Federal Register final rules — 1996-02-23

issue-1996-02-23Federal Register final rules — 1996-02-23Regulation

Published Federal Register documents, not public-inspection drafts. The GPO XML/text rendition is a research aid; the linked complete official PDF retains the printed layout and all graphics. Graphics are retained in that PDF and are not independently reproduced in this text rendition. Publication does not establish that every provision remains legally in force.

FR Doc. 96-844 Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and Model DC-9-80 Series Airplanes; Model MD-88 Airplanes; and C-9 (Military) Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6922-6924]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-844]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-20-AD; Amendment 39-9493; AD 96-02-05]

Airworthiness Directives; McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and Model 
DC-9-80 Series Airplanes; Model MD-88 Airplanes; and C-9 (Military) 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and Model DC-
9-80 series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 (military) series 

[[Page 6923]]
airplanes, that currently requires visual and eddy current inspections 
to detect cracking of the rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly, and 
replacement of the assembly, if necessary. That amendment was prompted 
by several occurrences of failure of the rudder pedals adjuster hub 
assembly due to broken detent lugs. This amendment provides an optional 
terminating action for the required inspections, and expands the 
applicability of the existing AD to include additional airplanes. The 
actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of rudder 
pedals control and reduction of braking capability.

DATES: Effective March 25, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications, as listed 
in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of March 25, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert 
Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1992, as listed 
in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the 
Federal Register as of January 22, 1993 (57 FR 60116, December 18, 
1992).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from McDonnell Douglas Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, 
Long Beach, California 90846, Attention: Technical Publications 
Business Administration, Department C1-L51 (2-60). This information may 
be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport 
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, Lakewood, 
California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol 
Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Augusto Coo, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ANM-120L, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California 90712; telephone (310) 627-5225; fax (310) 627-
5210.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 92-27-07, 
amendment 39-8441 (57 FR 60116, December 18, 1992), which is applicable 
to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9 and Model DC-9-80 series 
airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 (military) series airplanes, 
was published in the Federal Register on April 6, 1995 (60 FR 17489). 
The action proposed to continue to require visual and eddy current 
inspections to detect cracking of the rudder pedals adjuster hub 
assembly, and replacement of the assembly, if necessary. The action 
also proposed to expand the applicability of the existing AD to include 
additional airplanes.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    Two commenters support the proposed rule.
    Two other commenters also support the proposed rule, but request 
that the FAA allow the replacement of the magnesium casting rudder 
pedal adjuster hub assembly with an aluminum assembly, as described in 
McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-325, as terminating action 
for the requirements of this AD.
    The FAA concurs. The FAA has reviewed and approved McDonnell 
Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-325, Revision 1, dated November 30, 
1994, which describes procedures for replacement of the rudder pedal 
adjustment hub assembly in the rudder pedal mechanism. The FAA has 
determined that replacement of the existing magnesium casting with a 
new aluminum part, as specified in the service bulletin, provides 
optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by 
this AD. Accordingly, the FAA has revised the final rule to add a new 
paragraph (c) to specify this optional terminating action.
    McDonnell Douglas Alert Service Bulletin number ``A27-325,'' 
Revision 1, was inadvertently omitted in paragraph (a) of the proposed 
rule and a typographical error in the date of that alert service 
bulletin also appeared in paragraph (a) of the proposed rule. 
Additionally, McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin number 
``A27-325,'' Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995, was inadvertently 
omitted in paragraph (b) of the proposed rule. The FAA has revised the 
final rule to correct these typographical errors.
    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 previously 
described. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    There are approximately 909 Model DC-9 and Model DC-9-80 series 
airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and C-9 (military) series airplanes 
of the affected design in the worldwide fleet. The FAA estimates that 
561 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it 
would take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the 
required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures the cost impact of this AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $180 per airplane.
    The actions specified in this AD previously were required by AD 92-
27-07, which was applicable to approximately 373 airplanes. Based on 
the figures discussed above, the cost impact of the current 
requirements of that AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $67,140. 
In consideration of the compliance time and effective date of AD 92-27-
07, the FAA assumes that operators of the 373 airplanes subject to that 
AD have already initiated the required actions. This AD action adds no 
new costs associated with those airplanes.
    This AD action is applicable to approximately 188 additional 
airplanes. Based on the figures discussed above, the new costs to U.S. 
operators that are imposed by this AD are estimated to be $33,840. This 
figure is based on assumptions that no operator of these additional 
airplanes 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 regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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.

[[Page 6924]]

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.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-8441 (57 FR 
60116, December 18, 1992), and by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD), amendment 39-9493, to read as follows:

96-02-05 McDonnell Douglas: Amendment 39-9493. Docket 95-NM-20-AD. 
Supersedes AD 92-27-07, Amendment 39-8441.

    Applicability: Model DC-9-10, -20, -30, -40, and -50 series 
airplanes; Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), -82 (MD-82) -83 (MD-83), and -87 
(MD-87) series airplanes; Model MD-88 airplanes; and Model C-9 
(military) series airplanes; as listed in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 
Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995; 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority 
provided in paragraph (d) of this AD to request approval from the 
FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current 
configuration eliminates the unsafe condition; or different actions 
necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such 
a request should include an assessment of the effect of the changed 
configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no 
case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair 
remove any airplane from the applicability of this AD.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously. To prevent loss of rudder pedals control and reduction 
of braking capability, accomplish the following:
    (a) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas Alert Service 
Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1992: Prior to the 
accumulation of 15,000 landings or within 270 days after January 22, 
1993 (the effective date of AD 92-27-07, amendment 39-8441), 
whichever occurs later, conduct a visual and eddy current inspection 
to detect cracks of the rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly, part 
number 4616066, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert 
Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1992, or 
Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995.
    (1) If no cracks are detected as a result of the inspections 
required by this paragraph, repeat the inspections at intervals not 
to exceed 3,500 landings.
    (2) If cracks are detected as a result of the inspections 
required by this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the 
rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly, part number 4616066, with a new 
assembly having the same part number, in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 2, dated 
January 27, 1995. Thereafter, conduct visual and eddy current 
inspections of the replacement rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly 
in accordance with this paragraph.
    (b) For airplanes listed in McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service 
Bulletin A27-325, Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995, and not 
subject to paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 
15,000 landings or within 270 days after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs later, conduct a visual and eddy current 
inspection to detect cracks of the rudder pedals adjuster hub 
assembly, part number 4616066, in accordance with McDonnell Douglas 
DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 
1992, or Revision 2, dated January 27, 1995.
    (1) If no cracks are detected as a result of the inspections 
required by this paragraph, repeat the inspections at intervals not 
to exceed 3,500 landings.
    (2) If cracks are detected as a result of the inspections 
required by this paragraph, prior to further flight, replace the 
rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly, part number 4616066, with a new 
assembly having the same part number, in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 2, dated 
January 27, 1995. Thereafter, conduct visual and eddy current 
inspections of the replacement rudder pedals adjuster hub assembly 
in accordance with this paragraph.
    (c) Installation of the aluminum rudder pedal adjustment hub 
assembly in the rudder pedal mechanism between stations X=69 and 
X=120.000 in the flight compartment, in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-325, Revision 1, dated November 30, 
1994, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this 
AD.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Los Angeles ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Los Angeles ACO. Alternative methods of compliance 
previously granted for AD 92-27-07, Amendment 39-8441, continue to 
be considered as acceptable alternative methods of compliance with 
this amendment.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with McDonnell 
Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 2, dated 
January 27, 1995; McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-325, 
Revision 1, dated November 30, 1994; and McDonnell Douglas DC-9 
Alert Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1992. 
Revision 2 of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert Service Bulletin A27-325 
contains the following list of effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Revision                            
                                      level                             
             Page No.               shown on      Date shown on page    
                                      page                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-22..............................         2  Jan. 27, 1995.            
23-30.............................         1  Feb. 3, 1992.             
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Revision 1 of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Service Bulletin 27-325 
contains the following list of effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision level                        
           Page No.               shown on page      Date shown on page 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-22..........................  1................  Nov. 30, 1994.       
23-28.........................  Original.........  Sept. 13, 1993.      
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The incorporation by reference of McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Alert 
Service Bulletin A27-325, Revision 1, dated February 3, 1992, was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register in 
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of January 22, 
1993 (57 FR 60116, December 18, 1992). The incorporation by 
reference of the remainder of service documents is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from McDonnell Douglas 
Corporation, 3855 Lakewood Boulevard, Long Beach, California 90846, 
Attention: Technical Publications Business Administration, 
Department C1-L51 (2-60). Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Los 
Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 3960 Paramount Boulevard, 
Lakewood, California; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 25, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 17, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-844 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4162 Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6943-6944]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4162]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

National Park Service

36 CFR Part 13

RIN 1024-AC31

Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

AGENCY: National Park Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Park Service (NPS) is publishing final 
regulations for Denali National Park, Alaska, that will require 
mountain climbers to register a minimum of 60 days before any climb on 
Mount McKinley and Mount Foraker. Mountaineering in the park has 
increased dramatically over the last ten years and climbing-related 
injuries and deaths have correspondingly increased. By requiring 
advance registration, the Denali park staff will be able to provide 
information to prospective mountaineers in advance of their climb. This 
may include information on the specific dangers they may face, how to 
prepare and equip, other safety related issues, and requirements 
concerning resource protection issues such as litter removal and human 
waste disposal. Currently, climbers are required to register, but may 
do so as late as the day they depart for the mountain.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This final rule becomes effective on March 25, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to: Superintendent, Denali 
National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 9, Denali National Park, AK 99755.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Martin, Superintendent, Denali 
National Park and Preserve. Telephone 907-683-2294.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Denali National Park was first established as Mt. McKinley National 
Park on February 26, 1917. A separate Denali National Monument was 
proclaimed on December 1, 1978. These two park areas were combined, 
reconfigured and established as Denali National Park and Preserve on 
December 2, 1980, encompassing approximately 6.5 million acres. Prior 
to achieving its current configuration, the land the park now 
encompasses was recognized for its unique ecological value and 
designated an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976. That designation 
has since been expanded to encompass the entire 6.5 million acre park 
and preserve. The park contains North America's highest mountain, 
20,320 foot Mount McKinley. Mount Foraker, at 17,400 feet, and numerous 
large glaciers of the Alaska Range are also a part of this park's 
subarctic ecosystem. Wildlife includes caribou, Dall sheep, moose, 
grizzly bears and wolves.
    The first ascent of Mount McKinley occurred in 1913. Climbing 
continued to be a popular activity, although on a small scale, after 
the park was established. However, during the last ten years, 
mountaineering in the park has increased dramatically. The number of 
Mount McKinley climbers has risen from 695 in 1984 to 1277 in 1994 and 
1,220 in 1995. With the numbers of climbers increasing, the number of 
accidents, rescues and resource-related problems have also increased. 
Since 1932, a total of 85 mountaineers have perished on the slopes of 
Mount McKinley; 28 percent of these deaths (24) have occurred since 
1990. Recent years have also seen an increase in climbing-related 
deaths on Mount Foraker and the other Alaska Range peaks located in the 
park. In 1990, eight mountaineers were rescued on Mount McKinley. In 
sharp contrast, the number of mountaineers rescued increased to 28 in 
1992, 27 in 1994 and 21 in 1995. Studies by the NPS showed that the 
major reason climbers got into trouble on the mountain and required 
rescue was their unfamiliarity with the hazards unique to Mount 
McKinley. Specifically, extreme weather conditions, weather 
changeability and the other hazards associated with climbing in such 
northerly latitudes caught the climbers unprepared. The NPS determined 
that climbers need better education and information prior to their 
climbs and that an appropriate time frame was necessary to convey this 
information to the climbing community. Climbers from 38 countries 
registered to climb Mount McKinley in 1995. With so many climbers 
seeking permits, adequate lead time required to fulfill the requests 
lengthens. The 60 day pre- registration period will provide sufficient 
opportunity for the Denali park staff to provide the necessary 
information to prospective 

[[Page 6944]]
mountaineers on the dangers they may face climbing in the park, how to 
prepare and equip themselves for the climb, other safety related issues 
and requirements concerning resource protection issues such as litter 
removal and human waste disposal.
    On September 13, 1995, the NPS published the proposed regulation 
that will require mountain climbers to register a minimum of 60 days 
before any climb on Mount McKinley and Mount Foraker (60 FR 47513). The 
comment period closed on November 13, 1995. No comments were received 
during the comment period. When this rule becomes final, it will 
replace the interim rule that was published on March 31, 1995, in the 
Federal Register. (60 FR 16579).

Drafting Information

    The primary authors of this final rule are Dennis Burnett, 
Washington Office of Ranger Activities, National Park Service and 
Brenda Bussard of Denali National Park and Preserve, National Park 
Service.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This final rule does not contain collections of information 
requiring approval by the Office of Management and Budget under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

Compliance With Other Laws

    This rule was not subject to Office of Management and Budget review 
under Executive Order 12866. The Department of the Interior determined 
that this document will not have a significant economic effect on a 
substantial number of small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) The economic effects of this rulemaking are 
local in nature and negligible in scope.
    The NPS has determined that this final rule will not have a 
significant effect on the quality of the human environment, health and 
safety because it is not expected to:
    (a) Increase public use to the extent of compromising the nature 
and character of the area or causing physical damage to it;
    (b) Introduce incompatible uses which compromise the nature and 
character of the area or causing physical damage to it;
    (c) Conflict with adjacent ownerships or land uses; or
    (d) Cause a nuisance to adjacent owners or occupants.
    Based on this determination, the regulation is categorically 
excluded from the procedural requirements of the National Environmental 
Policy Act (NEPA) by Departmental guidelines in 516 DM 6 (49 FR 21438). 
As such, neither an Environmental Assessment (EA) nor an Environmental 
Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared.

