Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 Series Airplanes; and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 Series Airplanes, 44737-44740 [E7-15413]
Download as PDF
<![CDATA[
44737
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 153 / Thursday, August 9, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
TABLE 2.—NEW MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE—Continued
Service Bulletin
Revision level
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 190–36–0004 ......................................................................................
01 ..............................
(2) On November 29, 2005 (70 FR 69075,
November 14, 2005), the Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation
by reference of EMBRAER Alert Service
Bulletin 170–36–A004, dated September 28,
2005.
(3) Contact Empresa Brasileira de
Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box
343—CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos—SP,
Brazil, for a copy of this service information.
You may review copies at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
cable, a new anchor block for the slide
raft packboard and a new folding
procedure. The MCAI states that several
operators have reported non-automatic
deployment of slide rafts during ground
operational testing. In all cases, the slide
raft released correctly from the door but
did not inflate automatically. Pulling
the manual backup handle correctly
inflated the slide raft. Investigation
conducted by the slide raft
manufacturer showed that nonautomatic deployments have two
potential root causes: non-opening of
the lacing; and stiffness and stiction
(static friction) on the painted inflatable
material. This situation, if not corrected,
could delay the evacuation of
passengers in case of an emergency. A
new design solution has been developed
to ensure the automatic slide raft
deployment, which consists of:
continuous ‘‘speed lacing’’ cord and
new soft covers with rounded grommets
(this modification ensures that the
lacing opens); and a new shorter firing
cable, a new anchor block for the slide
raft packboard and a new folding
procedure (this modification ensures
automatic deployment regardless of the
inflatable paint condition). Both
modifications together ensure the
automatic deployment function. The
MCAI requires accomplishment of the
set of modifications.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30,
2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–15412 Filed 8–8–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–28036; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–278–AD; Amendment
39–15145; AD 2007–16–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A330–200 and A330–300 Series
Airplanes; and Model A340–200, A340–
300, A340–500, and A340–600 Series
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results
from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
issued by an airworthiness authority of
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as failure of an evacuation
slide raft to inflate, which could delay
the evacuation of passengers in case of
an emergency. We are issuing this AD
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:01 Aug 08, 2007
Jkt 211001
to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
September 13, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of September 13, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington,
DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim
Backman, Aerospace Engineer, ANM–
116, International Branch, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2797;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
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
allow 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 AD references the MCAI and
related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering
basis to correct the unsafe condition.
The AD contains text copied from the
MCAI and for this reason might not
follow our plain language principles.
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to the specified products. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on April 30, 2007 (72 FR
21164). That NPRM proposed to require
a set of modifications of the slide raft
assembly of each door and the slide raft,
as applicable, which consists of:
continuous ‘‘speed lacing’’ cord and
new soft covers with rounded
grommets; and a new shorter firing
PO 00000
Frm 00013
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Date
November 14, 2006.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Clarification of Applicability
We have revised the applicability of
this AD to match the MCAI and the
current FAA type certification data
sheet for the affected airplanes. The
revision clarifies the applicability and
does not add to or change the affected
airplanes.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the change described previously.
We determined that this change will not
increase the economic burden on any
operator or increase the scope of the AD.
E:\FR\FM\09AUR1.SGM
09AUR1
44738
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 153 / Thursday, August 9, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
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.
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 a U.S.
court of law. 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 required different
actions in this AD from those in the
MCAI in order to follow our FAA
policies. Any such differences are
described in a separate paragraph of the
AD. These requirements, if any, take
precedence over the actions copied from
the MCAI.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we
estimate that this AD affects about 28
products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it takes about 66 workhours per product to comply with this
AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Required parts cost about
$3,860 per product. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the AD
on U.S. operators to be $255,920, or
$9,140 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
Examining the AD 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 AD docket contains the NPRM, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
I
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
I
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
I
2007–16–06 Airbus: Amendment 39–15145.
Docket No. FAA–2007–28036;
Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–278–AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD)
becomes effective September 13, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) The requirements of this AD relate to
those specified in AD 2006–04–03,
amendment 39–14484.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330–
200 and A330–300 series airplanes; and
Model A340–200, A340–300, A340–500, and
A340–600 series airplanes, certificated in any
category; all certified models, all serial
numbers; except those with the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) specified
modifications installed in production, or the
equivalent service bulletins installed in
service (as specified in Tables 1 and 2 of this
AD), provided no slide has been replaced
since either airplane delivery or service
bulletin installation, as applicable.
