Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 241 / Thursday, December 16, 2004 / Proposed Rules 75277

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 

supplemental NPRM would not have 

federalism implications under Executive 

Order 13132. This supplemental NPRM 

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 supplemental NPRM. 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.

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new airworthiness 

directive (AD):

BAE Systems (Operations) Limited 

(Formerly British Aerospace Regional 

Aircraft): Docket No. FAA–2004–18678; 

Directorate Identifier 2001–NM–312–AD. 

Comments Due Date 

(a) The Federal Aviation Administration 

must receive comments on this AD action by 

January 10, 2005. 

Affected ADs 

(b) None. 

Applicability 

(c) This AD applies to all BAE Systems 

(Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and 

Avro 146–RJ series airplanes, certificated in 

any category. 

Unsafe Condition 

(d) This AD was prompted by evidence of 

cracking due to fatigue along the edges of 

certain chemi-etched pockets in the rear 

fuselage upper skin. We are issuing this AD 

to prevent a possible sudden loss of cabin 

pressure and consequent injury to passengers 

and flightcrew. 

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. 

Inspection and Repair 

(f) Within the applicable compliance times 

specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this 

AD, perform a detailed inspection to detect 

cracking of the center and rear fuselage skin, 

including all the lap joints at stringers 2, 10, 

19, and 30, in accordance with the 

Accomplishment Instructions of BAE 

Systems (Operations) Limited Inspection 

Service Bulletin ISB.53–164, dated July 10, 

2001.

Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a 

detailed inspection is: ‘‘An intensive visual 

examination of a specific structural area, 

system, installation, or assembly to detect 

damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 

lighting is normally supplemented with a 

direct source of good lighting at intensity 

deemed appropriate by the inspector. 

Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying 

lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 

and elaborate access procedures may be 

required.’’

(1) For Model Avro 146–RJ series airplanes: 

Inspect before the accumulation of 10,000 

total landings, or within 2,000 landings after 

the effective date of this AD, whichever is 

later. 

(i) For areas where no crack is found, 

repeat the inspection at intervals not to 

exceed 4,000 landings. 

(ii) For areas where any crack is found, 

before further flight, perform repairs in 

accordance with a method approved by the 

Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, 

Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) (or its 

delegated agent). No further inspection of any 

repaired area is required by this AD. 

(2) For Model BAe 146 series airplanes: 

Inspect before the accumulation of 16,000 

total landings, or within 4,000 landings after 

the effective date of this AD, whichever is 

later. 

(i) For areas where no crack is found, 

repeat the inspection at intervals not to 

exceed 8,000 landings. 

(ii) For areas where any crack is found, 

before further flight, perform repairs in 

accordance with a method approved by the 

Manager, International Branch, ANM–116; or 

the CAA (or its delegated agent). No further 

inspection of any repaired area is required by 

this AD. 

No Reporting Requirement 

(g) Although the referenced service bulletin 

specifies to submit appendix 1 of the service 

bulletin with certain information to the 

manufacturer, this AD does not require that 

action. 

Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs) 

(h) The Manager, ANM–116, FAA, has the 

authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if 

requested in accordance with the procedures 

found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on 

December 6, 2004. 

Ali Bahrami, 

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 04–27511 Filed 12–15–04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2004–19867; Directorate 

Identifier 2004–NM–58–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell 

Douglas Model MD–90–30 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a 

new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 

McDonnell Douglas Model MD–90–30 

airplanes. This proposed AD would 

require replacing existing dual anti-skid 

control manifolds (DACM) with new, 

improved or reworked and reidentified 

DACMs; inspecting the inlet filters and 

other components of the DACMs for 

damage; replacing any damaged DACM 

components with new or serviceable 

components; and flushing/cleaning the 

braking system prior to replacing the 

inlet filters. This proposed AD is 

prompted by reports of multiple 

incidents of blown tires on landing 

while using maximum autobrake. We 

are proposing this AD to prevent 

metallic fibers from the first stage filter 

of the servo valves inside the DACM 

from becoming lodged in the first stage 

nozzle of the servo valve, which could 

lead to tire failure during high speed/

75278 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 241 / Thursday, December 16, 2004 / Proposed Rules 

high energy braking and possible 

subsequent runway departure.

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by January 31, 2005.

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. 

• By 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. 

For service information identified in 

this proposed AD, contact Boeing 

Commercial Airplanes, Long Beach 

Division, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, 

Long Beach, California 90846, 

Attention: Data and Service 

Management, Dept. C1–L5A (D800–

0024). 

