of your message. You may view this rule
online at https://www.regulations.gov/
index.cfm.
DATES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Margaret P. Grafeld, Director, Office of
Information Programs and Services,
(202) 261–8300, U.S. Department of
State, SA–2, 515 22nd St., NW.,
Washington, DC 20522–6001; Fax: 202–
261–8590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Although
the current version of the search fee
provision was promulgated in 2004,
based largely on previous long-standing
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 33929-33932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-11931]
[[Page 33929]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-27010; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-259-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes; Model A310
Airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series
Airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called
A300-600 Series Airplanes)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of
comment period.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an earlier NPRM for an airworthiness
directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and
Model A310 airplanes, and certain Airbus Model A300-600 series
airplanes. The original NPRM would have superseded an existing AD that
currently requires an inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to
determine if certain P-clips are installed and corrective action if
necessary; an inspection of electrical bonding points of certain
equipment in the center fuel tank for the presence of a blue coat and
related investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and
installation of new bonding leads and electrical bonding points on
certain equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, as
necessary. The original NPRM proposed to require, for certain
airplanes, installation of bonding on an additional bracket. The
original NPRM resulted from fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. This new action revises the original NPRM by adding a
requirement, for certain airplanes, to modify the fuel/defuel valves on
the left-hand wing. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM to ensure
continuous electrical bonding protection of equipment in the wing,
center, and trim fuel tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing
and center fuel tanks, due to failed P-clips used for retaining the
wiring and pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source
in the fuel tanks.
DATES: We must receive comments on this supplemental NPRM by July 16,
2007.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to https://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposal. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``Docket No.
FAA-2007-27010; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-259-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 proposed AD. 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 Operations office between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is located on the
ground floor of the West Building at the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly
after the Docket Management System receives them.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (the
``original NPRM'') to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that
supersedes AD 2006-15-09, amendment 39-14689 (71 FR 42026, July 25,
2006). The existing AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and
Model A310 airplanes, and to certain Airbus Model A300-600 series
airplanes. The original NPRM was published in the Federal Regisgter on
January 25, 2007 (72 FR 3373). The original NPRM proposed to continue
to require inspection of the wing and center fuel tanks to determine if
certain P-clips are installed and corrective action if necessary;
inspection of electrical bonding points of certain equipment in the
center fuel tank for the presence of a blue coat and related
investigative and corrective actions if necessary; and installation of
new bonding leads and electrical bonding points on certain equipment in
the wing, center, and trim fuel tanks, as necessary. The original NPRM
also proposed to require, for certain airplanes, installation of
bonding on an additional bracket.
Actions Since Original NPRM Was Issued
Since we issued the original NPRM, Airbus has issued Service
Bulletin A300-28-6064, Revision 01, dated April 3, 2007. We referred to
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6064, dated July 28, 2005, as the
appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the
required actions for Airbus Model A300-600 series airplanes in the
original NPRM. Revision 01 of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-28-6064
includes the additional work of modifying the fuel/defuel valves on the
left-hand wing. Therefore, we have included in this supplemental NPRM a
new paragraph (k) to include this new action. We have also revised
Table 1 of this supplemental NPRM to specify that either the original
issue or Revision 01 of the service bulletin is acceptable for
compliance with the actions previously
[[Page 33930]]
required for these airplanes by AD 2006-15-09. We have also revised the
Costs of Compliance section of this supplemental NPRM to reflect the
change in costs related to Revision 01 of this service bulletin.
Comments
We have considered the following comments on the original NPRM.
Request To Use New Revision of Additional Service Bulletin
Airbus requests that we refer to Revision 01 of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-28-6077, dated October 26, 2006, rather than the original
issue of that service bulletin, dated July 25, 2005. (In the original
NPRM we referred to the original issue of that service bulletin as the
appropriate source of service information for doing the following:
Installing a new bonding lead(s) on the water drain system of the trim
fuel tank, and installing electrical bonding points for certain
airplanes.)
