[Federal Register: January 16, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 11)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 2803-2807]
[DOCID:fr16ja08-6]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27926; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-050-AD;
Amendment 39-15316; AD 2007-26-14]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A300 Airplanes; and Model
A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R Series Airplanes, and Model C4-605R
Variant F Airplanes (Collectively Called A300-600 Series Airplanes)

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), which applies to all Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series
airplanes; and all Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R
(collectively called A300-600) series airplanes. That AD currently
requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the upper radius
of the forward fitting of frame 47, and repair if necessary. This new
AD retains those requirements, but reduces inspection thresholds and
repetitive intervals, and adds related investigative and corrective
actions. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections only for airplanes with cracking that is within
certain limits, and a post-repair inspection program following the
optional terminating action. This AD results from reports of additional
cracking in airplanes that were inspected in accordance with the
existing AD. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue
cracking of the left and right upper radius at frame 47, which could
propagate and result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 20, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of February 20,
2008.
    On May 1, 2003 (68 FR 14894, March 27, 2003), the Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the AD.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov
; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation,
any comments received, and other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone<PHONE_NUMBER>) is the Document Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Stafford, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1622; fax<PHONE_NUMBER>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2003-06-04, amendment
39-13091 (68 FR 14894, March 27, 2003). The existing AD applies to all
Airbus Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes; and all Model A300 B4-
600, B4-600R, and F4-600R (collectively called A300-600) series
airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 20,
2007 (72 FR 19818). That NPRM proposed to continue to require
repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the upper radius of the
forward fitting of frame 47, and repair if necessary. That NPRM also
proposed to reduce

inspection thresholds and repetitive intervals, and to add related
investigative and corrective actions. That NPRM also proposed to
provide an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections
only for airplanes with cracking that is within certain limits.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been
received on the NPRM.

Request To Clarify Requirements of Paragraph (l) of the NPRM

    Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of its member American
Airlines (AA), and supported by Airbus, points out that paragraph
(l)(2) of the NPRM specifies performing repetitive inspections on
airplanes with cracks ``30 millimeters (mm) (1.181 inch) or less in
length.'' AA believes that the length should be 50 mm. AA explains that
Table 2 (Figure 1, Sheet 1) of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6029,
Revision 08, dated October 19, 2005 (for Model A300-600 series
airplanes), allows repetitive inspections for cracks equal to or less
than 50 mm. AA also points out that the table titled ``Related
Investigative and Corrective Actions Following Eddy Current
Inspection'' in the ``Relevant Service Information'' section of the
NPRM states that repetitive inspections are applicable for cracks equal
to or less than 50 mm in size.
    We agree that paragraph (l)(2) of the NPRM needs to be clarified.
Therefore, we have revised paragraph (l)(2) of the AD to clarify the
crack size that applies to each model.

Request To Apply Certain Actions Only to Airplanes With Known Cracks

    ATA, on behalf of its member AA, states that paragraph (m),
``Abnormal Load Events,'' of the NPRM should apply only to airplanes
with known cracks. Airbus supports this statement. AA explains that
Figure 1, Sheet 1, of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6029, Revision
08, requires the inspections only if a crack exists. AA also points out
that the table titled ``Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
Following Eddy Current Inspection'' in the ``Relevant Service
Information'' section of the NPRM states that the inspection is for an
``abnormal load event on an airplane with any crack finding.''
    We agree with the commenters for the reasons stated by the
commenters. Paragraph (m) of the AD should apply only to airplanes with
known cracks. We have revised paragraph (m) of this AD to state that it
applies only to airplanes on which any crack was found during any
inspection required by this AD.

Request To Refer to Latest Revision of Service Bulletin

    Airbus states that Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6144, dated July
16, 2004, which we referred to in the NPRM as the appropriate source of
service information for accomplishing the optional terminating action,
has now been revised. Airbus requests that we refer to Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-53-6144, Revision 01, dated October 15, 2007.
    We agree with the request to refer to Revision 01 of Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-53-6144. The procedures in Revision 01 and the original
issue are essentially the same. Revision 01 revises the effectivity of
the service bulletin, but states that no additional work is required
for airplanes modified in accordance with the previous issue. We have
revised paragraph (n) of this AD to refer to Revision 01 of the service
bulletin. We have also revised paragraph (r) of this AD to give credit
to operators that have accomplished the actions in accordance with the
previous issue of the service bulletin.