TABLE 1.—EXCEPTIONS TO APPLICABILITY
Airplane model
Configuration
Airbus modifications installed in production
A330, A340–200, –300 ......................................
A330, A340–200, –300 ......................................
A340–500 ...........................................................
With Modification 40161 (optional Type A
door 3).
Without Modification 40161 (Type 1 door 3) ...
All .....................................................................
A340–600 ...........................................................
All .....................................................................
50806, 50807, 55071, and 55072.
50806 and 55071.
Either 50806, 50807, and 55071, or 50806
and 55071.
50806, 50808, 55071, and 55073.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
TABLE 2.—EXCEPTIONS TO APPLICABILITY
Airplane model
A330 ..........................
A340–200, –300 ........
A340–500, –600 ........
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Airbus Service Bulletins installed in service
A330–25–3173, Revision 01, dated August 2, 2006; and A330–25–3301, dated March 24, 2006.
A340–25–4191, Revision 01, dated August 2, 2006; and A340–25–4273, dated March 24, 2006.
A340–25–5004, Revision 01, dated August 2, 2006; and A340–25–5110, dated March 24, 2006.
17:01 Aug 08, 2007
Jkt 211001
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
E:\FR\FM\09AUR1.SGM
09AUR1
44739
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 153 / Thursday, August 9, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states that
several operators have reported nonautomatic deployment of slide rafts during
ground operational testing. In all cases, the
slide raft released correctly from the door but
did not inflate automatically. Pulling the
manual backup handle correctly inflated the
slide raft. Investigation conducted by the
slide raft manufacturer showed that nonautomatic deployments have two potential
root causes: Non-opening of the lacing; and
stiffness and stiction (static friction) on the
painted inflatable material. This situation, if
not corrected, could delay the evacuation of
passengers in case of an emergency. A new
design solution has been developed to ensure
the automatic slide raft deployment, which
consists of: Continuous ‘‘speed lacing’’ cord
and new soft covers with rounded grommets
(this modification ensures that the lacing
opens); and a new shorter firing cable, a new
anchor block for the slide raft packboard and
a new folding procedure (this modification
ensures automatic deployment regardless of
the inflatable paint condition). Both
modifications together ensure the automatic
deployment function. The MCAI requires
accomplishment of the set of modifications.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following
actions.
(1) For slide raft part numbers (P/Ns)
7A1508–003/–005/–007/–023/–025/–027/
–029/–115; P/Ns 7A1539–003/–004/–005/
–006/–007/–008/–023/–024/–025/–026/–027/
–028/–029/–030/–115/ –116; P/Ns 7A1510
–003/–004/–005/–006/–007/–008/–023/–024/
–025/–026/–027/–028/–029/–030/–115/–116;
and P/Ns 4A3934–1/–2/–001/–002: No later
than 36 months after the effective date of this
AD, modify the slide raft in accordance with
the instructions given in Airbus Service
Bulletin A330–25–3173, A340–25–4191, or
A340–25–5004, all Revision 01, all dated
August 2, 2006; as applicable; and modify the
slide raft assembly of each door in
accordance with the instructions given in
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–25–3301,
A340–25–4273, or A340–25–5110, all dated
March 24, 2006; as applicable.
(2) For slide raft P/Ns 7A1508–033/–035/
–037/–119/–121; P/Ns 7A1539–033/–034/
–035/–036/–037/–038/–119/–120/–121/–122;
P/Ns 7A1510–033/–034/–035/–036/–037/
–038/ –119/–120/–121/–122; and P/Ns
4A3934–5/–6/–7/–8: No later than 36 months
after the effective date of this AD, modify the
slide raft assembly of each door in
accordance with the instructions given in
Airbus Service Bulletin A330–25–3301,
A340–25–4273, or A340–25–5110, all dated
March 24, 2006; as applicable.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/
or service information as follows: No
differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(f) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 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 Backman,
Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–2797; 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 FAAapproved 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
(g) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2006–0354, dated November 28,
2006; and the Airbus Service Bulletins
specified in Table 3 of this AD for related
information.
TABLE 3.—AIRBUS SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletin
A330–25–3173
A330–25–3301
A340–25–4191
A340–25–4273
A340–25–5004
A340–25–5110
Revision level
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
Material Incorporated by Reference
(h) You must use the service information
specified in Table 4 of this AD to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference of
this service information under 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point,
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
01 ..............................