List of Subjects in 36 CFR Part 13

    Alaska, National Parks, reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    In consideration of the foregoing, 36 CFR Chapter I, Part 13 is 
amended as follows:

PART 13--NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM UNITS IN ALASKA

    1. The authority citation for part 13 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1, 3, 462(k), 3101 et seq.; Sec. 13.65(b) 
also issued under 16 U.S.C. 1a-2(h), 1361, 1531.

Subpart C--Special Regulations--Specific Park Areas in Alaska

    2. Section 13.63 is amended by revising paragraph (f) to read as 
follows:

Sec. 13.63  Denali National Park and Reserve.

* * * * *
    (f) Mountain climbing. Climbing on Mount McKinley or Mount Foraker 
without registering, on a form provided by the Superintendent, at least 
60 days in advance of any climb is prohibited.

    Dated: February 6, 1996.
George T. Frampton, Jr.,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 96-4162 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-70-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4155 Modifications to Role of National Labor Relations Board's Administrative Law Judges Including: Assignment of Administrative Law Judges as Settlement Judges; Discretion of Administrative Law Judges to Dispense With Briefs, to Hear Oral Argument in Lieu of Briefs, and to Issue Bench Decisions
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6940-6942]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4155]

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NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD

29 CFR Part 102

Modifications to Role of National Labor Relations Board's 
Administrative Law Judges Including: Assignment of Administrative Law 
Judges as Settlement Judges; Discretion of Administrative Law Judges to 
Dispense With Briefs, to Hear Oral Argument in Lieu of Briefs, and to 
Issue Bench Decisions

AGENCY: National Labor Relations Board.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issues a final rule 
permanently implementing its recent experimental modification to its 
rules authorizing the use of settlement judges and providing 
administrative law judges (ALJs) with the discretion to dispense with 
briefs, to hear oral argument in lieu of briefs, and to issue bench 
decisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 1, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John J. Toner, Executive Secretary, 
National Labor Relations Board, 1099 14th Street, NW., Room 11600, 
Washington, D.C. 20570. Telephone: (202) 273-1940.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On September 8, 1994, the Board issued a 
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) which proposed certain 
modifications to the Board's rules to permit the assignment of ALJs to 
serve as settlement judges, and to provide ALJs with the discretion to 
dispense with briefs, to hear oral argument in lieu of briefs, and to 
issue bench decisions (59 FR 46375). The NPR provided for a comment 
period ending October 7, 1994.
    On December 22, 1994, following consideration of the comments 
received to the NPR, the Board 1 issued a notice implementing, on 
a one-year experimental basis, the proposed modifications (59 FR 
65942). The notice provided that the modifications would become 
effective on February 1, 1995, and would expire at the end of the one-
year experimental period on January 31, 1996, absent renewal by the 
Board.

    \1\ Chairman Gould and Members Devaney and Browning; Members 
Stephens and Cohen dissenting in part.
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    On December 1, 1995, following a review of the experience to date 
with the modifications and the views of the NLRB's Advisory Committee 
on Agency Procedure, the Board issued a notice proposing to make the 
modifications permanent upon expiration of the one-year experimental 
period on January 31, 1996 (60 FR 61679). The notice provided for a 
period of public comment on this proposal, until December 29, 1995.
    Thereafter, in light of the shutdown of Agency operations due to 
the lack of appropriated funds, on January 19, 1996, the Board extended 
from December 29, 1995, until January 25, 1996, the deadline for filing 
comments (61 FR 1314). The same day, the Board also extended the 
experimental period from January 31, 1996, until March 1, 1996, to 
provide the Board time to consider any comments that were filed (61 FR 
1281).
    The Board received only one comment in response to its December 1, 
1995 notice, from William K. Harvey of Jackson, Shields, Yeiser & 
Cantrell, Cordova, Tennessee. The comment recommended that the Board 
make the modification regarding settlement judges permanent and that 
settlement judges be used in more cases. The comment recommended, 
however, that the Board modify the requirement that all parties consent 
to the procedure by requiring any party who objects to the appointment 
of a settlement judge to show good cause for such objection and 
allowing the chief or associate chief 

[[Page 6941]]
judge to consider the reasons stated and grant or deny the motion 
notwithstanding the stated opposition. The comment also recommended 
that the settlement judge be given the authority and discretion to 
postpone the scheduled hearing where the settlement judge determines 
that a brief postponement would serve the purposes of settlement.
    With respect to the modification permitting bench decisions, the 
comment urged that this modification be abolished, citing in support 
two ALJ bench decisions which the comment asserts were terse and 
confusing.\2\ Alternatively, the comment recommended that the Board 
adopt a rule that such decisions will never be published in Board 
reports.

    \2\The Riverboat Hotel, 319 NLRB No. 30 (Sept. 29, 1995); and 
Kinco, Ltd., 319 NLRB No. 56 (Oct. 23, 1995) (Member Cohen 
dissenting in relevant part).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Having carefully considered the foregoing comment, we have decided, 
consistent with and for the reasons stated in the December 1, 1995 
notice, to implement, on a permanent basis and without change, the 
experimental modification to the Board's rules with respect to both 
settlement judges and bench decisions. As indicated in the December 1, 
1995 notice, many of the issues raised by the comment were considered 
by the NLRB Advisory Committee on Agency Procedure, and either the 
Management or the Union-side Panel of the Advisory Committee indicated 
strong opposition to the modifications to the settlement judge 
procedure proposed in the comment. Thus, as indicated in that notice, 
the Management-side Panel indicated strong opposition to modifying the 
current consensual aspect of the settlement judge procedure, and the 
Union-side Panel indicated strong opposition to providing the 
settlement judge with the authority to postpone the trial date. In 
light of the views of the Advisory Committee, we do not believe the 
procedure should be modified as recommended by the comment at this 
time.
    With respect to the bench decision procedure, as indicated in the 
December 1, 1995 notice, in the vast majority of cases during the 
experimental period involving a bench decision either no exceptions 
were filed to the ALJ's bench decision or the Board short-form adopted 
the decision. In those cases where no exceptions were filed to the 
ALJ's bench decision, the decision was not published in Board reports 
consistent with the Board's historical practice where no exceptions are 
filed. The other decisions were published pursuant to the Board's usual 
procedure, and we believe that publishing such decisions, on balance, 
is generally beneficial to the public and should be continued where 
appropriate.
    Accordingly, we conclude that the experimental modifications should 
be permanently implemented without change.
    As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et 
seq.), the NLRB certifies that these rules will not have a significant 
impact on small business entities.

List of Subjects in 29 CFR Part 102

    Administrative practice and procedure, Labor management relations.

    29 CFR Part 102 is amended as follows:

PART 102--RULES AND REGULATIONS, SERIES 8

    1. The authority citation for 29 CFR Part 102 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: Section 6, National Labor Relations Act, as amended 
(29 U.S.C. 151, 156). Section 102.117(c) also issued under Section 
552(a)(4)(A) of the Freedom of Information Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. 
552(a)(4)(A)). Sections 102.143 through 102.155 also issued under 
Section 504(c)(1) of the Equal Access to Justice Act, as amended (5 
U.S.C. 504(c)(1)).

    2. Section 102.35 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 102.35  Duties and powers of administrative law judges; assignment 
and powers of settlement judges.

    (a) It shall be the duty of the administrative law judge to inquire 
fully into the facts as to whether the respondent has engaged in or is 
engaging in an unfair labor practice affecting commerce as set forth in 
the complaint or amended complaint. The administrative law judge shall 
have authority, with respect to cases assigned to him, between the time 
he is designated and transfer of the case to the Board, subject to the 
Rules and Regulations of the Board and within its powers:
    (1) To administer oaths and affirmations;
    (2) To grant applications for subpoenas;
    (3) To rule upon petitions to revoke subpoenas;
    (4) To rule upon offers of proof and receive relevant evidence;
    (5) To take or cause depositions to be taken whenever the ends of 
justice would be served thereby;
    (6) To regulate the course of the hearing and, if appropriate or 
necessary, to exclude persons or counsel from the hearing for 
contemptuous conduct and to strike all related testimony of witnesses 
refusing to answer any proper question;
    (7) To hold conferences for the settlement or simplification of the 
issues by consent of the parties, but not to adjust cases;
    (8) To dispose of procedural requests, motions, or similar matters, 
including motions referred to the administrative law judge by the 
Regional Director and motions for summary judgment or to amend 
pleadings; also to dismiss complaints or portions thereof; to order 
hearings reopened; and upon motion order proceedings consolidated or 
severed prior to issuance of administrative law judge decisions;
    (9) To approve a stipulation voluntarily entered into by all 
parties to the case which will dispense with a verbatim written 
transcript of record of the oral testimony adduced at the hearing, and 
which will also provide for the waiver by the respective parties of 
their right to file with the Board exceptions to the findings of fact 
(but not to conclusions of law or recommended orders) which the 
administrative law judge shall make in his decisions;
    (10) To make and file decisions, including bench decisions 
delivered within 72 hours after conclusion of oral argument, in 
conformity with Public Law 89-554, 5 U.S.C. 557;
    (11) To call, examine, and cross-examine witnesses and to introduce 
into the record documentary or other evidence;
    (12) To request the parties at any time during the hearing to state 
their respective positions concerning any issue in the case or theory 
in support thereof;
    (13) To take any other action necessary under the foregoing and 
authorized by the published Rules and Regulations of the Board.
    (b) Upon the request of any party or the judge assigned to hear a 
case, or on his or her own motion, the chief administrative law judge 
in Washington, D.C., the deputy chief judge in San Francisco, the 
associate chief judge in Atlanta, or the associate chief judge in New 
York may assign a judge who shall be other than the trial judge to 
conduct settlement negotiations. In exercising his or her discretion, 
the chief, deputy chief, or associate chief judge making the assignment 
will consider, among other factors, whether there is reason to believe 
that resolution of the dispute is likely, the request for assignment of 
a settlement judge is made in good faith, and the assignment is 
otherwise feasible. Provided, however, that no such assignment shall be 
made absent 

[[Page 6942]]
the agreement of all parties to the use of this procedure.
    (1) The settlement judge shall convene and preside over conferences 
and settlement negotiations between the parties, assess the 
practicalities of a potential settlement, and report to the chief, 
deputy, or associate the status of settlement negotiations, 
recommending continuation or termination of the settlement 
negotiations. Where feasible settlement conferences shall be held in 
person.
    (2) The settlement judge may require that the attorney or other 
representative for each party be present at settlement conferences and 
that the parties or agents with full settlement authority also be 
present or available by telephone.
    (3) Participation of the settlement judge shall terminate upon the 
order of the chief, deputy, or associates issued after consultation 
with the settlement judge. The conduct of settlement negotiations shall 
not unduly delay the hearing.
    (4) All discussions between the parties and the settlement judge 
shall be confidential. The settlement judge shall not discuss any 
aspect of the case with the trial judge, and no evidence regarding 
statements, conduct, offers of settlement, and concessions of the 
parties made in proceedings before the settlement judge shall be 
admissible in any proceeding before the Board, except by stipulation of 
the parties. Documents disclosed in the settlement process may not be 
used in litigation unless voluntarily produced or obtained pursuant to 
subpoena.
    (5) No decision of a chief, deputy, or associate concerning the 
assignment of a settlement judge or the termination of a settlement 
judge's assignment shall be appealable to the Board.
    (6) Any settlement reached under the auspices of a settlement judge 
shall be subject to approval in accordance with the provisions of 
Sec. 101.9 of the Board's Statements of Procedure.
    3. Section 102.42 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 102.42  Filings of briefs and proposed findings with the 
administrative law judge and oral argument at the hearing.

    Any party shall be entitled, upon request, to a reasonable period 
at the close of the hearing for oral argument, which may include 
presentation of proposed findings and conclusions, and shall be 
included in the stenographic report of the hearing. In the discretion 
of the administrative law judge, any party may, upon request made 
before the close of the hearing, file a brief or proposed findings and 
conclusions, or both, with the administrative law judge, who may fix a 
reasonable time for such filing, but not in excess of 35 days from the 
close of the hearing. Requests for further extensions of time shall be 
made to the chief administrative law judge in Washington, D.C., to the 
deputy chief judge in San Francisco, California, to the associate chief 
judge in New York, New York, or to the associate chief judge in 
Atlanta, Georgia, as the case may be. Notice of the request for any 
extension shall be immediately served on all other parties, and proof 
of service shall be furnished. Three copies of the brief or proposed 
findings and conclusions shall be filed with the administrative law 
judge, and copies shall be served on the other parties, and a statement 
of such service shall be furnished. In any case in which the 
administrative law judge believes that written briefs or proposed 
findings of fact and conclusions may not be necessary, he or she shall 
notify the parties at the opening of the hearing or as soon thereafter 
as practicable that he or she may wish to hear oral argument in lieu of 
briefs.
    4. In Sec. 102.45, paragraph (a) is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 102.45  Administrative law judge's decision; contents; service; 
transfer of case to the Board; contents of record in case.

