Airworthiness Directives; Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes, 60591-60593 [E7-21006]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 206 / Thursday, October 25, 2007 / Proposed Rules U.S.C. 5841, 5842, 5846); Pub. L. 95–601, sec. 10, 92 Stat. 2951, as amended by Pub. L. 102– 486, sec. 7902, 106 Stat. 3123 (42 U.S.C. 5851); sec. 102, Pub. L. 91–190, 83 Stat. 853 (42 U.S.C. 4332); secs. 131, 132, 133, 135, 137, 141, Pub. L. 97–425, 96 Stat. 2229, 2230, 2232, 2241; sec. 148, Pub. L. 100–203, 101 Stat. 1330–235 (42 U.S.C. 10151, 10152, 10153, 10155, 10157, 10161, 10168); sec. 1704, 112 Stat. 2750 (44 U.S.C. 3504 note); sec. 651(e), Pub. L. 109–58, 119 Stat. 806–10 (42 U.S.C. 2014, 2021, 2021b, 2111). Section 72.44(g) also issued under secs. 142(b) and 148(c), (d), Pub. L. 100–203, 101 Stat. 1330–232, 1330–236 (42 U.S.C. 10162(b), 10168(c),(d)). Section 72.46 also issued under sec. 189, 68 Stat. 955 (42 U.S.C. 2239); sec. 134, Pub. L. 97–425, 96 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C.10154). Section 72.96(d) also issued under sec. 145(g), Pub. L. 100–203, 101 Stat. 1330–235 (42 U.S.C. 10165(g)). Subpart J also issued under secs. 2(2), 2(15), 2(19), 117(a), 141(h), Pub. L. 97–425, 96 Stat. 2202, 2203, 2204, 2222, 2244 (42 U.S.C. 10101, 10137(a), 10161(h)). Subparts K and L are also issued under sec. 133, 98 Stat. 2230 (42 U.S.C. 10153) and sec. 218(a), 96 Stat. 2252 (42 U.S.C. 10198). 2. In § 72.214, Certificate of Compliance 1014 is revised to read as follows: § 72.214 List of approved spent fuel storage casks. * * * * Certificate Number: 1014. Initial Certificate Effective Date: May 31, 2000. Amendment Number 1 Effective Date: July 15, 2002. Amendment Number 2 Effective Date: June 7, 2005. Amendment Number 3 Effective Date: May 29, 2007. Amendment Number 4 Effective Date: January 8, 2008. SAR Submitted by: Holtec International. SAR Title: Final Safety Analysis Report for the HI-STORM 100 Cask System. Docket Number: 72–1014. Certificate Expiration Date: June 1, 2020. Model Number: HI-STORM 100. * * * * * pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS * Dated at Rockville, Maryland, this 10th day of October, 2007. For the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. William F. Kane, Acting Executive Director for Operations. [FR Doc. E7–21015 Filed 10–24–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 7590–01–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:49 Oct 24, 2007 Jkt 214001 60591 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Examining the AD Docket Federal Aviation Administration You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.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 this proposed AD, 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. 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0081; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–186–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: SUMMARY: A number of occurrences of an incorrect installation of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) have been found and reported during the accomplishment of the AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320–27– 1164 mandated by EASA AD 2006–0223. These issues could lead to a degradation of the integrity of the THSA primary load path and to secondary load path partial or full engagement. Degradation of the THSA primary load path could result in latent (undetected) loading and eventual failure of the THSA secondary load path, with consequent uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26, 2007. You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • 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. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2141; fax (425) 227–1149. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–0081; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–186–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007–0178, dated June 22, 2007 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: A number of occurrences of an incorrect installation of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) have been found and reported during the accomplishment of the AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320–27– 1164 mandated by EASA AD 2006–0223. These issues could lead to a degradation of the integrity of the THSA primary load path and to secondary load path partial or full engagement. E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1 60592 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 206 / Thursday, October 25, 2007 / Proposed Rules This AD therefore mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection of specific parts of the THSA attachments. Degradation of the THSA primary load path could result in latent (undetected) loading and eventual failure of the THSA secondary load path, with consequent uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane. The corrective actions include doing a onetime detailed visual inspection of the lower and the upper THSA attachments for correct installation and the presence of metallic particles, contacting Airbus for repair instructions if any installation deviations or metallic particles are found, and doing repairs. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320–27A1179, dated January 12, 2007. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information. We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:49 Oct 24, 2007 Jkt 214001 affect about 721 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $173,040, or $240 per product. Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety. PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: AIRBUS: Docket No. FAA–2007–0081; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–186–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by November 26, 2007. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, certificated in any category, all certified models, all manufactured serial numbers (MSN) up to and including MSN 2860. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight Controls. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: A number of occurrences of an incorrect installation of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) have been found and reported during the accomplishment of the AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320–27– 1164 mandated by EASA AD 2006–0223. These issues could lead to a degradation of the integrity of the THSA primary load path and to secondary load path partial or full engagement. This AD therefore mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection of specific parts of the THSA attachments. Degradation of the THSA primary load path could result in latent (undetected) loading and eventual failure of the THSA secondary load path, with consequent uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane. The corrective actions include doing a one-time detailed visual inspection of the lower and the upper THSA attachments for correct installation and the presence of metallic particles, contacting Airbus for repair instructions if any installation deviations or metallic particles are found, and doing repairs. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Within 600 flight hours or 750 flight cycles or 100 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the lower and the upper THSA attachments for installation deviations and metallic particles, E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 206 / Thursday, October 25, 2007 / Proposed Rules in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320–27A1179, dated January 12, 2007; and, if any installation deviations or metallic particles are found, before further flight, contact Airbus for repair instructions and repair. FAA AD Differences Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No Difference. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2141; fax (425) 227–1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007–0178, dated June 22, 2007, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320–27A1179, dated January 12, 2007, for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 12, 2007. Stephen P. Boyd, Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–21006 Filed 10–24–07; 8:45 am] pwalker on PROD1PC71 with PROPOSALS BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:49 Oct 24, 2007 Jkt 214001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–27785; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–267–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 Airplanes and Model ERJ 190 Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier NPRM for the products listed above. This action revises the earlier NPRM by expanding the scope. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: It has been found that some ‘‘caution’’ messages issued by the Flight Guidance Control System (FGCS) are not displayed on aircraft equipped with [certain] EPIC software load[s] * * *. Therefore, following a possible failure on one FGCS channel during a given flight, such a failure condition will remain undetected * * *. If another failure occurs on the second FGCS channel, the result may be a command hardover by the autopilot. A command hardover is a sudden roll, pitch, or yaw movement, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 19, 2007. You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • 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. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 60593 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.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 this proposed AD, 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. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2007–27785; Directorate Identifier 2006–NM–267–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion We proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with an earlier NPRM for the specified products, which was published in the Federal Register on April 6, 2007 (72 FR 17042). That earlier NPRM proposed to require actions intended to address the unsafe condition for the products listed above. Since that NPRM was issued, EMBRAER Model ERJ 190–200 STD, –200 LR, and –200 IGW airplanes have been added to the U.S. type certificate data sheet. We have determined that these airplane models are subject to the unsafe condition and are included in the MCAI for Model 190 airplanes. E:\FR\FM\25OCP1.SGM 25OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 206 (Thursday, October 25, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60591-60593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-21006]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0081; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-186-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    A number of occurrences of an incorrect installation of the 
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) have been found and 
reported during the accomplishment of the AIRBUS Service Bulletin 
(SB) A320-27-1164 mandated by EASA AD 2006-0223.
    These issues could lead to a degradation of the integrity of the 
THSA primary load path and to secondary load path partial or full 
engagement.