Original ......................
01 ..............................
Original ......................
01 ..............................
Original ......................
Date
August 2, 2006.
March 24, 2006.
August 2, 2006.
March 24, 2006.
August 2, 2006.
March 24, 2006.
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
TABLE 4.—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
Service Bulletin
A330–25–3173
A330–25–3225
A330–25–3301
A340–25–4191
A340–25–4228
A340–25–4273
A340–25–5004
A340–25–5054
A340–25–5110
VerDate Aug<31>2005
Revision
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................................................
17:01 Aug 08, 2007
Jkt 211001
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Date
01 ..............................
01 ..............................
Original ......................
01 ..............................
01 ..............................
Original ......................
01 ..............................
Original ......................
Original ......................
August 2, 2006.
September 30, 2004.
March 24, 2006.
August 2, 2006.
September 30, 2004.
March 24, 2006.
August 2, 2006.
August 2, 2004.
March 24, 2006.
E:\FR\FM\09AUR1.SGM
09AUR1
44740
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 153 / Thursday, August 9, 2007 / Rules and Regulations
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30,
2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–15413 Filed 8–8–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2006–25326; Directorate
Identifier 2006–NM–081–AD; Amendment
39–15151; AD 2007–16–12]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Boeing
Model 757–200 and –300 Series
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
jlentini on PROD1PC65 with RULES
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Boeing Model 757–200 and –300 series
airplanes. This AD requires changes to
existing wiring; installation of new
circuit breakers, relays, relay
connectors, and wiring; and
replacement of certain circuit breakers
with higher-rated circuit breakers. For
certain airplanes, this AD also requires
modification of wiring of the control
module assembly for the electrical
systems. This AD results from an inflight entertainment (IFE) systems
review. We are issuing this AD to ensure
that the flightcrew is able to turn off
electrical power to the IFE system and
other non-essential electrical systems
through utility bus switches in the flight
compartment. The flightcrew’s inability
to turn off power to the IFE system and
other non-essential electrical systems
during a non-normal or emergency
situation could result in the inability to
control smoke or fumes in the airplane
flight deck or cabin.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
September 13, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in the AD
as of September 13, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington,
DC.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
17:01 Aug 08, 2007
Jkt 211001
Contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle,
Washington 98124–2207, for service
information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Shohreh Safarian, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–
130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 917–6418; fax (425) 917–6590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness
directive (AD) docket on the Internet at
https://dms.dot.gov or in person at the
Docket 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.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to certain Boeing Model 757–200
and –300 series airplanes. That NPRM
was published in the Federal Register
on July 13, 2006 (71 FR 39597). That
NPRM proposed to require changes to
existing wiring; installation of new
circuit breakers, relays, relay
connectors, and wiring; and
replacement of certain circuit breakers
with higher-rated circuit breakers. For
certain airplanes, that NPRM also
proposed to require modification of
wiring of the control module assembly
for the electrical systems.
Comments
We provided the public the
opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have
considered the comments received.
Support of the NPRM
Boeing, Northwest Airlines (NWA),
and the Air Transport Association
(ATA) agree with the intent of the
NPRM.
Request To Clarify Affected Control
Module Assemblies
The ATA, on behalf of its member US
Airways, requests that we clarify which
control module assemblies are required
to be modified. US Airways states that
it believes the intent of the NPRM
would be to require concurrent
modification of the control module
assemblies identified in Boeing Service
Bulletin 757–24–0093, dated August 14,
2003. However, US Airways points out
that the effectivity of Boeing Component
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Service Bulletin 233N3209–24–04,
Revision 1, dated August 14, 2003,
identifies additional parts not found in
Boeing Service Bulletin 757–24–0093.
We agree that the intent of paragraph
(g) of the NPRM was to propose
modification of certain control module
assemblies identified in paragraph
2.C.3. of Boeing Service Bulletin 757–
24–0093. The affected part numbers
(P/Ns) are 233N3209–1025, –1026,
–1028, –1300, and –1302. We have
revised paragraph (g) of this AD to
identify those affected part numbers.
Further, we have revised paragraph (h)
of this AD, ‘‘Credit for Accomplishment
of Previous Service Bulletin,’’ to specify
that doing the modification in
accordance with the original issue of
Boeing Component Service Bulletin
233N3209–24–04, dated April 10, 2003,
is acceptable only for control module
assembly, P/Ns 233N3209–1025, –1300,
and –1302, since only these part
numbers are referenced in the effectivity
of the original issue of Boeing
Component Service Bulletin 233N3209–
24–04.
