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###### Department of Transportation

###### Federal Aviation Administration 

          - 14 CFR Part 39 
          - [Docket No. FAA-2007-28017; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-005-AD] 
          - RIN 2120-AA64 

# AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. 

# ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). 

# 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: 

* * * some structural areas have been identified for which existing recommended SB (service bulletin) needs to be rendered mandatory. 

As a consequence, and because it has been shown that the torque applied to the tension bolts connecting the beam (stringer 49) to the forward and aft beam extension at FR11 and FR17 may be insufficient, this AD renders mandatory the replacement of those tension bolts, in order to limit the risks of damage or corrosion of the specified areas. 

Damage or corrosion of the specified areas could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. 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 May 29, 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:                          Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, Washington, DC 20590-0001.                     
      -  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.                     
      -  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 Management Facility 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 Office (telephone (800) 647-5227) 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:

## Streamlined Issuance of AD 

                    The FAA is implementing a new process for streamlining the issuance of ADs related to MCAI. This streamlined process will allow us to adopt MCAI safety requirements in a more efficient manner and will reduce safety risks to the public. This process continues to follow all FAA AD issuance processes to meet legal, economic, Administrative Procedure Act, and                     **Federal Register**                     requirements. We also continue to meet our technical decision-making responsibilities to identify and correct unsafe conditions on U.S.-certificated products.                 

This proposed AD references the MCAI and related service information that we considered in forming the engineering basis to correct the unsafe condition. The proposed AD contains text copied from the MCAI and for this reason might not follow our plain language principles. 

## 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-2007-28017; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-005-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 2006-0367, dated December 5, 2006 (referred to after this as “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: 

                        During the A310 life extension exercise performed by Airbus, the Airlines Representatives and the Airworthiness Authorities, some structural areas have been identified for which existing recommended SB (service bulletin) needs to be rendered mandatory.                               ( print page 20786)    

As a consequence, and because it has been shown that the torque applied to the tension bolts connecting the beam (stringer 49) to the forward and aft beam extension at FR11 and FR17 may be insufficient, this AD renders mandatory the replacement of those tension bolts, in order to limit the risks of damage or corrosion of the specified areas.

Damage or corrosion of the specified areas could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. 

## Relevant Service Information 

Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A310-53-2045, Revision 05, dated July 20, 2006. 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 29 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 9 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $886 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 $46,574, or $1,606 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. 

§ 39.13 

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: 

**AIRBUS:**                                 Docket No. FAA-2007-28017; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-005-AD.                             

## Comments Due Date 

(a) We must receive comments by May 29, 2007. 

## Affected ADs 

(b) None. 

## Applicability 

(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A310-203, A310-204, A310-222, A310-304, A310-322, and A310-324 airplanes, certificated in any category, manufacturing serial numbers 283 through 434 inclusive. Airplanes which have received application of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2045 at original issue up to Revision 05 are not affected by this AD. 

## Subject 

(d) Fuselage. 

## Reason 

(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: 

During the A310 life extension exercise performed by Airbus, the Airlines Representatives and the Airworthiness Authorities, some structural areas have been identified for which existing recommended SB (service bulletin) needs to be rendered mandatory. 

As a consequence, and because it has been shown that the torque applied to the tension bolts connecting the beam (stringer 49) to the forward and aft beam extension at FR11 and FR17 may be insufficient, this AD renders mandatory the replacement of those tension bolts, in order to limit the risks of damage or corrosion of the specified areas. 

Damage or corrosion of the specified areas could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. 

## Actions and Compliance 

(f) Unless already done, do the following actions at the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD: Rework the structure between frame 11 and frame 17 of the nose landing gear well of the fuselage in accordance with the instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2045, Revision 05, dated July 20, 2006. 

                                (1) For Model A310-300 airplanes: Prior to accumulation of 35,000 total flight cycles from first flight of the airplane, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.                                       ( print page 20787)    

(2) For Model A310-200 airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 40,000 total flight cycles from the first flight of the airplane, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. 

(3) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2045, dated March 11, 1988; Revision 1, dated June 16, 1988; Revision 2, dated September 7, 1988; Revision 3, dated October 4, 1989; or Revision 4, dated April 20, 1990; is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD. 

## 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, 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 AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office.                             

                                (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 2006-0367, dated December 5, 2006; and Airbus Service Bulletin A310-53-2045, Revision 05, dated July 20, 2006; for related information.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 19, 2007. 

Ali Bahrami, 

Manager,  Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. E7-7998 Filed 4-25-07; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910-13-P