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

8408

Vol. 62, No. 37

Tuesday, February 25, 1997

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94–NM–94–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model

A320 and Model A321 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of

proposed rulemaking; reopening of

comment period.

SUMMARY: This document revises an

earlier proposed airworthiness directive

(AD), applicable to certain Airbus

Model A320 series airplanes, that would

have required repetitive inspections to

verify proper installation of the plain

bushings of the upper and lower

connection links on the forward and aft

passenger/crew doors, and correction of

discrepancies. That AD also would have

required replacement of the shouldered

bushing on the locking mechanism with

a new oversized bushing, which would

have terminated the repetitive

inspection requirements. That proposal

was prompted by a report that, during

an emergency evacuation of in-service

airplanes, the left aft passenger/crew

door jammed against the fuselage

structure in a nearly closed position due

to bushing migration. This action

revises the proposed rule by expanding

the applicability of the proposed rule to

include additional airplanes; and

adding new repetitive inspections and a

terminating modification for those new

airplanes. The actions specified by this

proposed AD are intended to prevent

jamming of the passenger/crew door,

which could delay or impede the

evacuation of passengers during an

emergency.

DATES: Comments must be received by

March 17, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–103,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 94–NM–

94–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:

Charles Huber, Aerospace Engineer,

Standardization Branch, ANM–113,

FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,

1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,

Washington 98055–4056; telephone

(206) 227–2141; fax (206) 227–1100.

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 94–NM–94–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.

94–NM–94–AD, 1601 Lind Avenue,

SW., Renton, Washington 98055–4056.

Discussion

A proposal to amend part 39 of the

Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR

part 39) to add an airworthiness

directive (AD), applicable to certain

Airbus Model A320 and Model A320

series airplanes, was published as a

notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)

in the Federal Register on August 30,

1994 (59 FR 44670). That NPRM would

have required repetitive detailed visual

inspections to verify proper installation

of the plain bushings of the upper and

lower connection links on the forward

and aft passenger/crew doors, and

correction of discrepancies. That NPRM

also would have required replacement

of the shouldered bushing on the

locking mechanism with a new

oversized bushing, which would have

terminated the repetitive inspection

requirements. That NPRM was

prompted by a report that, during an

emergency evacuation of in-service

airplanes, the left aft passenger/crew

door jammed against the fuselage

structure in a nearly closed position due

to bushing migration. That condition, if

not corrected, could delay or impede the

evacuation of passengers during an

emergency.

Actions Prompting This Supplemental

Proposal

Several commenters who responded

to the original notice pointed out that

the applicability of the proposed AD

should be revised to include Airbus

Model A320 and Model A321 series

airplanes, on which Airbus

Modification 22422 (reference Airbus

Service Bulletin A320–52–1027) was

installed during production. The unsafe

condition (i.e., bushing migration)

addressed by the proposal has also

occurred on these airplanes, and Airbus

has issued service information that

contains new procedures for addressing

the unsafe condition on these airplanes.

Explanation of New Relevant Service

Information

Since issuance of the NPRM, Airbus

has issued All Operators Telex (AOT)
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 37 / Tuesday, February 25, 1997 / Proposed Rules 8409

52–07, dated July 28, 1994, and Service

Bulletin A320–52–1066, dated March 6,

1995. These service documents describe

procedures for performing repetitive

detailed visual inspections to verify

proper installation of the plain bushings

of the upper and lower connection

links.

Airbus also has issued Service

Bulletin A320–52–1064, Revision 1,

dated September 8, 1995, which

describes procedures for modification of

the frame segment bushings. The

modification involves replacing the

plain bushing with a shouldered

bushing on the frame used for

attachment of the connection links.

Accomplishment of the modification

would eliminate the need for the

repetitive detailed visual inspections.

The effectivity listing of these service

documents includes certain additional

Airbus Model A320 and Model A321

series airplanes that are subject to the

unsafe condition. (These airplanes were

not identified in the applicability of the

original NPRM.)

The Direction Ge ́ne ́rale de l’Aviation

Civile (DGAC), which the airworthiness

authority for France, classified these

service documents as mandatory and

issued French airworthiness directive

95–004–062(B)R1, dated May 10, 1995,

in order to assure the continued

airworthiness of these airplanes in

France.

