[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 30 (Wednesday, February 14, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 6977-6980]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-2513]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27257; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-131-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes; and 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 adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for all Airbus Model A300 airplanes and Model A300-600 series 
airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine the 
part number of the sliding rods of the main landing gear (MLG) 
retraction actuators. For MLG retraction actuators equipped with 
sliding rods having certain part numbers, this proposed AD would also 
require inspecting for discrepancies, including but not limited to 
cracking, of the sliding rod; and performing corrective actions if 
necessary. This proposed AD results from a report of a failure of a 
sliding rod of the MLG retraction actuator before the actuator reached 
the life limit established by the manufacturer. We are proposing this 
AD to prevent failure of the sliding rod of the MLG retraction 
actuator, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
MLG.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 16, 2007.

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.
     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: Thomas 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 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 ``FAA-2007-
27257; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-131-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

[[Page 6978]]

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

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, notified us that 
an unsafe condition may exist on all Airbus Model A300 airplanes; and 
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). The EASA advises of a report of a failure of a sliding rod 
of the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuator. The total number of 
flight cycles on the actuator at the time of the failure was close to, 
but below, the life limit of 32,000 flight cycles established by the 
manufacturer. Failure of a sliding rod of the MLG retraction actuator, 
if not corrected, could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
MLG.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A300-32-0450 (for Model A300 
airplanes) and A300-32-6097 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes), both 
Revision 01, both dated May 10, 2006. The service bulletins describe 
procedures for inspecting to determine the part number (P/N) of the 
sliding rod of the MLG retraction actuators on the left-hand and right-
hand MLGs. For MLG retraction actuators equipped with sliding rods 
having certain part numbers, the service bulletins describe procedures 
for detailed and high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections to 
detect discrepancies, including but not limited to cracking, of the 
thread of the sliding rod, and corrective actions if necessary. The 
corrective action, if any discrepancy is found, is replacing the MLG 
retraction actuator with a new or serviceable actuator that has a new 
sliding rod. The service bulletins also note that the MLG retraction 
actuator must be replaced with a new or serviceable actuator before the 
32,000-flight-cycle life limit, regardless of the inspection findings. 
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The EASA mandated 
the service information and issued airworthiness directive 2006-0075R2, 
dated January 4, 2007, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in the European Union.
    The Airbus service bulletins refer to Messier-Dowty Special 
Inspection Service Bulletin 470-32-806, dated October 27, 2005, as an 
additional source of service information for performing the detailed 
and HFEC inspections to detect discrepancies of the sliding rod.

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. As described in FAA 
Order 8100.14A, ``Interim Procedures for Working with the European 
Community on Airworthiness Certification and Continued Airworthiness,'' 
dated August 12, 2005, the EASA has kept the FAA informed of the 
situation described above. We have examined the EASA's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously. This proposed AD would also require repeating the 
inspections in this proposed AD on MLG retraction actuators installed 
in accordance with this proposed AD prior to the accumulation of 27,000 
flight cycles on those actuators.

Difference Between the Proposed AD and the EASA Airworthiness Directive

    The EASA airworthiness directive specifies that MLG retraction 
actuator rods that have reached the life limit of 32,000 flight cycles 
must be returned to Messier-Dowty. However, this proposed AD would not 
require that action. We have included a reminder to operators in Note 3 
of this proposed AD that the MLG retraction actuator rod must be 
replaced before the 32,000-flight-cycle life limit specified in the 
applicable airworthiness limitations document.

Clarification of Requirement To Repeat Inspections

    The EASA's airworthiness directive and the referenced Airbus 
service bulletins do not specifically state that the inspections must 
be accomplished on all actuators installed from spares when they reach 
the inspection threshold. However, we have determined that these 
inspections are necessary on any MLG retraction actuator equipped with 
a sliding rod having P/N C69029-2 or C69029-3 when the MLG retraction 
actuator reaches the thresholds specified in this proposed AD. This is 
consistent with the intent of the EASA's airworthiness directive and 
the service bulletins.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD, at an average labor rate of $80 per 
hour, per inspection cycle.

