Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 Airplanes, 71828-71830 [E7-24519]

Download as PDF 71828 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 72, No. 243 Wednesday, December 19, 2007 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 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. Federal Aviation Administration Examining the AD Docket 14 CFR Part 39 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1138; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: [Docket No. FAA–2007–0347; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–253–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 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: rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS Two A330 operators have reported that the guide shaft of the Refuel Isolation Valve has been broken away from the main casting and entered the fuel tank. The Supplier Investigation evidenced that water builds-up in the cavity of the Refuel Isolation Valve and freezes during flight. When refuel pressure is applied to the piston, the ice restricts the piston travel on one side leading to an asymmetric movement of the piston resulting in breakage of the guide shaft. A non-bonded metallic object within the fuel tank can result [in] a potential ignition source, which in combination with a lightning strike constitutes an unsafe condition. 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 18, 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– VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:24 Dec 18, 2007 Jkt 214001 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–2007–0347; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–253–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:// www.regulations.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 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Community, has issued Airworthiness Directive 2007–0239, dated September 3, 2007 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Two A330 operators have reported that the guide shaft of the Refuel Isolation Valve has been broken away from the main casting and entered the fuel tank. The Supplier Investigation evidenced that water builds-up in the cavity of the Refuel Isolation Valve and freezes during flight. When refuel pressure is applied to the piston, the ice restricts the piston travel on one side leading to an asymmetric movement of the piston resulting in breakage of the guide shaft. A non-bonded metallic object within the fuel tank can result [in] a potential ignition source, which in combination with a lightning strike constitutes an unsafe condition. For the reasons described above, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires replacement of the affected Refuel Isolation Valve with a more robust valve similar to that designed for the A380. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330–28–3103; A340–28–4120; and A340–28–5044; all dated July 17, 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. E:\FR\FM\19DEP1.SGM 19DEP1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 19, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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 34 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 14 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $8,000 per product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $310,080, or $9,120 per product. Authority for This Rulemaking rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS 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 19:24 Dec 18, 2007 Jkt 214001 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. 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. VerDate Aug<31>2005 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. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2007–0347; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–253–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by January 18, 2008. 71829 Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: Two A330 operators have reported that the guide shaft of the Refuel Isolation Valve has been broken away from the main casting and entered the fuel tank. The Supplier Investigation evidenced that water builds-up in the cavity of the Refuel Isolation Valve and freezes during flight. When refuel pressure is applied to the piston, the ice restricts the piston travel on one side leading to an asymmetric movement of the piston resulting in breakage of the guide shaft. A non-bonded metallic object within the fuel tank can result [in] a potential ignition source, which in combination with a lightning strike constitutes an unsafe condition. For the reasons described above, this Airworthiness Directive (AD) requires replacement of the affected Refuel Isolation Valve with a more robust valve similar to that designed for the A380. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions in accordance with the instructions defined in Airbus Service Bulletin A330–28– 3103, A340–28–4120, or A340–28–5044, all dated July 17, 2007, as applicable. (1) Within 18,000 flight hours from the effective date of this AD: Replace the refuel isolation valve(s); and re-identify the refuel/ defuel coupling in accordance with the instructions defined in the applicable service bulletin. (2) For refuel Isolation Valve and Refuel/ Defuel Coupling Spare units: From the effective date of this AD, no person may install an affected refuel isolation valve unit or an affected refuel/defuel coupling unit as a replacement part on an aircraft, unless it has been modified in accordance with the instructions defined in the applicable service bulletin. FAA AD Differences Affected ADs (b) None. Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. Applicability (c) This AD applies to the Airbus Model A330 and A340 airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD; certificated in any category; all certified models; all serial numbers. (1) Model A330 and A340 airplanes except those on which Airbus Modification 55664 has been embodied in production or Airbus Service Bulletin A330–28–3103, A340–28– 4120, or A340–28–5044 has been embodied in service. (2) Model A330–300 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 40176 (optional LH (left hand) coupling) has been embodied in production or Airbus Service Bulletin A330–28–3018 (optional LH coupling) has been embodied in service; except those on which Airbus Modification 56148 has been embodied in production or Airbus Service Bulletin A330–28–3103 has been embodied in service. 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, 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1138; 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 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\19DEP1.SGM 19DEP1 71830 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 19, 2007 / Proposed Rules 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 2007–0239, dated September 3, 2007, and Airbus Service Bulletins A330–28– 3103, A340–28–4120, and A340–28–5044, all dated July 17, 2007, for related information. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 10, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7–24519 Filed 12–18–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P attendants to hypoxia following a depressurization event. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 4, 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 W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this AD, contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington 98124–2207. Examining the AD Docket DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2007–0346; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–202–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 Series Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). rwilkins on PROD1PC63 with PROPOSALS AGENCY: SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine the manufacturer and manufacture date of the oxygen masks in the passenger service unit and the lavatory and attendant box assemblies, corrective action if necessary, and other specified action. This proposed AD results from a report that several passenger masks with broken in-line flow indicators were found following a mask deployment. We are proposing this AD to prevent the in-line flow indicators of the passenger oxygen masks from fracturing and separating, which could inhibit oxygen flow to the masks and consequently result in exposure of the passengers and cabin VerDate Aug<31>2005 19:24 Dec 18, 2007 Jkt 214001 You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Letcher, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM–150S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6474; fax (425) 917–6590. 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–2007–0346; Directorate Identifier 2007–NM–202–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 because of those comments. PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.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 have received a report indicating that several passenger masks with broken in-line flow indicators were found following a mask deployment, on a Boeing Model 777–200 series airplane. Operators subsequently found several more broken in-line flow indicators after examining the oxygen mask assemblies on other Model 777 series airplanes and on Model 747–400 series airplanes. Investigation revealed that certain flow indicators are weaker and can fracture because of internal residual stresses caused by the flow indicator joint design and manufacturing processes. Fractures cause the in-line flow indicator to separate and consequently prevent oxygen flow to the mask during an emergency. This condition, if not corrected, could result in exposure of the passengers and cabin attendants to hypoxia following a depressurization event. The oxygen masks on certain Model 777 airplanes and Model 747–400 series airplanes have the same flow indicators as those installed on certain Model 737– 300, –400, and –500 series airplanes. Therefore, the Model 737–300, –400, and –500 series airplanes may be subject to the identified unsafe condition. Relevant Service Information We have reviewed Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–35– 1099, dated April 9, 2007. The service bulletin describes procedures for doing a general visual inspection to determine the manufacturer and manufacture date of the oxygen masks in the passenger service unit (PSU) and the lavatory and attendant box assemblies. The service bulletin also describes procedures for doing the corrective action if necessary and other specified action. The corrective action includes repairing any B/E Aerospace oxygen mask assembly with a manufacturing date after January 1, 2002, and before March 1, 2006. The service bulletin also specifies that as an alternative to doing the repair (rework), the oxygen mask assembly may be replaced with a new oxygen mask outside the scope of the service bulletin. The other specified action includes doing the oxygen mask drop test. Boeing Special Attention Service Bulletin 737–35–1099 refers to B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 174080–35– 01, dated February 6, 2006; and E:\FR\FM\19DEP1.SGM 19DEP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 243 (Wednesday, December 19, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71828-71830]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24519]