FAA’s Action

In light of this new information, the

FAA has revised the applicability of the

proposal to include the additional

airplanes listed in the new Airbus

service documents. For these additional

airplanes, the FAA also has revised the

proposal to include new requirements

for accomplishing the procedures

specified in those service bulletins. The

actions that were proposed in the

originally-issued NPRM for the other

affected airplanes are retained in this

supplemental NPRM.

In addition, the FAA has increased

the labor rate used in the cost impact

calculations, below, from $55 per work

hour to $60 per work hour. The $60

figure more accurately represents the

current labor rate in the aviation

industry.

Conclusion

Since these changes expand the scope

of the originally proposed rule, the FAA

has determined that it is necessary to

reopen the comment period to provide

additional opportunity for public

comment.

Cost Impact

The FAA estimates that 94 Airbus

Model A320 and Model A321 series

airplanes of U.S. registry would be

affected by this proposed AD.

It would take approximately 6 work

hours per airplane to accomplish the

proposed detailed visual inspection, at

an average labor rate of $60 per work

hour. Based on these figures, the cost

impact of the modification proposed AD

on U.S. operators is estimated to be

$33,840, or $360 per airplane, per

inspection cycle.

For certain airplanes, it would take

approximately 72 work hours per

airplane to accomplish the proposed

modification, at an average labor rate of

$60 per work hour. Required parts

would be supplied by the manufacturer

at no cost to the operators. Based on

these figures, the cost impact of the

modification proposed AD on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $406,080, or

$4,320 per airplane.

For certain other airplanes, it would

take approximately 53 work hours per

airplane to accomplish the proposed

modification, at an average labor rate of

$60 per work hour. Required parts

would be supplied by the manufacturer

at no cost to the operators. Based on

these figures, the cost impact of the

modification proposed AD on U.S.

operators is estimated to be $298,920, or

$3,180 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 94–NM–94–AD.

Applicability: Model A320 and Model

A321 series airplanes; on which Airbus

Modification 22422 (reference Airbus Service

Bulletin A320–52–1027) has been installed,

or Airbus Modification 24497 (reference

Airbus Service Bulletin A320–52–1064) 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 (e) 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 prevent jamming of the passenger/crew

door, which could delay or impede the

evacuation of passengers during an

emergency, accomplish the following:

(a) For Model A320 series airplanes on

which Airbus Modification 22422 (reference

Airbus Service Bulletin A320–52–1027) has

not been accomplished: Within 450 flight

hours after the effective date of this AD,

perform a detailed visual inspection to verify

proper installation of the plain bushings of

the upper and lower connection links on the

forward and aft passenger/crew doors, in
8410 Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 37 / Tuesday, February 25, 1997 / Proposed Rules

accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin

A320–52–1047, dated April 25, 1994.

(1) If all bushings are installed properly,

repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals

not to exceed 900 flight hours until the

modification required by paragraph (c) of this

AD is accomplished.

(2) If any bushing has migrated, prior to

further flight, remove the passenger/crew

door and visually inspect the bushing to

detect damage, in accordance with the

service bulletin.

(i) If the bushing housings are not

damaged, prior to further flight, reinstall the

bushing in accordance with the service

bulletin. Repeat the detailed visual

inspections of the bushings thereafter at

intervals not to exceed 450 flight hours until

the modification required by paragraph (b) of

this AD is accomplished.

(ii) If any bushing housing is damaged,

prior to further flight, ream the door structure

and install an oversize shouldered bushing,

in accordance with the service bulletin. If the

damage is not completely removed after

reaming, prior to further flight, repair the

bushing housing in accordance with a

method approved by the Manager,

Standardization Branch, ANM–113, FAA,

Transport Airplane Directorate.

(b) For Model A320 and Model A321 series

airplanes; on which Airbus Modification

22422 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin

A320–52–1027) has been installed, and

Airbus Modification 24497 (reference Airbus

Service Bulletin A320–52–1064) has not been

installed: Within 450 flight hours after the

effective date of this AD, perform a detailed

visual inspection to verify proper installation

of the plain bushings of the upper and lower

connection links (2 bushings per door), in

accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex

AOT 52–07, dated July 28, 1994, or Airbus

Service Bulletin A320–52–1066, dated March

6, 1995.

(1) If the bushings are installed properly,

repeat the detailed visual inspection

thereafter at intervals not to exceed 900 flight

hours.

