Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 62182-62185 [2012-25131]

Download as PDF 62182 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 198 / Friday, October 12, 2012 / Proposed Rules product or a part of an identified banking product’’ and adding in its place ‘‘other than an excluded instrument or a part of an excluded instrument’’; and ii. Removing, in paragraphs (2) and (3)(iii)(B), the phrase ‘‘15 U.S.C. 78(f)(a)’’ and adding in its place the phrase ‘‘15 U.S.C. 78f(a)’’; and d. Add the definitions for ‘‘Bank fund,’’ ‘‘Eligible contract participant,’’ ‘‘Excluded instrument,’’ ‘‘Insurance company separate account,’’ ‘‘Insured branch,’’ and ‘‘Qualified forex customer’’ in alphabetical order. The additions read as follows: § 48.2 Definitions. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS * * * * * Bank fund means a fund described in 12 CFR 9.18(a)(1), (a)(2), or (c) that is subject to applicable requirements of 12 CFR 9.18. * * * * * Eligible contract participant has the same meaning as in 17 CFR 1.3(m). Excluded instrument means an agreement, contract, or transaction that is exempt from regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act, including: (1) An identified banking product, as defined in section 402(b) of the Legal Certainty for Bank Products Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 27(b)); (2) A banking product described in section 405(a) of the Legal Certainty for Bank Products Act of 2000 (7 U.S.C. 27c(a)); (3) A hybrid instrument that is predominantly a security under section 2(f) of the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 2(f)); and (4) A hybrid instrument that is exempt from the provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act under 17 CFR 34.3(a). * * * * * Insurance company separate account means a separate account established and maintained by an insurance company subject to regulation by a State insurance regulator or foreign insurance regulator. Insured branch has the same meaning as in section 3(s)(3) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (12 U.S.C. 1813(s)(3)). * * * * * Qualified forex customer means a bank fund or an insurance company separate account. * * * * * 4. Revise § 48.3(b) to read as follows: § 48.3 Prohibited Transactions. * * * * * (b) If a national bank or an affiliate can cause retail forex transactions to be VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:58 Oct 11, 2012 Jkt 229001 effected for a retail forex customer without the retail forex customer’s specific authorization, then the national bank may not act as the counterparty for any retail forex transaction with that retail forex customer. 5. Revise the introductory text of § 48.7(b)(1) to read as follows: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION § 48.7 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Recordkeeping. * * * * * (b) * * * (1) With respect to its active retail forex customer accounts over which it did not exercise investment discretion (other than retail forex proprietary accounts open for any period of time during the quarter or accounts belonging to a qualified forex customer), a national bank must prepare and maintain on a quarterly basis (calendar quarter): * * * * * 6. Revise § 48.8 to read as follows: § 48.8 Capital Requirements. (a) A national bank, other than a Federal branch or agency of a foreign bank that is not an insured branch, offering or entering into retail forex transactions must be well capitalized under 12 CFR part 6. (b) A Federal branch or agency of a foreign bank offering or entering into retail forex transactions must satisfy the requirements of 12 CFR 4.7(b)(1)(iii)(A) and (iv). 7. Add § 48.18 to read as follows: § 48.18 Counterparty Verification The OCC will not deem a national bank to have violated this part by engaging in a retail forex transaction without complying with this part’s requirements if: (a) The national bank’s counterparty represented in writing that it was an eligible contract participant or a qualified forex customer; (b) The national bank reasonably relied on that representation; (c) The national bank had reasonable policies and procedures in place to verify the counterparty’s status as an eligible contract participant or a qualified forex customer; and (d) The national bank followed those policies and procedures. Dated: October 5, 2012. Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency. [FR Doc. 2012–25123 Filed 10–11–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–33–P PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–1070; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–099–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300–600 series airplanes); and Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This proposed AD would require modifying the electrical control circuits of the inner, center, and trim tank pumps, as applicable. We are proposing this AD to reduce 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. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26, 2012. SUMMARY: 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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS— EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\12OCP1.SGM 12OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 198 / Friday, October 12, 2012 / Proposed Rules service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. 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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227- 2125; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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–2012–1070; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–099–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 EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012–0091, dated May 25, 2012 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: [T]he FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. In the framework of these requirements, EASA have determined that the electrical VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:58 Oct 11, 2012 Jkt 229001 power supply circuits of certain fuel pumps, installed on A300/A300–600, A310 and A300–600ST aeroplane, for which the canisters become uncovered during normal operation, could, under certain conditions, create an ignition source in the tank vapour space. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed a modification which includes the installation of Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI) into the inner, centre, and trim tank fuel pump control circuits, providing additional system protection by electrically isolating the pump in case of a ground fault condition downstream of the GFI. For the reasons described above, this AD requires modification of the affected fuel pumps control circuit by installing GFI. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a regulation titled ‘‘Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review, Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements’’ (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (‘‘SFAR 88,’’ Amendment 21–78, and subsequent Amendments 21–82 and 21–83). Among other actions, SFAR 88 (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001) requires certain type design (i.e., type certificate (TC) and supplemental type certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate that their fuel tank systems can prevent ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement applies to type design holders for large turbine-powered transport airplanes and for subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It requires them to perform design reviews and to develop design changes and maintenance procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel tank safety standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we intended to adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found necessary to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these reviews. In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel tank systems that require corrective actions. The PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 62183 percentage of operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address the failure types under evaluation: single failures, single failures in combination with a latent condition(s), and in-service failure experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for further action. The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) has issued a regulation that is similar to SFAR 88 (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). (The JAA is an associated body of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) representing the civil aviation regulatory authorities of a number of European States who have agreed to cooperate in developing and implementing common safety regulatory standards and procedures.) Under this regulation, the JAA stated that all members of the ECAC that hold type certificates for transport category airplanes are required to conduct a design review against explosion risks. We have determined that the actions identified in this AD are necessary to reduce 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. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletins A300–28–6104 and A310–28– 2170, both dated February 28, 2012. 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. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 162 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of E:\FR\FM\12OCP1.SGM 12OCP1 62184 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 198 / Friday, October 12, 2012 / Proposed Rules this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $17,680 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 parts. 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 $2,946,780, or $18,190 per product. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and 4. 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. VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:58 Oct 11, 2012 Jkt 229001 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, 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–2012–1070; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–099–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by November 26, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD; certificated in any category. (1) All Airbus Model A300 B4–601, B4– 603, B4–620, and B4–622 airplanes; Model A300 B4–605R and B4–622R airplanes; Model A300 F4–605R and F4–622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes. (2) All Airbus Model A310–203, –204, –221, –222, –304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28; Fuel. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). We are issuing this AD to reduce 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. (f) Compliance You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. (g) Actions Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) For Model A310 series airplanes: Modify the electrical control circuits of the inner, center, and trim tank pumps, as applicable, in accordance with the PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310–28–2170, dated February 28, 2012. (2) For Model A300–600 airplanes: Modify the electrical control circuits of the inner, center, and trim tank pumps, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300–28–6104, dated February 28, 2012. (h) Other FAA AD Provisions 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2125; fax (425) 227– 1149. Information may be emailed to: 9– ANM–116–AMOC–REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (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. (i) Related Information (1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012–0091, dated May 25, 2012; and the service information identified in paragraphs (i)(1)(i) and (i)(1)(ii) of this AD; for related information. (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310–28–2170, dated February 28, 2012. (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300–28–6104, dated February 28, 2012. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS—EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airwortheas@airbus.com; Internet https:// www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. E:\FR\FM\12OCP1.SGM 12OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 198 / Friday, October 12, 2012 / Proposed Rules Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 2012. John P. Piccola, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–25131 Filed 10–11–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 17 CFR Part 275 [Release No. IA–3483; File No. S7–23–07] RIN 3235–AJ96 Temporary Rule Regarding Principal Trades With Certain Advisory Clients Securities and Exchange Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: The Securities and Exchange Commission is proposing to amend rule 206(3)–3T under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, a temporary rule that establishes an alternative means for investment advisers that are registered with the Commission as broker-dealers to meet the requirements of section 206(3) of the Investment Advisers Act when they act in a principal capacity in transactions with certain of their advisory clients. The amendment would extend the date on which rule 206(3)– 3T will sunset from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2014. DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 13, 2012. ADDRESSES: Comments may be submitted by any of the following methods: SUMMARY: Electronic Comments • Use the Commission’s Internet comment form (https://www.sec.gov/ rules/proposed.shtml); or • Send an email to rule-comments@ sec.gov. Please include File Number S7– 23–07 on the subject line; or • Use the Federal eRulemaking Portal (https://www.regulations.gov). Follow the instructions for submitting comments. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Paper Comments • Send paper comments in triplicate to Elizabeth M. Murphy, Secretary, Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–1090. All submissions should refer to File Number S7–23–07. This file number should be included on the subject line if email is used. To help us process and review your comments more efficiently, please use only one method. The Commission will post all comments on VerDate Mar<15>2010 13:58 Oct 11, 2012 Jkt 229001 the Commission’s Internet Web site (https://www.sec.gov/rules/proposed. shtml). Comments are also available for Web site viewing and printing in the Commission’s Public Reference Room, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549, on official business days between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. All comments received will be posted without change; we do not edit personal identifying information from submissions. You should submit only information that you wish to make available publicly. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melissa S. Gainor, Attorney-Adviser, Vanessa M. Meeks, Attorney-Adviser, Sarah A. Buescher, Branch Chief, or Daniel S. Kahl, Assistant Director, at (202) 551–6787 or IArules@sec.gov, Office of Investment Adviser Regulation, Division of Investment Management, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, 100 F Street NE., Washington, DC 20549–8549. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Securities and Exchange Commission is proposing an amendment to temporary rule 206(3)–3T [17 CFR 275.206(3)–3T] under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 [15 U.S.C. 80b] that would extend the date on which the rule will sunset from December 31, 2012 to December 31, 2014. I. Background On September 24, 2007, we adopted, on an interim final basis, rule 206(3)– 3T, a temporary rule under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the ‘‘Advisers Act’’) that provides an alternative means for investment advisers that are registered with us as broker-dealers to meet the requirements of section 206(3) of the Advisers Act when they act in a principal capacity in transactions with certain of their advisory clients.1 The purpose of the rule was to permit broker-dealers to sell to their advisory clients, in the wake of Financial Planning Association v. SEC (the ‘‘FPA Decision’’),2 certain securities 1 Rule 206(3)–3T [17 CFR 275.206(3)–3T]. All references to rule 206(3)–3T and the various sections thereof in this release are to 17 CFR 275.206(3)–3T and its corresponding sections. See also Temporary Rule Regarding Principal Trades with Certain Advisory Clients, Investment Advisers Act Release No. 2653 (Sep. 24, 2007) [72 FR 55022 (Sep. 28, 2007)] (‘‘2007 Principal Trade Rule Release’’). 2 482 F.3d 481 (D.C. Cir. 2007). In the FPA Decision, handed down on March 30, 2007, the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated (subject to a subsequent stay until October 1, 2007) rule 202(a)(11)–1 under the Advisers Act. Rule 202(a)(11)–1 provided, among other things, that feebased brokerage accounts were not advisory accounts and were thus not subject to the Advisers Act. For further discussion of fee-based brokerage PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 62185 held in the proprietary accounts of their firms that might not be available on an agency basis—or might be available on an agency basis only on less attractive terms 3—while protecting clients from conflicts of interest as a result of such transactions.4 As initially adopted on an interim final basis, rule 206(3)–3T was set to sunset on December 31, 2009. In December 2009, however, we adopted rule 206(3)–3T as a final rule in the same form in which it was adopted on an interim final basis in 2007, except that we extended the rule’s sunset date by one year to December 31, 2010.5 We deferred final action on rule 206(3)–3T in December 2009 because we needed additional time to understand how, and in what situations, the rule was being used.6 In December 2010, we further extended the rule’s sunset date by two years to December 31, 2012.7 We deferred final action on rule 206(3)–3T at that time in order to complete a study required by section 913 of the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the ‘‘Dodd-Frank Act’’) 8 accounts, see 2007 Principal Trade Rule Release, Section I. 3 See 2007 Principal Trade Rule Release at nn.19– 20 and Section VI.C. 4 As a consequence of the FPA Decision, brokerdealers offering fee-based brokerage accounts with an advisory component became subject to the Advisers Act with respect to those accounts, and the client relationship became fully subject to the Advisers Act. These broker-dealers—to the extent they wanted to continue to offer fee-based accounts and met the requirements for registration—had to: register as investment advisers, if they had not done so already; act as fiduciaries with respect to those clients; disclose all material conflicts of interest; and otherwise fully comply with the Advisers Act, including the restrictions on principal trading contained in section 206(3) of the Act. See 2007 Principal Trade Rule Release, Section I. 5 See Temporary Rule Regarding Principal Trades with Certain Advisory Clients, Investment Advisers Act Release No. 2965 (Dec. 23, 2009) [74 FR 69009 (Dec. 30, 2009)] (‘‘2009 Extension Release’’); Temporary Rule Regarding Principal Trades with Certain Advisory Clients, Investment Advisers Act Release No. 2965A (Dec. 31, 2009) [75 FR 742 (Jan. 6, 2010)] (making a technical correction to the 2009 Extension Release). 6 See 2009 Extension Release, Section II.c. 7 See Temporary Rule Regarding Principal Trades with Certain Advisory Clients, Investment Advisers Act Release No. 3118 (Dec. 1, 2010) [75 FR 75650 (Dec. 6, 2010)] (proposing a two-year extension of rule 206(3)–3T’s sunset provision) (‘‘2010 Extension Proposing Release’’); Temporary Rule Regarding Principal Trades with Certain Advisory Clients, Investment Advisers Act Release No. 3128 (Dec. 28, 2010) [75 FR 82236 (Dec. 30, 2010)] (‘‘2010 Extension Release’’). 8 Public Law 111–203, 124 Stat. 1376 (2010). Under section 913 of the Dodd-Frank Act, we were required to conduct a study and provide a report to Congress concerning the obligations of brokerdealers and investment advisers, including standards of care applicable to those intermediaries and their associated persons. Section 913 also E:\FR\FM\12OCP1.SGM Continued 12OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 198 (Friday, October 12, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62182-62185]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-25131]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1070; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-099-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and 
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-
600 series airplanes); and Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This proposed AD would require 
modifying the electrical control circuits of the inner, center, and 
trim tank pumps, as applicable. We are proposing this AD to reduce 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.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 26, 
2012.

