59146 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 26, 2012 / Proposed Rules 

Paperwork Reduction Act 

NCUA has determined that the 

requirements of this rule do not increase 

the paperwork requirements under the 

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and 

regulations of the Office of Management 

and Budget. 

Executive Order 13132 

Executive Order 13132 encourages 

independent regulatory agencies to 

consider the impact of their actions on 

state and local interests. NCUA, an 

independent regulatory agency as 

defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(5), voluntarily 

complies with the executive order to 

adhere to fundamental federalism 

principles. This proposed rule 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. NCUA has 

determined that this proposed rule does 

not constitute a policy that has 

federalism implications for purposes of 

the executive order. 

List of Subjects 

12 CFR Part 703 

Credit unions, Investments. 

By the National Credit Union 

Administration Board on September 20, 

2012. 

Mary Rupp, 

Secretary of the Board. 

For the reasons discussed above, 

NCUA proposes to amend 12 CFR part 

703 as follows: 

PART 703—INVESTMENT AND 

DEPOSIT ACTIVITES 

1. The authority citation for part 703 

continues to read as follows: 

Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1757(7), 1757(8), 

1757(15). 

2. Revise § 703.14(a) to read as 

follows: 

§ 703.14 Permissible investments. 

(a) Variable rate investment. A federal 

credit union may invest in a variable 

rate investment, as long as the index is 

tied to domestic interest rates and not, 

for example, to foreign currencies, 

foreign interest rates, or domestic or 

foreign commodity prices, equity prices, 

or inflation rates with the exception of 

Treasury Inflation Protected Securities. 

For purposes of this part, the U.S. 

dollar-denominated London Interbank 

Offered Rate (LIBOR) is a domestic 

interest rate. 

[FR Doc. 2012–23644 Filed 9–25–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 7535–01–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–1001; Directorate 

Identifier 2012–NM–020–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Cessna 

Aircraft Company Airplanes 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 

Cessna Aircraft Company Model 500, 

501, 550, 551, S550, 560, 560XL, and 

650 airplanes. This proposed AD was 

prompted by multiple reports of smoke 

and/or fire in the tailcone caused by 

sparking due to excessive wear of the 

brushes in the air conditioning (A/C) 

motor. This proposed AD would require 

an inspection to determine the 

accumulated hours on certain A/C drive 

motor assemblies; repetitive 

replacement of the brushes in the drive 

motor assembly, or as an option to the 

brush replacement, deactivation of the 

air conditioner; and return of replaced 

brushes to Cessna. We are proposing 

this AD to prevent the brushes in the 

A/C motor from wearing down beyond 

their limits, which could result in the 

rivet in the brush contacting the 

commutator causing sparks and 

consequent fire and/or smoke in the 

tailcone with no means to detect or 

extinguish the fire and/or smoke. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by November 13, 

2012. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, 

using the procedures found in 14 CFR 

11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following 

methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

instructions for submitting comments. 

• 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: Deliver to Mail 

address above between 9 a.m. and 5 

p.m., Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. 

For service information identified in 

this proposed AD, contact Cessna 

Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS 

67277; telephone 316–517–6215; fax 

316–517–5802; email 

citationpubs@cessna.textron.com; 

Internet https:// 

www.cessnasupport.com/newlogin.html. 

You may review copies of the 

referenced service information at the 

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 

For information on the availability of 

this material at the FAA, call 425–227– 

1221. 

Examining the AD Docket 

You may examine the AD docket on 

the Internet at http:// 

www.regulations.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 

(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the 

ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 

available in the AD docket shortly after 

receipt. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Christine Abraham, Aerospace Engineer, 

Electrical Systems and Avionics, ACE– 

119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 

Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport 

Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 

Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 

316–946–4165; fax: 316–946–4107; 

email: wichita-cos@faa.gov. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited 

We invite you to send any written 

relevant data, views, or arguments about 

this proposal. Send your comments to 

an address listed under the ADDRESSES

section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– 

2012–1001; Directorate Identifier 2012– 

NM–020–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 because of those 

comments. 