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

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

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


Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 243 / Wednesday, December 19, 2007 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 71828]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0347; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-253-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330 and A340 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:

    Two A330 operators have reported that the guide shaft of the 
Refuel Isolation Valve has been broken away from the main casting 
and entered the fuel tank. The Supplier Investigation evidenced that 
water builds-up in the cavity of the Refuel Isolation Valve and 
freezes during flight. When refuel pressure is applied to the 
piston, the ice restricts the piston travel on one side leading to 
an asymmetric movement of the piston resulting in breakage of the 
guide shaft. A non-bonded metallic object within the fuel tank can 
result [in] a potential ignition source, which in combination with a 
lightning strike constitutes an unsafe condition.

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 18, 
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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1138; 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-2007-0347; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-253-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://
www.regulations.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 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0239, dated September 3, 2007 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Two A330 operators have reported that the guide shaft of the 
Refuel Isolation Valve has been broken away from the main casting 
and entered the fuel tank. The Supplier Investigation evidenced that 
water builds-up in the cavity of the Refuel Isolation Valve and 
freezes during flight. When refuel pressure is applied to the 
piston, the ice restricts the piston travel on one side leading to 
an asymmetric movement of the piston resulting in breakage of the 
guide shaft. A non-bonded metallic object within the fuel tank can 
result [in] a potential ignition source, which in combination with a 
lightning strike constitutes an unsafe condition.
    For the reasons described above, this Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) requires replacement of the affected Refuel Isolation Valve 
with a more robust valve similar to that designed for the A380.

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A330-28-3103; A340-28-4120; and 
A340-28-5044; all dated July 17, 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.

[[Page 71829]]

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 34 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 14 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $8,000 per product. Where 
the service information lists required parts costs that are covered 
under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these 
costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, 
some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to 
be $310,080, or $9,120 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-2007-0347; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
253-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by January 18, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to the Airbus Model A330 and A340 airplanes 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD; certificated 
in any category; all certified models; all serial numbers.
    (1) Model A330 and A340 airplanes except those on which Airbus 
Modification 55664 has been embodied in production or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-28-3103, A340-28-4120, or A340-28-5044 has been 
embodied in service.
    (2) Model A330-300 series airplanes on which Airbus Modification 
40176 (optional LH (left hand) coupling) has been embodied in 
production or Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-3018 (optional LH 
coupling) has been embodied in service; except those on which Airbus 
Modification 56148 has been embodied in production or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A330-28-3103 has been embodied in service.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Two A330 operators have reported that the guide shaft of the 
Refuel Isolation Valve has been broken away from the main casting 
and entered the fuel tank. The Supplier Investigation evidenced that 
water builds-up in the cavity of the Refuel Isolation Valve and 
freezes during flight. When refuel pressure is applied to the 
piston, the ice restricts the piston travel on one side leading to 
an asymmetric movement of the piston resulting in breakage of the 
guide shaft. A non-bonded metallic object within the fuel tank can 
result [in] a potential ignition source, which in combination with a 
lightning strike constitutes an unsafe condition.
    For the reasons described above, this Airworthiness Directive 
(AD) requires replacement of the affected Refuel Isolation Valve 
with a more robust valve similar to that designed for the A380.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions in accordance 
with the instructions defined in Airbus Service Bulletin A330-28-
3103, A340-28-4120, or A340-28-5044, all dated July 17, 2007, as 
applicable.
    (1) Within 18,000 flight hours from the effective date of this 
AD: Replace the refuel isolation valve(s); and re-identify the 
refuel/defuel coupling in accordance with the instructions defined 
in the applicable service bulletin.
    (2) For refuel Isolation Valve and Refuel/Defuel Coupling Spare 
units: From the effective date of this AD, no person may install an 
affected refuel isolation valve unit or an affected refuel/defuel 
coupling unit as a replacement part on an aircraft, unless it has 
been modified in accordance with the instructions defined in the 
applicable service bulletin.

FAA AD Differences

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

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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: 
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1138; 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

[[Page 71830]]

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 2007-0239, dated 
September 3, 2007, and Airbus Service Bulletins A330-28-3103, A340-
28-4120, and A340-28-5044, all dated July 17, 2007, for related 
information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 10, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-24519 Filed 12-18-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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