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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus SAS--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced

[[Page 62183]]

service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227- 2125; 
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-2012-1070; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-099-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 EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0091, dated May 25, 2012 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    [T]he FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 
88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published Interim 
Policy INT/POL/25/12.
    In the framework of these requirements, EASA have determined 
that the electrical power supply circuits of certain fuel pumps, 
installed on A300/A300-600, A310 and A300-600ST aeroplane, for which 
the canisters become uncovered during normal operation, could, under 
certain conditions, create an ignition source in the tank vapour 
space.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fuel tank 
explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed a 
modification which includes the installation of Ground Fault 
Interrupters (GFI) into the inner, centre, and trim tank fuel pump 
control circuits, providing additional system protection by 
electrically isolating the pump in case of a ground fault condition 
downstream of the GFI. For the reasons described above, this AD 
requires modification of the affected fuel pumps control circuit by 
installing GFI.

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

    The FAA has examined the underlying safety issues involved in fuel 
tank explosions on several large transport airplanes, including the 
adequacy of existing regulations, the service history of airplanes 
subject to those regulations, and existing maintenance practices for 
fuel tank systems. As a result of those findings, we issued a 
regulation titled ``Transport Airplane Fuel Tank System Design Review, 
Flammability Reduction and Maintenance and Inspection Requirements'' 
(66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). In addition to new airworthiness standards 
for transport airplanes and new maintenance requirements, this rule 
included Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 (``SFAR 88,'' 
Amendment 21-78, and subsequent Amendments 21-82 and 21-83).
    Among other actions, SFAR 88 (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001) requires 
certain type design (i.e., type certificate (TC) and supplemental type 
certificate (STC)) holders to substantiate that their fuel tank systems 
can prevent ignition sources in the fuel tanks. This requirement 
applies to type design holders for large turbine-powered transport 
airplanes and for subsequent modifications to those airplanes. It 
requires them to perform design reviews and to develop design changes 
and maintenance procedures if their designs do not meet the new fuel 
tank safety standards. As explained in the preamble to the rule, we 
intended to adopt airworthiness directives to mandate any changes found 
necessary to address unsafe conditions identified as a result of these 
reviews.
    In evaluating these design reviews, we have established four 
criteria intended to define the unsafe conditions associated with fuel 
tank systems that require corrective actions. The percentage of 
operating time during which fuel tanks are exposed to flammable 
conditions is one of these criteria. The other three criteria address 
the failure types under evaluation: single failures, single failures in 
combination with a latent condition(s), and in-service failure 
experience. For all four criteria, the evaluations included 
consideration of previous actions taken that may mitigate the need for 
further action.
    The Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) has issued a regulation that 
is similar to SFAR 88 (66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001). (The JAA is an 
associated body of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) 
representing the civil aviation regulatory authorities of a number of 
European States who have agreed to co-operate in developing and 
implementing common safety regulatory standards and procedures.) Under 
this regulation, the JAA stated that all members of the ECAC that hold 
type certificates for transport category airplanes are required to 
conduct a design review against explosion risks.
    We have determined that the actions identified in this AD are 
necessary to reduce 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.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Mandatory Service Bulletins A300-28-6104 and 
A310-28-2170, both dated February 28, 2012. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 162 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of

[[Page 62184]]

this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required 
parts would cost about $17,680 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 parts. 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 
$2,946,780, or $18,190 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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-2012-1070; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
099-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 26, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD; certificated in any category.
    (1) All Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622 
airplanes; Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 F4-
605R and F4-622R airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes.
    (2) All Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -
324, and -325 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). We are issuing this AD to 
reduce 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.

(f) Compliance

    You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD 
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions 
have already been done.

(g) Actions

    Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish 
the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, as 
applicable.
    (1) For Model A310 series airplanes: Modify the electrical 
control circuits of the inner, center, and trim tank pumps, as 
applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2170, dated February 28, 
2012.
    (2) For Model A300-600 airplanes: Modify the electrical control 
circuits of the inner, center, and trim tank pumps, as applicable, 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6104, dated February 28, 2012.

(h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Dan Rodina, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may 
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (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.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0091, dated 
May 25, 2012; and the service information identified in paragraphs 
(i)(1)(i) and (i)(1)(ii) of this AD; for related information.
    (i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A310-28-2170, dated 
February 28, 2012.
    (ii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A300-28-6104, dated 
February 28, 2012.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS--EAW (Airworthiness Office), 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; 
Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the 
referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on 
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.


[[Page 62185]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 3, 2012.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-25131 Filed 10-11-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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