26100 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 91 /Tuesday, May 12, 1998 / Proposed Rules

average of 3 days to meet quarantine

requirements specified in § 93.308.

U.S. importers of competition and

breeding horses from Qatar would be

affected by this rule if it is adopted.

These importers would no longer be

required to quarantine horses from

Qatar for 60 days at the New York

Animal Import Center in Newburgh,

NY, at a cost of approximately $5,296

per horse.

In 1996, the U.S. imported 31,633

horses. However, there have been no

horses imported into the United States

from Qatar since 1992. Removing the

requirement for a 60-day quarantine for

horses from Qatar would make the

importation of these horses less

expensive and logistically easier. As a

result, we anticipate that U.S. importers

might begin importing horses from

Qatar. However, since the current horse

population in Qatar is approximately

1500 head, we do not expect that the

number of horses exported to the United

States would be significant. In fact, in

1995, Qatar only exported 10 horses.

Furthermore, most horses imported

from Qatar would probably be in the

United States on a temporary basis for

particular events, such as for races or

breeding, and then transported back to

Qatar. For these reasons, we anticipate

the overall economic impact on U.S.

entities would be minimal.

Under these circumstances, the

Administrator of the Animal and Plant

Health Inspection Service has

determined that this action would not

have a significant economic impact on

a substantial number of small entities.

Executive Order 12988

This rule has been reviewed under

Executive Order 12988, Civil Justice

Reform. If this proposed rule is adopted:

(1) All State and local laws and

regulations that are inconsistent with

this rule will be preempted; (2) no

retroactive effect will be given to this

rule; and (3) administrative proceedings

will not be required before parties may

file suit in court challenging this rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

This proposed rule contains no

information collection or recordkeeping

requirements under the Paperwork

Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501

et seq.).

List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 93

Animal diseases, Imports, Livestock,

Poultry and poultry products,

Quarantine, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements.

Accordingly, 9 CFR part 93 would be

amended as follows:

PART 93—IMPORTATION OF CERTAIN

ANIMALS, BIRDS, AND POULTRY,

AND CERTAIN ANIMAL, BIRD, AND

POULTRY PRODUCTS;

REQUIREMENTS FOR MEANS OF

CONVEYANCE AND SHIPPING

CONTAINERS

1. The authority citation for part 93

would continue to read as follows:

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1622; 19 U.S.C. 1306;

21 U.S.C. 102–105, 111, 114a, 134a, 134b,

134c, 134d, 134f, 135, 136, and 136a; 31

U.S.C. 9701; 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.2(d).

§ 93.308 [Amended]

2. In § 93.308, paragraph (a)(2) would

be amended by removing ‘‘Qatar,’’.

Done in Washington, DC, this 6th day of

May 1998.

Charles P. Schwalbe,

Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant

Health Inspection Service.

[FR Doc. 98–12571 Filed 5–11–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3410–34–P

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96–NM–171–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing

Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F

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 Boeing

Model 747–400, –400D, and –400F

series airplanes, that would have

required modification of the P212 and

P213 panels of the cabin pressure

control system. That proposal was

prompted by a report of in-flight loss of

cabin pressurization control due to a

single failure of the auxiliary power unit

(APU) battery. This action revises the

proposed rule by adding new

requirements, for certain airplanes, to

modify the P5, P6, and P7 panels, and

the W4701, W4703, and W4908 wire

bundles, as applicable. The actions

specified by this proposed AD are

intended to prevent loss of control of

the cabin pressurization system, which

could result in rapid depressurization of

the airplane. Such rapid

depressurization could result in

deleterious physiological effects on the

passengers and crew; and airplane

diversions, which represent an

increased risk to the airplane,

passengers, and crew.

DATES: Comments must be received by

June 8, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 96–NM–

171–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

Boeing Commercial Airplane Group,

P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, Washington

98124–2207. This information may be

examined at the FAA, Transport

Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Clayton R. Morris, Jr., Aerospace

Engineer, Systems and Equipment

Branch, ANM–130S, FAA, Seattle

Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind

Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington;

telephone (425) 227–2794; fax (425)

227–1181.

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
Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 91 /Tuesday, May 12, 1998 / Proposed Rules 26101

statement is made: ‘‘Comments to

Docket Number 96–NM–171–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–114, Attention: Rules Docket No.

96–NM–171–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

Boeing Model 747–400, –400D, and

–400F series airplanes, was published as

a notice of proposed rulemaking

(NPRM) in the Federal Register on April

1, 1997 (62 FR 15433). That NPRM

would have required modification of the

P212 and P213 panels of the cabin

pressure control system. That NPRM

was prompted by a report of in-flight

loss of cabin pressurization control due

to a single failure of the auxiliary power

unit (APU) battery. That condition, if

not corrected, could result in rapid

depressurization of the airplane. Such

rapid depressurization could result in

deleterious physiological effects on the

passengers and crew; and airplane

diversions, which represent an

increased risk to the airplane,

passengers, and crew.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous

Proposal

Since the issuance of that NPRM, the

FAA has given due consideration to the

comments received in response to the

NPRM. One comment and the

information it provides has led the FAA

to consider making a significant change

to the proposal. The comment and the

changes prompted by it are explained

below.

Request to Include Actions Specified in

Additional Service Bulletin

One commenter (the manufacturer)

requests that the FAA revise the

proposed AD to additionally require

accomplishment of the actions specified

in Boeing Service Bulletin 747–24–

2193, dated January 25, 1995; as revised

by Notices of Status Change (NSC) 747–

24–2193 NSC 1, dated April 13, 1995,

747–24–2193 NSC 2, dated October 5,

1995, 747–24–2193 NSC 3, dated

November 22, 1995, 747–24–2193 NSC

4, dated December 21, 1995, 747–24–

2193 NSC 5, dated May 2, 1996, and

747–24–2193 NSC 6, dated March 13,

1997; or Alert Service Bulletin 747–

24A2193, Revision 1, dated June 19,

1997.

