Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes, 71284-71286 [E7-24332]
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71284
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 241 / Monday, December 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
A036 specify to contact EMBRAER for repair
instructions, operators must perform the
repair before further flight using a method
approved by either the Manager,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
Departmento de Aviacao Civil (or its
delegated agent).
(j) Although EMBRAER Alert Service
Bulletins 145LEG–55–A010 and 145–55–
A036 recommend sending a report of the
inspection results to the manufacturer, this
AD does not require a report.
Credit for Prior Accomplishment of Earlier
Service Bulletin
(k) For Model –135ER, –135KE, –135KL,
–135LR, –145, –145ER, –145MR, –145LR,
–145XR, –145MP, and –145EP airplanes:
Accomplishment of the inspection and
applicable related investigative/corrective
actions before December 23, 2005, in
accordance with EMBRAER Alert Service
Bulletin 145–55–A036, dated August 20,
2005, is acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding requirements of this AD.
New Requirements of This AD
New Revision to Service Bulletins
(l) As of the effective date of this AD, use
only the Accomplishment Instructions of
EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145LEG–
55–A010, Revision 02, dated May 16, 2006
(for Model EMB–135BJ airplanes); or 145–
55–A036, Revision 03, dated May 16, 2006
(for all other airplanes); as applicable; to do
the actions required by paragraphs (g) and (h)
of this AD, until the actions required by
paragraph (m) of this AD are done.
Note 3: EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin
145LEG–55–A010, Revision 02, dated May
16, 2006 (for Model EMB–135BJ airplanes)
refers to EMBRAER Service Bulletins
145LEG–55–0008, Revision 02, dated May
26, 2006; and 145LEG–55–0009, Revision 01,
dated November 23, 2005; as additional
sources of service information for installing
washers in the rudder II hinge fittings and
control rod assembly.
ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with PROPOSALS
Note 4: EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin
145–55–A036, Revision 03, dated May 16,
2006 (for EMB–135ER, –135KE, –135KL,
–135LR, –145, –145ER, –145MR, –145LR,
–145XR, –145MP, and –145EP airplanes),
refers to EMBRAER Service Bulletins 145–
55–0034, Revision 02, dated May 25, 2006;
and 145–55–0035, Revision 02, dated March
28, 2006; as additional sources of service
information for installing washers in the
rudder II hinge fittings and control rod
assembly.
Terminating Action
(m) Within 5,500 flight hours or 36 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, replace the locking tab washers
on the control rods of the rudder II and
install springs on the hinge assemblies of the
rudder II, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER
Alert Service Bulletin 145LEG–55–0011,
Revision 01, dated January 23, 2007 (for
Model EMB–135BJ airplanes); or 145–55–
0038, Revision 01, dated January 23, 2007
(for all other airplanes); as applicable.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:26 Dec 14, 2007
Jkt 214001
Accomplishment of the replacement and
installation constitutes terminating action for
the requirements of this AD.
Credit for Prior Accomplishment of Earlier
Service Bulletins
(n) Actions done before the effective date
of this AD in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER
Alert Service Bulletin 145LEG–55–0011,
dated May 12, 2006 (for Model EMB–135BJ
airplanes); or 145–55–0038, dated May 12,
2006 (for all other airplanes); as applicable;
are acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (m) of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(o)(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 2005–25–04 are
approved as AMOCs for the corresponding
provisions of this AD.
Related Information
(p) Brazilian airworthiness directive 2005–
09–02R2, effective May 10, 2007, also
addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 10, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–24330 Filed 12–14–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
another country to identify and correct
an unsafe condition on an aviation
product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
During planned maintenance visit on two
aircraft, corrosion was found on the upper
surface of the wing lower skin panel No1,
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
It was discovered that [certain] access
panels * * * had been omitted from the
access requirements of the associated AMM
(airplane maintenance manual) task (AMM
05–25–40) until the August 2001 revision.
