[Federal Register: August 16, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 158)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 45976-45978]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16au07-28]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28922; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-132-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
An incident occurred on one A300-600 aircraft at parking brake
application. Both engines were running, the aircraft started moving
again despite parking brake application. Captain tried to stop the
aircraft via the pedals but, as the parking brake selector valve was
selected, the aircraft could not be stopped (as per design,
activation of the parking brake inhibits the other braking modes,
and consequently prevents the recovery of the normal braking through
the pedals). As part of the investigation, the pressure limiter was
removed and examined. The expertise revealed a metallic wire aimed
at reducing the section of one port of this equipment was found
broken. A part of this wire partially obstructed the hole receiving
this wire, thus delaying the build up of parking brake pressure.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 17,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
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: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.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: Tom Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
28922; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-132-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 http://dms.dot.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 2007-0151, dated May 22, 2007 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
An incident occurred on one A300-600 aircraft at parking brake
application. Both engines were running, the aircraft started moving
again despite parking brake application. Captain tried to stop the
aircraft via the pedals but, as the parking brake selector valve was
selected, the aircraft could not be stopped (as per design,
activation of the parking brake inhibits the other braking modes,
and consequently prevents the recovery of the normal braking through
the pedals). As part of the investigation, the pressure limiter was
removed and examined. The expertise revealed a metallic wire aimed
at reducing the section of one port of this equipment was found
broken. A part of this wire partially obstructed the hole receiving
this wire, thus delaying the build up of parking brake pressure. In
order to avoid recurrence of the failure mode described above, EASA
issued Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2006-0178 to require the
replacement of the parking brake pressure limiter (FIN 323292).
During embodiment of SB (Service Bulletin) 32-2133 on an A310 as
per AD 2006-0178 (EASA AD 2006-0178 corresponds to FAA AD 2007-02-
21, amendment 39-14908), an operator reported that the modified
pressure limiter could not be fitted. Subsequent investigation
concluded that A310 installation being slightly different from A300-
600 aircraft, the approved solution was not directly adaptable to
A310 aircraft.
* * * This new AD, dealing with the same subject, requires the
replacement of the brake pressure limiter by accomplishment of
Airbus SB A310-32-2133, which has been
[[Page 45977]]
revised to include the adaptation kit for A310 aircraft.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A310-32-2133, Revision 02, dated
February 26, 2007. The actions described in this service information
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 68 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 this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Labor costs may be covered under warranty as described in
the service information. Required parts would cost about $0 per
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no
charge for these costs. As we do not control warranty coverage for
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD
on U.S. operators to be $32,640, or $480 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
AIRBUS: Docket No. FAA-2007-28922; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
132-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by September 17, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A310 series airplanes,
certificated in any category, except airplanes on which Airbus
Service Bulletin A310-32-2133, Revision 02, dated February 26, 2007,
has been embodied in service.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
An incident occurred on one A300-600 aircraft at parking brake
application. Both engines were running, the aircraft started moving
again despite parking brake application. Captain tried to stop the
aircraft via the pedals but, as the parking brake selector valve was
selected, the aircraft could not be stopped (as per design,
activation of the parking brake inhibits the other braking modes,
and consequently prevents the recovery of the normal braking through
the pedals). As part of the investigation, the pressure limiter was
removed and examined. The expertise revealed a metallic wire aimed
at reducing the section of one port of this equipment was found
broken. A part of this wire partially obstructed the hole receiving
this wire, thus delaying the build up of parking brake pressure. In
order to avoid recurrence of the failure mode described above, EASA
(European Aviation Safety Agency), issued Airworthiness Directive
(AD) 2006-0178 to require the replacement of the parking brake
pressure limiter (FIN 323292).
During embodiment of SB (Service Bulletin) 32-2133 on an A310 as
per AD 2006-0178 [EASA AD 2006-0178 corresponds to FAA AD 2007-02-
21, amendment 39-14908], an operator reported that the modified
pressure limiter could not be fitted. Subsequent investigation
concluded that A310 installation being slightly different from A300-
600 aircraft, the approved solution was not directly adaptable to
A310 aircraft.
* * * This new AD, dealing with the same subject, requires the
replacement of the brake pressure limiter by accomplishment of
Airbus SB A310-32-2133, which has been revised to include the
adaptation kit for A310 aircraft.
[[Page 45978]]
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) Within 10 months after the effective date of this AD,
replace the parking brake pressure limiter (FIN 323292), in
accordance with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin
A310-32-2133, Revision 02, dated February 26, 2007.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No difference.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tom
Stafford, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1622; fax (425) 227-1149.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0151, dated
May 22, 2007; Airbus Service Bulletin A310-32-2133, Revision 02,
dated February 26, 2007; and Messier-Bugatti Service Bulletin
C24264-32-848, dated February 15, 2006, for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-16109 Filed 8-15-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P