This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER

contains notices to the public of the proposed

issuance of rules and regulations. The

purpose of these notices is to give interested

persons an opportunity to participate in the

rule making prior to the adoption of the final

rules.

Proposed Rules Federal Register

63039

Vol. 62, No. 228

Wednesday, November 26, 1997

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97–NM–230–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model

A300, A310, and A300–600 Series

Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the

adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to

certain Airbus Model A300, A310, and

A300–600 series airplanes. This

proposal would require inspections to

detect cracking of the aft door frame

area, and repair, if necessary. This

proposal is prompted by issuance of

mandatory continuing airworthiness

information by a foreign civil

airworthiness authority. The actions

specified by the proposed AD are

intended to detect and correct cracks in

the aft door frame area, which could

result in reduced structural integrity

and rapid decompression of the

airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by

December 26, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–103,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 97–NM–

230–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00

p.m., Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays.

The service information referenced in

the proposed rule may be obtained from

Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice

Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.

This information may be examined at

the FAA, Transport Airplane

Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601

Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington

98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2110;

fax (425) 227–1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to

participate in the making of the

proposed rule by submitting such

written data, views, or arguments as

they may desire. Communications shall

identify the Rules Docket number and

be submitted in triplicate to the address

specified above. All communications

received on or before the closing date

for comments, specified above, will be

considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained

in this notice may be changed in light

of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the proposed rule. All comments

submitted will be available, both before

and after the closing date for comments,

in the Rules Docket for examination by

interested persons. A report

summarizing each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this

proposal will be filed in the Rules

Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to

acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 97–NM–230–AD.’’ The

postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this

NPRM by submitting a request to the

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

ANM–103, Attention: Rules Docket No.

97–NM–230–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue,

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Discussion

The Direction Ge ́ne ́rale de l’Aviation

Civile (DGAC), which is the

airworthiness authority for France,

notified the FAA that an unsafe

condition may exist on certain Airbus

Model A300, A310, and A300–600

series airplanes. The DGAC advises that,

during scheduled inspections of inservice airplanes, 18 cases of stress

corrosion cracks have been found at and

between rivet holes on the inner and

outer door frame flanges of frames 73A

and 75A, and on the inner and outer

flanges of the longeron at stringer 11.

Such stress corrosion cracking, if not

detected and corrected in a timely

manner, could result in reduced

structural integrity and possible rapid

decompression of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service

Information

Airbus has issued Service Bulletins

A300–53–303 (for Model A300 series

airplanes); A310–53–2079 (for Model

A310 series airplanes); and A300–53–

6056 (for Model A300–600 series

airplanes), all dated February 23, 1996.

These service bulletins describe

procedures for inspections to detect

cracking of the aft door frame area, and

repair, if necessary. In each of the

referenced service bulletins, inspection

procedures are provided for multiple

locations around the aft door frame area.

There are 7 locations specified for

Model A300 and A310 series airplanes,

and 3 locations specified for Model

A300–600 series airplanes.

Accomplishment of a permanent repair,

as specified in these service bulletins,

eliminates the need for the repetitive

eddy current inspections for the area in

which the permanent repair is

accomplished.

The DGAC classified these service

bulletins as mandatory and issued

French airworthiness directive (CN) 96–

135–199(B), dated July 17, 1996, in

order to assure the continued

airworthiness of these airplanes in

France.

FAA’s Conclusions

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. Pursuant to this bilateral

airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has

kept the FAA informed of the situation

described above. The FAA has

examined the findings of the DGAC,

reviewed all available information, and

determined that AD action is necessary

for products of this type design that are
63040 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 228 / Wednesday, November 26, 1997 / Proposed Rules

certificated for operation in the United

States.

Explanation of Requirements of

Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other airplanes of the same

type design registered in the United

States, the proposed AD would require

accomplishment of the actions specified

in the service bulletins described

previously, except as discussed below.

Differences Between the Proposal and

the related Service Bulletin

The proposed rule would differ from

the Airbus service bulletins described

previously in that, unlike certain repair

times specified in the referenced service

bulletins, this proposed AD would not

permit further flight with cracks

detected in the aft door frame area.

Depending on the extent and location of

the cracking, the service bulletins, in

certain circumstances, provide for

continued flight without immediate

repair of the damaged area. The FAA

has determined that, due to the safety

implications and consequences

associated with such cracking, all

locations in the aft door frame area that

are found to be cracked must be

repaired prior to further flight.