The result is that some * * * inspections
may have not been fully accomplished due
to non-removal of [certain] panels * * *.
If the area has not been inspected with the
correct access, and if AIRBUS Service
Bulletin (SB) A320–57–1121 has not been
performed, then some aircraft could remain
insufficiently inspected until the next
scheduled inspection. This may result in a
high risk of corrosion findings greater than
level 1.
Corrosion findings greater than level 1
in the wing could result in reduced
structural integrity 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 January 16, 2008.
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.
14 CFR Part 39
Examining the AD Docket
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0337; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–111–AD]
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, FAA,
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model
A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed
AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI)
originated by an aviation authority of
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 241 / Monday, December 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Transport Airplane Directorate, 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–2007–0337; Directorate Identifier
2007–NM–111–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.
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 2007–0064R1,
dated September 21, 2007 (referred to
after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an
unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
During planned maintenance visit on two
aircraft, corrosion was found on the upper
surface of the wing lower skin panel No1,
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
It was discovered that access panels
540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ had been
omitted from the access requirements of the
associated AMM (aircraft maintenance
manual) task (AMM 05–25–40) until the
August 2001 revision.
The result is that some ZL–540–02–1 or
ZL–540–02–2 (or ZL–540–02 and ZL–640–
02) inspections may have not been fully
accomplished due to non-removal of panels
540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ.
If the area has not been inspected with the
correct access, and if AIRBUS Service
Bulletin (SB) A320–57–1121 has not been
performed, then some aircraft could remain
insufficiently inspected until the next
scheduled inspection. This may result in a
high risk of corrosion findings greater than
level 1.
ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with PROPOSALS
Corrosion findings greater than level 1
in the wing could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane. The
corrective actions include an inspection
for corrosion in the wing tank dry bay,
and repair if necessary. You may obtain
further information by examining the
MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A320–57–1121, dated October 9, 2002.
The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the
unsafe condition identified in the
MCAI.
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:26 Dec 14, 2007
Jkt 214001
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 103 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it would
take about 4 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
$32,960, or $320 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
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71285
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2007–0337;
Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–111–AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by January
16, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319,
A320, and A321 series airplanes, certificated
in any category, all certified models, all serial
numbers, on which Maintenance Review
Board Report (MRBR) zonal tasks ZL–540–02
and ZL–640–02 (for MRBR up to Revision 7)
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71286
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 241 / Monday, December 17, 2007 / Proposed Rules
or MRBR zonal task ZL–540–02–1 or ZL–
540–02–2 (for MRBR since Revision 8) have
already been performed before the effective
date of this AD, and for which it cannot be
substantiated that access panels 540CZ,
540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ were removed for
inspection. This AD does not apply to the
airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1),
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airplanes on which zonal tasks ZL–
540–02–1 and ZL–540–02–2 (or ZL–540–02
and ZL–640–02) have been performed in
accordance with airplane maintenance
manual (AMM) 05–25–40 at August 2001
revision or later revision.
(2) Airplanes on which one of the
following Airworthiness Limitation Items
(ALI)/MRBR tasks have been performed:
572004–01–X, 572004–03–X; 572020–01–X,
572020–02–X; 572027–01–X, 572027–03–X;
572053–01–X, 572053–02–X; 572060–02–X;
or 572061–02–X; where X represents the task
applicability index.
(3) Airplanes delivered after March 27,
2007.
Note 1: Up to MRBR Revision 7, ZL–540–
02 covered Zone 540 and ZL–640–02 covered
Zone 640. Since MRBR Revision 8, ZL–540–
02–1 or ZL–540–02–2 also cover the
corresponding RH wing zone (Zone 640).
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 57: Wings.
ebenthall on PROD1PC69 with PROPOSALS
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
During planned maintenance visit on two
aircraft, corrosion was found on the upper
surface of the wing lower skin panel N° 1,
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
It was discovered that access panels
540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ had been
omitted from the access requirements of the
associated AMM (aircraft maintenance
manual) task (AMM 05–25–40) until the
August 2001 revision.