We agree with Airbus' request to refer to Revision 01 of Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-28-6077. The procedures in Revision 01 of the
service bulletin are essentially the same as those in the original
issue. Revision 01 adds a modification classification table, makes
minor changes to procedures, and changes the work hours and kit prices
for certain airplanes. Therefore, we have revised Table 1 of this
supplemental NPRM to specify that either the original issue or Revision
01 of the service bulletin is acceptable for compliance. We have also
revised the Costs of Compliance section of this supplemental NPRM to
reflect the change in costs related to this service bulletin.
Explanation of Changes to Paragraph (m) of the Supplemental NPRM
Since we issued the original NPRM we have issued alternative
methods of compliance (AMOCs) for AD 2006-15-09. Therefore, we have
revised the AMOCs paragraph of this supplemental NPRM (paragraph (l) of
the original NPRM) to state that AMOCs approved previously in
accordance with AD 2006-15-09 are approved as AMOCs for the
corresponding provisions of this supplemental NPRM.
We have also revised paragraph (m) of this supplemental NPRM
(paragraph (l) of the original NPRM) to clarify the appropriate
procedure for notifying the principal inspector before using any
approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies.
FAA's Determination and Proposed Requirements of the Supplemental NPRM
Certain changes discussed above expand the scope of the original
NPRM; therefore, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the
comment period to provide additional opportunity for public comment on
this supplemental NPRM.
Costs of Compliance
There are about 29 Model A300 airplanes, 63 Model A310 airplanes,
and 102 Model A300-600 series airplanes of the affected design in the
U.S. fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs, at an
average labor rate of $80 per hour, for U.S. operators to comply with
this proposed AD. For some actions, the estimated work hours and cost
of parts in the following table depend on the airplane configuration.
Estimated Costs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
U.S.-
Model Action Work hours Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
airplanes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 airplanes.................. Inspect wing and center 40................. None.............. $3,200............ 29 $92,800.
fuel tanks for P-clips
(required by AD 2006-15-
09).
Install bonding leads/ Between 136 and 155 Between $3,800 and Between $14,680 29 Between $425,720
points in wing and $5,200. and $17,600. and $510,400.
center fuel tank
(required by AD 2006-15-
09).
A310 airplanes.................. Inspect wing and center 40................. None.............. $3,200............ 63 $201,600.
fuel tanks for P-clips
(required by AD 2006-15-
09).
Install bonding leads/ Between 248 and 285 Between $8,840 and Between $28,680 63 Between $1,806,840
points in wing and $9,190. and $31,990. and $2,015,370.
center fuel tank
(required by AD 2006-15-
09).
Inspect and install Between 53 and 61.. Between $50 and Between $4,290 and 63 Between $270,270
bonding leads/points in $70. $4,950. and $311,850.
the trim fuel tank
(required by AD 2006-15-
09).
Install bonding for slat 2.................. $30............... $190.............. 63 $11,970.
track 11 canister
bracket (new proposed
action).
A300-600 series airplanes....... Inspect wing and center 40................. None.............. $3,200............ 102 $326,400.
fuel tanks for P-clips
(required by AD 2006-15-
09).
Install bonding leads/ Between 157 and 185 Between $8,840 and Between $21,400 102 Between $2,182,800
points in wing and $9,190. and $23,990. and $2,446,980.
center fuel tanks
(required by AD 2006-15-
09).
Inspect and install Between 2 and 62... Between $60 and Between $220 and 102 Between $22,440
bonding leads/points in $520. $5,480. and $558,960.
the trim fuel tank
(required by AD 2006-15-
09).
Modify the fuel/defuel 1.................. $20............... $100.............. 102 $10,200.
valves on the left-hand
wing (new proposed
action).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 33931]]
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this supplemental NPRM 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, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing amendment 39-14689 (71 FR 42026, July 25, 2006) and by adding
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2007-27010; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
259-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 16,
2007.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-15-09.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any
category.
(1) All Model A300 airplanes and Model A310 airplanes.
(2) Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 airplanes;
Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-605R and F4-
622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; except
those airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (c)(2)(ii) of
this AD.
(i) Airplanes not equipped with trim fuel tanks on which Airbus
Modifications 12226, 12365, and 12308 have been incorporated in
production.
