Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 9581-9583 [2013-02895]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 28 / Monday, February 11, 2013 / Rules and Regulations b. By revising paragraphs (e)(1)(iii), (e)(3)(i) introductory text, (e)(3)(i)(B), and (e)(4)(ii). The revisions read as follows: ■ § 93.301 General prohibitions; exceptions. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES * * * * * (d) * * * (1) * * * (ii) * * * (D) For Spanish Pure Breed horses and thoroughbred horses over 731 days of age, cultures negative for CEM were obtained from three sets of specimens collected within a 12-day period from the mucosal surfaces of the clitoral fossa and the clitoral sinuses, with one set of specimens including a specimen from the surfaces of the distal cervix or endometrium, of any female horses and from the surfaces of the prepuce, the urethral sinus, the distal urethra, and the fossa glandis, including the diverticulum of the fossa glandis, of any male horses. * * * * * * * * (e) * * * (1) * * * (iii) A set of specimens must be collected from each horse within 30 days prior to the date of export by a licensed veterinarian who either is, or is acting in the presence of, the veterinarian signing the certificate. For stallions, the set of specimens consists of one culture swab from each location shall be taken from the prepuce, the urethral sinus, the distal urethra, and the fossa glandis, including the diverticulum of the fossa glandis; for mares, the specimens must be collected from the mucosal surfaces of the clitoral fossa, clitoral sinuses, and the distal cervix or endometrium in nonpregnant mares. All of the specimens collected must be cultured for CEM with negative results in a laboratory approved to culture for CEM by the national veterinary service of the region of origin; * * * * * (3) * * * (i) Once the stallion is in the approved State, one specimen each shall be taken from the prepuce, the urethral sinus, the distal urethra, and the fossa glandis, including the diverticulum of the fossa glandis, of the stallion and be cultured for CEM. After negative results have been obtained, the stallion must be test bred to two test mares that meet the requirements of paragraph (e)(4) of this section. Upon completion of the test breeding: * * * * * (B) Each mare to which the stallion has been test bred shall be cultured for CEM from three sets of specimens from the mucosal surfaces of the clitoral fossa VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:06 Feb 08, 2013 Jkt 229001 9581 and clitoral sinuses, with one set of specimens including a specimen from either the distal cervix or endometrium, between the third and fourteenth day after breeding, with negative results. The sets of specimens must be collected on three separate occasions within a 12day period with no less than 72 hours between each set. A complement fixation test for CEM must be done with negative results between the twenty-first and twenty-eighth day after the breeding. * * * * * (4) * * * (ii) The test mares must be qualified prior to breeding as apparently free from CEM and may not be used for breeding from the time specimens are taken to qualify the mares as free from CEM. To qualify, each mare shall be tested with negative results by a complement fixation test for CEM, and specimens taken from each mare shall be cultured negative for CEM. Sets of specimens shall be collected on three separate occasions from the mucosal surfaces of the clitoral fossa and the clitoral sinuses, with one set of specimens including a specimen from either the distal cervix or endometrium, within a 12-day period with no less than 72 hours between each set. * * * * * series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking through the honeycomb core closed with phenolic resin. This condition could result in extended debonding and could adversely affect the structural integrity of the rudder. This AD requires inspecting to determine the serial number of a certain rudder and replacing the rudder with a new or serviceable rudder if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent extended debonding, which could result in loss of the rudder and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 18, 2013. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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: Done in Washington, DC, this 6th day of February 2013. Kevin Shea, Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2012 (77 FR 59149). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) states: [FR Doc. 2013–03024 Filed 2–8–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–1002; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–052–AD; Amendment 39–17346; AD 2013–03–11] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300–600 SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 Following in-service findings reported by an operator, rudder laboratory investigation revealed the existence of a crack through the honeycomb core closed with phenolic resin. This condition if not detected and corrected, could result in extended de-bonding, which would adversely affect the structural integrity of the rudder. The loss of the rudder could lead to degradation of the handling qualities and reduces the controllability of the aeroplane. Further investigations identified a batch of five affected rudders. For the reasons described above, this [European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)] AD [2012–0006, dated January 12, 2012] requires [inspecting to determine the serial number (S/N) of a certain rudder and] the replacement of the five affected rudders with [new or] serviceable ones. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. E:\FR\FM\11FER1.SGM 11FER1 9582 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 28 / Monday, February 11, 2013 / Rules and Regulations Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comments received. Request To Supersede AD 2010–16–13, Amendment 39–16390 (75 FR 49370, August 13, 2010) UPS requested that the NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012) supersede AD 2010–16–13, Amendment 39–16390 (75 FR 49370, August 13, 2010). UPS stated that three serial numbers in the NPRM are also the subject of AD 2010– 16–13, which could create conflicting actions for the same component. We disagree with the request to supersede AD 2010–16–13, Amendment 39–16390 (75 FR 49370, August 13, 2010). AD 2010–16–13 is a comprehensive inspection program to verify the integrity of the bonding between the skin and honeycomb core of many rudders, whereas this AD is a complete replacement due to in-service findings of a crack through the honeycomb core. While the actions in AD 2010–16–13 apply to multiple rudders, the replacement required by this AD is limited to 5 rudders. Since the 5 rudders have to be replaced within 3 months, and AD 2010–16–13 applies to many rudders with a various repetitive inspection interval, it is unlikely that the inspection and replacement requirements would overlap. In addition, depending upon which rudder is installed by an operator, the inspection program required by AD 2010–16–13 may or may not apply. No change has been made to this AD in this regard. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES Request for Justification of NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012) An anonymous commenter requested justification for the actions required by the NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012). The commenter suggested that we ground the airplanes, inspect, and fix them, in order to ‘‘stop wasting time and taxpayer money.’’ We disagree with the commenter’s suggestion for addressing the identified unsafe condition. Under part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39), we issue an AD addressing a product when we find that an unsafe condition exists in the product, and the condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design. In the case of this AD, we determined that the unsafe condition is de-bonding, which could result in loss of the rudder and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. Further, under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (Pub. L. 79–404, 5 VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:06 Feb 08, 2013 Jkt 229001 U.S.C. § 551, et seq.) we are required to provide notice of our intent to add, change, or remove information in a rule, as well as to give the public an opportunity to participate in rulemaking actions unless we find good cause to bypass those requirements. (The APA is a body of laws that, working together, provides minimum guidelines and rules that federal agencies are required to follow when issuing a rule or changing existing rules that, if adopted, would impact the rights of the regulated public.) We have followed these requirements in issuing this AD. Finally, in ADs, we specify a compliance time to incorporate and schedule the actions into operators’ maintenance programs to prevent unnecessary grounding of airplanes. We find that no change to this AD is necessary in response to the commenter’s request. Conclusion We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012). Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 170 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 workhour per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $14,450, or $85 per product. In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $714,100, for a cost of $714,950 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket. 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 the NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, E:\FR\FM\11FER1.SGM 11FER1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 28 / Monday, February 11, 2013 / Rules and Regulations 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. [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: ■ 2013–03–11 Airbus: Amendment 39–17346. Docket No. FAA–2012–1002; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–052–AD. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 18, 2013. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4– 601, B4–603, B4–620, B4–622, B4–605R, B4– 622R, F4–605R, F4–622R, and C4–605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310–203, –204, –221, –222, –304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers, except those airplanes on which Airbus modification 08827 has been incorporated in production. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of cracking through the honeycomb core closed with phenolic resin. This condition could result in extended debonding and could adversely affect the structural integrity of the rudder. We are issuing this AD to prevent extended de-bonding, which could result in loss of the rudder and consequent reduced controllability 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. erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES (g) Inspection Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the rudder having part number (P/N) A55471500, to determine if the rudder has serial number (S/N) HF1010, HF1036, HF1059, HF1061, or HF1064. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the serial number of the rudder can be conclusively determined from that review. (h) Rudder Replacement If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any rudder having S/N HF1010, HF1036, HF1059, HF1061, or HF1064 is found, before further flight, replace the rudder with a new or serviceable rudder, using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM– VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:06 Feb 08, 2013 Jkt 229001 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). Note 1 to Paragraph (h) of this AD: Rudders having S/N HF1010, HF1036, HF1059, HF1061, and HF1064 were installed on airplanes having S/N 0295, 0297, 0321, 0355, and 0500; however, each rudder may have been moved to another airplane. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (i) Parts Installation Prohibition the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: § 39.13 9583 AGENCY: As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a rudder P/N A55471500, having S/N HF1010, HF1036, HF1059, HF1061, or HF1064, on any airplane. SUMMARY: Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 95 [Docket No. 30886; Amdt. No. 505] IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous Amendments Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule. 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-116AMOC-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. This amendment adopts miscellaneous amendments to the required IFR (instrument flight rules) altitudes and changeover points for certain Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes for which a minimum or maximum en route authorized IFR altitude is prescribed. This regulatory action is needed because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace under instrument conditions in the affected areas. DATES: Effective Date: 0901 UTC, March 7, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rick Dunham, Flight Procedure Standards Branch (AMCAFS–420), Flight Technologies and Programs Division, Flight Standards Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Mike Monroney, Aeronautical Center, 6500 South MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73169 (Mail Address: P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125), telephone: (405) 954–4164. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This amendment to part 95 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 95) amends, suspends, or revokes IFR altitudes governing the operation of all aircraft in flight over a specified route or any portion of that route, as well as the changeover points (COPs) for Federal airways, jet routes, or direct routes as prescribed in part 95. (k) Related Information The Rule Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012–0006, dated January 12, 2012, for related information. The specified IFR altitudes, when used in conjunction with the prescribed changeover points for those routes, ensure navigation aid coverage that is adequate for safe flight operations and free of frequency interference. The reasons and circumstances that create the need for this amendment involve matters of flight safety and operational efficiency in the National Airspace System, are related to published aeronautical charts that are essential to the user, and provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace. In addition, those various reasons or (j) Other FAA AD Provisions (l) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 30, 2013. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2013–02895 Filed 2–8–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\11FER1.SGM 11FER1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 28 (Monday, February 11, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 9581-9583]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-02895]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1002; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-052-AD; 
Amendment 39-17346; AD 2013-03-11]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and 
Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 
series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports of cracking through the honeycomb core closed with 
phenolic resin. This condition could result in extended debonding and 
could adversely affect the structural integrity of the rudder. This AD 
requires inspecting to determine the serial number of a certain rudder 
and replacing the rudder with a new or serviceable rudder if necessary. 
We are issuing this AD to prevent extended de-bonding, which could 
result in loss of the rudder and consequent reduced controllability of 
the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 18, 2013.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 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: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 26, 2012 
(77 FR 59149). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information (MCAI) states:

