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 

### 40938

Vol. 80, No. 134

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

**DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY**

**10 CFR Part 430**

**[Docket Number EERE–2014–BT–STD– 0048]** 

**RIN 1904–AD37**

**Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee: Notice of** 
**Intent To Establish the Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps Working**  **Group To Negotiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for**  **Energy Conservation Standards**

**AGENCY :**  Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy.

**ACTION :**  Notice of intent and announcement of public meeting.

**SUMMARY :**  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE or the Department) is giving notice of a public meeting and
that DOE intends to establish a negotiated rulemaking working group under the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC) in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the Negotiated Rulemaking Act (NRA) to negotiate proposed amended energy conservation standards
for central air conditioners and heat pumps standards and to discuss certain aspects of the proposed Federal test procedure. The purpose of the working group will be to discuss and, if possible, reach consensus on a proposed rule for amended energy conservation standards
for central air conditioners and heat pumps and provide recommendations to DOE regarding certain aspects of the proposed test procedure, as authorized by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) of 1975, as amended. The working group will consist of representatives of parties having a
defined stake in the outcome of the proposed standards and amended test procedure, and will consult as appropriate with a range of experts on technical issues. The working group is expected to make a concerted effort to negotiate a final term sheet by December 31, 2015 and no extensions will be
considered.

**DATES :**  DOE will host a public meeting and webinar on Wednesday, August 26, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Washington, DC.

Written comments and applications (i.e., cover letter and resume) to be appointed as members of the working group are welcome and should be submitted by July 28, 2015.

**ADDRESSES :**  U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal Building, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585,
Room 8E–089. Individuals will also have the opportunity to participate by webinar. To register for the webinar and receive call-in information, please register at https:// attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/

7200494210145268481.

Interested person may submit comments and an application for membership (including a cover letter and resume), identified by docket number EERE–2014–BT–STD–0048 any of the following methods:

1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

2. Email: ASRAC@ee.doe.gov. Include
docket number EERE–2014–BT–STD– 0048 in the subject line of the message.

3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Office, Mailstop EE–5B, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20585–0121. If possible, please submit all items on a compact disc (CD), in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies.

4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy, Building Technologies Program, 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 600, Washington, DC 20024. Telephone: (202) 586–2945. If possible, please submit all items on a CD, in which case it is not necessary to include printed copies. No telefacsimilies (faxes) will be accepted.

Docket: The docket is available for

review at www.regulations.gov, including Federal Register notices, public meeting attendee lists and transcripts, comments, and other supporting documents/materials. All
documents in the docket are listed in
the www.regulations.gov index. However, not all documents listed in the index may be publicly available, such as information that is exempt from public disclosure.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT :**  John Cymbalsky, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Building Technologies (EE–2J), 950 L’Enfant Plaza SW., Washington,
DC 20024. Phone: 202–287–1692. Email: asrac@ee.doe.gov

.

**SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION :**  I. Authority II. Background III. Proposed Negotiating Procedures IV. Comments Requested V. Public Participation VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

I. Authority

DOE is announcing its intent to negotiate proposed energy conservation standards and certain aspects of the test procedure for central air conditioners and heat pumps, under the authority of sections 563 and 564 of the NRA (5 U.S.C. 561–570, Pub. L. 104–320). The regulation of central air conditioners and heat pumps standards and test procedure amendments that DOE is proposing to develop under a negotiated rulemaking will be developed under the authority of EPCA, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6311(1) and 42 U.S.C. 6291 et

seq.
II. Background

As required by the NRA, DOE is giving notice that it is establishing a working group under ASRAC to discuss certain test procedure amendments and potentially develop proposed energy
conservation standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps.

A. Negotiated Rulemaking

DOE has decided to use the negotiated rulemaking process to discuss certain test procedure amendments and develop proposed energy conservation standards
for central air conditioners and heat pumps. The primary reason for using the negotiated rulemaking process for this product is that stakeholders strongly support a consensual rulemaking effort. DOE believes such a regulatory negotiation process will be
less adversarial and better suited to resolving complex technical issues. An important virtue of negotiated rulemaking is that it allows expert dialog that is much better than traditional techniques at getting the facts and issues right and will result in


### 40939 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 134 / Tuesday, July 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules

a proposed rule that will effectively reflect Congressional intent.