    (a) After hearing for the purpose of taking evidence upon a 
complaint, the administrative law judge shall prepare a decision. Such 
decision shall contain findings of fact, conclusions, and the reasons 
or basis therefor, upon all material issues of fact, law, or discretion 
presented on the record, and shall contain recommendations as to what 
disposition of the case should be made, which may include, if it be 
found that the respondent has engaged in or is engaging in the alleged 
unfair labor practices, a recommendation for such affirmative action by 
the respondent as will effectuate the policies of the Act. The 
administrative law judge shall file the original of his decision with 
the Board and cause a copy thereof to be served on each of the parties. 
If the administrative law judge delivers a bench decision, promptly 
upon receiving the transcript the judge shall certify the accuracy of 
the pages of the transcript containing the decision; file with the 
Board a certified copy of those pages, together with any supplementary 
matter the judge may deem necessary to complete the decision; and cause 
a copy thereof to be served on each of the parties. Upon the filing of 
the decision, the Board shall enter an order transferring the case to 
the Board and shall serve copies of the order, setting forth the date 
of such transfer, on all the parties. Service of the administrative law 
judge's decision and of the order transferring the case to the Board 
shall be complete upon mailing.
* * * * *
    Dated, Washington, D.C., February 16, 1996.

    By direction of the Board: \3\

    \3\ Chairman Gould and Members Browning and Fox; Member Cohen 
dissenting in part. Member Cohen's partial dissent is attached.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

John J. Toner,
Executive Secretary.

Dissenting Opinion of Member Cohen

    I agree with the rule concerning settlement judges. However, I 
do not agree with the rule which gives judges the power to issue 
bench decisions and the related power to preclude written briefs.
    In my dissent from the promulgation of the experimental rule (a 
dissent joined by former Member Stephens), I set forth Board law 
which holds that bench decisions are contrary to the provisions of 
Section 10(c) of the Act.\4\ My colleagues, in apparent recognition 
of this fact, chose to summarily overrule that Board law. However, 
as I noted in my dissent, if Section 10(c) forbids bench decisions, 
the Board is without statutory power to establish a rule which 
permits such decisions.\5\

    \4\ Plastic Film Products Corp., 232 NLRB 722 (1977); Local 
Union No. 195, 237 NLRB 931 (1978).
    \5\ See Chevron U.S.A. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, 467 
U.S. 837, 842, 843 (1984).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    My colleagues have not answered this threshold problem. Further, 
even if they were to do so (to their satisfaction), that does not 
end the matter. The issue will undoubtedly be the subject of 
litigation in the federal courts, delaying the prompt enforcement of 
Board orders. Thus, the rule is at cross-purposes with its stated 
goal--the prompt resolution of unfair labor practice cases. Further, 
in my prior dissent, I set forth other concerns about the rule. At 
this juncture, I cannot say with certainty whether these concerns 
have been borne out by experience. During the experimental time 
frame, there have been only 10 bench decisions out of the 400 
decisions issued (2.5%). However, that very paucity of decisions 
bespeaks an important point. Our judges, to their credit, have 
exercised prudent restraint in exercising the power to issue bench 
decisions. Accordingly, for the most part, problems have not 
surfaced.\6\ As long as such restraint is exercised, my concerns may 
well be allayed. I am hopeful, and cautiously optimistic, that this 
will be the case.

    \6\ However, there was a substantial problem, in my view, in 
Kinco, 319 NLRB No. 56.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * *
[FR Doc. 96-4155 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7545-01-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4148 Cattle Exportations; Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Test Requirements
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6917-6918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4148]

========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents 
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed 
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published 
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.

The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents. 
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each 
week.

========================================================================

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 1996 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 6917]]

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

9 CFR Part 91

[Docket No. 96-005-1]

Cattle Exportations; Tuberculosis and Brucellosis Test 
Requirements

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Interim rule and request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are amending the regulations concerning exportation of 
livestock by eliminating requirements for pre-export diagnostic tests 
for tuberculosis and brucellosis in certain cattle being exported from 
the United States directly to slaughter. Slaughter cattle affected will 
be those exported from States free of brucellosis or tuberculosis and 
those exported to countries that have a disease surveillance system 
equivalent to that of the United States and that agree to share with 
the United States any findings of brucellosis or tuberculosis in U.S. 
origin cattle. We believe that these test requirements can be 
eliminated without compromising the integrity of our brucellosis and 
tuberculosis surveillance systems. This rule will facilitate the 
movement of U.S. slaughter cattle to foreign countries.

DATES: Interim rule effective February 15, 1996. Consideration will be 
given only to comments received on or before April 23, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Please send an original and three copies of your comments to 
Docket No. 96-005-1, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, 
suite 3C03, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. Please 
state that your comments refer to Docket No. 96-005-1. Comments 
received may be inspected at USDA, room 1141, South Building, 14th 
Street and Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC, between 8 a.m. and 
4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Persons wishing to 
inspect comments are requested to call ahead on (202) 690-2817 to 
facilitate entry into the comment reading room.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Gary Colgrove, Chief Staff 
Veterinarian, National Center for Import and Export, VS, APHIS, 4700 
River Road Unit 38, Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 734-3294.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The regulations in 9 CFR part 91, ``Inspection and Handling of 
Livestock for Exportation'' (referred to below as the regulations), 
prescribe conditions for exporting animals from the United States. 
Section 91.5 requires, among other things, that cattle intended for 
exportation be tested for tuberculosis and brucellosis. We are amending 
the regulations to remove these testing requirements for cattle 
exported directly to slaughter in a foreign country, if the receiving 
country has a disease surveillance system equivalent to that of the 
United States, as determined by the Administrator of the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and if the receiving country 
agrees to share any findings of brucellosis or tuberculosis in U.S. 
origin cattle with APHIS. Also, we are amending the regulations to 
remove these testing requirements for any cattle moving directly to 
slaughter from a State designated as free of tuberculosis or 
brucellosis in 9 CFR 77.1 or 78.41, respectively.
    Currently, all cattle exported from the United States, including 
cattle shipped directly to slaughter, must be tested for brucellosis 
and tuberculosis. Testing ensures that any diseased cattle will be 
detected and prevented from leaving the United States. Additionally, 
detection of disease in any cattle intended for export would alert 
APHIS to the possible presence of disease in the herd of origin, and 
allow us to take action to contain and eradicate the disease.
    Cattle moving directly to slaughter present a negligible risk of 
transmitting either brucellosis or tuberculosis to other cattle. 
Although we would still want the cattle tested to ensure that we have 
information about any possible source of these diseases in the United 
States, the tests could be conducted in the receiving country, if that 
country has a disease surveillance system equivalent to that of the 
United States, as determined by the Administrator, APHIS, and the 
country agrees to share any findings of tuberculosis and brucellosis 
with APHIS. Further, cattle intended for export directly to slaughter 
from a Class Free State for brucellosis or an Accredited-Free State for 
tuberculosis would present a negligible risk of carrying brucellosis or 
tuberculosis, respectively. Therefore, we believe it is unnecessary to 
require testing, prior to export, for brucellosis if the cattle are 
moved directly from a Class Free State for brucellosis, or for 
tuberculosis if the cattle are moved directly from an Accredited-Free 
State for tuberculosis.
    The primary effect of this rule would be on cattle moved directly 
to slaughter in Mexico and Canada. Nearly all cattle exported for 
slaughter are exported to Mexico and Canada. The Administrator has 
determined that Canada has a surveillance system for both tuberculosis 
and brucellosis that is equivalent to that of the United States, and 
Canada will share any findings of tuberculosis and brucellosis in U.S. 
origin cattle with APHIS. The Administrator also has determined that 
Mexico has a surveillance system for tuberculosis that is equivalent to 
that of the United States, and Mexico will share any findings of 
tuberculosis in U.S. origin cattle with APHIS. Mexico is still 
developing a brucellosis surveillance system, so cattle moving directly 
to slaughter in Mexico will continue to require brucellosis tests, 
unless they are moving from a Class Free State, as designated in 9 CFR 
78.41.

Miscellaneous

    We are making minor editorial changes for clarity and consistency.

Immediate Action

    The Administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service 
has determined that there is good cause for publishing this interim 
rule without prior opportunity for public comment. This rule will 
relieve restrictions on the exportation of slaughter cattle by removing 
certain pre-export testing requirements. U.S. cattle exporters will 
benefit economically if the restrictions are removed in time for them 
to take 

[[Page 6918]]
advantage of current favorable marketing conditions. In addition, State 
veterinary officials from all four States bordering Mexico--Arizona, 
California, New Mexico, and Texas--have requested that we make these 
changes to facilitate the export of slaughter cattle, as we have other 
means to obtain the test results.
    Because prior notice and other public procedures with respect to 
this action are impracticable and contrary to the public interest under 
these conditions, we find good cause under 5 U.S.C. 553 to make it 
effective upon signature. We will consider comments that are received 
within 60 days of publication of this rule in the Federal Register. 
After the comment period closes, we will publish another document in 
the Federal Register. It will include a discussion of any comments we 
receive and any amendments we are making to the rule as a result of the 
comments.

Executive Order 12866 and Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. The rule 
has been determined to be not significant for the purposes of Executive 
Order 12866 and, therefore, has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget.
    This rule relieves restrictions and is, therefore, expected to have 
a favorable economic impact on small entities. The need to make this 
rule effective in time for U.S. exporters of slaughter cattle to take 
advantage of a favorable marketing situation makes timely compliance 
with sections 603 and 604 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 
601 et seq.) impracticable. The final rule for this action will include 
an analysis of the economic impact of this rule on small entities and 
will address any comments we receive on the economic impact of the rule 
on small entities.

Executive Order 12372

    This program/activity is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under No. 10.025 and is subject to Executive Order 12372, 
which requires intergovernmental consultation with State and local 
officials. (See 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V.)

Executive Order 12778

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12778, Civil 
Justice Reform. This rule: (1) Preempts all State and local laws and 
regulations that are inconsistent with this rule; (2) has no 
retroactive effect; and (3) does not require administrative proceedings 
before parties may file suit in court challenging this rule.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    This rule contains no new information collection or recordkeeping 
requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 
et seq.).

List of Subjects in 9 CFR Part 91

    Animal diseases, Animal welfare, Exports, Livestock, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.

    Accordingly, 9 CFR part 77 is amended as follows:

PART 91--INSPECTION AND HANDLING OF LIVESTOCK FOR EXPORTATION

    1. The authority citation for part 91 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 21 U.S.C. 105, 112, 113, 114a, 120, 121, 134b, 134f, 
136. 136a, 612, 613, 614, and 618; 46 U.S.C. 466a and 466b; 49 
U.S.C. 1509(d); 7 CFR 2.22, 2.80, and 371.2(d).

    2. Section 91.5 is amended as follows:
    a. By revising paragraph (a) to read as set forth below.
    b. By revising paragraph (b) to read as set forth below.
    c. In paragraph (c), the first sentence, by adding a comma after 
the words ``foreign country''.

Sec. 91.5  Cattle.

* * * * *
    (a) Tuberculosis. All cattle over 1 month of age shall be negative 
to a caudal intradermal tuberculin test using 0.1 ml. of tuberculin 
with a reading obtained 72 hours (plus or minus six hours) after 
injection as prescribed in Veterinary Services Memorandum 552.15 
``Instructions and Procedures for Conducting Tuberculin Tests in 
Cattle,'' section VIII A.2

    \2\ Copies of this publication may be obtained from the Animal 
and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, National 
Center for Import-Export, 4700 River Road, Riverdale, Maryland 
20737-1231.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (1) Provided that, such tests are not required for any of the 
following:
    (i) Cattle exported directly to slaughter in a country that has a 
tuberculosis surveillance system equivalent to that of the United 
States, as determined by the Administrator, and that agrees to share 
any findings of tuberculosis in U.S. origin cattle with APHIS; and
    (ii) Cattle exported directly to slaughter from a State designated 
as an Accredited-Free State in 9 CFR 77.1.
    (2) The Administrator has determined that the following countries 
have a tuberculosis surveillance system that is equivalent to that of 
the United States: Canada and Mexico.
    (b) Brucellosis. All cattle over 6 months of age shall be negative 
to a test for brucellosis conducted as prescribed in ``Standard 
Agglutination Test Procedures for the Diagnosis of Brucellosis'' \2\ or 
``Supplemental Test Procedures for the Diagnosis of Brucellosis.'' \2\
    (1) Provided that, such tests are not required for any of the 
following:
    (i) Official vaccinates of dairy breeds under 20 months of age;
    (ii) Official vaccinates of beef breeds under 24 months of age;
    (iii) Steers and spayed heifers;
    (iv) Cattle exported directly to slaughter in a country that has a 
brucellosis surveillance system equivalent to that of the United 
States, as determined by the Administrator, and that agrees to share 
any findings of brucellosis in U.S. origin cattle with APHIS; and
    (v) Cattle exported directly to slaughter from a State designated 
as a Class Free State in 9 CFR 78.41.
    (2) The Administrator has determined that the following country has 
a brucellosis surveillance system that is equivalent to that of the 
United States: Canada.
* * * * *

Sec. 91.8  [Amended]

    3. In Sec. 91.8, footnote 4 and its reference are redesignated as 
footnote 3.

    Done in Washington, DC, this 15th day of February 1996.
Terry L. Medley,
Acting Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 96-4148 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-34-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4068 Indirect Food Additives; Adhesives and Components of Coatings
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6939-6940]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4068]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Part 175

[Docket No. 88F-0316]

Indirect Food Additives; Adhesives and Components of Coatings

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is amending the food 
additive regulations to provide for the safe use of 3-iodo-2-propynyl-
N-butylcarbamate as an antifungal preservative in adhesives for food 
contact applications. This action responds to a petition filed by the 
Troy Chemical Corp.