(ii) Airplanes equipped with trim fuel tanks on which Airbus
Modifications 12226, 12365, 12308, 12294, and 12476 have been
incorporated in production.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the
manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to ensure continuous electrical
bonding protection of equipment in the wing, center, and trim fuel
tanks and to prevent damage to wiring in the wing and center fuel
tanks, due to failed P-clips used for retaining the wiring and
pipes, which could result in a possible fuel ignition source in the
fuel tanks.
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.
Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2006-15-09
Service Bulletin References
(f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletins identified in
Table 1 of this AD, as applicable.
Table 1.--Service Bulletin References
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And the actions Use Airbus Service
For Airbus-- specified in-- Bulletin-- Dated--
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Model A300 airplanes................. Paragraph (g) of this A300-28-0081........... July 20, 2005.
AD.
Paragraph (h) of this A300-28-0079........... September 29, 2005; or
AD. Revision 01, dated
June 6, 2006. After
the effective date of
this AD, only Revision
01 may be used.
Model A310 airplanes................. Paragraph (g) of this A310-28-2143........... July 20, 2005.
AD.
Paragraph (h) of this A310-28-2142........... August 26, 2005; or
AD. Revision 01, dated
July 17, 2006. After
the effective date of
this AD, only Revision
01 may be used.
Paragraph (i) of this A310-28-2153........... July 20, 2005.
AD.
Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, Paragraph (g) of this A300-28-6068........... July 20, 2005.
and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4- AD.
605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model
A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes;
and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes.
Paragraph (h) of this A300-28-6064........... July 28, 2005; or
AD. Revision 01, dated
April 3, 2007.
[[Page 33932]]
Paragraph (i) of this A300-28-6077........... July 25, 2005; or
AD. Revision 01, dated
October 26, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection and Corrective Actions
(g) Within 59 months after August 29, 2006 (the effective date
of AD 2006-15-09): Do a general visual inspection of the right and
left wing fuel tanks and center fuel tank, if applicable, to
determine if any NSA5516-XXND- and NSA5516-XXNJ-type P-clips are
installed for retaining wiring and pipes in any tank, and do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight after the
inspection, by accomplishing all the actions specified in the
Service Bulletin.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normally available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''
Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for Wing and Center Fuel
Tanks
(h) Within 59 months after August 29, 2006: Do the actions
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, by
accomplishing all the actions specified in the Service Bulletin.
(1) In the center fuel tank, if applicable, do a general visual
inspection of the electrical bonding points of the equipment
identified in the service bulletin for the presence of a blue coat,
and do all related investigative and corrective actions before
further flight after the inspection.
(2) In the left and right wing fuel tanks and center fuel tank,
if applicable, install bonding leads and electrical bonding points
on the equipment identified in the service bulletin.
Installation of Bonding Leads and Points for the Trim Fuel Tank
(i) For Model A310 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620,
and B4-622 airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes;
Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R
Variant F airplanes; equipped with a trim fuel tank: Within 59
months after August 29, 2006, install a new bonding lead(s) on the
water drain system of the trim fuel tank and install electrical
bonding points on the equipment identified in the service bulletin
in the trim fuel tank, by accomplishing all the actions specified in
the service bulletin, as applicable.
New Requirements of This AD
Installation of Bonding for Slat Track 11 Canister Bracket
(j) For all Model A310 airplanes on which the actions specified
in Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, dated August 26, 2005, have
been done before the effective date of this AD: Within 50 months
after the effective date of this AD, install bonding for the slat
track 11 canister bracket, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-28-2142, Revision 01,
dated July 17, 2006.
Modification of the Fuel/Defuel Valves
(k) For all Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622
airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-
605R and F4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F
airplanes: Within 44 months after the effective date of this AD,
modify the fuel/defuel valves on the left-hand wing in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A300-28-6064, Revision 01, dated April 3, 2007.
Parts Installation
(l) As of August 29, 2006, no person may install any NSA5516-
XXND- or NSA5516-XXNJ-type P-clip for retaining wiring and pipes in
any wing, center, or trim fuel tank, on any airplane.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(m)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
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.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2006-15-09
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
Related Information
(n) European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness directive
2006-0325, dated October 23, 2006, also addresses the subject of
this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 13, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-11931 Filed 6-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
