The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR part 39 with an AD for certain Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4- 605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310-200 and -300 series airplanes. That action, published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2005 (70 FR 2985), proposed to require installing safety signs on all passenger/crew doors, emergency exit doors, and cargo compartment doors.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been submitted on the proposed AD.
Request To Revise Paragraph (h), Credit for Previous Service Bulletins
One commenter notes that in paragraph (h) of the proposed AD, Airbus Service Bulletin A310-11-2002 is incorrectly referred to as Service Bulletin A300-11-2002. We infer that the commenter is requesting thatwe correct the typographical error. The commenter also notes a difference between the French airworthiness directive and the proposed AD, which could lead to requests for alternative methods of compliance from operators. The commenter points out that the proposed AD specifies the use of Service Bulletin A310-11-2002, Revision 03, dated February 4, 2004, and that actions accomplished before the effective date of the AD, in accordance with Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995, are acceptable for compliance with the actions specified in paragraph (g) of the proposed AD. The French airworthiness directive references Service Bulletin A310-11-2002, or any later approved revision. The commenter recommends that the original issue and Revision 1 of Service Bulletin A310-11-2002 be included in paragraph (h), "Credit for Previous Service Bulletins," of the proposed AD.
We agree with the commenter's requests and have revised paragraph (h) of this AD to correct the typographical
error and toreference the original issue and Revision 1 of Airbus Service Bulletin A310-11-2002.
Request To Limit Placard Installation and Airplane Applicability
Another commenter suggests that the installation of safety signs be limited to the main/crew door only, and that airplanes used only for cargo operations be exempted from the requirements of the proposed AD. The commenter points out that normal operation of the cargo doors is restricted to trained crewmembers and maintenance personnel, and the existing warning signs and crew procedural items have proven effective in its cargo operations. The commenter states that a history of flightcrews improperly opening crew doors does not seem to justify installing additional placards on all cargo doors.
We do not agree with the commenter's requests. Although the reported accidents occurred when crewmembers forcibly opened passenger/ crew doors, the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) has notified us that the same unsafe condition also may exist on emergency exit and cargo doors. We have examined the DGAC findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to issue an AD parallel to French airworthiness directive F-2004-003, dated January 7, 2004. We point out that we did not receive similar comments from other cargo carriers, or any data substantiating that the commenter's request would ensure continued operational safety of the affected fleet. However, we will consider alternative methods of compliance in accordance with paragraph (i) of this AD.
Explanation of Change to Applicability
We have revised the applicability of this AD to identify model designations as published in the most recent type certificate data sheet for the affected models.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the comments that have been submitted, and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes describedpreviously. We have determined that 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 182 airplanes of U.S. registry. The required actions take about 5 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Required parts will be provided at no charge. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the AD for U.S. operators is $59,150, or $325 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 safeflight 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. 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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):