We will post all comments we 

receive, without change, to http:// 

www.regulations.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 

We have received more than 10 

reports of smoke/fire (three reports of 

fire) in the tailcone of Cessna Aircraft 

Company Model 525, 550, and 560 

airplanes, where investigation revealed 

brushes had worn beyond their limits 

on the part number (P/N) 1134104–1 A/ 


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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 26, 2012 / Proposed Rules 59147 

C compressor motors. The motor 

assembly is located in the airplane 

tailcone where flammable fluids in the 

form of fuel lines and hydraulics are 

present. There is no fire detection or 

extinguishing system in the tailcone. We 

are proposing this AD to prevent the 

brushes in the air conditioning motor 

from wearing down beyond their limits, 

which could result in the rivet in the 

brush contacting the commutator 

causing sparks and consequent fire and/ 

or smoke in the tailcone with no means 

to detect or extinguish the fire and/or 

smoke. 

The subject part, P/N 1134104–1 A/C 

compressor motors, might also be 

installed on Model 500, 501, 551, S550, 

560XL, and 650 airplanes. Therefore, 

those Model 500, 501, 551, S550, 

560XL, and 650 airplanes might be 

subject to the unsafe condition revealed 

on Model 525, 550, and 560 airplanes. 

Relevant Service Information 

We have reviewed the following 

service information: 

• Subject 4–11–00, Replacement 

Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 

Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 10, 

dated April 23, 2012, of the Cessna 

Model 550, –0801 and On Maintenance 

Manual. 

• Subject 4–11–00, Replacement 

Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 

Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 8, 

dated April 23, 2012, of the Cessna 

Model 550/551 Maintenance Manual. 

• Subject 4–11–00, Replacement 

Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 

Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, 

dated April 23, 2012, of the Cessna 

Model 560, –0001 and On Maintenance 

Manual. 

• Subject 4–11–00, Replacement 

Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 

Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 13, 

dated April 23, 2012, of the Cessna 

Model 560XL, (560XL –5001 thru 

–5500), (560XL –5501 thru –6000), 

(560XL –6001 and On) Maintenance 

Manual. 

• Subject 4–11–00, Replacement 

Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 

Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 30, 

dated April 23, 2012, of the Cessna 

Model 650 Maintenance Manual. 

• Subject 4–11–00, Replacement 

Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 

Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 4, 

dated April 23, 2012, of the Cessna 

Model 500/501, (–0001 thru –0349), 

(–0350 thru –0689) Maintenance 

Manual. 

• Subject 4–11–00, Replacement 

Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 

Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 7, 

dated April 23, 2012, of the Cessna 

Model S550 Maintenance Manual. 

The service information describes 

procedures for replacement of lifelimited components including P/N 

1134104–1 A/C compressor motor 

brushes. 

FAA’s Determination 

We are proposing this AD because we 

evaluated all the relevant information 

and determined the unsafe condition 

described previously is likely to exist or 

develop in other products of the same 

type design. 

Proposed AD Requirements 

This proposed AD would require an 

inspection to determine if certain A/C 

compressor motors are installed, an 

inspection of the A/C compressor hour 

meter that has P/N 1134104–1 or 

1134104–5 A/C compressor motors 

installed, repetitive replacement of the 

brushes, or deactivation of the A/C 

system with installation of a placard 

prohibiting use of the A/C system until 

replacement of the brushes as an option 

to the brush replacement. This proposed 

AD would also require, when the 

brushes are replaced, reporting of 

aircraft information related to the 

replacement of the brushes and sending 

the replaced motor brushes to Cessna 

Aircraft Company for two replacement 

cycles. 

Interim Action 

We consider this proposed AD 

interim action. The reporting data 

required by this proposed AD will 

enable us to obtain better insight into 

brush wear. The reporting data will also 

indicate if the replacement intervals we 

established are adequate. After we 

analyze the reporting data received, we 

might consider further rulemaking. 

Model 525 airplanes are not subject to 

this proposed AD. We are currently 

considering requiring similar actions for 

these airplanes. 

Costs of Compliance 

We estimate that this proposed AD 

will affect 1,987 airplanes of U.S. 

registry. 

We estimate the following costs to 

comply with this proposed AD: 

ESTIMATED COSTS

Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators 

Inspection, drive motor 

assembly brush replacement; and parts 

return and reporting.