The FAA concurs with the

commenter’s request to add the actions

described in the service bulletins to the

requirements of the originally proposed

AD. Since issuance of the NPRM, the

FAA has reviewed and approved these

service bulletins, which describe

procedures for modification of the

wiring of the P5, P6, and P7 panels, and

modification of the wiring in the W4701

and W4908 wire bundles; installation of

diodes in the P6 panel; and, for certain

airplanes, modification of the wiring in

the W4703 wire bundles.

Accomplishment of the actions

described in the service bulletins would

provide backup power for the control

and indication of the cabin

pressurization system in the event of a

single-source failure of the main battery

bus.

The FAA finds that accomplishment

of the actions specified in Service

Bulletin 747–24–2193 (including

notices of status change), Alert Service

Bulletin 747–24A2193, and Alert

Service Bulletin 747–21A2381 (the

appropriate source of service

information for accomplishment of the

actions specified in the originally

proposed AD) would adequately address

the identified unsafe condition by

providing an additional power source in

the event of loss of the primary power

source. Therefore, the FAA has revised

the proposed AD to add the actions

specified in Boeing Service Bulletin

747–24–2193 or Alert Service Bulletin

747–24A2193.

Conclusion

Since this change expands 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

There are approximately 351

airplanes of the affected design in the

worldwide fleet.

The FAA estimates that 43 airplanes

of U.S. registry would be affected by this

proposed AD. For all airplanes, it would

take approximately 8 work hours per

airplane to accomplish the proposed

modification of the P212 and P213

panels, at an average labor rate of $60

per work hour. Required parts would

cost approximately $389 per airplane.

Based on these figures, the cost impact

of this modification proposed by this

AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be

$37,367, or $869 per airplane.

For certain airplanes, it would take

approximately 47 work hours per

airplane to accomplish the proposed

modification of the P5, P6, and P7

panels, and the W4701, W4703, and

W4908 wire bundles, at an average labor

rate of $60 per work hour. Required

parts would cost approximately $1,529

per airplane. Based on these figures, the

cost impact of this modification

proposed by this AD on U.S. operators

is estimated to be $4,349 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.
26102 Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 91 /Tuesday, May 12, 1998 / Proposed Rules

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. Section 39.13 is amended by

adding the following new airworthiness

directive:

Boeing: Docket 96–NM–171–AD.

Applicability: Model 747–400, –400D, and

–400F series airplanes; as identified in

Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747–21A2381,

dated June 27, 1996; certificated in any

category.

Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane

identified in the preceding applicability

provision, regardless of whether it has been

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 (c) 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 loss of control of the cabin

pressurization system, which could result in

rapid depressurization of the airplane and

consequent deleterious physiological effects

on the passengers and crew; and airplane

diversions, which represent an increased risk

to the airplane, passengers, and crew;

accomplish the following:

(a) Within 180 days after the effective date

of this AD: Modify the P212 and P213 panels

of the cabin pressure control system as

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

AD, as applicable, in accordance with Boeing

Alert Service Bulletin 747–21A2381, dated

June 27, 1996.

(1) For Groups 1 through 7 airplanes, as

identified in the alert service bulletin:

Change the wiring in the P212 and P213

panels; replace the existing two-pole relays

with new four-pole relays; and perform a test

of both panels.

(2) For Group 8 airplanes, as identified in

the alert service bulletin: Change the wiring

in the P212 panel; replace the existing twopole relays with new four-pole relays; replace

the existing P213 panel with a new P213

panel; and perform a test of both panels.

(b) For airplanes having line positions 696

through 1021 inclusive: Within 180 days

after the effective date of this AD, accomplish

paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2), as applicable, of

this AD; in accordance with Boeing Service

Bulletin 747–24–2193, dated January 25,

1995; as revised by Notices of Status Change

(NSC) 747–24–2193 NSC 1, dated April 13,

1995, 747–24–2193 NSC 2, dated October 5,

1995, 747–24–2193 NSC 3, dated November

22, 1995, 747–24–2193 NSC 4, dated

December 21, 1995, 747–24–2193 NSC 5,

dated May 2, 1996, and 747–24–2193 NSC 6,

dated March 13, 1997; or Alert Service

Bulletin 747–24A2193, Revision 1, dated

June 19, 1997.

(1) For all airplanes: Modify the wiring of

the P5, P6, and P7 panels; modify the wiring

in the W4701 and W4908 wire bundles; and

install diodes in the P6 panel.

(2) For Groups 1 and 2 airplanes identified

in paragraph I. of the Accomplishment

Instructions of the service bulletin or alert

service bulletin: Modify the wiring in the

W4703 wire bundle.

(c) 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, Seattle

Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 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, Seattle ACO.

Note 2: Information concerning the

existence of approved alternative methods of

compliance with this AD, if any, may be

obtained from the Seattle ACO.

(d) 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 May 5,

1998.

D. L. Riggin,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane

Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

[FR Doc. 98–12520 Filed 5–11–98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–13–U

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 97–NM–156–AD]

RIN 2120–AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model

A320 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 A320 series

airplanes. This proposal would require

repetitive inspections to detect cracking

in the inner flange of door frame 66, and

corrective actions, if necessary. This

proposal also would provide for an

optional terminating action for the

repetitive inspections. 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 correct such fatigue

cracking, which could result in reduced

structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: Comments must be received by

June 11, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in

triplicate to the Federal Aviation

Administration (FAA), Transport

Airplane Directorate, ANM–114,

Attention: Rules Docket No. 97–NM–

156–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:

Norman B. Martenson, 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–156–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