DATES: Effective February 23, 1996; written objections and requests for 
a hearing by March 25, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit written objections to the Dockets Management Branch 
(HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 12420 Parklawn Dr., rm. 1-23, 
Rockville, MD 20857.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel N. Harrison, Center for Food 
Safety and Applied Nutrition (HFS-216) Food and Drug Administration, 
200 C St. SW., Washington, DC 20204, 202-418-3080.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In a notice published in the Federal 
Register of October 25, 1988 (53 FR 43043), FDA announced that a food 
additive petition (FAP 8B4088) had been filed by the Troy Chemical 
Corp., 72 Eagle Rock Ave., P.O. Box 366, East Hanover, NJ, 07936-0366 
(formerly One Avenue L, Newark, NJ 07105-3895), proposing that the food 
additive regulations be amended to provide for the safe use of 3-iodo-
2-propynyl butyl carbamate as an antifungal preservative in adhesives 
for food contact applications.

    -FDA has evaluated data in the petition and other relevant 
material. The agency concludes that the more accurate name for the 
additive is 3-iodo-2-propynyl-N-butylcarbamate (CAS Reg. No. 55406-53-
6), that the proposed food additive use is safe, that the additive will 
achieve its intended technical effect, and that Sec.  175.105 Adhesives 
(21 CFR 175.105) of the food additive regulations should be amended as 
set forth below.
    In accordance with Sec. 171.1(h) (21 CFR 171.1(h)), the petition 
and the documents that FDA considered and relied upon in reaching its 
decision to approve the petition are available for inspection at the 
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition by appointment with the 
information contact person listed above. As provided in 21 CFR 
171.1(h), the agency will delete from the documents any materials that 
are not available for public disclosure before making the documents 
available for inspection.
    The agency has carefully considered the potential environmental 
effects of this action. FDA has concluded that the action will not have 
a significant impact on the human environment, and that an 
environmental impact statement is not required. The agency's finding of 
no significant impact and the evidence supporting that finding, 
contained in an environmental assessment, may be seen in the Dockets 
Management Branch (address above) between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday 
through Friday.
    Any person who will be adversely affected by this regulation may at 
any time on or before March 25, 1996, file with the Dockets Management 
Branch 

[[Page 6940]]
(address above) written objections thereto. Each objection shall be 
separately numbered, and each numbered objection shall specify with 
particularity the provisions of the regulation to which objection is 
made and the grounds for the objection. Each numbered objection on 
which a hearing is requested shall specifically so state. Failure to 
request a hearing for any particular objection shall constitute a 
waiver of the right to a hearing on that objection. Each numbered 
objection for which a hearing is requested shall include a detailed 
description and analysis of the specific factual information intended 
to be presented in support of the objection in the event that a hearing 
is held. Failure to include such a description and analysis for any 
particular objection shall constitute a waiver of the right to a 
hearing on the objection. Three copies of all documents shall be 
submitted and shall be identified with the docket number found in 
brackets in the heading of this document. Any objections received in 
response to the regulation may be seen in the Dockets Management Branch 
between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

-List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 175

    -Adhesives, Food additives, Food packaging. -
    Therefore, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and under 
authority delegated to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs and 
redelegated to the Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied 
Nutrition, 21 CFR part 175 is amended as follows:

PART 175--INDIRECT FOOD ADDITIVES: ADHESIVES AND COMPONENTS OF 
COATINGS

    1. The authority citation for 21 CFR part 175 continues to read as 
follows:

    -Authority: Secs. 201, 402, 409, 721 of the Federal Food, Drug, 
and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321, 342, 348, 379e). -

    -2. Section 175.105 is amended in paragraph (c)(5) by 
alphabetically adding the following new entry to the table to read as 
follows.

Sec.  175.105 Adhesives.

*-- *-- *-- *-- *
    (c) * * *
    (5) * * *

                                                                                                                                                        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Substances                                                                   Limitations                               
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          *                    *                    *                    *                    *                    *                    *     --        
3-Iodo-2-propynyl-N-butyl carbamate (CAS Reg. No. 55406-53-6)..............                For use only as an antifungal preservative- -------          
            *                    *                    *                    *                    *                    *                    *             
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Dated: February 8, 1996.
 Fred R. Shank,
 Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
[FR Doc. 96-4068 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4160-01-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4040 Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles and New Motor Vehicle Engines; Nonconformance Penalties for 1996 Model Year Emission Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6944-6949]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4040]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 86

[A-94-13; FRL-5425-8]
RIN 2060-AE07

Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles and New Motor 
Vehicle Engines; Nonconformance Penalties for 1996 Model Year Emission 
Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This final rule announces the availability of nonconformance 
penalties (NCPs) for the Light-Duty Truck 3 (LDT3) particulate matter 
(PM) standard taking effect in the 1996 model year. The availability of 
these NCPs will allow manufacturers of LDT3 whose vehicles or engines 
fail to conform with the 1996 PM standard, but do not exceed a 
designated upper limit, to be issued a certificate of conformity upon 
payment of a monetary penalty. The associated upper limit for the LDT3 
PM standard will be the previous standard of 0.13 grams per mile (g/
mi).
    A concurrent, but separate rulemaking addresses the availability of 
NCPs for the 1998 and later model year oxides of nitrogen (NOX) 
standard for Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines (HDDEs), the 1996 and later 
model year NOX standard for LDT3 and the 1996 urban bus PM 
standard.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This rule will become effective March 25, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Public Docket: Copies of materials relevant to this 
rulemaking proceeding are contained in Public Docket A-94-13 at the Air 
Docket of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Room M1500, 401 M 
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460, and are available for review in Room 
M1500 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. As 
provided in 40 CFR Part 2, a reasonable fee may be charged for copying 
services.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Orehowsky, Manufacturers 
Operations Division (6405-J), US Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M 
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460, telephone (202) 233-9292.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Statutory Authority

    Section 206(g) of the Clean Air Act (the Act), 42 U.S.C. 7525(g), 
requires EPA to issue a certificate of conformity for HDEs or Heavy-
Duty Vehicles (HDVs) which exceed an applicable section 202(a) 
emissions standard, but do not exceed an upper limit associated with 
that standard, if the manufacturer pays an NCP established by 
rulemaking. Congress adopted section 206(g) in the Clean Air Act 
Amendments of 1977 as a response to perceived problems with technology-
forcing heavy-duty emissions standards. (It should be noted, however, 
that the existence of NCPs does not change the criteria under which the 
standards have been and will be set under section 202.) Following 
International Harvester v. Ruckelshaus, 478 F.2d 615 (D.C. Cir. 1973), 
Congress realized the dilemma that technology-forcing standards were 
likely to cause. If strict standards were maintained, then some 
manufacturers, ``technological laggards,'' might be unable to comply 
initially and would be forced out of the marketplace. NCPs were 
intended to remedy this potential problem. The laggards would have a 
temporary alternative that would permit them to sell their engines or 
vehicles by payment of a penalty. This penalty is based in part, on the 
money saved from 

[[Page 6945]]
the production of noncomplying engines, would protect conforming 
manufacturers from the competitive disadvantage of making more costly 
engines which comply with technology forcing standards.
    Under section 206(g)(1) of the Clean Air Act, NCPs may be offered 
for HDVs or HDEs. The penalty may vary by pollutant and by class or 
category of vehicle or engine.
    HDVs are defined by section 202(b)(3)(C) of the Clean Air Act as 
vehicles in excess of 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). 
The light-duty truck (LDT) classification includes trucks that have a 
GVWR of 8,500 lbs or less. Therefore, certain LDTs may be classified as 
HDVs. Historically, LDTs between 6,001 and 8,500 pounds GVWR have been 
considered Heavy Light Duty Trucks (HLDTs). Based on various new 
requirements established by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, HLDTs 
have been further subdivided into groups by weight.
    The HLDTs are divided at 5750 lbs Adjusted Loaded Vehicle Weight 
(ALVW) which is the average of the curb weight and the GVWR. The HLDTs 
that are up through 5750 lbs ALVW are called Light Duty Trucks 3 
(LDT3). Those above 5750 lbs ALVW but less than or equal to 8500 lbs 
GVWR are Light Duty Trucks 4, or LDT4. The LDT3 and LDT4 subclasses 
make up the HLDT vehicle class. Since NCPs are only offered for heavy 
duty vehicles or engines, this notice addresses only emission standards 
for light duty trucks of the LDT3 and LDT4 categories.
    Section 206(g)(3) of the Clean Air Act requires that NCPs:
    (1) Account for the degree of emission nonconformity;
    (2) Increase periodically to provide incentive for nonconforming 
manufacturers to achieve the emission standards; and
    (3) Remove the competitive disadvantage to conforming 
manufacturers.
    Section 206(g) authorizes EPA to require testing of production 
vehicles or engines in order to determine the emission level on which 
the penalty is based. If the emission level of a vehicle or engine 
exceeds an upper limit of nonconformity established by EPA through 
regulation, the vehicle or engine would not qualify for an NCP under 
section 206(g) and no certificate of conformity could be issued to the 
manufacturer. If the emission level is below the upper limit but above 
the standard, that emission level becomes the ``compliance level,'' 
which is also the benchmark for warranty and recall liability; the 
manufacturer who elects to pay the NCP is liable for vehicles or 
engines that exceed the compliance level in-use, unless, for the case 
of HLDTs, the compliance level is below the in-use standard. The 
manufacturer does not have in-use warranty or recall liability for 
emissions levels above the standard but below the compliance level.

II. Background

A. The Generic Nonconformance Penalty Rule

    The generic NCP rule (Phase I) established three basic criteria for 
determining the eligibility of emission standards for nonconformance 
penalties in any given model year. See 40 CFR 86.1103-87. First, the 
emission standard in question must become more difficult to meet. This 
can occur in two ways, either by the emission standard itself becoming 
more stringent, or due to its interaction with another emission 
standard that has become more stringent.
    Second, substantial work must be required to meet the emission 
standard. EPA considers ``substantial work'' to mean the application of 
technology not previously used in that vehicle or engine class/
subclass, or a significant modification of existing technology, to 
bring that vehicle/engine into compliance. EPA does not consider minor 
modifications or calibration changes to be classified as substantial 
work.
    Third, a technological laggard must be likely to develop. A 
technological laggard is defined as a manufacturer who cannot meet a 
particular emission standard due to technological (not economic) 
difficulties and who, in the absence of NCPs, might be forced from the 
marketplace. EPA will make the determination that a technological 
laggard is likely to develop, based in large part on the above two 
criteria. However, these criteria are not always sufficient to 
determine the likelihood of the development of a technological laggard. 
An emission standard may become more difficult to meet and substantial 
work may be required for compliance, but if that work merely involves 
transfer of well-developed technology from another vehicle class, it is 
unlikely that a technological laggard would develop.
    The above three criteria were used to determine eligibility for 
NCPs in Phase II of the NCP rulemaking (50 FR 53454, December 31, 
1985), in Phase III of the NCP rulemaking (55 FR 46622, November 5, 
1990) concerning the 1991 model year HDE standards, and in Phase IV of 
the NCP rulemaking (58 FR 68532, December 28, 1993) concerning HDVs and 
HDEs subject to the 1994 and later model year emission standards for 
particulate matter (PM).
    As in the previous NCP rules, EPA is specifying values for the 
following parameters in the NCP formula for each standard: COC50, 
COC90, MC50, and F. The NCP formula is the same as that 
promulgated in the Phase I rule.
    COC50 is an estimate of the industry wide average incremental 
cost per engine (references to engines are intended to include vehicles 
as well) associated with meeting the standard for which an NCP is 
offered, compared with meeting the upper limit. COC50 is based on 
typical engine technology, as nearly as EPA can identify it. As in the 
previous NCP rules, costs include additional manufacturer costs and 
additional owner costs. The other NCP rules did not include 
certification costs in the calculation of COC50, and none will be 
allowed in this document because both complying and noncomplying 
manufacturers must incur certification costs.
    COC90 is EPA's best estimate of the 90th percentile 
incremental cost per engine associated with meeting the standard for 
which an NCP is offered, compared with meeting the associated upper 
limit. COC90 is based on a near worst case technology, as nearly 
as EPA can identify it. COC90, like COC50, includes both 
manufacturer and owner costs, but not certification costs.
    MC50 is an estimate of the industry wide average marginal cost 
of compliance per unit of reduced pollutant associated with the least 
cost effective emission control technology installed to meet the new 
standard. MC50 is measured in dollars per g/BHP-hr for HDEs and in 
dollars per gram per mile (g/mi) for LDTs.
    F is a factor used to derive MC90, the 90th percentile 
marginal cost of compliance with the NCP standard for engines in the 
NCP category. MC90 is defined as being the slope of the penalty 
rate curve near the standard and is equal to MC50 multiplied by F. 
For this rulemaking, as was the case in the previous NCP rules, EPA has 
determined that no reasonable estimate of MC90 can be made based 
on existing marginal cost data and has thus set F at a presumptive 
value of 1.2. This approach was generally supported by commentaries on 
the past NCP rulemakings.

B. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) (59 FR 43074, August 
22, 1994), EPA identified the Tier I Heavy Light 

[[Page 6946]]
Duty Trucks (HLDT) standards becoming effective in 1996, the 1996 Urban 
Bus PM standard of 0.05 g/bhp-hr, and the 1998 Heavy Duty Engine (HDE) 
NOX standard of 4.0 g/bhp-hr as new standards for which it has 
statutory authority for considering NCPs. EPA then applied the three 
generic NCP criteria to each of those emission standards.
    The Agency identified the 1996 LDT3 PM standard of 0.10 g/mi as 
satisfying the required NCP criteria and, therefore, proposed to make 
NCPs available for that standard. The Agency also proposed upper limits 
for that standard and numerical values to be used in the calculation of 
the NCP for the associated vehicles.
    EPA did not propose NCPs for the other new standards because they 
did not meet all three of the generic NCP criteria.
    NCPs were not considered for the Tier 1 ``in-use'' standards since 
NCPs are a mechanism to allow manufacturers to certify engine families, 
not to assist manufacturers in complying with ``in-use'' standards.

C. Final Rule--Availability of NCPs

1. Standard for Which NCPs Will Be Offered
a. 1996 Tier 1 PM Standard for Diesel LDT3
    EPA recognizes that the new PM standard of 0.10 g/mi at full useful 
life represents an increase in stringency over the prior standard of 
0.13 g/mi at full useful life for diesel-fueled LDT3, satisfying the 
first eligibility criterion. Based on discussions with General Motors, 
the only current manufacturer of diesel-fueled vehicles in this class, 
EPA believes that the addition of catalytic converter technology to 
these engines will probably not bring them into compliance with the new 
standard. Significant work will be required for another technology, 
such as a Variable Geometry Turbocharger, to be adapted for use on 
these vehicles. This is especially true when considering the 
interrelationship of the NOX and PM emissions of diesel-fueled 
engines, as stated above. For these reasons, EPA believes that a 
technological laggard may develop and is offering NCPs for diesel-
fueled LDT3 at the full useful life for the new PM standard. The 
proposed penalty rates are discussed below.
2. Standards for Which NCPs Were Not Proposed
a. 1996 Tier 1 PM Standard for Non-Diesel Fueled LDT3
    There is no previous PM standard for non-diesel fueled LDT3. Thus 
the new PM standard of 0.10 g/mi at full useful life represents an 
increase in stringency. However, non-diesel fueled vehicles emit very 
low levels of particulate matter and will not require any additional 
emission control technology to meet this standard. Thus, substantial 
work is not required and there is not a likelihood that a technological 
laggard will develop. Therefore, EPA did not propose NCPs for these 
vehicles.
b. 1996 Tier 1 Non-Methane Hydrocarbon (NMHC) Standard for LDT3
    Since there is no NMHC standard for earlier model year LDT3, the 
new NMHC standard represents an increase in stringency over the THC 
standard for previous model years, satisfying the first eligibility 
criterion. EPA acknowledges that one manufacturer has indicated that it 
may have difficulty complying with this standard. Based on the 
manufacturer's planned strategy, however, EPA does not believe that 
substantial work, as described above, will be necessary to meet the new 
standard for either the intermediate useful-life level of 0.32 g/mi or 
the full useful-life level of 0.46 g/mi, since it does not represent a 
major modification of existing technology. EPA also does not believe 
that a technological laggard is likely to develop, based on discussions 
with vehicle manufacturers. For these reasons, EPA did not propose NCPs 
for this standard.
c. 1996 Tier 1 CO Standard for LDT3
    EPA recognizes that the new CO standard of 6.4 g/mi at full useful 
life represents an increase in stringency over the prior standard of 10 
g/mi at full useful life for LDT3, satisfying the first eligibility 
criterion. Based on 1993 model year certification levels, only one 
manufacturer is currently producing LDT3 vehicles which would not meet 
the new standard at full useful life. Since this manufacturer does not 
anticipate difficulty in meeting the new CO standards, EPA does not 
believe that a technological laggard is likely to develop. The half 
useful-life standard of 4.4 g/mi is considered by EPA and manufacturers 
to be less difficult to meet than the full useful life standard. For 
these reasons, EPA did not propose NCPs for these standards.
d. 1996 Tier 1 Non-Methane Hydrocarbon (NMHC) Standard for LDT4
    There is no NMHC standard for earlier model year LDT4. Both EPA and 
vehicle manufacturers believe that the NMHC standard represents an 
increase in stringency over the THC standard for previous model year 
LDT4, satisfying the first eligibility criterion. The same manufacturer 
that expressed concern in meeting the NMHC standard for LDT3 has 
similar concerns in meeting this standard and will use a similar 
strategy to lower the emissions. For the same reasons stated in the 
above discussion of the NMHC standard for LDT3, EPA did not propose 
NCPs for the NMHC standard at either the intermediate or the full 
useful life.
e. 1996 Tier 1 CO Standard for LDT4
    EPA recognizes that the new CO standard of 7.3 g/mi at full useful 
life represents an increase in stringency over the prior standard of 10 
g/mi at full useful life for LDT4, satisfying the first eligibility 
criterion. Based on discussions with current manufacturers of affected 
vehicles, EPA believes that manufacturers will not have difficulty in 
meeting the new standard. Since there are no 1993 model year LDT4 with 
CO certification levels higher than the new standard at full useful 
life, EPA does not believe that a technological laggard is likely to 
develop. The half useful-life standard of 5.0 g/mi is generally 
considered by EPA and manufacturers to be less difficult to meet than 
the full useful life standard of 7.3 g/mi. For these reasons, EPA did 
not propose NCPs for these standards.
f. 1996 Tier 1 NOX Standard for LDT4
    EPA recognizes that the new NOX standard of 1.53 g/mi at full 
useful life represents an increase in stringency over the prior 
standard of 1.7 g/mi at full useful life for LDT4, satisfying the first 
eligibility criterion. Based on discussions with current manufacturers 
of affected vehicles, and based on the fact that there were no model 
year 1993 LDT4 certified which would exceed the new standard at full 
useful life, EPA believes that substantial work, as described above, 
will not be required of manufacturers and that a technological laggard 
is not likely to develop. The half useful-life standard for non-diesel 
vehicles of 1.10 g/mi is generally considered by EPA and manufacturers 
to be less difficult to meet than the full useful life standard. For 
these reasons, EPA did not propose NCPs for the new LDT4 NOX 
standards.
g. 1996 Tier 1 PM Standard for LDT4
    EPA recognizes that the new PM standard of 0.12 g/mi at full useful 
life represents an increase in stringency over the prior standard of 
0.13 g/mi at full useful life for LDT4, satisfying the first 
eligibility criterion. As in the case of non-diesel LDT3, no work 
should be required to meet the new PM standard 

[[Page 6947]]
for non-diesel LDT4. And based on discussions with the single, current 
manufacturer of diesel-fueled LDT4 vehicles and on 1993 model year 
certification levels, EPA does not believe that a technological laggard 
is likely to develop or that substantial work, as described above, will 
be required to meet the new PM standard. For these reasons, EPA did not 
propose NCPs for the new LDT4 PM standard.
3. Standards Addressed in a Concurrent NCP Rulemaking
a. 1996 Tier 1 NOX Standard for LDT3
b. 1996 Urban Bus PM Standard
c. 1998 HDDE NOX Standard

    EPA's analysis of the issues concerning NCPs for these standards 
and EPA's response to comments received in this rulemaking on these 
standards are contained in a Direct Final Rule published elsewhere in 
this Federal Register notice. The Direct Final Rule approves NCPs for 
the above, three standards.

III. Summary and Analysis of Comments

    Written comments were received from five entities during the 
comment period: General Motors Corporation, Detroit Diesel Corporation, 
Engine Manufacturers' Association, Navistar, and Mack Truck.

A. Availability of Nonconformance Penalties and Penalty Rates

Heavy Light Duty Trucks 3 PM Standard
    General Motors agrees with EPA's conclusion that NCPs are justified 
for the new LDT3 PM standard. GM stated that the proposed penalty rates 
were not reasonable for two reasons. First, GM stated ``the basic 
technology determined to be necessary to achieve the emission 
improvement required by the standard includes technology (oxidizing 
catalyst) that is already being used to achieve the current PM 
standard. Thus, the oxidizing catalyst costs included in the penalty 
rate determinations needs to be removed and the penalty rates modified 
to include only the other technology believed needed to achieve the 
1996 PM standard.'' EPA agreed with this suggestion since GM is the 
only manufacturer in this market segment. Since GM was not able to 
specify what technology would be needed to meet the standard, the 
penalty rates in this Final Rule reflect EPA's best determination of 
the technology believed necessary for a manufacturer already using 
catalyst technology, but still unable to attain the standard.
    EPA believes that vehicles unable to achieve the standard with 
catalyst technology will need to rely on variable geometry turbocharger 
technology, improved oil control, and additional work in optimizing 
engine calibrations.
    Second, GM argues that since the new Tier 1 standard effectively 
increases the test weight used in testing vehicles of this class, this 
fact should be accounted for in determining the penalty rates and the 
upper limit for the LDT3 PM NCP. While EPA believes the said effect to 
be plausible, it is likely a relatively small effect. And, in the 
absence of any manufacturer-supplied data in support of that claim, 
this component was not considered in determining the NCPs for this 
Final Rule.

IV. Penalty Rates

    This rule is the most recent in a series of NCP rulemakings. The 
discussion of penalty rates in the Phase IV rulemaking (58 FR 68532, 
December 28, 1993), Phase III rulemaking (55 FR 46622, November 5, 
1990), the Phase II rulemaking (50 FR 53454, December 31, 1985) as well 
as the Phase I rulemaking (50 FR 35374, August 30, 1985) are 
incorporated by reference.
    The derivation of the 1996 Tier 1 LDT3 PM standard cost parameters 
are described in a support document entitled ``Calculation of 
Nonconformance Penalty Rates for 1996 and Later Model Year LDT3 
Particulate Matter (PM), LDT3 Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX), 1996 and 
Later Model Year Urban Bus Particulate Matter (PM), and 1998 and Later 
Model Year HDDE Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) Standards,'' which is 
available in the public docket for this rulemaking. The associated 
upper limit of 0.13 g/mi PM, the previous PM standard, was determined 
as per section 86.1104-91 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

V. Administrative Designation and Regulatory Analysis

    Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), EPA 
must determine whether the regulatory action is ``significant'' and 
therefore subject to OMB review and the requirements of the Executive 
Order. The order defines ``significant regulatory action'' as one that 
is likely to result in a rule that may: (1) have an annual effect on 
the economy of $100 million or more or adversely affect in a material 
way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, competition, 
jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, local, or 
tribal governments or communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency 
or otherwise interfere with an action taken or planned by another 
agency; (3) materially alter the budgetary impact of entitlements, 
grants, user fees, or loan programs or the rights and obligations of 
recipients thereof; or (4) raise novel legal or policy issues arising 
out of legal mandates, the President's priorities, or the principles 
set forth in the Executive Order.
    Pursuant to the terms of Executive Order 12866, it has been 
determined that this rule is not a ``significant regulatory action.'' 
This regulation will not have an annual effect on the economy in excess 
of $100 million and will not cause a major increase in the price of 
HDEs above those that would otherwise occur from compliance with the 
emission standards themselves. This regulation is intended to assist 
manufacturers that are having difficulty developing and marketing 
vehicles which comply with the 1996 Tier 1 PM standard for LDT3. 
Without this rule, a manufacturer experiencing difficulty in complying 
with this new emission standard (after the use of credits) has only two 
alternatives: fix the nonconforming engines for the associated model 
years or not sell them at all. NCPs provide manufacturers with 
additional time to bring their engines into conformity.
    In addition, NCPs are calculated to deprive nonconforming 
manufacturers of any cost savings and competitive advantages stemming 
from marketing a nonconforming engine. Thus, NCPs will not have 
significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, 
productivity, innovation or on the ability of United States-based 
enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic or 
export markets.

VI. Economic Impact

    Because the use of NCPs is optional, manufacturers have the 
flexibility and will likely choose whether or not to use NCPs based on 
their ability to comply with emissions standards. If a HDE manufacturer 
elects not to use NCPs, the manufacturer and its customers will not 
incur any additional costs related to NCPs.
    NCPs remedy the potential problem of having a manufacturer forced 
out of the marketplace due to that manufacturer's inability to conform 
to new, strict emission standards in a timely manner. Without NCPs, a 
manufacturer which has difficulty certifying HDEs in conformance with 
emission standards or whose engines fail a SEA has only two 
alternatives: fix the nonconforming engines, perhaps at a prohibitive 
cost, or prevent their introduction into commerce. The availability of 
NCPs provides manufacturers with a third alternative: continue 
production and introduce into commerce upon payment 

[[Page 6948]]
of a penalty for an engine that exceeds the standard until an emission 
conformance technique is developed.
    Therefore, NCPs represent a regulatory mechanism that allows 
affected manufacturers to have increased flexibility. A decision to use 
NCPs may be a manufacturer's only way to continue to introduce HDEs 
into commerce. Hence, NCPs may be considered to have no adverse 
economic impact.

VII. Environmental Impact

    When evaluating the environmental impact of this rule, one must 
keep in mind that, under the Clean Air Act, NCPs are a consequence of 
enacting new, more stringent emissions requirements for heavy duty 
engines. Emission standards are set at a level that most, but not 
necessarily all, manufacturers can achieve by the model year in which 
the standard becomes effective. Following International Harvester v. 
Ruckelshaus, 478 F.2d 615 (D.C. Cir. 1973), Congress realized the 
dilemma that technology-forcing standards were likely to cause, and 
allowed manufacturers of heavy-duty engines to certify nonconforming 
vehicles/engines upon the payment of an NCP, under certain conditions. 
This mechanism would allow a manufacturer(s) who cannot meet 
technology-forcing standards immediately to continue to manufacture 
these nonconforming engines while they tackle the technological 
problems associated with meeting new emission standard(s). Thus, as 
part of the statutory structure to force technological improvements 
without driving manufacturers out of the market, NCPs provide 
flexibility that fosters long-term emissions improvement through the 
setting of lower emission standards at an earlier date than could 
otherwise be possible. By design, NCPs encourage the technological 
laggard that is using NCPs to reduce emission levels to the more 
stringent standard as quickly as possible.