Request To Revise Contact Information

    Airbus requests that we revise the address for submitting reports
of inspection findings in paragraph (q) of the NPRM. We have revised
paragraph (q) of the AD to include the information provided by Airbus.

Explanation of Clarifications

    We have clarified paragraph (m) of the AD by replacing the ``or''
with an ``and'' in the statement ``Do the actions in paragraph (m)(1),
(m)(2), or (m)(3), as applicable * * *'' An ``and'' in this case more
clearly conveys the intent of the paragraph because it is possible that
operators might need to do more than one of those actions.
    We have also revised paragraph (s)(2) of the AD to clarify the
appropriate procedure for notifying the principal inspector before
using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments that have been received, and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described
previously. 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

    There are about 163 U.S.-registered airplanes that are affected by
this AD. The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S.
operators to comply with this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work hour.

                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                                          Work
                Action                   hours      Parts                  Cost per airplane                                 Fleet cost
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Actions required by AD 2003-06-04....          9         $0  $720, per inspection cycle...................  $117,360, per inspection cycle.
Inspection (new action)..............          1         $0  $80, per inspection cycle....................  $13,040, per inspection cycle.
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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

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by
removing amendment 39-13091 (68 FR 14894, March 27, 2003) and by adding
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2007-26-14 Airbus: Amendment 39-15316. Docket No. FAA-2007-27926;
Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-050-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective February 20, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2003-06-04.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 airplanes; and all
Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-
605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes; certificated in any
category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports of additional cracking in
airplanes that were inspected in accordance with AD 2003-06-04. We
are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the
left and right upper radius at frame 47, which could propagate and
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.

Requirements of AD 2003-06-04

Model A300-600: Inspection

    (f) For Model A300-600 series airplanes: At the earlier of the
times specified by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD, perform
an eddy current inspection to detect cracking of the upper radius of
the left and right forward fitting of frame 47, in accordance with
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6029, Revision 02, dated November 7,
1994; Revision 05, including Appendix 01, dated April 11, 2001; or
Revision 08, including Appendix 01, dated October 19, 2005. After
the effective date of this AD, only Revision 08 of the service
bulletin may be used.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 17,300 total flight cycles, or
within one year after October 16, 1996 (the effective date of AD 96-
18-18, amendment 39-9744), whichever occurs later.
    (2) At the later of the times specified by paragraphs (f)(2)(i)
and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 10,000 total flight cycles or
26,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 750 flight cycles or 1,900 flight hours, whichever
occurs first after May 1, 2003 (the effective date of AD 2003-06-
04).

Model A300-600: Follow-On (Repetitive) Inspections

    (g) For Model A300-600 series airplanes on which no cracking is
found during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD,
repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD at the
applicable times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this
AD until the inspection required by paragraph (j) of this AD is
done.
    (1) If the initial inspection was accomplished before May 1,
2003, repeat the inspection at the later of the times specified in
paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat
the inspection at intervals not to exceed 6,100 flight cycles or
15,600 flight hours, whichever occurs first.
    (i) Re-inspect within 6,100 flight cycles after the initial
inspection.
    (ii) Re-inspect within 750 flight cycles or 1,900 flight hours,
whichever occurs first after May 1, 2003.
    (2) If the initial inspection was not accomplished before May 1,
2003, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed
6,100 flight cycles or 15,600 flight hours, whichever occurs first.

Model A300-600: Corrective Action

    (h) For Model A300-600 series airplanes on which any cracking is
found during any inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD:
Before further flight, contact the Manager, International Branch,
ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Direction
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its delegated
representative); or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or
its delegated agent); for instructions regarding repair or for an
applicable re-inspection interval, in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin A300-53-6029, Revision 05, including Appendix 01, dated
April 11, 2001; or Revision 08, including Appendix 01, dated October
19, 2005. After the effective date of this AD, only Revision 08 may
be used. Repair and/or re-inspection accomplished before May 1,
2003, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, is acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.

