Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the street address stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2006 (71 FR 18237). That NPRM proposed to require modifying certain structure in the fuselage zone at the lavatory venturi installation in the nose section, and performing a related investigative action and corrective action if necessary.
CommentsWe provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the single comment received.
Request To Add Revised Service Information
The manufacturer, Airbus, advises that the service bulletin specified in the NPRM has been revised. Airbus notes that Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6151, Revision 01, dated April 21, 2006, contains minor changes and that no additional work is required.
We agree with Airbus. We have reviewed Revision 01 of the service bulletin and agree that it does not necessitate additional work. We have revised paragraphs (f) and (g) of the AD to reflect the revised service bulletin. In addition, we have added a new paragraph (h) to this AD specifying that accomplishment of the actions specified in paragraph (f) of the AD in accordance with the original issue of the service bulletin is considered to be an acceptable method of compliance. Subsequent paragraphs of the AD have been re-identified accordingly.Revision 01 also includes a reduced cost for parts and we have revised the Costs of Compliance section of the AD to reflect that reduced cost.
Explanation of Change to This Final Rule
Paragraph (g) of the NPRM specifies making repairs using a method approved by either the FAA or the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent). The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has assumed responsibility for the airplane models subject to this AD. Therefore, we have revised paragraph (g) of this AD to specify making repairs using a method approved by either the FAA or the EASA (or its delegated agent).
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. These changes will neither increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
This AD affects about 86 airplanes of U.S. registry. The modification (including the inspection) takes about 28 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required parts cost about $399 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $226,954, or $2,639 per airplane.
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 have determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 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.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):