(2) If any bushing is found to be

improperly installed, prior to further flight,

modify the frame segment bushings in

accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin

A320–52–1064, Revision 1, dated September

8, 1995. Accomplishment of the modification

constitutes terminating action for the

requirements of this AD.

(c) For Model A320 series airplanes on

which Airbus Modification 22422 (reference

Airbus Service Bulletin A320–52–1027) has

not been accomplished: Within 3,500 flight

hours after the effective date of this AD,

replace the shouldered bushing on the

locking mechanism with a new oversized

bushing (Kit No. 521027A02), in accordance

with Airbus Service Bulletin A320–52–1027,

Revision 2, dated February 18, 1993, or

Revision 3, dated December 10, 1993.

Accomplishment of this modification

constitutes terminating action for the

repetitive inspection requirements of

paragraph (a) of this AD.

(d) For Model A320 and Model A321 series

airplanes on which Airbus Modification

22422 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin

A320–52–1027) has been installed, and

Airbus Modification 24497 (reference Airbus

Service Bulletin A320–52–1064) has not been

installed: Within 15 months after the

effective date of this AD, modify the frame

segment bushing in accordance with Airbus

Service Bulletin A320–52–1064, Revision 1,

dated September 8, 1995. Accomplishment of

the modification constitutes terminating

action for the repetitive detailed visual

inspection requirements of paragraph (b) of

this AD.

(e) 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,

Standardization Branch, ANM–113, FAA,

Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators

shall submit their requests through an

appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance

Inspector, who may add comments and then

send it to the Manager, Standardization

Branch, ANM–113.

Note 2: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Standardization Branch,

ANM–113.

(f) 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.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on February

19, 1997.

James V. Devany,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 97–4556 Filed 2–24–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 96–AWP–34]

Proposed Revision of Class D and

Class E Airspace; Los Angeles, CA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

SUMMARY: This action withdraws the

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)

to revise the Class D and Class E

airspace areas at Los Angeles

Hawthorne Municipal Airport, CA. The

NPRM is being withdrawn as a result of

the complexity of the air traffic

procedures and operations in this area.

Further analysis is necessary to reduce

the complexity and incorporate

appropriate changes into the airspace

design.

DATES: The proposed rule is withdrawn

as of February 25, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

William Buck, Airspace Specialist,

Operations Branch, AWP–530, Air

Traffic Division, Western-Pacific

Region, Federal Aviation

Administration, Docket No. 96–AWP–

34, 15000 Aviation Boulevard,

Lawndale, California 90261, telephone

(310) 725–6556.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Proposed Rule

On January 8, 1997, a Notice of

Proposed Rulemaking was published in

the Federal Register to revise the Class

D and Class E airspace areas at Los

Angeles Hawthorne Municipal Airport,

CA (62 FR 1063). During airspace

reclassification, the Hawthorne Airport

Traffic Area (ATA) and the Los Angeles

ATA were combined to form the

Hawthorne Class D airspace. Action was

initiated to redesign the Los Angeles

Hawthorne Municipal Airport surface

areas to reduce the complexity of air

traffic procedures within this area.

Conclusion

The proposed action would have

resulted in a reduction of the surface

areas for the Los Angeles Hawthorne

Municipal Airport, CA. The proposal

would not have reduced the complexity

of the air traffic procedures and

operations in this area. Further analysis

is necessary to incorporate appropriate

changes into the airspace design.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

Airspace, Incorporation by reference,

Navigation (air).

Withdrawal of Proposed Rule

Accordingly, pursuant to the

authority delegated to me, Airspace

Docket No. 96–AWP–34, as published in

the Federal Register on January 8, 1997

(62 FR 1063), is hereby withdrawn.

Issued in Los Angeles, California, on

February 5, 1997.

Leonard A. Mobley,

Acting Manager, Air Traffic Division,

Western-Pacific Region.

[FR Doc. 97–4579 Filed 2–24–97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–M

14 CFR Part 71

[Airspace Docket No. 97–AEA–14]

Proposed Establishment of Class E

Airspace, Kutztown, PA

AGENCY: Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

SUMMARY: This proposed rule would

establish Class E Airspace at Kutztown,

PA. The development of a new Standard

Instrument Approach Procedure (SIAP)

at Kutztown Airport based on the VHF

Omni-Directional Radio Range (VOR)

and Global Positioning System (GPS)