    Degradation of the THSA primary load path could result in latent 
(undetected) loading and eventual failure of the THSA secondary load 
path, with consequent uncontrolled movement of the horizontal 
stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane. The proposed AD would 
require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     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.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.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 this proposed AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0081; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-186-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://
dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0178, dated June 22, 2007 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    A number of occurrences of an incorrect installation of the 
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) have been found and 
reported during the accomplishment of the AIRBUS Service Bulletin 
(SB) A320-27-1164 mandated by EASA AD 2006-0223.
    These issues could lead to a degradation of the integrity of the 
THSA primary load path and to secondary load path partial or full 
engagement.

[[Page 60592]]

    This AD therefore mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection 
of specific parts of the THSA attachments.

    Degradation of the THSA primary load path could result in latent 
(undetected) loading and eventual failure of the THSA secondary load 
path, with consequent uncontrolled movement of the horizontal 
stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane. The corrective actions 
include doing a one-time detailed visual inspection of the lower and 
the upper THSA attachments for correct installation and the presence of 
metallic particles, contacting Airbus for repair instructions if any 
installation deviations or metallic particles are found, and doing 
repairs. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in 
the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-27A1179, dated January 12, 
2007. The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 721 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $173,040, or $240 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

AIRBUS: Docket No. FAA-2007-0081; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
186-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by November 26, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus A318, A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all certified models, all 
manufactured serial numbers (MSN) up to and including MSN 2860.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    A number of occurrences of an incorrect installation of the 
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) have been found and 
reported during the accomplishment of the AIRBUS Service Bulletin 
(SB) A320-27-1164 mandated by EASA AD 2006-0223.
    These issues could lead to a degradation of the integrity of the 
THSA primary load path and to secondary load path partial or full 
engagement.
    This AD therefore mandates a one-time detailed visual inspection 
of specific parts of the THSA attachments.

Degradation of the THSA primary load path could result in latent 
(undetected) loading and eventual failure of the THSA secondary load 
path, with consequent uncontrolled movement of the horizontal 
stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane. The corrective 
actions include doing a one-time detailed visual inspection of the 
lower and the upper THSA attachments for correct installation and 
the presence of metallic particles, contacting Airbus for repair 
instructions if any installation deviations or metallic particles 
are found, and doing repairs.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 600 flight hours or 750 flight cycles or 100 days 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect 
the lower and the upper THSA attachments for installation deviations 
and metallic particles,

[[Page 60593]]

in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27A1179, dated 
January 12, 2007; and, if any installation deviations or metallic 
particles are found, before further flight, contact Airbus for 
repair instructions and repair.

FAA AD Differences

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

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, has the authority to approve 
AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone 
(425) 227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC 
on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office 
(FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0178, dated 
June 22, 2007, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27A1179, dated 
January 12, 2007, for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 12, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Assistant Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft 
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7-21006 Filed 10-24-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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