Additionally, for cracks found in

certain locations, the service bulletins

specify that operators should contact

Airbus for possible repair solutions.

Unlike the procedures described in the

service bulletins, this proposed AD

would require that any repairs other

than those specifically identified in the

service bulletins be accomplished in

accordance with a method approved by

the FAA.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 49 Airbus

Model A300 and A310 series airplanes

of U.S. registry would be affected by this

proposed AD, that it would take

approximately 25 work hours per

airplane to accomplish the proposed

inspections, and that the average labor

rate is $60 per work hour. Based on

these figures, the cost impact of the

proposed inspections on U.S. operators

of Model A300 and A310 series

airplanes is estimated to be $73,500, or

$1,500 per airplane.

The FAA estimates that 51 Airbus

Model A300–600 series airplanes of U.S.

registry would be affected by this

proposed AD, that it would take

approximately 18 work hours per

airplane to accomplish the proposed

inspections, and that the average labor

rate is $60 per work hour. Based on

these figures, the cost impact of the

proposed inspections on U.S. operators

of Model A300–600 series airplanes is

estimated to be $55,080, or $1,080 per

airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed

above are based on assumptions that no

operator has yet accomplished any of

the proposed requirements of this AD

action, and that no operator would

accomplish those actions in the future if

this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

The regulations proposed herein

would not have substantial direct effects

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. Therefore,

in accordance with Executive Order

12612, it is determined that this

proposal would not have sufficient

federalism implications to warrant the

preparation of a Federalism Assessment.

For the reasons discussed above, I

certify that 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) if

promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft

regulatory evaluation prepared for this

action is contained in the Rules Docket.

A copy of it may be obtained by

contacting the Rules Docket at the

location provided under the caption

ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation

safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

Accordingly, pursuant to the

authority delegated to me by the

Administrator, the Federal Aviation

Administration proposes to amend part

39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations

(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. Section 39.13 is amended by

adding the following new airworthiness

directive:

Airbus Industrie: Docket 97–NM–230–AD.

Applicability: Model A300, A310, and

A300–600 airplanes on which Airbus

Modification 6924 has not been installed;

certificated in any category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane

identified in the preceding applicability

provision, regardless of whether it has been

otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in

the area subject to the requirements of this

AD. For airplanes that have been modified,

altered, or repaired so that the performance

of the requirements of this AD is affected, the

owner/operator must request approval for an

alternative method of compliance in

accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD.

The request should include an assessment of

the effect of the modification, alteration, or

repair on the unsafe condition addressed by

this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not

been eliminated, the request should include

specific proposed actions to address it.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless

accomplished previously.

To detect and correct cracks in the aft door

frame area, which could result in reduced

structural integrity and possible rapid

decompression of the aircraft, accomplish the

following:

(a) Prior to the accumulation of 10 years

since date of manufacture, or within 12

months after the effective date of this AD,

whichever occurs later: Except as provided

by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD,

accomplish a high frequency eddy current

inspection to detect stress corrosion cracks in

the aft door frame area, and perform the

applicable corrective actions, in accordance

with Airbus Service Bulletin A300–53–303,

dated February 23, 1996 (for Model A300

series airplanes); A310–53–2079, dated

February 23, 1996 (for Model A310 series

airplanes); or A300–53–6056, dated February

23, 1996 (for Model A300–600 series

airplanes); subsequently referred to as the

applicable service bulletin. Thereafter, repeat

the inspection at intervals not to exceed 5

years, in all areas not repaired permanently

in accordance with the applicable service

bulletin.

(b) If any crack is found during an

inspection required by paragraph (a) of this

AD, and the applicable service bulletin

specifies to contact Airbus for an appropriate

action: Prior to further flight, repair in

accordance with a method approved by the

Manager, International Branch, ANM–116,

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate.

(c) If any crack is found during an

inspection required by paragraph (a) of this

AD, and the applicable service bulletin

specifies a compliance time other than ‘‘prior

to further flight’’ for accomplishment of the

repair: Accomplish the repair prior to further

flight in accordance with the procedures

specified in the applicable service bulletin.

(d) An alternative method of compliance or

adjustment of the compliance time that

provides an acceptable level of safety may be

used if approved by the Manager,

International Branch, ANM–116. Operators

shall submit their requests through an

appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance

Inspector, who may add comments and then

send it to the Manager, International Branch,

ANM–116.
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 228 / Wednesday, November 26, 1997 / Proposed Rules 63041

Note 2: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the International Branch,

ANM–116.