VIII. Compliance With Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under section 605 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, 
et seq., the Administrator is required to either perform a regulatory 
flexibility analysis or certify that this regulation will not have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small business entities. 
None of the affected manufacturers could be classified as small. 
Moreover, as already discussed, the NCP program can be expected to 
benefit manufacturers.
    Some small entities do exist as manufacturers' contractors for the 
testing of engines for Production Compliance Audits (PCAs). It is EPA's 
practice to conduct PCA scheduling (namely, tests per day limitations) 
in such a way as to consider the staff and manpower capabilities of 
such contractors and avoid any problems. The result is that these 
entities are not adversely affected. Thus, I certify that this rule 
will not have any adverse economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.

IX. Information Collection Requirements

    This rule requires that manufacturers perform certain record 
keeping and submit certain reports to EPA. The Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq., provides that reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements be approved by OMB before they can be 
enforced by EPA. The information collection requirements in this 
proposed rule have been addressed in previous rulemaking and approved 
by OMB (OMB control no. 2060-0132). However, any person wishing to 
comment on these requirements is invited to do so. Comments on these 
requirements should be submitted to Chief, Information Policy Branch, 
Mail Code 2136, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., S.W., 
Washington, DC 20460 and to Office of Management and Budget (OMB), 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 726 Jackson Place, NW, 
Washington, DC 20503, marked ``Attention: Desk Officer for EPA.''

X. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, EPA 
generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost benefit 
analysis, for proposed and final rules with ``Federal mandates'' that 
may result in expenditures to State, local, and tribal governments, in 
the aggregate, or to the private sector, of $100 million or more in any 
one year. Before promulgating an EPA rule for which a written statement 
is needed, section 205 of the UMRA generally requires EPA to identify 
and consider a reasonable number of regulatory alternative and adopt 
the least costly, most cost effective, or least burdensome alternative 
that achieves the objectives of the rule. The provisions of section 205 
do not apply when they are inconsistent with applicable law. Moreover, 
section 205 allows EPA to adopt an alternative other than the least 
costly, most cost-effective, or least burdensome alternative if the 
Administrator publishes with the final rule an explanation why that 
alternative was not adopted. Before EPA establishes any regulatory 
requirements that may significantly or uniquely affect small 
governments, including tribal governments, it must have developed under 
section 203 of the UMRA a small government agency plan. The plan must 
provide for notifying potentially affected small governments, enabling 
official of affected small governments to have meaningful and timely 
input in the development of EPA regulatory proposals with significant 
Federal intergovernmental mandates, and informing, educating, and 
advising small governments on compliance with the regulatory 
requirements.
    Today's rule contains no Federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local, or tribal 
governments or the private sector. The rule imposes no enforceable 
duties on any of these governmental entities or the private sector. In 
addition, the UMRA excludes from the definition of ``Federal private 
sector mandate'' duties that arise from participation in a voluntary 
Federal program. Thus, this rule is not subject to the requirements of 
sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 86

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Air pollution control, Gasoline, Motor vehicles, Labeling, Motor 
vehicle pollution, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: February 12, 1996.
Carol M. Browner,
Administrator.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 40 CFR part 86, is 
amended as follows:

PART 86--CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM NEW AND IN-USE MOTOR 
VEHICLES AND NEW AND IN-USE MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINES: CERTIFICATION 
AND TEST PROCEDURES

    1. The authority citation for part 86 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 202, 203, 206, 207, 208, 215, 216, 217, 301(a), 
Clean Air Act as amended (42 U.S.C. 7521, 7522, 7524, 7525, 7541, 
7542, 7549, 7550, 7552, and 7601(a)).

    2. Section 86.1105-87 of subpart L is amended by revising paragraph 
(e), 

[[Page 6949]]
adding paragraph (g) and adding and reserving paragraph (h) to read as 
follows:

Sec. 86.1105-87  Emission standards for which nonconformance penalties 
are available.

* * * * *
    (e) The values of COC50, COC90, and MC50 in 
paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section are expressed in December 1984 
dollars. The values of COC50, COC90, and MC50 in 
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section are expressed in December 1989 
dollars. The values of COC50, COC90, and MC50 in 
paragraph (f) of this section are expressed in December 1991 dollars. 
The values of COC50, COC90, and MC50 in paragraphs (g) 
and (h) of this section are expressed in December 1994 dollars. These 
values shall be adjusted for inflation to dollars as of January of the 
calendar year preceding the model year in which the NCP is first 
available by using the change in the overall Consumer Price Index, and 
rounded to the nearest whole dollar in accordance with ASTM E29-67 
(reapproved 1980), Standard Recommended Practice for Indicating Which 
Places of Figures are to be Considered Significant in Specified 
Limiting Values. The method was approved by the director of the Federal 
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. This 
document is available from ASTM, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 
19103, and is also available for inspection as part of Docket A-91-06, 
located at the Central Docket Section, EPA, 401 M Street, SW, 
Washington, DC or at the office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW, suite 700, Washington, DC. This incorporation by 
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register on 
January 13, 1992. These materials are incorporated as they exist on the 
date of the approval and a notice of any change in these materials will 
be published in the Federal Register.
* * * * * *
    (g) Effective in the 1996 model year, NCPs will be available for 
the following emission standard:
    (1) Light-duty truck 3 diesel-fueled vehicle at full useful life 
(as defined in Sec. 86.094-2) particulate matter emission standard of 
0.10 g/mi.
    (i) The following values shall be used to calculate an NCP for the 
standard set forth in Sec. 86.094-9(a)(1)(ii) in accordance with 
Sec. 86.1113-87(a):
    (A) COC50: $441.
    (B) COC90: $1,471.
    (C) MC50: $14,700 per gram per mile.
    (D) F: 1.2.
    (ii) The following factor shall be used to calculate the 
engineering and development component of the NCP for the standard set 
forth in Sec. 86.094-9(a)(1)(ii) in accordance with Sec. 86.1113-87(h): 
0.093.
    (2) [Reserved]
    (h) [Reserved]

[FR Doc. 96-4040 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-4039 Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles and New Motor Vehicle Engines; Nonconformance Penalties for 1996 and 1998 Model Year Emission Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles and EnginesPart II
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6949-6953]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-4039]

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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
40 CFR Part 86

[A-94-13; FRL-5425-9]
RIN 2060-AE07

Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles and New Motor 
Vehicle Engines; Nonconformance Penalties for 1996 and 1998 Model Year 
Emission Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Engines--Part II

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Direct final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule makes nonconformance penalties (NCPs) 
available for the 1998 and later model year Heavy-Duty Engine (HDE) 
oxides of nitrogen (NOX) standard for Heavy-Duty Diesel Engines 
(HDDEs), the 1996 and later model year Light-Duty Truck 3 (LDT3) 
NOX standard, and the 1996 and later model year Urban Bus 
particulate matter (PM) standard. The availability of NCPs will allow 
manufacturers whose vehicles or engines fail to conform with these 
emission standards, but do not exceed a designated upper limit, to be 
issued a certificate of conformity upon payment of a monetary penalty. 
The associated upper limit will be the previous standard (5.0 grams per 
brake horsepower-hour (g/BHp-hr) NOX for HDDEs, 1.7 grams per mile 
(g/mi) NOX for LDT3s, and 0.07 g/BHp-hr PM for urban buses).
    A final rule published elsewhere in this Federal Register document 
addresses other emission standards for which NCPs have been considered 
and establishes NCPs for the 1996 PM standard for LDT3.

EFFECTIVE DATE: This final rule will be effective April 23, 1996 unless 
notice is received by March 25, 1996 that adverse or critical comments 
will be submitted or that an opportunity to submit such comments at a 
public hearing is requested. If such comments or a request for a public 
hearing are received by the Agency, EPA will then publish a subsequent 
Federal Register document withdrawing from this action only those items 
which are specifically listed in those comments or in the request for a 
public hearing.

ADDRESSES: Public Docket: Copies of materials relevant to this 
rulemaking proceeding are contained in Public Docket A-94-13 at the Air 
Docket of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Room M1500, 401 M 
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460, and are available for review in Room 
M1500 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. As 
provided in 40 CFR Part 2, a reasonable fee may be charged for copying 
services.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Gregory Orehowsky, Manufacturers 
Operations Division [6405-J], US Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M 
Street, SW, Washington, DC 20460, telephone (202) 233-9292.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: EPA believes that the use of a direct final 
rule is appropriate because the changes made are expected to be non-
controversial. The direct final rule will allow the Agency to finalize 
such changes in a timely manner, allowing NCPs to be available before 
the start of production of affected vehicles.

I. Statutory Authority

    Section 206(g) of the Clean Air Act (the Act), 42 U.S.C. 7525(g), 
requires EPA to issue a certificate of conformity for HDEs or Heavy-
Duty Vehicles (HDVs) which exceed an applicable section 202(a) 
emissions standard, but do not exceed an upper limit associated with 
that standard, if the manufacturer pays an NCP established by 
rulemaking. Congress adopted section 206(g) in the Clean Air Act 
Amendments of 1977 as a response to perceived problems with technology-
forcing heavy-duty emissions standards. (It should be noted, however, 
that the existence of NCPs does not change the criteria under which the 
standards have been and will be set under section 202.) Following 
International Harvester v. Ruckelshaus, 478 F.2d 615 (D.C. Cir. 1973), 
Congress realized the dilemma that technology-forcing standards were 
likely to cause. If strict standards were maintained, then some 
manufacturers, ``technological laggards,'' might be unable to comply 
initially and would be forced out of the marketplace. NCPs were 
intended to remedy this potential problem. The laggards would have a 
temporary alternative that would permit them to sell their engines or 
vehicles by payment of a penalty. This penalty is based in part, on the 
money saved from the production of non complying engines, would protect 
conforming manufacturers from the competitive disadvantage of making 
more costly 

[[Page 6950]]
engines which comply with technology forcing standards.
    Under section 206(g)(1) of the Clean Air Act, NCPs may be offered 
for HDVs or HDEs. The penalty may vary by pollutant and by class or 
category of vehicle or engine.
    HDVs are defined by section 202(b)(3)(C) of the Clean Air Act as 
vehicles in excess of 6,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). 
The light-duty truck (LDT) classification includes trucks that have a 
GVWR of 8,500 lbs or less. Therefore, certain LDTs may be classified as 
HDVs. Historically, LDTs between 6,001 and 8,500 pounds GVWR have been 
considered Heavy Light Duty Trucks (HLDTs). Based on various new 
requirements established by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, HLDTs 
have been further subdivided into groups by weight.
    The HLDTs are divided at 5750 lbs Adjusted Loaded Vehicle Weight 
(ALVW) which is the average of the curb weight and the GVWR. The HLDTs 
that are up through 5750 lbs ALVW are called Light Duty Trucks 3 
(LDT3). Those above 5750 lbs ALVW but less than or equal to 8500 lbs 
GVWR are Light Duty Trucks 4, or LDT4. The LDT3 and LDT4 subclasses 
make up the HLDT vehicle class. Since NCPs are only offered for heavy 
duty vehicles or engines, this notice addresses only emission standards 
for light duty trucks of the LDT3 and LDT4 categories.
    Section 206(g)(3) of the Clean Air Act requires that NCPs:
    (1) Account for the degree of emission nonconformity;
    (2) Increase periodically to provide incentive for nonconforming 
manufacturers to achieve the emission standards; and
    (3) Remove the competitive disadvantage to conforming 
manufacturers.
    Section 206(g) authorizes EPA to require testing of production 
vehicles or engines in order to determine the emission level on which 
the penalty is based. If the emission level of a vehicle or engine 
exceeds an upper limit of nonconformity established by EPA through 
regulation, the vehicle or engine would not qualify for an NCP under 
section 206(g) and no certificate of conformity could be issued to the 
manufacturer. If the emission level is below the upper limit but above 
the standard, that emission level becomes the ``compliance level,'' 
which is also the benchmark for warranty and recall liability; the 
manufacturer who elects to pay the NCP is liable for vehicles or 
engines that exceed the compliance level in-use, unless, for the case 
of HLDTs, the compliance level is below the in-use standard. The 
manufacturer does not have in-use warranty or recall liability for 
emissions levels above the standard but below the compliance level.