A regulatory negotiation will enable DOE to engage in direct and sustained dialog with informed, interested, and affected parties when drafting the regulation, rather than obtaining input during a public comment period after developing and publishing a proposed rule. Gaining this early understanding of all parties’ perspectives allows DOE to address key issues at an earlier stage of the process, thereby allowing more time for an iterative process to resolve issues. A rule drafted by negotiation with informed and affected parties is expected to be potentially more pragmatic and more easily implemented than a rule arising from the traditional process. Such rulemaking improvement is likely to provide the public with the
full benefits of the rule while minimizing the potential negative impact of a proposed regulation
conceived or drafted without the full prior input of outside knowledgeable parties. Because a negotiating working group includes representatives from the major stakeholder groups affected by or interested in the rule, the number of public comments on the proposed rule may be decreased. DOE anticipates that
there will be a need for fewer substantive changes to a proposed rule developed under a regulatory negotiation process prior to the publication of a final rule.

B. The Concept of Negotiated Rulemaking

Usually, DOE develops a proposed rulemaking using Department staff and consultant resources. Congress noted in the NRA, however, that regulatory development may ‘‘discourage the affected parties from meeting and communicating with each other, and may cause parties with different interests to assume conflicting and antagonistic positions * * *.’’ 5 U.S.C. 561(2)(2). Congress also stated that ‘‘adversarial rulemaking deprives the affected parties and the public of the benefits of face-to-face negotiations and cooperation in developing and reaching agreement on a rule. It also deprives
them of the benefits of shared information, knowledge, expertise, and technical abilities possessed by the affected parties.’’ 5 U.S.C. 561(2)(3).

Using negotiated rulemaking to develop a proposed rule differs fundamentally from the Department centered process. In negotiated rulemaking, a proposed rule is developed by an advisory committee or working group, chartered under FACA, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, composed of members chosen to represent the various interests that will be significantly affected by the rule. The goal of the advisory committee or working group is to reach consensus on the treatment of the major issues involved with the rule. The process starts with the Department’s careful identification of all interests potentially affected by the rulemaking under consideration. To help with this identification, the Department publishes
a notice of intent such as this one in the Federal Register , identifying a preliminary list of interested parties and requesting public comment on that list. Following receipt of comments, the Department establishes an advisory committee or working group representing the full range of stakeholders to negotiate a consensus on the terms of a proposed rule. Representation on the advisory committee or working group may be direct; that is, each member may represent a specific interest, or may be indirect, such as through trade associations and/or similarly-situated parties with common interests. The Department is a member of the advisory committee or working group and represents the Federal government’s interests. The advisory committee or working group chair is assisted by a
neutral mediator who facilitates the negotiation process. The role of the mediator, also called a facilitator, is to apply proven consensus-building techniques to the advisory committee or working group process.

After an advisory committee or working group reaches consensus on the provisions of a proposed rule, the Department, consistent with its legal obligations, uses such consensus as the basis of its proposed rule, which then is published in the Federal Register . This publication provides the required public notice and provides for a public comment period. Other participants and other interested parties retain their rights to comment, participate in an informal hearing (if requested), and request judicial review. DOEanticipates, however, that the preproposal consensus agreed upon by the advisory committee or working group will narrow any issues in the subsequent rulemaking.

C. Proposed Rulemaking for Energy Conservation Standards Regarding
Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps

The NRA enables DOE to establish an advisory committee or working group if
it is determined that the use of the negotiated rulemaking process is in the public interest. DOE intends to develop Federal regulations that build on the depth of experience accrued in both the public and private sectors in implementing standards and programs.

DOE has determined that the regulatory negotiation process will provide for obtaining a diverse array of in-depth input, as well as an opportunity for increased collaborative discussion from both private-sector stakeholders and government officials
who are familiar with the test procedures and energy efficiency of central air conditioners and heat pumps.

D. Department Commitment

In initiating this regulatory negotiation process to develop amendments to the test procedure and energy conservation standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps, DOE is making a commitment to provide adequate resources to facilitate timely and successful completion of the process. This commitment includes making the process a priority activity for all representatives, components, officials, and personnel of the Department who need to be involved in the rulemaking, from the time of
initiation until such time as a final rule is issued or the process is expressly terminated. DOE will provide administrative support for the process and will take steps to ensure that the advisory committee or working group has the dedicated resources it requires to complete its work in a timely fashion. Specifically, DOE will make available the following support services: Properly equipped space adequate for public meetings and caucuses; logistical support; word processing and distribution of background information; the service of a facilitator; and such
additional research and other technical assistance as may be necessary.

To the maximum extent possible consistent with the legal obligations of the Department, DOE will use the consensus of the advisory committee or working group as the basis for the rule the Department proposes for public
notice and comment.

E. Negotiating Consensus

As discussed above, the negotiated rulemaking process differs fundamentally from the usual process for developing a proposed rule. Negotiation enables interested and affected parties to discuss various approaches to issues rather than asking them only to respond to a proposal developed by the Department. The negotiation process involves a mutual education of the various parties on the practical concerns about the impact of standards. Each advisory committee or working group member participates in resolving the interests and concerns of


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other members, rather than leaving it up to DOE to evaluate and incorporate different points of view.

A key principle of negotiated rulemaking is that agreement is by consensus of all the interests. Thus, no one interest or group of interests is able to control the process. The NRA defines
consensus as the unanimous concurrence among interests represented on a negotiated rulemaking committee or working group, unless the committee or working group itself unanimously agrees to use a different definition. 5 U.S.C. 562. In addition, experience has demonstrated that using
a trained mediator to facilitate this process will assist all parties, including DOE, in identifying their real interests in the rule, and thus will enable parties to focus on and resolve the important

issues.

III. Proposed Negotiating Procedures

A. Key Issues for Negotiation

The following issues and concerns will underlie the work of the Negotiated Rulemaking Committee for Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps:

• Certain aspects of the proposed test procedure, including key test procedure conditions, as applicable; and

• Proposed energy conservation
standards for central air conditioners and heat pumps, which may be nationally or regionally based.

To examine the underlying issues outlined above, and others not yet articulated, all parties in the negotiation will need DOE to provide data and an analytic framework complete and accurate enough to support their deliberations. DOE’s analyses must be adequate to inform a prospective negotiation—for example, a notice of data availability containing a preliminary Technical Support Document or equivalent must be available and timely.

B. Formation of Working Group

A working group will be formed and operated in full compliance with the requirements of FACA and in a manner consistent with the requirements of the
NRA. DOE has determined that the working group not exceeds 25 members. The Department believes that more than
25 members would make it difficult to conduct effective negotiations. DOE is aware that there are many more potential participants than there are membership slots on the working group. The Department does not believe, nor does the NRA contemplate, that each potentially affected group must participate directly in the negotiations; nevertheless, each affected interest can be adequately represented. To have a successful negotiation, it is important for interested parties to identify and form coalitions that adequately represent significantly affected interests. To provide adequate representation, those coalitions must agree to support, both financially and technically, a member of the working group whom they choose to represent their interests.

DOE recognizes that when it considers adding covered products and establishing energy efficiency standards for residential products and commercial equipment, various segments of society may be affected in different ways, in some cases producing unique ‘‘interests’’ in a proposed rule based on income, gender, or other factors. The Department will pay attention to providing that any unique interests that have been identified, and that may be significantly affected by the proposed rule, are represented.

FACA also requires that members of the public have the opportunity to attend meetings of the full committee and speak or otherwise address the committee during the public comment period. In addition, any member of the public is permitted to file a written statement with the advisory committee. DOE plans to follow these same procedures in conducting meetings of the working group.

C. Interests Involved/Working Group Membership

DOE anticipates that the working group will comprise no more than 25 members who represent affected and interested stakeholder groups, at least
one of whom must be a member of the ASRAC. As required by FACA, the Department will conduct the negotiated rulemaking with particular attention to ensuring full and balanced representation of those interests that may be significantly affected by the proposed rule governing rules of
residential central air conditioners energy conservation standards. Section
562 of the NRA defines the term interest as ‘‘with respect to an issue or matter, multiple parties which have a similar point of view or which are likely to be
affected in a similar manner.’’ Listed below are parties the Department to date has identified as being ‘‘significantly affected’’ by a proposed rule regarding the energy efficiency of residential
central air conditioners.

• The Department of Energy

• Trade Associations representing

manufacturers of central air conditioners and heat pumps

• Manufacturers of central air

conditioners and heat pumps and component manufacturers and related suppliers

• Distributors or contractors selling or

installing central air conditioners and heat pumps

• Utilities

• Energy efficiency/environmental

advocacy groups

• Consumers

One purpose of this notice of intent is
to determine whether Federal regulations regarding central air conditioners and heat pumps will significantly affect interests that are not
listed above. DOE invites comment and suggestions on its initial list of significantly affected interests.

Members may be individuals or organizations. If the effort is to be fruitful, participants on the working group should be able to fully and adequately represent the viewpoints of their respective interests. This document gives notice of DOE’s process to other potential participants and affords them the opportunity to request representation in the negotiations. Those who wish to be appointed as members of the working group, should submit a request to DOE, in accordance with the public participation procedures
outlined in the **DATES** and **ADDRESSES** sections of this notice of intent. Membership of the working group is likely to involve:

• Attendance at approximately eight (8), one (1) to two (2) day meetings (with the potential for two (2) additional one (1) or two (2) day meetings);

• Travel costs to those meetings; and

• Preparation time for those meetings. Members serving on the working group will not receive compensation for their services. Interested parties who are not selected for membership on the working group may make valuable contributions to this negotiated rulemaking effort in any of the following

ways:

• The person may request to be placed on the working group mailing
list and submit written comments as appropriate.

• The person may attend working group meetings, which are open to the public; caucus with his or her interest’s member on the working group; or even address the working group during the public comment portion of the working group meeting.

• The person could assist the efforts of a workgroup that the working group might establish.

A working group may establish informal workgroups, which usually are
asked to facilitate committee deliberations by assisting with various technical matters ( e.g., researching or


### 40941 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 134 / Tuesday, July 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules

preparing summaries of the technical literature or comments on specific matters such as economic issues). Workgroups also might assist in estimating costs or drafting regulatory
text on issues associated with the analysis of the costs and benefits addressed, or formulating drafts of the various provisions and their justifications as previously developed by the working group. Given their support function, workgroups usually consist of participants who have expertise or particular interest in the technical matter(s) being studied. Because it recognizes the importance of this support work for the working group, DOE will provide appropriate technical expertise for such workgroups.

D. Good Faith Negotiation

Every working group member must be willing to negotiate in good faith and have the authority, granted by his or her constituency, to do so. The first step is to ensure that each member has good
communications with his or her

constituencies. An intra-interest
network of communication should be established to bring information from the support organization to the member at the table, and to take information from the table back to the support organization. Second, each organization or coalition therefore should designate as its representative a person having the credibility and authority to ensure that needed information is provided and decisions are made in a timely fashion. Negotiated rulemaking can require the appointed members to give a significant sustained for as long as the duration of the negotiated rulemaking. Other qualities of members that can be helpful are negotiating experience and skills, and sufficient technical knowledge to participate in substantive negotiations.

Certain concepts are central to negotiating in good faith. One is the willingness to bring all issues to the bargaining table in an attempt to reach a consensus, as opposed to keeping key
issues in reserve. The second is a willingness to keep the issues at the
table and not take them to other forums. Finally, good faith includes a willingness to move away from some of the positions often taken in a more traditional rulemaking process, and instead explore openly with other parties all ideas that may emerge from the working group’s discussions.

E. Facilitator

The facilitator will act as a neutral in the substantive development of the proposed standard. Rather, the facilitator’s role generally includes: • Impartially assisting the members of the working group in conducting discussions and negotiations; and

• Impartially assisting in performing the duties of the Designated Federal
Official under FACA.

F. Department Representative

The DOE representative will be a full and active participant in the consensus building negotiations. The Department’s representative will meet regularly with senior Department officials, briefing them on the negotiations and receiving their suggestions and advice so that he or she can effectively represent the Department’s views regarding the issues before the working group. DOE’s representative also will ensure that the entire spectrum of governmental interests affected by the standards rulemaking, including the Office of Management and Budget, the Attorney General, and other Departmental offices, are kept informed of the negotiations and encouraged to make their concerns known in a timely fashion.

G. Working Group and Schedule

After evaluating the comments submitted in response to this notice of intent and the requests for nominations,
DOE will either inform the members of the working group that they have been selected or determine that conducting a negotiated rulemaking is inappropriate.

The working group is expected to make a concerted effort to negotiate a final term sheet by December 31, 2015 without further option for extensions.

DOE will advise working group
members of administrative matters related to the functions of the working group before beginning. DOE will establish a meeting schedule based on the settlement agreement and produce the necessary documents so as to adhere to that schedule. While the negotiated rulemaking process is underway, DOE is committed to performing much of the same analysis as it would during a normal standards rulemaking process and to providing information and technical support to the working group.

IV. Comments Requested

DOE requests comments on which parties should be included in a negotiated rulemaking to develop draft language pertaining to the energy efficiency of residential central air conditioners and suggestions of
additional interests and/or stakeholders that should be represented on the working group. All who wish to participate as members of the working group should submit a request for

nomination to DOE. V. Public Participation

Members of the public are welcome to observe the business of the meeting and, if time allows, may make oral statements during the specified period for public comment. To attend the meeting and/or to make oral statements regarding any of the items on the agenda, email asrac@ee.doe.gov. In the email, please indicate your name, organization (if appropriate), citizenship, and contact information. Please note that foreign nationals participating in the public meeting are subject to advance security screening procedures which require advance notice prior to attendance at the public meeting. If a foreign national wishes to participate in the public meeting, please inform DOE as soon as possible by contacting Ms. Regina Washington at (202) 586–1214 or by email: Regina.Washington@ee.doe.gov so that the necessary procedures can be completed. Anyone attending the meeting will be required to present a government photo identification, such as a passport, driver’s license, or government identification. Due to the required security screening upon entry, individuals attending should arrive early to allow for the extra time needed.

Due to the REAL ID Act implemented by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recent changes regarding ID requirements for individuals wishing to enter Federal buildings from specific
states and U.S. territories. Driver’s licenses from the following states or territory will not be accepted for building entry and one of the alternate
forms of ID listed below will be required.

DHS has determined that regular driver’s licenses (and ID cards) from the following jurisdictions are not acceptable for entry into DOE facilities: Alaska, Louisiana, New York, American Samoa, Maine, Oklahoma, Arizona, Massachusetts, Washington, and

Minnesota.

Acceptable alternate forms of PhotoID include: U.S. Passport or Passport Card; An Enhanced Driver’s License or Enhanced ID-Card issued by the states of Minnesota, New York or Washington (Enhanced licenses issued by these states are clearly marked Enhanced or Enhanced Driver’s License); A military ID or other Federal government issued
Photo-ID card.

VI. Approval of the Office of the Secretary

The Secretary of Energy has approved publication of today’s notice of intent.


### 40942 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 134 / Tuesday, July 14, 2015 / Proposed Rules

Issued in Washington, DC, on June 30,

2015. Kathleen B. Hogan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

[FR Doc. 2015–17252 Filed 7–13–15; 8:45 am]

**BILLING CODE 6450–01–P**

**DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**14 CFR Part 39**

**[Docket No. FAA–2015–2461; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–202–AD]** 

**RIN 2120–AA64**

**Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes** 

**AGENCY :**  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

**ACTION :**  Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

**SUMMARY :**  We propose to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009–18– 15 for all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4– 600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300–600 series airplanes). AD 2009–18–15 currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS)
of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to require
additional life limits and/or replacements for certain main landing gear and nose landing gear components. Since we issued AD 2009–18–15, we have determined that existing maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are inadequate to ensure the structural integrity of the airplane. This proposed AD would require revising the maintenance or inspection program to incorporate new maintenance requirements and
airworthiness limitations. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of certain system components, which
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

**DATES :**  We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 28, 2015.

**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.

For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;

Internet http://www.airbus.com.

You may view this 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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015– 2461; 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 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–2015–2461; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–202–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 personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

On August 24, 2009, we issued AD 2009–18–15, Amendment 39–16011 (74 FR 48143, September 22, 2009). AD 2009–18–15 requires actions intended to
address an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A300, A310, and A300 B4–600, B4–600R, and F4–600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4–605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300–600 series airplanes).

Since we issued AD 2009–18–15, Amendment 39–16011 (74 FR 48143, September 22, 2009), we have
determined that more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations are necessary.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013–0248, dated October 14, 2013 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Model A300, A310, and A300–600 series airplanes.
The MCAI states:

The airworthiness limitations for Airbus aeroplanes are currently published in Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS)

documents.

The mandatory instructions and airworthiness limitations applicable to the Aging Systems Maintenance (ASM) are specified in Airbus A310 or A300–600 ALS Part 4 documents, which are approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). EASA AD 2007–0092 [ http:// ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa

_ad

_2007

_ 0092.pdf/AD

_2007-0092] [which corresponds to FAA AD 2009–06–06, Amendment 39– 15842 (74 FR 12228, March 24, 2009)] was issued to require compliance to the requirements as specified in these

documents.

The revision 02 of Airbus A310 and Airbus

A300–600 ALS Part 4 documents introduces more restrictive maintenance requirements
and/or airworthiness limitations. Failure to comply with the instructions of ALS Part 4 could result in an unsafe condition [reduced structural integrity of the airplane.]

For the reasons described above, this new [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2007–0092, which is superseded, and requires the implementation of the new or more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations as specified in Airbus A310 ALS Part 4, Revision 02, or Airbus A300–600 ALS Part 4, Revision 02, as applicable to aeroplane type/model.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD
docket on the Internet at http:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–

2461.