Model A300 B2 and B4: Repetitive Inspections and Follow-On Actions

    (i) For Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes: At the applicable
time specified in paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), or (i)(3) of this AD,
perform repetitive eddy current inspections to detect cracking of
the upper radius of the forward fitting of frame 47, left and right
sides, per Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0246, Revision 03,
including Appendix 01, dated April 11, 2001; or Revision 06,
including Appendix 01, dated October 19, 2005. After the effective
date of this AD, only Revision 06 may be used. Accomplishing this
requirement terminates the corresponding inspection requirement of
the A300 Supplemental Structural Inspection Document (SSID) for
Model A300 B2 and B4 series airplanes. (That SSID is mandated by AD
96-13-11, amendment 39-9679.)
    (1) For Model A300 B2 series airplanes: Perform the initial
inspection at the later of the times specified by paragraphs
(i)(1)(i) and (i)(1)(ii) of this AD. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10,400 flight cycles or 13,300
flight hours, whichever occurs first, until the inspection required
by paragraph (j) of this AD is done.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 16,500 total flight cycles or
21,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 1,000 flight cycles or 1,300 flight hours after May
1, 2003, whichever occurs first.
    (2) For Model A300 B4-100 series airplanes: Perform the initial
inspection at the later of the times specified by paragraphs
(i)(2)(i) and (i)(2)(ii) of this AD. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8,500 flight cycles or 16,400
flight hours, whichever occurs first, until the inspection required
by paragraph (j) of this AD is done.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 10,300 total flight cycles or
19,800 total flight hours, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 750 flight cycles or 1,500 flight hours after May 1,
2003, whichever occurs first.

    (3) For Model A300 B4-200 series airplanes: Perform the initial
inspection at the later of the times specified by paragraphs
(i)(3)(i) and (i)(3)(ii) of this AD. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7,000 flight cycles or 13,600
flight hours, whichever occurs first, until the inspection required
by paragraph (j) of this AD is done.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 11,000 total flight cycles or
21,200 total flight hours, whichever occurs first.
    (ii) Within 750 flight cycles or 1,500 flight hours after May 1,
2003, whichever occurs first.

New Requirements of This AD

Inspections and Corrective Actions

    (j) At the applicable time in paragraph (k) or (l) of this AD:
Except as provided by paragraphs (n) and (p) of this AD, do an eddy
current inspection to detect cracking of the upper radius of the
forward fitting of frame 47, and do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, by accomplishing all the
applicable actions specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of
the applicable service bulletin specified in paragraph (j)(1) or
(j)(2) of this AD. Do all applicable investigative and corrective
actions before further flight. Where the service bulletins specify
to contact Airbus for repair instructions: Before further flight,
repair using a method approved by either the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA (or its delegated agent). Doing the
inspections required by this paragraph terminates the inspections
required by paragraphs (f), (g), and (i) of this AD.
    (1) For Airbus Model A300 airplanes: Airbus Service Bulletin
A300-53-0246, Revision 06, including Appendix 01, dated October 19,
2005.
    (2) For Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-
605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes:
Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6029, Revision 08, including
Appendix 01, dated October 19, 2005.
    (k) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph
(f), (g), or (i) of this AD, as applicable, has not been done prior
to the effective date of this AD: Do the initial inspection required
by paragraph (j) of this AD before the accumulation of 10,000 total
flight cycles, or within 1,400 flight cycles after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at the applicable interval specified in Figure 1, Sheet
1, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service
bulletin.
    (l) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph
(f), (g), or (i) of this AD, as applicable, has been done prior to
the effective date of this AD: Inspect at the applicable times
specified in paragraph (l)(1) or (l)(2) of this AD. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at the applicable interval specified in Figure
1, Sheet 1, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service bulletin.
    (1) For airplanes on which no cracking was found during any
inspection required by this AD: Do the next inspection at the
earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i) and
(l)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) At the next repetitive interval specified in the applicable
service bulletin specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD,
or within 1,400 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later.
    (ii) At the next repetitive interval specified in paragraph (g)
or (i) of this AD, as applicable.
    (2) For airplanes on which any crack was found during any
inspection required by this AD, and the crack is the size specified
in paragraph (l)(2)(i), (l)(2)(ii), or (l)(2)(iii) of this AD: Do
the next inspection at the applicable times specified in paragraph
(l)(2)(i), (l)(2)(ii), or (l)(2)(iii) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) For Airbus Model A300 airplanes on which the crack is 30
millimeters (mm) (1.181 inch) or less in length: At the next
repetitive interval specified in the service bulletin specified in
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD, or within 500 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (ii) For Airbus Model A300 airplanes on which the crack is
greater than 30 millimeters (mm) (1.181 inch) in length, but less
than or equal to 50 mm in length (1.97 inch): At the next repetitive
interval specified in paragraph (l) of this AD (Figure 1, Sheet 1,
of the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service
bulletin).
    (iii) For Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-
605R, B4-622R, F4-605R, F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F airplanes on
which the crack is 50 mm (1.97 inch) or less in length: At the next
repetitive interval specified in the service bulletin specified in
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD; without, however, exceeding the
previous inspection interval specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.