II. Background

A. The Generic Nonconformance Penalty Rule

    The generic NCP rule (Phase I) established three basic criteria for 
determining the eligibility of emission standards for nonconformance 
penalties in any given model year. See 40 CFR 1103-87. First, the 
emission standard in question must become more difficult to meet. This 
can occur in two ways, either by the emission standard itself becoming 
more stringent, or due to its interaction with another emission 
standard that has become more stringent.
    Second, substantial work must be required to meet the emission 
standard. EPA considers ``substantial work'' to mean the application of 
technology not previously used in that vehicle or engine class/
subclass, or a significant modification of existing technology, to 
bring that vehicle/engine into compliance. EPA does not consider minor 
modifications or calibration changes to be classified as substantial 
work.
    Third, a technological laggard must be likely to develop. A 
technological laggard is defined as a manufacturer who cannot meet a 
particular emission standard due to technological (not economic) 
difficulties and who, in the absence of NCPs, might be forced from the 
marketplace. EPA will make the determination that a technological 
laggard is likely to develop, based in large part on the above two 
criteria. However, these criteria are not always sufficient to 
determine the likelihood of the development of a technological laggard. 
An emission standard may become more difficult to meet and substantial 
work may be required for compliance, but if that work merely involves 
transfer of well-developed technology from another vehicle class, it is 
unlikely that a technological laggard would develop.
    The above three criteria were used to determine eligibility for 
NCPs in Phase II of the NCP rulemaking (50 FR 53454, December 31, 
1985), in Phase III of the NCP rulemaking (55 FR 46622, November 5, 
1990) concerning the 1991 model year HDE standards, and in Phase IV of 
the NCP rulemaking (58 FR 68532, December 28, 1993) concerning HDVs and 
HDEs subject to the 1994 and later model year emission standards for 
particulate matter (PM).
    As in the previous NCP rules, EPA is specifying values for the 
following parameters in the NCP formula for each standard: COC50, 
COC90, MC50, and F. The NCP formula is the same as that 
promulgated in the Phase I rule.
    COC50 is an estimate of the industry wide average incremental 
cost per engine (references to engines are intended to include vehicles 
as well) associated with meeting the standard for which an NCP is 
offered, compared with meeting the upper limit. COC50 is based on 
typical engine technology, as nearly as EPA can identify it. As in the 
previous NCP rules, costs include additional manufacturer costs and 
additional owner costs. The other NCP rules did not include 
certification costs in the calculation of COC50, and none will be 
allowed in this proposed rule because both complying and noncomplying 
manufacturers must incur certification costs.
    COC90 is EPA's best estimate of the 90th percentile 
incremental cost per engine associated with meeting the standard for 
which an NCP is offered, compared with meeting the associated upper 
limit. COC90 is based on a near worst case technology, as nearly 
as EPA can identify it. COC90, like COC50, includes both 
manufacturer and owner costs, but not certification costs.
    MC50 is an estimate of the industry wide average marginal cost 
of compliance per unit of reduced pollutant associated with the least 
cost effective emission control technology installed to meet the new 
standard. MC50 is measured in dollars per g/BHP-hr for HDEs and in 
dollars per gram per mile (g/mi) for LDTs.
    F is a factor used to derive MC90, the 90th percentile 
marginal cost of compliance with the NCP standard for engines in the 
NCP category. MC90 is defined as being the slope of the penalty 
rate curve near the standard and is equal to MC50 multiplied by F. 
For this rulemaking, as was the case in the previous NCP rules, EPA has 
determined that no reasonable estimate of MC90 can be made based 
on existing marginal cost data and has thus set F at a presumptive 
value of 1.2. This approach was generally supported by commentaries on 
the past NCP rulemakings.

B. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

    In the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) (59 FR 43074, August 
22, 1994), EPA identified the Tier I Heavy Light-Duty Trucks (HLDT) 
NOX standard of 0.98 g/mi becoming effective in 1996, the 1998 HDE 
NOX standard of 4.0 g/

[[Page 6951]]
BHp-hr, and the 1996 Urban Bus PM standard of 0.05 g/BHp-hr as new 
standards for which it has statutory authority for considering NCPs. 
EPA did not propose to offer NCPs for these standards because, based on 
the information available at the time of the proposed rulemaking, these 
standards did not meet the criteria for offering NCPs.

C. Summary and Analysis of Comments

    Based on comments to the NPRM received by EPA, EPA has decided to 
offer NCPs for the 1996 Light Duty Trucks 3 (LDT3) NOX standard of 
0.98 g/mi for diesel-fueled vehicles, the 1998 HDE NOX standard of 
4.0 g/BHp-hr for HDDEs, and the 1996 Urban Bus PM standard of 0.05 g/
BHp-hr.
1. Heavy Light Duty Trucks 3 NOX Standard
    General Motors, the only manufacturer in this market, commented 
that NCPs are justified for this standard since ``* * * the NOX 
standard change is large (1.7 g/mi to 0.98 g/mi) * * *'' and ``attempts 
to reach significantly lower NOX levels with the current 
technology results in very poor engine combustion control with 
significant increased smoke * * *'' GM goes on to state that new 
technology is required which ``concentrates on new EGR systems and 
control interfaces between this EGR technology and the fuel control 
system * * *''
    EPA agrees with GM's assessment that current EGR flow rates cannot 
be increased to limit NOX emissions without changes to the fuel 
control system. Driveabiliity problems will occur at higher EGR flow 
rates unless the fuel control system is adjusted to account for these 
higher EGR flow rates. EPA believes that GM will need to recalibrate 
the engine computer to better control fuel delivery rates to allow for 
improved driveability at increased EGR flow rates. EPA also believes 
that air-to-air aftercooling will be necessary to further reduce 
NOX emissions below the standard.
    EPA acknowledges that the stringency of the NOX standard for 
this class of trucks has increased. Also, significant work will be 
involved in developing the appropriate fuel system calibration to allow 
for increased EGR flow. Further work will be necessary to develop air-
to-air aftercooling which is new to this segment of the truck market. 
Since the previously mentioned technology may not be developed by the 
start of the 1996 model year, a technological laggard may develop. For 
these reasons, EPA is offering NCPs for 1996 LTD3 NOX standard.
2. 1996 HDDE Urban Bus PM Standard
    Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC) commented that they are capable of 
achieving 0.05 g/BHp-hr in development engines using only a catalytic 
converter, but they need new technology to ensure that production 
engines would be capable of satisfying the new standard during 
Selective Enforcement Audit (SEA) testing. The Engine Manufacturers 
Association (EMA) stated that for the 1996 model year Urban Bus Engine 
PM standard the three criteria for offering NCPs are met.
    In the 1996 model year the PM standard applicable to Urban Bus 
Engines becomes more stringent. EPA acknowledges that new technologies 
need to be developed to provide for a compliance margin for SEA 
testing. These technologies include improving aftertreatment devices 
such as catalysts and traps and new turbocharger designs. EPA believes 
that substantial work will be involved in developing this diesel fueled 
technology. Particulate traps have not proven to be durable. Catalysts 
have reduced PM emissions but further reductions are necessary. Low 
inertia turbochargers are being developed but have yet to be offered in 
the urban bus market and their effectiveness is uncertain.
    EPA believes that Urban Bus Engine manufacturers will need to 
employ the unproven technology mentioned in the preceding paragraph to 
ensure compliance with this standard, thus; EPA believes a 
technological laggard is likely to develop and will be offering NCPs.
3. 1998 HDE NOX Standard
    EMA commented that ``based on the information presently available, 
it is likely that certain engine manufacturers and/or certain engine 
families may not be able to meet the 4.0 g/bhp-hr NOX standard in 
1998''. Mack Truck suggested that NCPs should be offered for this 
standard since they were offered for the 1988 and 1991 NOX 
standards. DDC commented that several of their most advanced engines 
are using credits to meet the 1994 standards. Because of the NOX-
PM trade off and the stringency of the 1994 PM standard, none of their 
engines are capable of generating NOX credits which could be used 
toward the 1998 NOX standard. This could result in DDC having to 
discontinue several of its engine ratings in 1998. Navistar commented 
that a commercially important engine may not be finished in time 
causing an interruption in manufacturing. Navistar stated that NCPs 
would allow such an engine to be put into commerce.
    In the 1998 model year the NOX standard applicable to HDEs 
will become more stringent. EPA believes that this increase in 
stringency will require the HDE manufacturers to employ new emission 
control technology (e.g., oxidation catalysts, improved turbochargers, 
modifications to the fuel injection systems, or engine calibration 
changes). These new technologies will require substantial work. Also 
based on manufacturers' comments to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 
(59 FR 43074, August 22, 1994), EPA now believes that a technological 
laggard may develop. Therefore, EPA has decided to offer NCPs for the 
1998 model year HDE NOX standard.

III. Standards Addressed in a Concurrent NCP Rulemaking

a. 1996 Tier 1 Standards for LDT3 other than diesel NOX
b. 1996 Tier 1 Standards for LDT4

IV. Penalty Rates and Upper Limits

    This rule is the most recent in a series of NCP rulemakings. The 
discussion of penalty rates in the Phase IV rulemaking (58 FR 68532, 
December 28, 1993), Phase III rulemaking (55 FR 46622, November 5, 
1990), the Phase II rulemaking (50 FR 53454, December 31, 1985) as well 
as the Phase I rulemaking (50 FR 35374, August 30, 1985) are 
incorporated by reference.
    The derivation of the proposed cost parameters is described in a 
support document entitled ``Calculation of Nonconformance Penalty Rates 
for 1996 and Later Model Year LDT3 Particulate Matter (PM), LDT3 Oxides 
of Nitrogen (NOX), 1996 and Later Model Year Urban Bus Particulate 
Matter (PM), and 1998 and Later Model Year HDDE Oxides of Nitrogen 
(NOX) Standards'' which is available in the public docket for this 
rulemaking. The associated upper limits of 1.7 g/mi NOX and 0.12 
g/mi PM for diesel LDT3, 5.0 g/BHp-hr NOX for HDDEs, and 0.07 g/
BHp-hr PM for urban bus engines were determined from the previous 
standards as per Section 86.1104-91 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR).

V. Administrative Designation and Regulatory Analysis

    Under Executive Order 12866 (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), EPA 
must determine whether the regulatory action is ``significant'' and 
therefore subject to OMB review and the requirements of the Executive 
Order. The order defines ``significant regulatory action'' as one that 
is likely to result in a rule that may: 

[[Page 6952]]
(1) Have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more or 
adversely affect in a material way the economy, a sector of the 
economy, productivity, competition, jobs, the environment, public 
health or safety, or state, local, or tribal governments or 
communities; (2) create a serious inconsistency or otherwise interfere 
with an action taken or planned by another agency; (3) materially alter 
the budgetary impact of entitlements, grants, user fees, or loan 
programs or the rights and obligations of recipients thereof; or (4) 
raise novel legal or policy issues arising out of legal mandates, the 
President's priorities, or the principles set forth in the Executive 
Order.
    Pursuant to the terms of Executive Order 12866, it has been 
determined that this rule is not a ``significant regulatory action.'' 
This regulation will not have an annual effect on the economy in excess 
of $100 million and will not cause a major increase in the price of 
HDEs above those that would otherwise occur from compliance with the 
emission standards themselves. This regulation is intended to assist 
manufacturers that are having difficulty developing and marketing 
vehicles which comply with the 1996 Tier 1 PM standard for LDT3s. 
Without this rule, a manufacturer experiencing difficulty in complying 
with this new emission standard (after the use of credits) has only two 
alternatives: fix the nonconforming engines for the associated model 
years or not sell them at all. NCPs provide manufacturers with 
additional time to bring their engines into conformity.
    In addition, NCPs are calculated to deprive nonconforming 
manufacturers of any cost savings and competitive advantages stemming 
from marketing a nonconforming engine. Thus, NCPs will not have 
significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, 
productivity, innovation or on the ability of United States-based 
enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic or 
export markets.

VI. Economic Impact

    Because the use of NCPs is optional, manufacturers have the 
flexibility and will likely choose whether or not to use NCPs based on 
their ability to comply with emissions standards. If a HDE manufacturer 
elects not to use NCPs, the manufacturer and its customers will not 
incur any additional costs related to NCPs. NCPs remedy the potential 
problem of having a manufacturer forced out of the marketplace due to 
that manufacturer's inability to conform to new, strict emission 
standards in a timely manner. Without NCPs, a manufacturer which has 
difficulty certifying HDEs in conformance with emission standards or 
whose engines fail a SEA has only two alternatives: fix the 
nonconforming engines, perhaps at a prohibitive cost, or prevent their 
introduction into commerce. The availability of NCPs provides 
manufacturers with a third alternative: continue production and 
introduce into commerce upon payment of a penalty for an engine that 
exceeds the standard until an emission conformance technique is 
developed.
    Therefore, NCPs represent a regulatory mechanism that allows 
affected manufacturers to have increased flexibility. A decision to use 
NCPs may be a manufacturer's only way to continue to introduce HDEs 
into commerce. Hence, NCPs may be considered to have no adverse 
economic impact.

VII. Environmental Impact

    When evaluating the environmental impact of this rule, one must 
keep in mind that, under the Clean Air Act, NCPs are a consequence of 
enacting new, more stringent emissions requirements for heavy duty 
engines. Emission standards are set at a level that most, but not 
necessarily all, manufacturers can achieve by the model year in which 
the standard becomes effective. Following International Harvester v. 
Ruckelshaus, 478 F.2d 615 (D.C. Cir. 1973), Congress realized the 
dilemma that technology-forcing standards were likely to cause, and 
allowed manufacturers of heavy-duty engines to certify nonconforming 
vehicles/engines upon the payment of an NCP, under certain conditions. 
This mechanism would allow a manufacturer(s) who cannot meet 
technology-forcing standards immediately to continue to manufacture 
these nonconforming engines while they tackle the technological 
problems associated with meeting new emission standard(s). Thus, as 
part of the statutory structure to force technological improvements 
without driving manufacturers out of the market, NCPs provide 
flexibility that fosters long-term emissions improvement through the 
setting of lower emission standards at an earlier date than could 
otherwise be possible. By design, NCPs encourage the technological 
laggard that is using NCPs to reduce emission levels to the more 
stringent standard as quickly as possible.