11 work-hours × $85 per 

hour = $935 per replacement cycle.

$252 per replacement cycle $1,187 per replacement 

cycle.

$2,358,569 per replacement cycle 

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), 

(3) Will not affect intrastate aviation 

in Alaska, and 


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59148 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 26, 2012 / Proposed Rules 

(4) 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. 

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation 

safety, Incorporation by reference, 

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): 

Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA– 

2012–1001; Directorate Identifier 2012– 

NM–020–AD. 

(a) Comments Due Date 

We must receive comments by November 

13, 2012. 

(b) Affected ADs 

None. 

(c) Applicability 

This AD applies to the following Cessna 

Aircraft Company airplanes, certificated in 

any category. 

(1) Model 500 and 501 airplanes, serial 

number (S/N) 0001 through 0689 inclusive. 

(2) Model 550 and 551 airplanes, S/N 0002 

through 0733 inclusive, and 0801 through 

1136 inclusive. 

(3) Model S550 airplanes, S/N 0001 

through 0160 inclusive. 

(4) Model 560 airplanes, S/N 0001 through 

0707 inclusive, and 0751 through 0815 

inclusive. 

(5) Model 560XL airplanes, S/N 5001 

through 5300 inclusive. 

(6) Model 650 airplanes, S/N 0200 through 

0241 inclusive, and 7001 though 7119 

inclusive. 

(d) Subject 

Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/ 

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America 

Code 21, Air Conditioning. 

(e) Unsafe Condition 

This AD was prompted by multiple reports 

of smoke and/or fire in the tailcone caused 

by sparking due to excessive wear of the 

brushes in the air conditioning (A/C) motor. 

We are issuing this AD to prevent the brushes 

in the A/C motor from wearing down, which 

could result in the rivet in the brush 

contacting the commutator causing sparks 

and consequent fire and/or smoke in the 

tailcone with no means to detect or 

extinguish the fire and/or smoke. 

(f) Compliance 

Comply with this AD within the 

compliance times specified, unless already 

done. 

(g) Part Number (P/N) Inspection 

Within 30 days or 10 flight hours after the 

effective date of this AD, whichever comes 

first: Inspect the A/C compressor motor to 

determine whether P/N 1134104–1 or P/N 

1134104–5 is installed. A review of airplane 

maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of 

this inspection if the part number of the A/ 

C compressor motor can be conclusively 

determined from that review. 

(h) Inspection of Compressor Hour Meter 

and Maintenance Records 

If during the inspection required by 

paragraph (g) of this AD, any A/C compressor 

motor is found having P/N 1134104–1 or P/ 

N 1134104–5: Within 30 days or 10 flight 

hours after the effective date of this AD, 

whichever occurs first, determine the hour 

reading on the A/C compressor hour meter as 

specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of 

this AD: 

(1) Inspect the number of hours on the A/ 

C compressor hour meter; and 

(2) Check the airplane logbook for any 

entry for replacing the A/C compressor motor 

brushes with new brushes, or for replacing 

the compressor motor or compressor 

condenser module assembly (pallet) with a 

motor or assembly that has new brushes; 

(i) If the logbook contains an entry for 

replacement of parts as specified in 

paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, determine the 

number of hours on the A/C compressor 

motor brushes by comparing the number of 

hours on the compressor motor since 

replacement and use this number in lieu of 

the number determined in paragraph (h)(1) of 

this AD; or 

(ii) If through the logbook check you 

cannot positively determine the number of 

hours on the A/C compressor motor brushes 

as specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, 

use the number of hours on the A/C 

compressor hour meter determined in 

paragraph (h)(1) of this AD or presume the 

brushes have over 500 hours time-in-service. 

(i) Replacement 

Using the hour reading on the A/C 

compressor hour meter determined in 

paragraph (h) of this AD, replace the A/C 

compressor motor brushes with new brushes 

at the later of the times specified in 

paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD. 

Thereafter, repeat the replacement of the A/ 

C compressor motor brushes at intervals not 

to exceed every 500 hours time-in-service on 

the A/C compressor motor. Do the 

replacement in accordance with the 

applicable Cessna maintenance manual listed 

in paragraphs (i)(3)(i) through (i)(3)(vii) of 

this AD. 