(e) Special flight permits may be issued in

accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199

of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to

a location where the requirements of this AD

can be accomplished.

Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed

in French airworthiness directive (CN) 96–

135–199(B), dated July 17, 1996.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on

November 19, 1997.

Stewart R. Miller,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 97–31022 Filed 11–25–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97–NM–189–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Dassault

Model Mystere Falcon 200 Series

Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM).

SUMMARY: This document proposes the

adoption of a new airworthiness

directive (AD) that is applicable to all

Dassault Model Mystere Falcon 200

series airplanes. This proposal would

require reducing the life limit of the

polyurethane foam used in the fuselage

fuel tanks. This proposal is prompted by

issuance of mandatory continuing

airworthiness information by a foreign

civil airworthiness authority. The

actions specified by the proposed AD

are intended to ensure replacement of

the polyurethane foam in the fuselage

fuel tanks when it has reached its

maximum life limit; polyurethane foam

that is not replaced in a timely manner

could result in fuel contamination or

increased risk of explosion in the

fuselage fuel tank.

DATES: Comments must be received by

December 26, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–103,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 97–NM–

189–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Comments may be inspected at this

location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00

p.m., Monday through Friday, except

Federal holidays.

The service information referenced in

the proposed rule may be obtained from

Dassault Falcon Jet, Teterboro Airport,

P.O. Box 2000, South Hackensack, New

Jersey 07606. This information may be

examined at the FAA, Transport

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

International Branch, ANM–116, FAA,

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601

Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington

98055–4056; telephone (425) 227–2110;

fax (425) 227–1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

Interested persons are invited to

participate in the making of the

proposed rule by submitting such

written data, views, or arguments as

they may desire. Communications shall

identify the Rules Docket number and

be submitted in triplicate to the address

specified above. All communications

received on or before the closing date

for comments, specified above, will be

considered before taking action on the

proposed rule. The proposals contained

in this notice may be changed in light

of the comments received.

Comments are specifically invited on

the overall regulatory, economic,

environmental, and energy aspects of

the proposed rule. All comments

submitted will be available, both before

and after the closing date for comments,

in the Rules Docket for examination by

interested persons. A report

summarizing each FAA-public contact

concerned with the substance of this

proposal will be filed in the Rules

Docket.

Commenters wishing the FAA to

acknowledge receipt of their comments

submitted in response to this notice

must submit a self-addressed, stamped

postcard on which the following

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 97–NM–189–AD.’’ The

postcard will be date stamped and

returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

Any person may obtain a copy of this

NPRM by submitting a request to the

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

ANM–103, Attention: Rules Docket No.

97–NM–189–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue,

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Discussion

The Direction Ge ́ne ́rale de l’Aviation

Civile (DGAC), which is the

airworthiness authority for France,

notified the FAA that an unsafe

condition may exist on all Dassault

Model Mystere Falcon 200 series

airplanes. The DGAC advises that

studies of aging airplanes conducted by

Dassault have shown that, after 8 years,

the characteristics of the polyurethane

foam material used in the fuselage fuel

tanks are no longer acceptable. The

airplane maintenance manual originally

called for replacement of the

polyurethane foam within 10 years.

However, based on the Dassault study,

the life limit of the foam should be

reduced to 8 years. If not replaced in a

timely manner, the polyurethane foam

could degrade and result in fuel

contamination or increased risk of

explosion in the fuselage fuel tank.

Explanation of Related French

Airworthiness Directive

The DGAC issued French

airworthiness directive (CN) 96–078–

021(B), dated April 10, 1996, in order to

assure the continued airworthiness of

these airplanes in France. The French

airworthiness directive requires

replacement of the polyurethane foam of

the fuselage tanks at intervals not to

exceed 8 years.

FAA’s Conclusions

This airplane model is manufactured

in France and is 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. Pursuant to

this bilateral airworthiness agreement,

the DGAC has kept the FAA informed

of the situation described above. The

FAA has examined the findings of the

DGAC, reviewed all available

information, and determined that AD

action is necessary for products of this

type design that are certificated for

operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of

Proposed Rule

Since an unsafe condition has been

identified that is likely to exist or

develop on other airplanes of the same

type design registered in the United

States, the proposed AD would require

reducing the life limit of the

polyurethane foam used in the fuselage

fuel tanks. The action would be required

to be accomplished in accordance with

procedures specified in the airplane

maintenance manual.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 20 Dassault

Model Mystere Falcon 200 series

airplanes of U.S. registry would be