Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300F4-605R and A300F4-622R Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 180 (Tuesday, September 18, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53102-53104]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-18050]


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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

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