The result is that some ZL–540–02–1 or
ZL–540–02–2 (or ZL–540–02 and ZL–640–
02) inspections may have not been fully
accomplished due to non-removal of panels
540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ.
If the area has not been inspected with the
correct access, and if AIRBUS Service
Bulletin (SB) A320–57–1121 has not been
performed, then some aircraft could remain
insufficiently inspected until the next
scheduled inspection. This may result in a
high risk of corrosion findings greater than
level 1.
Corrosion findings greater than level 1 in
the wing could result in reduced structural
integrity of the airplane. The corrective
actions include an inspection for corrosion in
the wing tank dry bay, and repair if
necessary.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following
actions. Within 14 months after the effective
date of this AD, perform a detailed visual
inspection of the wing tank dry bay to detect
corrosion and if any corrosion is found,
before further flight, contact Airbus for repair
instructions and repair. Do all applicable
VerDate Aug<31>2005
15:26 Dec 14, 2007
Jkt 214001
actions in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–57–1121, dated
October 9, 2002. Another approved method
for doing the detailed inspection and
applicable corrective actions is the
accomplishment of one of the following ALI/
MRBR tasks: 572004–01–X, 572004–03–X;
572020–01–X, 572020–02–X; 572027–01–X,
572027–03–X; 572053–01–X, 572053–02–X;
572060–02–X; or 572061–02–X; and ZL–540–
02–X if panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ, and
640DZ panels have been removed; where X
represents the task applicability index.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI
and/or service information as follows: No
differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to
this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, International Branch, ANM–116,
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs
for this AD, if requested using the procedures
found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to
ATTN: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 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
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2007–0064R1, dated September 21,
2007, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320–57–
1121, dated October 9, 2002, for related
information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 10, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. E7–24332 Filed 12–14–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2007–0334; Directorate
Identifier 2007–NM–206–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; ATR Model
ATR42 and ATR72 Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for the
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:
[T]he FAA has published a set of new rules
related to the fuel tank safety, including the
Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88
(SFAR 88).
The JAA (Joint Aviation Authority) has
issued an Interim Policy JAA INT/POL 25/12,
to recommend the application of a similar
requirement to the National Aviation
Authorities (NAA) [of Europe].
*
*
*
*
*
* * * ATR carried out a safety review on
the fuel tank systems and zones adjacent to
the fuel tanks on all ATR models * * *.
*
*
*
*
*
The unsafe condition is the potential of
ignition sources inside fuel tanks,
which, in combination with flammable
fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank
explosions and consequent loss 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 January 16, 2008.
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
E:\FR\FM\17DEP1.SGM
17DEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 241 (Monday, December 17, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71284-71286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24332]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-0337; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-111-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model 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:
During planned maintenance visit on two aircraft, corrosion was
found on the upper surface of the wing lower skin panel N\o\1,
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
It was discovered that [certain] access panels * * * had been
omitted from the access requirements of the associated AMM (airplane
maintenance manual) task (AMM 05-25-40) until the August 2001
revision.
The result is that some * * * inspections may have not been
fully accomplished due to non-removal of [certain] panels * * *.
If the area has not been inspected with the correct access, and
if AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320-57-1121 has not been performed,
then some aircraft could remain insufficiently inspected until the
next scheduled inspection. This may result in a high risk of
corrosion findings greater than level 1.
Corrosion findings greater than level 1 in the wing could result in
reduced structural integrity 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 January 16,
2008.
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, FAA,
[[Page 71285]]
Transport Airplane Directorate, 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-2007-0337;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-111-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.
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 2007-0064R1, dated September 21, 2007 (referred
to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
During planned maintenance visit on two aircraft, corrosion was
found on the upper surface of the wing lower skin panel N\o\1,
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
It was discovered that access panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and
640DZ had been omitted from the access requirements of the
associated AMM (aircraft maintenance manual) task (AMM 05-25-40)
until the August 2001 revision.