Request To Address an Additional
Circuit Breaker
NWA states that Boeing Service
Bulletin 757–24–0093, dated August 14,
2003, does not address the shedding of
direct current (DC) power on Model
757–200 airplanes, variable numbers
NE311 through NE325 inclusive. NWA
further states that circuit breaker C9009,
which controls 28-volt DC power on
these airplanes, is also not addressed by
the service bulletin. We infer that NWA
would like Boeing to revise the service
bulletin to provide instructions for
addressing the unsafe condition on
these specific airplanes.
We do not agree. The airplanes
mentioned in NWA’s comment above
are identified as Group 40 airplanes in
Boeing Service Bulletin 757–24–0093.
Circuit breaker C9009 was not installed
as part of the IFE system on Boeing
airplanes. That circuit breaker was
installed in accordance with a
supplemental type certificate (STC), and
we are currently evaluating that issue
separately from this AD. This AD affects
only IFE systems that were installed in
production by Boeing. Therefore, we
have not changed this AD in this regard.
Request To Exclude Other NonEssential Electrical Systems
NWA requests that we revise the
NPRM to address the IFE system only.
NWA states that, in addition to
addressing the IFE systems, the NPRM
and referenced Boeing service bulletins
address other non-essential systems. As
justification for its request, NWA states
E:\FR\FM\09AUR1.SGM
09AUR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 153 (Thursday, August 9, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44737-44740]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15413]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28036; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-278-AD;
Amendment 39-15145; AD 2007-16-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300
Series Airplanes; and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an airworthiness authority
of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as failure of
an evacuation slide raft to inflate, which could delay the evacuation
of passengers in case of an emergency. We are issuing this AD to
require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 13, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of September 13,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
dms.dot.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Backman, Aerospace Engineer, ANM-
116, International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-
2797; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
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 allow 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 AD references the MCAI and related service information that we
considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe
condition. The AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this
reason might not follow our plain language principles.
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2007 (72
FR 21164). That NPRM proposed to require a set of modifications of the
slide raft assembly of each door and the slide raft, as applicable,
which consists of: continuous ``speed lacing'' cord and new soft covers
with rounded grommets; and a new shorter firing cable, a new anchor
block for the slide raft packboard and a new folding procedure. The
MCAI states that several operators have reported non-automatic
deployment of slide rafts during ground operational testing. In all
cases, the slide raft released correctly from the door but did not
inflate automatically. Pulling the manual backup handle correctly
inflated the slide raft. Investigation conducted by the slide raft
manufacturer showed that non-automatic deployments have two potential
root causes: non-opening of the lacing; and stiffness and stiction
(static friction) on the painted inflatable material. This situation,
if not corrected, could delay the evacuation of passengers in case of
an emergency. A new design solution has been developed to ensure the
automatic slide raft deployment, which consists of: continuous ``speed
lacing'' cord and new soft covers with rounded grommets (this
modification ensures that the lacing opens); and a new shorter firing
cable, a new anchor block for the slide raft packboard and a new
folding procedure (this modification ensures automatic deployment
regardless of the inflatable paint condition). Both modifications
together ensure the automatic deployment function. The MCAI requires
accomplishment of the set of modifications.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Clarification of Applicability
We have revised the applicability of this AD to match the MCAI and
the current FAA type certification data sheet for the affected
airplanes. The revision clarifies the applicability and does not add to
or change the affected airplanes.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the change described
previously. We determined that this change will not increase the
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
[[Page 44738]]
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 a U.S. court of
law. 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 required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are described in a separate paragraph of the AD. These requirements, if
any, take precedence over the actions copied from the MCAI.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD affects
about 28 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it takes
about 66 work-hours per product to comply with this AD. The average
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts cost about $3,860 per
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S.
operators to be $255,920, or $9,140 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 AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD Docket.
Examining the AD 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 AD
docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2007-16-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-15145. Docket No. FAA-2007-28036;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-278-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective
September 13, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) The requirements of this AD relate to those specified in AD
2006-04-03, amendment 39-14484.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A330-200 and A330-300 series
airplanes; and Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600
series airplanes, certificated in any category; all certified
models, all serial numbers; except those with the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) specified modifications installed in
production, or the equivalent service bulletins installed in service
(as specified in Tables 1 and 2 of this AD), provided no slide has
been replaced since either airplane delivery or service bulletin
installation, as applicable.