(1) Before or when the A/C compressor 

motor reaches a total of 500 hours time-inservice; or 

(2) Before further flight after the inspection 

required in paragraph (h) of this AD. 

(3) Replace the A/C compressor motor 

brushes in accordance with the instructions 

in the applicable Cessna maintenance 

manual specified in paragraphs (i)(3)(i) 

through (i)(3)(vii) of this AD. 

(i) Subject 4–11–00, Replacement Time 

Limits, of Chapter 4, Airworthiness 

Limitations, Revision 10, dated April 23, 

2012, of the Cessna Model 550, –0801 and On 

Maintenance Manual. 

(ii) Subject 4–11–00, Replacement Time 

Limits, of Chapter 4, Airworthiness 

Limitations, Revision 8, dated April 23, 2012, 

of the Cessna Model 550/551 Maintenance 

Manual. 

(iii) Subject 4–11–00, Replacement Time 

Limits, of Chapter 4, Airworthiness 

Limitations, Revision 20, dated April 23, 

2012, of the Cessna Model 560, –0001 and On 

Maintenance Manual. 

(iv) Subject 4–11–00, Replacement Time 

Limits, of Chapter 4, Airworthiness 

Limitations, Revision 13, dated April 23, 

2012, of the Cessna Model 560XL, (560XL– 

5001 thru –5500), (560XL–5501 thru –6000), 

(560XL –6001 and On) Maintenance Manual. 

(v) Subject 4–11–00, Replacement Time 

Limits, of Chapter 4, Airworthiness 

Limitations, Revision 30, dated April 23, 

2012, of the Cessna Model 650 Maintenance 

Manual. 

(vi) Subject 4–11–00, Replacement Time 

Limits, of Chapter 4, Airworthiness 

Limitations, Revision 4, dated April 23, 2012, 

of the Cessna Model 500/501, (–0001 thru 

–0349), (–0350 thru –0689) Maintenance 

Manual. 

(vii) Subject 4–11–00, Replacement Time 

Limits, of Chapter 4, Airworthiness 

Limitations, Revision 7, dated April 23, 2012, 

of the Cessna Model S550 Maintenance 

Manual. 

(j) Deactivation/Reactivation 

(1) In lieu of replacing the A/C compressor 

motor brushes as required by this AD, 

deactivate the A/C as follows: Pull the vapor 

cycle A/C circuit breaker, install a placard by 

the A/C selection switch prohibiting use of 

the vapor cycle air conditioner, and 

document deactivation of the system in the 

airplane logbook referring to this AD as the 

reason for deactivation. While the system is 

deactivated, airplane operators must remain 

aware of operating temperature limitations as 

detailed in the specific airplane flight 

manual. 

(2) If an operator chooses to deactivate the 

system and then later chooses to return the 

A/C to service: Before returning the A/C 

system to service and removing the placard, 

perform the inspection specified in 

paragraph (h) of this AD, and do the 

replacements specified in paragraph (i) of 

this AD at the times specified in paragraph 

(i) of this AD. 

(k) Parts Return and Reporting Requirement 

For the first two A/C compressor motor 

brush replacement cycles on each airplane, 

send the brushes that were removed to 

Cessna Aircraft Company, Cessna Service 

Parts and Programs, 7121 Southwest 

Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67215. Provide the 

information specified in paragraphs (k)(1) 

through (k)(6) of this AD, at the applicable 


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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 187 / Wednesday, September 26, 2012 / Proposed Rules 59149 

time specified in paragraph (k)(7) or (k)(8) of 

this AD, along with the brushes. 

(1) The model and serial number of the 

airplane. 

(2) The part number of the motor. 

(3) The part number of the brushes, if 

known. 

(4) The elapsed amount of motor hours 

since the last brush/motor replacement, if 

known. 

(5) If motor hours are unknown, report the 

elapsed airplane flight hours since the last 

brush/motor replacement and indicate that 

motor hours are unknown; and 

(6) The number of motor hours currently 

displayed on the pallet hour meter. 

(7) If the replacement was done on or after 

the effective date of this AD: Within 30 days 

after the replacement. 