You can examine the contents of this 

AD docket on the Internet at http://

dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket 

Management Facility, U.S. Department 

of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, 

SW., Room PL–401, on the plaza level 

of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC. 

This docket number is FAA–2004–

19867; the directorate identifier for this 

docket is 2004–NM–58–AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Technical information: Cheyenne Del 

Carmen, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 

Safety, Mechanical & Environmental 

Branch, ANM–150L, FAA, Los Angeles 

Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 

Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 

California 90712–4137; telephone (562) 

627–5338; fax (562) 627–5210. 

Plain language information: Marcia 

Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Docket Management System (DMS) 

The FAA has implemented new 

procedures for maintaining AD dockets 

electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new 

AD actions are posted on DMS and 

assigned a docket number. We track 

each action and assign a corresponding 

directorate identifier. The DMS AD 

docket number is in the form ‘‘Docket 

No. FAA–2004–99999.’’ The Transport 

Airplane Directorate identifier is in the 

form ‘‘Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–

999–AD.’’ Each DMS AD docket also 

lists the directorate identifier (‘‘Old 

Docket Number’’) as a cross-reference 

for searching purposes. 

Comments Invited 

We invite you to submit any written 

relevant data, views, or arguments 

regarding this proposed AD. Send your 

comments to an address listed under 

ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–

2004–19867; Directorate Identifier 

2004–NM–58–AD’’ in the subject line 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 submitted 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 

who sent the comment (or signed the 

comment on behalf of an association, 

business, labor union, etc.). You may 

review 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.

We are reviewing the writing style we 

currently use in regulatory documents. 

We are interested in your comments on 

whether the style of this document is 

clear, and your suggestions to improve 

the clarity of our communications that 

affect you. You can get more 

information about plain language at 

http://www.faa.gov/language and http://

www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket 

You can examine the AD docket 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 DMS 

receives them. 

Discussion 

We have received reports of multiple 

incidents of blown tires on landing 

while using maximum autobrake on 

McDonnell Douglas Model MD–90–30 

airplanes. The reports indicate that, due 

to filter contamination, structural 

damage, or excessive wear, metallic 

fibers from the first stage filter of the 

servo valves inside the dual anti-skid 

control manifold (DACM) are becoming 

lodged in the first stage nozzle of the 

servo valve. This condition, if not 

corrected, could result in tire failure 

during high speed/high energy braking 

and possible subsequent runway 

departure. 

Relevant Service Information 

We have reviewed McDonnell 

Douglas Service Bulletin MD90–32–056, 

dated October 7, 2003. The service 

bulletin describes procedures for 

replacing existing DACMs with new, 

improved or reworked and reidentified 

DACMs. 

Service Bulletin MD90–32–056 

specifies prior or concurrent 

accomplishment of McDonnell Douglas 

Service Bulletin MD90–32–043, 

Revision 01, dated November 9, 2000. 

We have reviewed Service Bulletin 

MD90–32–043, which describes 

procedures for replacing the metered 

pressure inlet filters of the DACM with 

new filters. Service Bulletin MD90–32–

043 also describes procedures for 

inspecting the inlet filters and other 

components of the DACM for damage, 

and flushing/cleaning the braking 

system prior to replacing the inlet 

filters. 

Accomplishing the actions specified 

in the service information is intended to 

adequately address the unsafe 

condition. 

Service Bulletin MD90–32–056 refers 

to Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation 

(ABSC) Service Bulletin MD–90 

6006079–32–02, dated August 7, 2003, 

as an additional source of service 

information for reworking and 

reidentifying DACMs. 

Service Bulletin MD90–32–043 refers 

to ABSC Service Bulletin MD90–32–12, 

dated January 12, 2000, as an additional 

source of service information for 

inspecting components of the DACM for 

cleanliness, structural damage, or 

excessive wear, and replacing any 

damaged components with new or 

serviceable components. 

FAA’s Determination and Requirements 

of the Proposed AD 

We have evaluated all pertinent 

information and identified an unsafe 

condition that is likely to exist or 

develop on other airplanes of this same 

type design. Therefore, we are 

proposing this AD, which would require 

replacing DACMs with new, improved 

or reworked and reidentified DACMs; 

Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 241 / Thursday, December 16, 2004 / Proposed Rules 75279

inspecting the inlet filters and other 

components of the DACMs for damage; 

replacing any damaged DACM 

components with new or serviceable 

components; and flushing/cleaning the 

braking system prior to replacing the 

inlet filters; in accordance with Service 

Bulletin MD90–32–056, dated October 

7, 2003, and Service Bulletin MD90–32–

043, Revision 01, dated November 9, 

2000; except as discussed under 

‘‘Differences Between Service 

Information and the Proposed AD.’’