The result is that some ZL-540-02-1 or ZL-540-02-2 (or ZL-540-02
and ZL-640-02) inspections may have not been fully accomplished due
to non-removal of panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ.
If the area has not been inspected with the correct access, and
if AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320-57-1121 has not been performed,
then some aircraft could remain insufficiently inspected until the
next scheduled inspection. This may result in a high risk of
corrosion findings greater than level 1.
Corrosion findings greater than level 1 in the wing could result in
reduced structural integrity of the airplane. The corrective actions
include an inspection for corrosion in the wing tank dry bay, and
repair if necessary. You may obtain further information by examining
the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-57-1121, dated October 9,
2002. 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 103 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 4 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 $32,960, or $320 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-2007-0337; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
111-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by January 16, 2008.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes, certificated in any category, all certified models, all
serial numbers, on which Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR)
zonal tasks ZL-540-02 and ZL-640-02 (for MRBR up to Revision 7)
[[Page 71286]]
or MRBR zonal task ZL-540-02-1 or ZL-540-02-2 (for MRBR since
Revision 8) have already been performed before the effective date of
this AD, and for which it cannot be substantiated that access panels
540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ were removed for inspection. This AD
does not apply to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1),
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airplanes on which zonal tasks ZL-540-02-1 and ZL-540-02-2
(or ZL-540-02 and ZL-640-02) have been performed in accordance with
airplane maintenance manual (AMM) 05-25-40 at August 2001 revision
or later revision.
(2) Airplanes on which one of the following Airworthiness
Limitation Items (ALI)/MRBR tasks have been performed: 572004-01-X,
572004-03-X; 572020-01-X, 572020-02-X; 572027-01-X, 572027-03-X;
572053-01-X, 572053-02-X; 572060-02-X; or 572061-02-X; where X
represents the task applicability index.
(3) Airplanes delivered after March 27, 2007.
Note 1: Up to MRBR Revision 7, ZL-540-02 covered Zone 540 and
ZL-640-02 covered Zone 640. Since MRBR Revision 8, ZL-540-02-1 or
ZL-540-02-2 also cover the corresponding RH wing zone (Zone 640).
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
During planned maintenance visit on two aircraft, corrosion was
found on the upper surface of the wing lower skin panel N[deg] 1,
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
It was discovered that access panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and
640DZ had been omitted from the access requirements of the
associated AMM (aircraft maintenance manual) task (AMM 05-25-40)
until the August 2001 revision.
The result is that some ZL-540-02-1 or ZL-540-02-2 (or ZL-540-02
and ZL-640-02) inspections may have not been fully accomplished due
to non-removal of panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ.
If the area has not been inspected with the correct access, and
if AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320-57-1121 has not been performed,
then some aircraft could remain insufficiently inspected until the
next scheduled inspection. This may result in a high risk of
corrosion findings greater than level 1.
Corrosion findings greater than level 1 in the wing could result
in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. The corrective
actions include an inspection for corrosion in the wing tank dry
bay, and repair if necessary.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions. Within 14
months after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed
visual inspection of the wing tank dry bay to detect corrosion and
if any corrosion is found, before further flight, contact Airbus for
repair instructions and repair. Do all applicable actions in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-57-1121, dated October 9, 2002. Another approved
method for doing the detailed inspection and applicable corrective
actions is the accomplishment of one of the following ALI/MRBR
tasks: 572004-01-X, 572004-03-X; 572020-01-X, 572020-02-X; 572027-
01-X, 572027-03-X; 572053-01-X, 572053-02-X; 572060-02-X; or 572061-
02-X; and ZL-540-02-X if panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ, and 640DZ
panels have been removed; where X represents the task applicability
index.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
Transport Airplane Directorate, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tim
Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 2007-0064R1,
dated September 21, 2007, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1121,
dated October 9, 2002, for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 10, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-24332 Filed 12-14-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