Abnormal Load Events

    (m) For airplanes on which any crack was found during any
inspection required by this AD and on which any abnormal load event
occurs after the effective date of this AD: Do the actions in
paragraphs (m)(1), (m)(2), and (m)(3) of this AD, as applicable, at
the time specified in the applicable paragraph.
    (1) Within 3 months after the event, or at the next applicable
repetitive interval required by paragraph (k) or (l) of this AD,
whichever occurs first: Do the next repetitive inspection required
by paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (2) Before further flight following any additional abnormal load
event that occurs following the first event but before the next
repetitive inspection required by paragraph (k) or (l) of this AD:
Contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, or the EASA (or
its delegated agent), for further instructions.
    (3) Within 3 months after any abnormal load event: Report the
event to Airbus in accordance with the requirements of paragraph (q)
of this AD.

Optional Terminating Action (Repair) for Certain Cracks

    (n) Repairing any crack greater than 30 mm but less than or
equal to 50 mm in size, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-0370, including
Appendix 01, dated July 16, 2004; or Airbus Service Bulletin A300-
53-6144, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated July October 15,
2007; as applicable; terminates the repetitive inspection
requirements of paragraph (k) or (l) of this AD for that area only.
Where the service bulletins specify to contact Airbus for repair
instructions: Repair the crack using a method approved by either the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA (or its
delegated agent).

Repetitive Inspections Following Optional Terminating Action

    (o) Within 6 months after repair in accordance with paragraph
(n) of this AD: Submit a post-repair inspection program for
monitoring the repair to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116,
for approval.

Repair of Any Crack Greater than 50 mm in Size

    (p) If any crack that is greater than 50 mm in size is found
during any inspection required by paragraph (j), (k), or (l) of this
AD: Before further flight, repair according to a method approved by
the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

Reporting Requirement

    (q) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (q)(1) or
(q)(2) of this AD: Submit a report of all results of each inspection
required by this AD to Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France, Attention: Davide Cavazzini, fax 33-5-61-93-
36-14. The report must include the inspection results, a description
of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the
number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Information
collection requirements contained in this AD have been approved by
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been
assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days
after performing the inspection.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished
before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30
days after the effective date of this AD.

Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Issues of Service
Bulletins

    (r) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD
are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of
paragraphs (i), (j), and (n) of this AD.