Differences Between Service 

Information and the Proposed AD 

Although Service Bulletin MD90–32–

056 recommends that ‘‘operators do this 

service bulletin at a scheduled 

maintenance period when manpower, 

materials, and facilities are available,’’

we have determined that this imprecise 

compliance time would not address the 

identified unsafe condition in a timely 

manner. In developing an appropriate 

compliance time for this proposed AD, 

we considered not only the 

manufacturer’s recommendation, but 

also the degree of urgency associated 

with addressing the subject unsafe 

condition, the average utilization of the 

affected fleet, and the time necessary to 

perform the modifications. In light of all 

of these factors, we find a compliance 

time of 18 months for completing the 

required actions to be warranted, in that 

it represents an appropriate interval of 

time for affected airplanes to continue to 

operate without compromising safety. 

Although Service Bulletin MD90–32–

043, Revision 01, specifies inspecting 

the DACM assembly inlet filters for 

damage, this proposed AD would 

require a detailed inspection of the 

filters to eliminate any possible 

confusion about the proper type of 

inspection. Note 3 of this proposed AD 

includes a definition of this type of 

inspection. 

Costs of Compliance 

This proposed AD would affect about 

115 airplanes worldwide and 24 

airplanes of U.S. registry. The proposed 

actions would take about 8 work hours 

per airplane, at an average labor rate of 

$65 per work hour. Required parts 

would cost between $8,000 and 

$240,780 per airplane. Based on these 

figures, the estimated cost of the 

proposed AD for U.S. operators is 

between $204,480 and $5,791,200, or 

between $8,520 and $241,300 per 

airplane. 

Regulatory Authority and Findings 

This rulemaking is promulgated 

under the authority described in subtitle 

VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, 

General requirements. Under that 

section, the FAA is charged with 

prescribing regulations for practices, 

methods, and procedures the 

Administrator finds necessary for safety 

and 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 AD.

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. 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.

§ 39.13 [Amended] 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding 

the following new airworthiness 

directive (AD):

McDonnell Douglas: Docket No. FAA–2004–

19867; Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–

58–AD. 

Comments Due Date 

(a) The Federal Aviation Administration 

(FAA) must receive comments on this AD 

action by January 31, 2005. 

Affected ADs 

(b) None. 

Applicability 

(c) This AD applies to all McDonnell 

Douglas Model MD–90–30 airplanes, 

certificated in any category. 

Unsafe Condition 

(d) This AD was prompted by reports of 

multiple incidents of blown tires on landing 

while using maximum autobrake. We are 

issuing this AD to prevent metallic fibers 

from the first stage filter of the servo valves 

inside the dual anti-skid control manifolds 

(DACM) from becoming lodged in the first 

stage nozzle of the servo valve, which could 

lead to tire failure during high speed/high 

energy braking and possible subsequent 

runway departure. 

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. 

Replacement of DACMs 

(f) Within 18 months after the effective 

date of this AD, replace existing DACMs with 

new, improved or reworked and reidentified 

DACMs, part number 6006079–2, by doing 

all actions in accordance with the 

Accomplishment Instructions of McDonnell 

Douglas Service Bulletin MD90–32–056, 

dated October 7, 2003.

Note 1: McDonnell Douglas Service 

Bulletin MD90–32–056 refers to Aircraft 

Braking Systems Corporation (ABSC) Service 

Bulletin MD–90 6006079–32–02, dated 

August 7, 2003, as an additional source of 

service information for installing new, 

improved or reworked and reidentified 

DACMs.

Concurrent Service Bulletin 

(g) Prior to or concurrent with the 

accomplishment of paragraph (f) of this AD, 

perform paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this 

AD in accordance with the Accomplishment 

Instructions of McDonnell Douglas Service 

Bulletin MD90–32–043, Revision 01, dated 

November 9, 2000. 

(1) Perform a detailed inspection of the 

metered pressure inlet filters and other 

components of the DACM for damage. 

Replace any damaged DACM components 

with new or serviceable components, and 

flush/clean the braking system, as applicable. 