Table 1.--Exceptions to Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus modifications
Airplane model Configuration installed in
production
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330, A340-200, -300........ With Modification 50806, 50807, 55071,
40161 (optional and 55072.
Type A door 3).
A330, A340-200, -300........ Without Modification 50806 and 55071.
40161 (Type 1 door
3).
A340-500.................... All................. Either 50806, 50807,
and 55071, or 50806
and 55071.
A340-600.................... All................. 50806, 50808, 55071,
and 55073.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2.--Exceptions to Applicability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Service Bulletins
Airplane model installed in service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330.................................. A330-25-3173, Revision 01, dated
August 2, 2006; and A330-25-
3301, dated March 24, 2006.
A340-200, -300........................ A340-25-4191, Revision 01, dated
August 2, 2006; and A340-25-
4273, dated March 24, 2006.
A340-500, -600........................ A340-25-5004, Revision 01, dated
August 2, 2006; and A340-25-
5110, dated March 24, 2006.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 44739]]
Reason
(d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states that several operators have reported non-automatic deployment
of slide rafts during ground operational testing. In all cases, the
slide raft released correctly from the door but did not inflate
automatically. Pulling the manual backup handle correctly inflated
the slide raft. Investigation conducted by the slide raft
manufacturer showed that non-automatic deployments have two
potential root causes: Non-opening of the lacing; and stiffness and
stiction (static friction) on the painted inflatable material. This
situation, if not corrected, could delay the evacuation of
passengers in case of an emergency. A new design solution has been
developed to ensure the automatic slide raft deployment, which
consists of: Continuous ``speed lacing'' cord and new soft covers
with rounded grommets (this modification ensures that the lacing
opens); and a new shorter firing cable, a new anchor block for the
slide raft packboard and a new folding procedure (this modification
ensures automatic deployment regardless of the inflatable paint
condition). Both modifications together ensure the automatic
deployment function. The MCAI requires accomplishment of the set of
modifications.
Actions and Compliance
(e) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) For slide raft part numbers (P/Ns) 7A1508-003/-005/-007/-
023/-025/-027/ -029/-115; P/Ns 7A1539-003/-004/-005/ -006/-007/-008/
-023/-024/-025/-026/-027/ -028/-029/-030/-115/ -116; P/Ns 7A1510 -
003/-004/-005/-006/-007/-008/-023/-024/ -025/-026/-027/-028/-029/-
030/-115/-116; and P/Ns 4A3934-1/-2/-001/-002: No later than 36
months after the effective date of this AD, modify the slide raft in
accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-25-3173, A340-25-4191, or A340-25-5004, all Revision 01, all
dated August 2, 2006; as applicable; and modify the slide raft
assembly of each door in accordance with the instructions given in
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3301, A340-25-4273, or A340-25-5110,
all dated March 24, 2006; as applicable.
(2) For slide raft P/Ns 7A1508-033/-035/-037/-119/-121; P/Ns
7A1539-033/-034/ -035/-036/-037/-038/-119/-120/-121/-122; P/Ns
7A1510-033/-034/-035/-036/-037/ -038/ -119/-120/-121/-122; and P/Ns
4A3934-5/-6/-7/-8: No later than 36 months after the effective date
of this AD, modify the slide raft assembly of each door in
accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin
A330-25-3301, A340-25-4273, or A340-25-5110, all dated March 24,
2006; as applicable.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(f) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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
Backman, Aerospace Engineer, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2797; 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
(g) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006-0354, dated
November 28, 2006; and the Airbus Service Bulletins specified in
Table 3 of this AD for related information.
Table 3.--Airbus Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin Revision level Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-25-3173.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A330-25-3301.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
A340-25-4191.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A340-25-4273.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
A340-25-5004.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A340-25-5110.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Material Incorporated by Reference
(h) You must use the service information specified in Table 4 of
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point, Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or
go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-
locations.html.
Table 4.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service Bulletin Revision Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A330-25-3173.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A330-25-3225.......................... 01................................. September 30, 2004.
A330-25-3301.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
A340-25-4191.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A340-25-4228.......................... 01................................. September 30, 2004.
A340-25-4273.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
A340-25-5004.......................... 01................................. August 2, 2006.
A340-25-5054.......................... Original........................... August 2, 2004.
A340-25-5110.......................... Original........................... March 24, 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 44740]]
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-15413 Filed 8-8-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