                                 Table 1.--Previous Issues of Service Bulletins
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Airbus Service
              Model                   Bulletin              Revision level                      Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300 airplanes..................      A300-53-0246  03...........................  April 11, 2001.
                                      A300-53-0246  04...........................  November 12, 2002.
                                      A300-53-0246  05...........................  January 19, 2004.
A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-      A300-53-6029  05...........................  April 11, 2001.
 622, B4-605R, B4-622R, F4-605R,
 F4-622R, and C4-605R Variant F
 airplanes.
                                      A300-53-6029  06...........................  November 12, 2002.
                                      A300-53-6029  07...........................  January 19, 2004.
                                      A300-53-6144  Original.....................  July 16, 2004.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (s)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance
with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different
compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local
FSDO.
    (3) AMOCs approved previously in accordance with AD 2003-06-04
are approved as AMOCs with this AD until paragraph (j) of this AD is
accomplished.

Related Information

    (t) French airworthiness directive F-2006-016, dated January 18,
2006, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (u) You must use the service information listed in Table 2 of
this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless
the AD specifies otherwise.

                                Table 2.--All Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Airbus Service Bulletin                     Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-53-0246, including Appendix 01....  03.................................  April 11, 2001.
A300-53-0246, including Appendix 01....  06.................................  October 19, 2005.
A300-53-0370, including Appendix 01....  Original...........................  July 16, 2004.
A300-53-6029...........................  02.................................  November 7, 1994.
A300-53-6029, including Appendix 01....  05.................................  April 11, 2001.
A300-53-6029, including Appendix 01....  08.................................  October 19, 2005.
A300-53-6144, including Appendix 01....  Original...........................  July 16, 2004.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the documents listed in Table 3 of
this AD in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

                                Table 3.--New Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Airbus Service Bulletin                     Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-53-0246, including Appendix 01....  06.................................  October 19, 2005.
A300-53-0370, including Appendix 01....  Original...........................  July 16, 2004.
A300-53-6029, including Appendix 01....  08.................................  October 19, 2005.
A300-53-6144, including Appendix 01....  Original...........................  July 16, 2004.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) On May 1, 2003 (68 FR 14894, March 27, 2003), the Director
of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of
the documents listed in Table 4 of this AD.

                           Table 4.--Material Incorporated by Reference in Previous AD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Airbus Service Bulletin                     Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A300-53-0246, including Appendix 01....  03.................................  April 11, 2001.
A300-53-6029, including Appendix 01....  05.................................  April 11, 2001.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (3) On October 16, 1996 (61 FR 47808, September 11, 1996), the
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A300-53-6029, Revision 02,
dated November 7, 1994.
    (4) Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France, for a copy of this service information. You may
review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER>, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html
.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 19, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-25503 Filed 1-15-08; 8:45 am]

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[Federal Register: September 8, 2009 (Volume 74, Number 172)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 45982-45983]
[DOCID:fr08se09-4]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 71

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0363; Airspace Docket No. 09-ASW-11]

Establishment of Class D Airspace; Grand Prairie, TX

AGENCY:  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:  Final rule.

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SUMMARY:  This action establishes Class D airspace at Grand Prairie,
TX. Establishment of an air traffic control tower at Grand Prairie
Municipal Airport has made this action necessary for the safety and
management of Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations at Grand Prairie
Municipal Airport.

DATES: 0901 UTC, December 17, 2009. The Director of the Federal
Register approves this incorporation by reference action under 1 CFR
Part 51, subject to the annual revision of FAA Order 7400.9 and
publication of conforming amendments.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Enander, Central Service Center,
Operations Support Group, Federal Aviation Administration, Southwest
Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 321-
7716.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

History

    On June 24, 2009, the FAA published in the Federal Register a
notice of proposed rulemaking to establish Class D airspace at Grand
Prairie Municipal Airport, Grand Prairie, TX. (74 FR 30023, Docket No.
FAA-2009-0363). Interested parties were invited to participate in this
rulemaking effort by submitting written comments on the proposal to the
FAA. No comments were received. Class D airspace designations are
published in paragraph 5000 of FAA Order 7400.9S signed October 3,
2008, and effective October 31, 2008, which is incorporated by
reference in 14 CFR Part 71.1. The Class D airspace designations listed
in this document will be published subsequently in the Order.