(8) If the replacement was done before the 

effective date of this AD: Within 30 days after 

the effective date of this AD. 

(l) Parts Installation Prohibition 

As of the effective date of this AD, no 

person may install an A/C compressor motor 

having P/N 1134104–1 or P/N 1134104–5, 

unless the inspection specified in paragraph 

(h) of this AD is done before further flight, 

and the replacements specified in paragraph 

(i) of this AD are done at the times specified 

in paragraph (i) of this AD. 

(m) Special Flight Permit 

Operation of the A/C system is prohibited 

while flying with a special flight permit 

issued for this AD. 

(n) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden 

Statement 

A federal agency may not conduct or 

sponsor, and a person is not required to 

respond to, nor shall a person be subject to 

a penalty for failure to comply with a 

collection of information subject to the 

requirements of the Paperwork Reduction 

Act unless that collection of information 

displays a current valid OMB Control 

Number. The OMB Control Number for this 

information collection is 2120–0056. Public 

reporting for this collection of information is 

estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per 

response, including the time for reviewing 

instructions, completing and reviewing the 

collection of information. All responses to 

this collection of information are mandatory. 

Comments concerning the accuracy of this 

burden and suggestions for reducing the 

burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 

Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 

20591, Attn: Information Collection 

Clearance Officer, AES–200. 

(o) Alternative Methods of Compliance 

(AMOCs) 

(1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft 

Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the 

authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if 

requested using the procedures found in 14 

CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 

send your request to your principal inspector 

or local Flight Standards District Office, as 

appropriate. If sending information directly 

to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 

attention of the person identified in the 

Related Information section of this AD. 

(2) Before using any approved AMOC, 

notify your appropriate principal inspector, 

or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 

of the local flight standards district office/ 

certificate holding district office. 

(p) Related Information 

(1) For more information about this AD, 

contact Christine Abraham, Aerospace 

Engineer, Electrical Systems and Avionics, 

ACE–119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 

Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, 

Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 

316–946–4165; fax: 316–946–4107; email: 

wichita-cos@faa.gov. 

(2) For service information identified in 

this AD, contact Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 

7706, Wichita, KS 67277; telephone 316– 

517–6215; fax 316–517–5802; email 

citationpubs@cessna.textron.com; Internet 

https://www.cessnasupport.com/ 

newlogin.html. You may review copies of the 

service information at the FAA, Transport 

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., 

Renton, WA. For information on the 

availability of this material at the FAA, call 

425–227–1221. 

Issued in Renton, Washington, on 

September 19, 2012. 

Ali Bahrami, 

Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, 

Aircraft Certification Service. 

[FR Doc. 2012–23639 Filed 9–25–12; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–13–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Aviation Administration 

14 CFR Part 39 

[Docket No. FAA–2012–1002; Directorate 

Identifier 2012–NM–052–AD] 

RIN 2120–AA64 

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 

Airplanes 

AGENCY: Federal Aviation 

Administration (FAA), DOT. 

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking 

(NPRM). 

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new 

airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 

Airbus 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); and Model A310 series 

airplanes. This proposed AD was 

prompted by reports of cracking through 

the honeycomb core closed with 

phenolic resin. This condition could 

result in extended debonding and could 

adversely affect the structural integrity 

of the rudder. This proposed AD would 

require inspecting to determine the 

serial number of a certain rudder and 

replacing the rudder with a new or 

serviceable rudder if necessary. We are 

proposing this AD to prevent extended 

de-bonding, which could result in loss 

of the rudder and consequent reduced 

controllability of the airplane. 

DATES: We must receive comments on 

this proposed AD by November 13, 

2012. 

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by 

any of the following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

instructions for submitting comments. 

• 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: U.S. Department of 

Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 

30, West Building Ground Floor, Room 

W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 

Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 

p.m., Monday through Friday, except 

Federal holidays. 

Examining the AD Docket 

You may examine the AD docket on 

the Internet at http:// 

www.regulations.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: Dan 

Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 

International Branch, ANM–116, 

Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 

1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 

98057–3356; telephone 425–227–2125; 

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–2012–1002; Directorate Identifier 

2012–NM–052–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:// 

www.regulations.gov, including any 


wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS