[Federal Register: June 21, 2006 (Volume 71, Number 119)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 35575-35578]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr21jn06-34]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2006-25088; Directorate Identifier 2006 NM-085-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; 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)
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness
directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A300-600 series
airplanes. The existing AD currently requires an inspection for
evidence of chafing between the hydraulic flexible hose and the ram air
turbine (RAT) hub, and related investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. This proposed AD would extend the applicability to include
all A300-600 series airplanes that are equipped with a certain RAT.
This proposed AD results from reports of holes in the RAT hub cover. We
are proposing this AD to prevent a hole in the RAT hub cover. A hole in
the RAT hub cover could allow water to enter the RAT governing
mechanism, freeze during flight, and jam the governing mechanism. In
addition, the metal particles that result from chafing between the
hydraulic flexible hose and the RAT could mix with the lubricant grease
and degrade the governing mechanism. In an emergency, a jammed or
degraded RAT could result in its failure to deploy, loss of hydraulic
pressure or electrical power to the airplane, and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by July 21, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
[[Page 35576]]
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``Docket No.
FAA-2006-25088; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-085-AD'' at the
beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the
proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date
and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
On July 11, 2005, we issued AD 2005-15-05, amendment 39-14194 (70
FR 42267, July 22, 2005), for certain Airbus Model A300-600 series
airplanes. That AD requires an inspection for evidence of chafing
between the hydraulic flexible hose and the ram air turbine (RAT) hub,
and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. That AD
resulted from reports of holes in the RAT hub cover. We issued that AD
to prevent a hole in the RAT hub cover. A hole in the RAT hub cover
could allow water to enter the RAT governing mechanism, freeze during
flight, and jam the governing mechanism. In addition, the metal
particles that result from chafing between the hydraulic flexible hose
and the RAT could mix with the lubricant grease and degrade the
governing mechanism. In an emergency, a jammed or degraded RAT could
result in its failure to deploy, loss of hydraulic pressure or
electrical power to the airplane, and consequent reduced
controllability of the airplane.
Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued
Since we issued AD 2005-15-05, the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale
de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for
France, reported that a hole in the RAT hub cover was reported on an
airplane that was not included in the effectivity of French
airworthiness directive F-2004-133, dated August 4, 2004. French
airworthiness directive F-2004-133 parallels AD 2005-15-05.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A300-29-6054, Revision 02, dated
January 12, 2006. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6054, Revision 01,
excluding Appendix 01, dated November 4, 2004, was referenced as the
appropriate source of service information for doing the action required
by AD 2005-15-05. The procedures in Revision 02 and Revision 01 are
essentially the same. Revision 02 extends the effectivity to include
all A300-600 series airplanes that are equipped with a Hamilton
Sundstrand RAT. Accomplishing the actions specified in the service
information is intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The
FCAA mandated the service information and issued French airworthiness
directive F-2006-035, dated February 1, 2006, to ensure the continued
airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that AD action is
necessary for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
This proposed AD would supersede AD 2005-15-05 and would retain the
requirements of the existing AD. This proposed AD would also add
airplanes to the applicability.
Clarification of Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Paragraph
We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.
Explanation of Change to Costs of Compliance
After the original NPRM was issued, we reviewed the figures we have
used over the past several years to calculate AD costs to operators. To
account for various inflationary costs in the airline industry, we find
it necessary to increase the labor rate used in these calculations from
$65 per work hour to $80 per work hour. The cost impact information,
below, reflects this increase in the specified hourly labor rate.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this proposed AD.
[[Page 35577]]
Estimated Costs
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Number of U.S.-
Action Work hours Average labor Cost per registered Fleet cost
rate per hour airplane airplanes
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Inspection (required by AD 2005- 1 $80 $80 120 $9,600
15-05).........................
Rework binding (required by AD 1 80 80 120 9,600
2005-15-05)....................
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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 have 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 that the 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. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
removing amendment 39-14194 (70 FR 42267, July 22, 2005) and adding the
following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2006-25088; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
085-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by July 21,
2006.
Affected ADs
(b) This AD supersedes AD 2005-15-05.
Applicability
(c) 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; certificated in any category; equipped with a Hamilton
Sundstrand Ram Air Turbine (RAT).
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from reports of holes in the ram air turbine
(RAT) hub cover. We are issuing this AD to prevent a hole in the RAT
hub cover. A hole in the RAT hub cover could allow water to enter
the RAT governing mechanism, freeze during flight, and jam the
governing mechanism. In addition, the metal particles that result
from chafing between the hydraulic flexible hose and the RAT could
mix with the lubricant grease and degrade the governing mechanism.
In an emergency, a jammed or degraded RAT could result in its
failure to deploy, loss of hydraulic pressure or electrical power to
the airplane, and consequent reduced controllability of the
airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Restatement of the Requirements of AD 2005-15-05 With Compliance Times
for New Airplanes
Inspection and Related Investigative/Corrective Actions
(f) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1) or
(f)(2) of this AD: Do a one-time detailed inspection for evidence of
chafing between the hydraulic flexible hose and the RAT hub, and any
applicable related investigative and corrective actions, by
accomplishing all of the applicable actions specified in the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-29-6054,
Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, dated November 4, 2004; or
Revision 02, dated January 12, 2006. After the effective date of
this AD, only Revision 02 may be used. Any applicable corrective
actions must be accomplished before further flight. Where the
service bulletin specifies to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, and to submit damaged RATs to the vendor or a repair
station, this AD does not include those requirements.
(1) For airplanes having serial numbers (S/Ns) 0812, 0813, 0815
through 0818 inclusive, 0821 through 0828 inclusive, and 0836
through 0838 inclusive: Within 2,500 flight hours after August 26,
2005 (the effective date of AD 2005-15-05).
(2) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD:
Within 2,500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
Actions Accomplished Previously
(g) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD,
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-29-6054, excluding Appendix 01, dated June 8, 2004,
are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions
specified in this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
[[Page 35578]]
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
(3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2005-15-05
are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.
Related Information
(i) French airworthiness directive F-2006-035, dated February 1,
2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-9715 Filed 6-20-06; 8:45 am]
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