(2) Replace the metered pressure inlet 

filters of the DACM assembly with new 

filters.

Note 2: McDonnell Douglas Service 

Bulletin MD90–32–043, Revision 01, refers to 

ABSC Service Bulletin MD90–32–12, dated 

January 12, 2000, as an additional source of 

service information for inspecting the 

components of the DACM assembly for 

uncleanliness, structural damage or excessive 

wear that may render the DACM inoperable, 

and for replacing those components with 

new or serviceable components, if necessary.

Note 3: 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 

75280 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 241 / Thursday, December 16, 2004 / Proposed Rules 

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.’’

Prior Inspection/Replacement of Inlet Filters 

(h) Inspecting and replacing DACM inlet 

filters and flushing/cleaning braking systems 

before the effective date of this AD in 

accordance with McDonnell Douglas Service 

Bulletin MD90–32–043, dated April 10, 2000, 

is considered acceptable for compliance with 

the corresponding actions specified in this 

AD. 

Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs) 

(i) The Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft 

Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to 

approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 

using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on 

December 6, 2004. 

Ali Bahrami, 

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 04–27512 Filed 12–15–04; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2004–19891; Directorate 

Identifier 2004–NM–136–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing 

Model 737–300, –400, and –500 Series 

Airplanes Modified in Accordance With 

Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) 

ST00127BO

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a 

new airworthiness directive (AD) for 

Boeing Model 737–300, –400, and –500 

series airplanes modified in accordance 

with STC ST00127BO. This proposed 

AD would require installation of 

bonding straps to the safe side harnesses 

of the digital transient suppression 

device of the fuel quantity indicating 

system. This proposed AD is prompted 

by the results of fuel system reviews 

conducted by the STC holder. We are 

proposing this AD to prevent unsafe 

levels of current or energy from entering 

the fuel tank, due to hot short faults or 

threat conditions associated with the 

safe side harness assembly, which could 

result in a fire or explosion of the fuel 

tank.

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by January 31, 2005.

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. 

• By 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. 

For service information identified in 

this proposed AD, contact Goodrich 

Fuel & Utility Systems, Goodrich 

Corporation, 100 Panton Road, 

Vergennes, Vermont 05491. 

You can examine the contents of this 

AD docket on the Internet at

http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the 

Docket Management Facility, U.S. 

Department of Transportation, 400 

Seventh Street, SW., Room PL–401, on 

the plaza level of the Nassif Building, 

Washington, DC. This docket number is 

FAA–2004–19891; the directorate 

identifier for this docket is 2004–NM–

136–AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Technical information: Richard 

Spencer, Aerospace Engineer, Boston 

Aircraft Certification Office, ANE–150, 

FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 

12 New England Executive Park, 

Burlington, Massachusetts 01803; 

telephone (781) 238–7184; fax (781) 

238–7170. 

Plain language information: Marcia 

Walters, marcia.walters@faa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Docket Management System (DMS) 

The FAA has implemented new 

procedures for maintaining AD dockets 

electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new 

AD actions are posted on DMS and 

assigned a docket number. We track 

each action and assign a corresponding 

directorate identifier. The DMS AD 

docket number is in the form ‘‘Docket 

No. FAA–2004–99999.’’ The Transport 

Airplane Directorate identifier is in the 

form ‘‘Directorate Identifier 2004–NM–

999–AD.’’ Each DMS AD docket also 

lists the directorate identifier (‘‘Old 

Docket Number’’) as a cross-reference 

for searching purposes. 

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 under 

ADDRESSES. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–

2004–19891; Directorate Identifier 

2004–NM–136–AD’’ in the subject line 

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 

submitted 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 

who sent the comment (or signed the 

comment on behalf of an association, 

business, labor union, etc.). You can 

review DOT’s complete Privacy Act 

Statement in the Federal Register

published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 

19477–78), or you can visit

http://dms.dot.gov.

We are reviewing the writing style we 

currently use in regulatory documents. 

We are interested in your comments on 

whether the style of this document is 

clear, and your suggestions to improve 

the clarity of our communications that 

affect you. You can get more 

information about plain language at 

http://www.faa.gov/language and

http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Examining the Docket 

You can 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 DMS 

receives them. 

Discussion 

The FAA has examined the 

underlying safety issues involved in 

recent fuel tank explosions on several 

large transport airplanes, including the 

adequacy of existing regulations, the 

service history of airplanes subject to