The Rule

    This action amends Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR)
part 71 by establishing Class D airspace extending upward from the
surface up to but not including 2,000 feet MSL for IFR operations at
Grand Prairie Municipal Airport, Grand Prairie, TX, for the safety and
management of IFR operations.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation only involves an
established body of technical regulations for which frequent and
routine amendments are necessary to keep them operationally current.
Therefore, this regulation: (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) does not warrant preparation of a regulatory evaluation
as the anticipated impact is so minimal. Since this is a routine matter
that will only affect air traffic procedures and air navigation, it is
certified that this rule, when promulgated, will not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities under the
criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    The FAA's authority to issue rules regarding aviation safety is
found in Title 49 of the U.S. Code. Subtitle 1, Section 106, describes
the authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation
Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the agency's authority.
This rulemaking is promulgated under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that section, the
FAA is charged with prescribing regulations to assign the use of
airspace necessary to ensure the safety of aircraft and the efficient
use of airspace. This regulation is within the scope of that authority
as it establishes

controlled airspace at Grand Prairie Municipal Airport, Grand Prairie,
TX.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 71

    Airspace, Incorporation by reference, Navigation (air).

Adoption of the Amendment

0
In consideration of the foregoing, the Federal Aviation Administration
amends 14 CFR Part 71 as follows:

PART 71--DESIGNATION OF CLASS A, B, C, D, AND E AIRSPACE AREAS; AIR
TRAFFIC SERVICE ROUTES; AND REPORTING POINTS

0
1. The authority citation for 14 CFR Part 71 continues to read as
follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40103, 40113, 40120; E.O. 10854,
24 FR 9565, 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 389.

Sec.  71.1  [Amended]

0
2. The incorporation by reference in 14 CFR Part 71.1 of the Federal
Aviation Administration Order 7400.9S, Airspace Designations and
Reporting Points, signed October 3, 2008, and effective October 31,
2008, is amended as follows:

Paragraph 5000 Class D airspace.
* * * * *

ASW TX D Grand Prairie, TX [New]

Grand Prairie Municipal Airport, TX
    (Lat. 32[deg]41'55.6'' N., long. 97[deg]02'48.9'' W.)

    That airspace extending upward from the surface, to but not
including 2,000 feet MSL within a 3.8-mile radius of Grand Prairie
Municipal Airport, excluding the portion west of a line between lat.
32[deg]45'00'' N.; long. 97[deg]05'28'' W., and lat. 32[deg]38'10''
N.; long. 97[deg]3'26'' W., and excluding that portion north of a
line between lat. 32[deg]45'00'' N; long. 97[deg]05'28'' W.; and
lat. 32[deg]45'00'' N.; long. 97[deg]00'10'' W., and excluding that
airspace within the Dallas/Fort Worth, TX Class B airspace area.
This Class D airspace area is effective during the specific dates
and times established in advance by a Notice to Airmen. The
effective dates and times will thereafter be continuously published
in the Airport/Facility Directory.
* * * * *

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 25, 2009.
Ronnie L. Uhlenhaker,
Acting Manager, Operations Support Group, ATO Central Service Center.
 [FR Doc. E9-21269 Filed 9-4-09; 8:45 am]

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[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 8855-8856]
[FR Doc No: 2012-3584]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-9632-2]

Final Reissuance of the NPDES General Permit for Facilities
Related to Oil and Gas Extraction in the Territorial Seas of Texas

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency.

ACTION: Notice of Final NPDES General Permit.

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SUMMARY: The Director of the Water Quality Protection Division, EPA
Region 6 today announces issuance of the final National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit for the Territorial
Seas of Texas (No. TXG260000) for discharges from existing and new
dischargers and New Sources in the Offshore Subcategory of the Oil and
Gas Extraction Point Source Category as authorized by section 402 of
the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1342 (CWA). The permit supersedes the
previous general permit (TXG260000) which expired on November 4, 2010.
This permit renewal authorizes discharges from exploration,
development, and production facilities located in and discharging to
the territorial seas off Texas.
    EPA proposed the draft permit in the Federal Register on October
24, 2011. EPA Region 6 has considered all comments received and makes
one significant change to the proposed permit. A copy of the Region's
responses to comments and the final permit may be obtained from the EPA
Region 6 Internet site: http://www.epa.gov/region6/water/npdes/genpermit/index.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Diane Smith, Region 6, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202-
2733. Telephone:<PHONE_NUMBER>.

