[Federal Register: September 18, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 180)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 53102-53104]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr18se07-3]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-28372; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-080-AD;
Amendment 39-15194; AD 2007-19-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300F4-605R and A300F4-
622R Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of
[[Page 53103]]
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
Further to cases of parking brake loss at the gate, a pressure
switch system had been introduced on some A300-600 aircraft. The aim
of this modification was to recover pedals braking authority if
parking brake is not efficient, without having to set the parking
brake handle to OFF.
However, it appears that in case of failure of the pressure
switch system, there is the risk of double (normal and alternate)
pressurization of the brakes potentially leading to undetected
residual braking, which may lead to a loss of performances of the
aircraft at Take-Off.
The loss of performance could result in runway overrun or impact
with obstacles or terrain during takeoff. We are issuing this AD to
require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective October 23, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 23,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.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: 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:
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 June 11, 2007 (72 FR
32025). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Further to cases of parking brake loss at the gate, a pressure
switch system had been introduced on some A300-600 aircraft. The aim
of this modification was to recover pedals braking authority if
parking brake is not efficient, without having to set the parking
brake handle to OFF.
However, it appears that in case of failure of the pressure
switch system, there is the risk of double (normal and alternate)
pressurization of the brakes potentially leading to undetected
residual braking, which may lead to a loss of performances of the
aircraft at Take-Off.
This new AD requires accomplishment of a wiring modification
that will inhibit the effect of modifications 12088 and 12403.
The loss of performance could result in runway overrun or impact with
obstacles or terrain during takeoff. You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
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 required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD affects
about 51 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it takes
about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of
this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Where the service
information lists required labor costs that are covered under warranty
at the operator's agreed in-house warranty labor rate, 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 this AD on U.S. operators to be $12,240, or $240 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 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 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); 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
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 the NPRM, 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
0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
[[Page 53104]]
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:
2007-19-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-15194. Docket No. FAA-2007-28372;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-080-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October
23, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A300F4-605R and A300F4-622R
airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers; on
which Airbus Modifications 12088 and 12403 have been embodied during
production, or which incorporated Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-
6085 in service, except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 12618
has been embodied during production, or which incorporated Airbus
Service Bulletin A300-32-6100 in service.
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
Gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
Further to cases of parking brake loss at the gate, a pressure
switch system had been introduced on some A300-600 aircraft. The aim
of this modification was to recover pedals braking authority if
parking brake is not efficient, without having to set the parking
brake handle to OFF.
However, it appears that in case of failure of the pressure
switch system, there is the risk of double (normal and alternate)
pressurization of the brakes potentially leading to undetected
residual braking, which may lead to a loss of performances of the
aircraft at Take-Off.
This new AD requires accomplishment of a wiring modification
that will inhibit the effect of modifications 12088 and 12403.
The loss of performance could result in runway overrun or impact
with obstacles or terrain during takeoff.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD unless
already done: Modify the wiring in the right electronics rack 90VU
(volt unit), in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-32-6100, dated September 18, 2006.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, 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, 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 European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2007-0068, dated March 14, 2007; and Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-32-6100, dated September 18, 2006; for related
information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-6100, dated
September 18, 2006, to do the actions required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
(3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information
on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030,
or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html
.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 31, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-18050 Filed 9-17-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P