[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 158 (Thursday, August 16, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 45976-45978]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-16109]


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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