DATES: This permit was issued and effective on February 8, 2012, and
expires February 7, 2017. In accordance with 40 CFR part 23, this
permit shall be considered issued for the purpose of judicial review on
February 29, 2012. Under section 509(b) of the CWA, judicial review of
this general permit can be held by filing a petition for review in the
United States Court of Appeals within 120 days after the permit is
considered issued for judicial review. Under section 509(b)(2) of the
CWA, the requirements in this permit may not be challenged later in
civil or criminal proceedings to enforce these requirements. In
addition, this permit may not be challenged in other agency
proceedings. Deadlines for submittal of notices of intent are provided
in Part I.A.2 of the permit.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA intends to use the reissued permit to
regulate discharges from oil and gas extraction facilities located in
the territorial seas off Texas under the CWA. To obtain discharge
authorization, operators of such facilities must submit a new Notice of
Intent (NOI). To determine whether your facility, company, business,
organization, etc. is regulated by this action, you should carefully
examine the applicability criteria in Part I, Section A.1 of the
permit. If you have questions regarding the applicability of this
action to a particular entity, consult the person listed in the FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section above.

Other Legal Requirements

    Oil Spill Requirements. Section 311 of the CWA prohibits the
discharge of oil and hazardous materials in harmful quantities.
Discharges that are in compliance with NPDES permits under normal
operational conditions are excluded from the provisions of section 311.
However, the permit does not preclude the institution of legal action
or relieve permittees from any responsibilities, liabilities, or
penalties for other, unauthorized discharges of oil and hazardous
materials which are covered by section 311 of the CWA. This general
permit does not authorize discharges beyond normal exploration,
development, and production of oil and gas extraction activities. For
instance, an oil spill caused by explosion, like the Deepwater Horizon
event that extended from April 20, 2010 to September 19, 2010, when oil
flowed from a well in the outer continental shelf portion of the Gulf
of Mexico, or any potential gas spill, is not authorized by this
general permit.
    Endangered Species Act. EPA evaluated the potential effects of
issuance of this permit upon listed threatened or endangered species.
Based on that evaluation, EPA has determined that authorization of the
discharges is not likely to adversely affect any listed threatened or
endangered species. EPA initiated section 7 consultations in accordance
with the Endangered Species Act with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), and received
the concurrence letter dated July 15, 2011, from FWS (Consultation No.
21410-2004-I-0051), and a letter dated January 3, 2012, from NMFS (Ref.
No. I/SER/2011/00705).
    National Environmental Policy Act. EPA issued a final Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) which was published in the Federal Register at
69 FR 15829 on March 26, 2004, to evaluate the potential environmental
consequences of this Federal general permit action, pursuant to its
responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(NEPA). EPA responded to all issues raised on the Final EIS and issued
a Record of Decision on January 11, 2005. EPA has prepared a
Supplemental Information Report (SIR) dated September 2011 to the 2005
issued final EIS. The SIR is posted on the Internet at: http://www.epa.gov/region6/water/npdes/genpermit/index.htm.
    Ocean Discharge Criteria Evaluation. For discharges into waters of
the territorial sea, contiguous zone, or oceans, CWA section 403
requires EPA to consider guidelines for determining potential
degradation of the marine environment in issuance of NPDES permits.
These Ocean Discharge Criteria (40 CFR part 125, subpart M) are
intended to ``prevent unreasonable degradation of the marine
environment and to authorize imposition of effluent limitations,
including a prohibition of discharge, if necessary, to ensure this
goal'' (45 FR 65942, October 3, 1980). EPA prepared a report on ``Ocean
Discharge Criteria Evaluation for the NPDES General Permit for the
Territorial Seas of the State of Texas'' dated October 25, 2002, when
EPA proposed the reissuance of the general permit in 2004, and
concluded that reissuance of the Oil and Gas General Permit for the
Territorial Seas of Texas would not result in unreasonable degradation
of the marine environment. EPA has reevaluated the ten (10) criteria in
the SIR mentioned above.
    Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. The Marine
Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act (MPRSA) of 1972 regulates the
dumping of all