    Following in-service findings reported by an operator, rudder 
laboratory investigation revealed the existence of a crack through 
the honeycomb core closed with phenolic resin. This condition if not 
detected and corrected, could result in extended de-bonding, which 
would adversely affect the structural integrity of the rudder. The 
loss of the rudder could lead to degradation of the handling 
qualities and reduces the controllability of the aeroplane.
    Further investigations identified a batch of five affected 
rudders.
    For the reasons described above, this [European Aviation Safety 
Agency (EASA)] AD [2012-0006, dated January 12, 2012] requires 
[inspecting to determine the serial number (S/N) of a certain rudder 
and] the replacement of the five affected rudders with [new or] 
serviceable ones.

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

[[Page 9582]]

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

Request To Supersede AD 2010-16-13, Amendment 39-16390 (75 FR 49370, 
August 13, 2010)

    UPS requested that the NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012) 
supersede AD 2010-16-13, Amendment 39-16390 (75 FR 49370, August 13, 
2010). UPS stated that three serial numbers in the NPRM are also the 
subject of AD 2010-16-13, which could create conflicting actions for 
the same component.
    We disagree with the request to supersede AD 2010-16-13, Amendment 
39-16390 (75 FR 49370, August 13, 2010). AD 2010-16-13 is a 
comprehensive inspection program to verify the integrity of the bonding 
between the skin and honeycomb core of many rudders, whereas this AD is 
a complete replacement due to in-service findings of a crack through 
the honeycomb core. While the actions in AD 2010-16-13 apply to 
multiple rudders, the replacement required by this AD is limited to 5 
rudders. Since the 5 rudders have to be replaced within 3 months, and 
AD 2010-16-13 applies to many rudders with a various repetitive 
inspection interval, it is unlikely that the inspection and replacement 
requirements would overlap. In addition, depending upon which rudder is 
installed by an operator, the inspection program required by AD 2010-
16-13 may or may not apply. No change has been made to this AD in this 
regard.

Request for Justification of NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012)

    An anonymous commenter requested justification for the actions 
required by the NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012). The commenter 
suggested that we ground the airplanes, inspect, and fix them, in order 
to ``stop wasting time and taxpayer money.''
    We disagree with the commenter's suggestion for addressing the 
identified unsafe condition. Under part 39 of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (14 CFR part 39), we issue an AD addressing a product when 
we find that an unsafe condition exists in the product, and the 
condition is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same 
type design. In the case of this AD, we determined that the unsafe 
condition is de-bonding, which could result in loss of the rudder and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
    Further, under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (Pub. L. 79-
404, 5 U.S.C. Sec.  551, et seq.) we are required to provide notice of 
our intent to add, change, or remove information in a rule, as well as 
to give the public an opportunity to participate in rulemaking actions 
unless we find good cause to bypass those requirements. (The APA is a 
body of laws that, working together, provides minimum guidelines and 
rules that federal agencies are required to follow when issuing a rule 
or changing existing rules that, if adopted, would impact the rights of 
the regulated public.) We have followed these requirements in issuing 
this AD.
    Finally, in ADs, we specify a compliance time to incorporate and 
schedule the actions into operators' maintenance programs to prevent 
unnecessary grounding of airplanes.
    We find that no change to this AD is necessary in response to the 
commenter's request.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 170 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $14,450, or $85 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $714,100, for a cost 
of $714,950 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

Authority for This Rulemaking

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

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 the NPRM (77 FR 59149, September 26, 
2012), the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will 
be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator,

[[Page 9583]]

the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2013-03-11 Airbus: Amendment 39-17346. Docket No. FAA-2012-1002; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-052-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective March 18, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-
622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F 
airplanes; and Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324, 
and -325 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial 
numbers, except those airplanes on which Airbus modification 08827 
has been incorporated in production.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55, Stabilizers.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracking through the 
honeycomb core closed with phenolic resin. This condition could 
result in extended debonding and could adversely affect the 
structural integrity of the rudder. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent extended de-bonding, which could result in loss of the 
rudder and consequent reduced controllability 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) Inspection

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, inspect the 
rudder having part number (P/N) A55471500, to determine if the 
rudder has serial number (S/N) HF1010, HF1036, HF1059, HF1061, or 
HF1064. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in 
lieu of this inspection if the serial number of the rudder can be 
conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Rudder Replacement

    If, during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any rudder having S/N HF1010, HF1036, HF1059, HF1061, or HF1064 is 
found, before further flight, replace the rudder with a new or 
serviceable rudder, using a method approved by either the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated 
agent).

    Note 1 to Paragraph (h) of this AD:  Rudders having S/N HF1010, 
HF1036, HF1059, HF1061, and HF1064 were installed on airplanes 
having S/N 0295, 0297, 0321, 0355, and 0500; however, each rudder 
may have been moved to another airplane.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
rudder P/N A55471500, having S/N HF1010, HF1036, HF1059, HF1061, or 
HF1064, on any airplane.

(j) 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.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0006, dated 
January 12, 2012, for related information.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 30, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-02895 Filed 2-8-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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