AD 2007-03-09 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes); and Model A310 Airplanes

Models named: A300, A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, C4-605R Variant F. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model A300 airplanes; Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A310 airplanes; certificated in any category.” Conclusion After careful review of the available data, including the comments noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD. Cost Impact The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators to comply with this AD. There are approximately 165 airplanes of U.S. registry that are affected by this AD. Estimated Costs Action Work hours Average labor rate per hour Parts Cost per airplane Fleet cost Detailed Inspection 1 $80 $0 $80 $13,200 AMM Revision 1 80 0 80 13,200 Replacement with Steel Fork Fitting 6 80 470 950 156,750 The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other administrative actions. 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 Impact The regulations adopted herein will 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. Therefore, it is determined that this final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a “significant rule” under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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 final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES . List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends 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: 2007-03-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-14920. Docket 2003-NM-123-AD.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the ram air turbine (RAT) yoke fitting, which could result in the loss of RAT function and possible loss of critical flight control in the event of certain emergency situations, accomplish the following: Detailed Inspection and Replacement (a) For Model A300-600 series airplanes, and Model A310 airplanes: Within 1,300 flight hours or 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do a detailed inspection for breaks of the bottom flange fitting of the yoke fitting for the RAT swivel coupling in accordance with the applicable all operators telex (AOT) in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. If the flange fitting is broken, before further flight, replace the flange fitting with a new flange fitting in accordance with the applicable AOT. For airplanes equipped with Hamilton Sundstrand RATs, verify the adjustment of the ejection jack, and correct the adjustment as applicable. (1) For Model A300-600 series airplanes: Airbus A300-600 AOT 57A6096, Revision 01, dated April 11, 2005. (2) For Model A310 airplanes: Airbus A310 AOT 57A2085, Revision 01, dated April 11, 2005. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” (b) For Model A300 airplanes, Model A300-600 series airplanes, and Model A310 airplanes equipped with Dowty Rotol RATs, except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 12986 has been done: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the RAT swivel coupling fork fitting with a new steel fitting, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0244, dated March 4, 2005 (for Model A300 airplanes); A300-57-6099, dated February 23, 2005 (for Model A300-600 series airplanes); or A310-57-2086, dated March 1, 2005 (for Model A310 airplanes); as applicable. Revisions (c) For all airplanes: Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Incorporate the information in the applicable aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, into the FAA-approved maintenance program to specify an inspection for breaks of the bottom flange of the RAT swivel coupling yoke fitting after each RAT retraction; and replacement of the RAT swivel coupling yoke fitting with a new aluminum or steel part as applicable; in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent); or European Aviation Safety Agency (or its delegated agent). The page blocks specified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, as applicable, are one approved method for the actions required by paragraph (c) of this AD. Thereafter, except as provided by paragraph (d) of this AD, no alternative inspection intervals may be approved for the bottom flange of the RAT swivel coupling yoke fitting. (1) Airbus A300-600 AMM, Chapter 29-25-00, Page Block 301, dated June 1, 2005. (2) Airbus A310 AMM, Chapter 29-25-00, Page Block 301, dated June 1, 2005. (3) Airbus A300 AMM Chapter 29-25-00, Page Block 301, dated March 1, 2006. Note 2: After revising the maintenance program to include the required periodic inspections according to this paragraph, operators do not need to make a maintenance log entry to show compliance with this AD every time those inspections are accomplished thereafter. Note 3: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. The FAA has provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular (AC) 25-1529-1. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French airworthiness directives F-2005-089, dated June 8, 2005; and F-2005-090 R1, dated July 6, 2005. Incorporation by Reference (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be done in accordance with the applicable service information specified in Table 1 of this AD. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of this service information, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. To inspect copies of this service information, go to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Table 1.—Material Incorporated by Reference Service information Revision level Date Airbus A300-600 All Operators Telex 57A6096 01 April 11, 2005. Airbus A310 All Operators Telex 57A2085 01 April 11, 2005. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-0244 Original March 4, 2005. Airbus Service Bulletin A300-57-6099 Original February 23, 2005. Airbus Service Bulletin A310-57-2086 Original March 1, 2005. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 12, 2007. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 24, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-1601 Filed 2-2-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P