types of materials into ocean waters and establishes a permit program
for ocean dumping. In addition the MPRSA establishes the Marine
Sanctuaries Program, implemented by the National Oceanographic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which requires NOAA to designate
ocean waters as marine sanctuaries for the purpose of preserving or
restoring their conservation, recreational, ecological or aesthetic
values. Pursuant to the Marine Protection and Sanctuaries Act, NOAA has
not designated any marine sanctuaries within the area covered by the
permit. The permit also prohibits discharges to marine sanctuary areas.
    Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act. EPA has
determined that reissuance of this general permit is not likely to
adversely affect Essential Fish Habitat established under the 1996
amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation
Act. In a letter dated June 17, 2011, National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) concurred with the determination that issuance of the permit has
no adverse effect to Essential Fish Habitat.
    Coastal Zone Management Act. EPA has determined that the activities
which are authorized by this permit are consistent with the local and
state Coastal Zone Management Plans. The State of Texas issued a letter
of consistency on January 26, 2012. It should be noted that decisions
to allow oil and gas exploration and production in the territorial seas
are made by the State of Texas and not the EPA.
    State Certification. Under section 401(a)(1) of the CWA. EPA may
not issue an NPDES permit until the State in which the discharge will
originate grants or waives certification to ensure compliance with
appropriate requirements of the Act and State law. Section 301(b)(1)(C)
of the CWA requires that NPDES permits contain conditions that ensure
compliance with applicable state water quality standards or
limitations. The permit contains limitations intended to ensure
compliance with Texas Water Quality Standards and the corresponding
implementation guidance. The Texas Railroad Commission issued the 401
certification on January 26, 2012.
    Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collection required by
this permit has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, 44 U.S.C.
3501 et seq., and assigned OMB control numbers 2040-0086 (NPDES permit
application) and 2040-0004 (discharge monitoring reports).
    This reissued permit requires reporting and application
requirements for new facilities to comply with cooling water intake
structure requirements and therefore it requires more reporting burdens
for new facilities from those under the previous general permit. Since
this permit is very similar in reporting and application requirements
in discharges which are required to be monitored as the Western Gulf of
Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) general permit (GMG290000) which
also has cooling water intake structure requirements, the paperwork
burdens are expected to be nearly identical. EPA estimated it would
take an affected facility three hours to prepare the request for
coverage and 3 hours per month to prepare discharge monitoring reports.
It is estimated that the time required to prepare the request for
coverage and discharge monitoring reports for this permit will be the
same. A new facility may need more time to prepare information for
cooling water intake structure requirements. This permit requires
electronic reporting for discharge monitoring reports, and it will save
some reporting time.
    However, the alternative to obtaining authorization to discharge
under this general permit is to obtain an individual permit. The burden
of obtaining authorization to discharge under the general permit is
expected to be significantly less than the burden of obtaining an
individual permit.
    Regulatory Flexibility Act. The Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5
U.S.C. 601 et seq, requires that EPA prepare a regulatory flexibility
analysis for regulations that have a significant impact on a
substantial number of small entities. The permit renewal issued today
is not a ``rule'' subject to the Regulatory Flexibility Act. EPA
prepared a regulatory flexibility analysis, however, on the
promulgation of the Offshore Subcategory guidelines on which many of
the permit's effluent limitations are based. That analysis has shown
that issuance of this permit would not have a significant impact on a
substantial number of small entities.

     Authority:  Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.

    Dated: February 8, 2012.
William K. Honker,
Acting Director, Water Quality Protection Division, EPA Region 6.
[FR Doc. 2012-3584 Filed 2-14-12; 8:45 am]
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