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                         Number of
                                         Work                                Cost per      U.S.-
               Action                   hours              Parts             airplane    registered   Fleet cost
                                                                                         airplanes
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Inspection to determine part number.          1  None....................          $80          168      $13,440
Inspections for discrepancies.......         11  None....................          880          168      147,840
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[[Page 6979]]

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 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2007-27257; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
131-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by March 16, 
2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes; and all 
Airbus Model A300 B4-601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-620, A300 B4-622, 
A300 B4-605R, A300 B4-622R, A300 F4-605R, A300 F4-622R, and A300 C4-
605R Variant F airplanes; certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of a failure of a sliding rod 
of the main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuator before the 
actuator reached the life limit established by the manufacturer. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the sliding rod of the MLG 
retraction actuator, which could result in reduced structural 
integrity of the MLG.

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.

Service Bulletin Reference

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletins identified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Where these 
service bulletins refer to an inspection report, this AD does not 
require submitting an inspection report.
    (1) For Model A300 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-
0450, Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, dated May 10, 2006.
    (2) For Model A300 B4-601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-620, A300 B4-
622, A300 B4-605R, A300 B4-622R, A300 F4-605R, A300 F4-622R, and 
A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-
6097, Revision 01, excluding Appendix 01, dated May 10, 2006.


    Note 1: The Airbus service bulletins refer to Messier-Dowty 
Special Inspection Service Bulletin 470-32-806, dated October 27, 
2005, as an additional source of service information for performing 
detailed and high-frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections to 
detect discrepancies of the sliding rod.

Inspection to Determine Part Number (P/N) of Sliding Rod

    (g) At the time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this 
AD, whichever is later, do a one-time inspection to determine the 
part number of the sliding rod of the MLG retraction actuator, in 
accordance with the applicable service bulletin. If no sliding rod 
having P/N C69029-2 or C69029-3 is installed, no further action is 
required by this paragraph.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 27,000 total flight cycles on the 
MLG retraction actuator.
    (2) Within 1,000 landings or 12 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever is first.

Inspection for Discrepancies of Sliding Rod

    (h) For MLG retraction actuators equipped with sliding rods 
having P/N C69029-2 or C69029-3: At the later of the times specified 
in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, perform detailed and HFEC 
inspections of the sliding rod of the MLG retraction actuators on 
the left-hand and right-hand MLGs, in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletin. Then, before further flight, perform all 
applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletin.


    Note 2: 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.''


    Note 3: Operators should note that the MLG retraction actuator 
rod must be replaced with a new or serviceable actuator rod before 
the 32,000-flight-cycle life limit specified in the applicable 
airworthiness limitations document, regardless of the inspection 
findings.

Parts Installation for MLG Retraction Actuator Rod

    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, 
on any airplane, an MLG retraction actuator that is equipped with a 
sliding rod having P/N C69029-2 or C69029-3, and on which the 
retraction actuator rod has accumulated 27,000 total flight cycles 
or more, unless paragraph (h) of this AD is accomplished.

Actions Accomplished According to a Previous Issue of the Service 
Bulletins

    (j) Inspections and corrective actions done before the effective 
date of this AD in accordance with the following service bulletins 
are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of 
this AD:
    (1) For Model A300 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-
0450, excluding Appendix 01, dated December 1, 2005.
    (2) For Model A300 B4-601, A300 B4-603, A300 B4-620, A300 B4-
622, A300 B4-605R, A300 B4-622R, A300 F4-605R, A300 F4-622R, and 
A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin A300-32-
6097, excluding Appendix 01, dated December 1, 2005.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs

[[Page 6980]]

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 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (l) European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness directive 
2006-0075R2, dated January 4, 2007, also addresses the subject of 
this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 6, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-2513 Filed 2-13-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P