VIII. Compliance With Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under section 605 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, 
et seq., the Administrator is required to either perform a regulatory 
flexibility analysis or certify that this regulation will not have a 
significant impact on a substantial number of small business entities. 
None of the affected manufacturers could be classified as small. 
Moreover, as already discussed, the NCP program can be expected to 
benefit manufacturers.
    Some small entities do exist as manufacturers' contractors for the 
testing of engines for Production Compliance Audits (PCAs). It is EPA's 
practice to conduct PCA scheduling (namely, tests per day limitations) 
in such a way as to consider the staff and manpower capabilities of 
such contractors and avoid any problems. The result is that these 
entities are not adversely affected. Thus, I certify that this rule 
will not have any adverse economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.

IX. Information Collection Requirements

    This rule requires that manufacturers perform certain record 
keeping and submit certain reports to EPA. The Paperwork Reduction Act 
of 1980, 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq., provides that reporting and record 
keeping requirements be approved by OMB before they can be enforced by 
EPA. The information collection requirements in this proposed rule have 
been addressed in previous rulemaking and approved by OMB (OMB control 
no. 2060-0132). However, any person wishing to comment on these 
requirements is invited to do so. Comments on these requirements should 
be submitted to Chief, Information Policy Branch, Mail Code 2136, U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, 401 M St., S.W., Washington, DC 20460 
and to Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, 726 Jackson Place, NW, Washington, DC 20503, marked 
``Attention: Desk Officer for EPA.''

X. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), P.L. 
104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
governments and the private sector. Under section 202 of the UMRA, EPA 
generally must prepare a written statement, including a cost benefit 
analysis, for proposed and final rules 

[[Page 6953]]
with ``Federal mandates'' that may result in expenditures to State, 
local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or to the private 
sector, of $100 million or more in any one year. Before promulgating an 
EPA rule for which a written statement is needed, section 205 of the 
UMRA generally requires EPA to identify and consider a reasonable 
number of regulatory alternative and adopt the least costly, most cost 
effective, or least burdensome alternative that achieves the objectives 
of the rule. The provisions of section 205 do not apply when they are 
inconsistent with applicable law. Moreover, section 205 allows EPA to 
adopt an alternative other than the least costly, most cost-effective, 
or least burdensome alternative if the Administrator publishes with the 
final rule an explanation why that alternative was not adopted. Before 
EPA establishes any regulatory requirements that may significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments, including tribal governments, it 
must have developed under section 203 of the UMRA a small government 
agency plan. The plan must provide for notifying potentially affected 
small governments, enabling officials of affected small governments to 
have meaningful and timely input in the development of EPA regulatory 
proposals with significant Federal intergovernmental mandates, and 
informing, educating, and advising small governments on compliance with 
the regulatory requirements.
    Today's rule contains no federal mandates (under the regulatory 
provisions of Title II of the UMRA) for State, local, or tribal 
governments or the private sector. The rule imposes no enforceable 
duties on any of these governmental entities or the private sector. In 
addition, the UMRA excludes from the definition of ``Federal private 
sector mandate'' duties that arise from participation in a voluntary 
federal program. Thus, this rule is not subject to the requirements of 
sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 86

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Air pollution control, Gasoline, Motor vehicles, Labeling, Motor 
vehicle pollution, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: February 12, 1996.
Carol M. Browner,
Administrator.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 40 CFR part 86, is 
amended as follows:

PART 86-CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION FROM NEW AND IN-USE MOTOR VEHICLES 
AND NEW AND IN-USE MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINES: CERTIFICATION AND TEST 
PROCEDURES

    1. The authority citation for part 86 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Secs. 202, 203, 206, 207, 208, 215, 216, 217, 301(a), 
Clean Air Act as amended (42 U.S.C. 7521, 7522, 7524, 7525, 7541, 
7542, 7549, 7550, 7552, and 7601(a)).

    2. Section 86.1105-87 of subpart L is amended by adding paragraphs 
(g)(2) and (3) and paragraph (h), reading as follows:

Sec. 86.1105-87  Emission standards for which nonconformance penalties 
are available.

* * * * *
    (g) * * *
    (2) Light-duty truck 3 diesel-fueled vehicle at full useful life 
(as defined in Sec. 86.094-2) oxides of nitrogen emission standard of 
0.98 g/mi.
    (i) The following values shall be used to calculate an NCP for the 
standard set forth in Sec. 86.094-9(a)(1)(ii) in accordance with 
Sec. 86.1113-87(a):
    (A) COC50: $654.
    (B) COC90: $779.
    (C) MC50: $908 per gram per mile.
    (D) F: 1.2.
    (ii) The following factor shall be used to calculate the 
engineering and development component of the NCP for the standard set 
forth in Sec. 86.094-9(a)(1)(ii) in accordance with Sec. 86.1113-87(h): 
0.082.
    (3) 1996 Urban Bus (as defined in Sec. 86.094-2) particulate matter 
emission standard of 0.05 g/BHp-hr.
    (i) The following values shall be used to calculate an NCP for the 
standard set forth in Sec. 86.094-9(a)(1)(ii) in accordance with 
Sec. 86.1113-87(a):
    (A) COC50: $576.
    (B) COC90: $6,569.
    (C) MC50: $28,800 per gram per brake horsepower-hour.
    (D) F: 1.2.
    (ii) The following factor shall be used to calculate the 
engineering and development component of the NCP for the standard set 
forth in Sec. 86.094-9(a)(1)(ii) in accordance with Sec. 86.1113-87(h): 
0.500.
    (h) Effective in the 1998 model year, NCPs will be available for 
the following emission standard:
    (1) Petroleum-fueled diesel heavy-duty engine oxides of nitrogen 
standard of 4.0 grams per brake horsepower-hour.
    (i) For petroleum-fueled light heavy-duty diesel engines:
    (A) The following values shall be used to calculate an NCP in 
accordance with Sec. 86.1113-87(a):
    (1) COC50: $833.
    (2) COC90: $1,513.
    (3) MC50: $833 per gram per brake horsepower-hour.
    (4) F: 1.2.
    (B) The following factor shall be used to calculate the engineering 
and development component of the NCP for the standard set forth in 
Sec. 86.094-9(a)(1)(ii) in accordance with Sec. 86.1113-87(h): 0.039.
    (ii) For petroleum-fueled medium heavy-duty diesel engines:
    (A) The following values shall be used to calculate an NCP in 
accordance with Sec. 86.1113-87(a):
    (1) COC50: $444.
    (2) COC90: $1,368.
    (3) MC50: $444 per gram per brake horsepower-hour.
    (4) F: 1.2.
    (B) The following factor shall be used to calculate the engineering 
and development component of the NCP for the standard set forth in 
Sec. 86.094-9(a)(1)(ii) in accordance with Sec. 86.1113-87(h): 0.043.
    (iii) For petroleum-fueled heavy heavy-duty diesel engines:
    (A) The following values shall be used to calculate an NCP in 
accordance with Sec. 86.1113-87(a):
    (1) COC50: $1,086.
    (2) COC90: $2,540.
    (3) MC50: $1,086 per gram per brake horsepower-hour
    (4) F: 1.2.
    (B) The following factor shall be used to calculate the engineering 
and development component of the NCP for the standard set forth in 
Sec. 86.094-9(a)(1)(ii) in accordance with Sec. 86.1113-87(h): 0.039.
    (2) [Reserved]

[FR Doc. 96-4039 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3977 Removal of Burn Ointment From First-Aid Kits
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6938-6939]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3977]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Parts 121, 125, and 135

[Docket No. 25154; Reference Amendments 121-236; 125-19; 135-47]

Removal of Burn Ointment From First-Aid Kits

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Disposition of comments to a final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On January 12, 1994, the FAA published a final rule with 
request for comments [59 FR 1780] that revised the regulations 
concerning first aid kits required on board air carrier, air taxi, and 
commercial aircraft to remove the burn compound from the list of items 
required for the kits. The rule was effective upon publication and the 
comment period closed March 14, 1994. This action responds to those 
comments received as a result of that final rule and completes that 
rulemaking.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gary Davis, Regulatory Branch, Air 
Transportation Division, Flight Standards Service, FAA, 800 
Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591, telephone: (202) 267-
3747.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On December 5, 1986, the Air Transport Association (ATA) submitted 

[[Page 6939]]
    a petition to delete the burn compound (burn ointment) from the first 
aid kits required to be carried on each aircraft operated under part 
121 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. In the petition ATA noted that 
the application of ice or cold water is the preferred treatment for 
minor burns. As part of the supporting data, the petition included a 
request from Western Airlines to delete the burn ointment from their 
first aid kits and instructions from other carriers' flight manuals 
advising flight attendants not to use the burn ointment unless 
requested to do so by passengers. ATA stated that the burn ointment 
normally has an expiration date, which requires replacement, 
inspection, and record-keeping. Later, ATA submitted a letter to the 
docket from the American Red Cross that supported their position that 
burn ointment retains heat, causing the burn to worsen in some cases. 
Additional information submitted by ATA noted that the March 1987 
meeting of the ATA Cabin Safety Panel each member present stated that 
cold water or ice, rather that the burn ointment, was the preferred 
method of treatment for burns.
    A summary of ATA's petition was published in the Federal Register 
on February 20, 1987, [52 FR 5309]; the comment period closed April 20, 
1987. The only comments received were those cited above.
    In issuing a final rule removing the burn ointment from the first 
aid kits, the FAA agreed with industry practice. It stated that in the 
limited situation of treating minor burns aboard aircraft, cold water 
is the preferred treatment. Therefore, the requirement for burn 
ointment should be eliminated to spare air carriers the unnecessary 
expense of having to maintain an unneeded item. Further, because that 
final rule action was a minor amendment in which there was not expected 
to be any public disagreement, the FAA found that public notice and 
comment were unnecessary. Because it was relieving, the rule was made 
effective upon publication.

Discussion of Comments Received

    Two comments were received on the final rule. Water Jel 
Technologies (Water Jel) comments that the revisions to the regulations 
were timely; however, the recommendation is flawed and should be 
amended to reflect the current protocol for the care of minor burns. 
Water Jel believes that burns occur so frequently that some burn 
preparations are necessary. This commenter urges the FAA to require 
instead a water-based burn product for the first aid kit.
    Industrial Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) comments that the 
removal of burn compound from first aid kits is not justified by the 
record, which cites the burden of maintaining the kits and the protocol 
of treating minor burns. ISEA believes that the majority of burn 
ointments and compounds sold in FAA kits are water-soluble products 
that have no expiration dates. ISEA states that the pain-relieving 
benefits of water soluble burn ointments clearly outweigh the cost of 
maintaining them in first aid kits used on aircraft. ISEA recommends 
that 14 CFR parts 121, 125, and 135 be amended to add the words `water 
soluble' to the description of the burn ointment.

FAA Response to Comments

    The FAA agrees with commenters that a water-based compound may 
provide additional, longer lasting treatment for a burn until medical 
attention is provided. The incidence of burns aboard aircraft, however, 
does not support such a requirement. With the elimination of smoking 
aboard aircraft, the vast majority of burns occur when hot beverages 
are spilled. These are usually minor burns, and cold water provides 
sufficient relief to passengers. Therefore, the FAA finds that the 
final rule should be retained, as amended.

    Issued in Washington, DC on February 13, 1996.
Thomas C. Accardi,
Director, Flight Standards Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3977 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3976 Special Condition: Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC135 Helicopter, Full Authority Digital Engine Control
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6921-6922]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3976]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Parts 21 and 27

[Docket No. 93-ASW-2; Special Condition 27-ASW-1]

Special Condition: Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC135 Helicopter, 
Full Authority Digital Engine Control

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final special condition.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This special condition is issued for the Eurocopter 
Deutschland Model EC135 helicopter. This helicopter will have a novel 
or unusual design feature associated with the Turbomeca Arrius 2B or 
United Technologies Pratt & Whitney PW 206B engines with a full 
authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. This special condition 
contains additional safety standards that the Administrator considers 
necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to that provided by 
the applicable airworthiness standards.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 25, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr. Carroll R. Wright, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111; telephone 
(817) 222-5120.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Eurocopter Deutschland, Munich, Germany, submitted an application 
on October 31, 1990, for a Type Certificate for the Model BO-108 
(EC135) helicopter to the FAA Brussels Certification Office through the 
German Luftfahrt-Bundesamt Authorities (LBA). Notice of Proposed 
Special Condition 27-ASW-1 was published, based on this application, 
for protection of systems that perform critical functions from High 
Intensity Radiated Fields (HIRF). Due to delays and a redefinition of 
the proposed helicopter, a new application was submitted for Type 
Certification of the EC135 B-1 and D-1 helicopter on December 12, 1994, 
through the German LBA Authorities to the FAA Brussels Aircraft 
Certification Office. The Model EC135 is a 5-7 passenger, two engine, 
5,511-lb 

[[Page 6922]]
maximum take-off gross weight, normal category helicopter. This model 
helicopter may be equipped with either the Turbomeca Arrius 2B or the 
United Technologies Pratt & Whitney PW 206B engines. Both of these type 
engines utilize a FADEC system.

Type Certification Basis

    The certification basis established for the Model EC135 includes:
    1. 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 21.29.
    2. 14 CFR part 27, Amendment 30, dated October 3, 1994; and the 
following additional requirements to part 27, Amendment 30:
    a. Section 27.65 with the following changes: the introductory 
portion of Sec. 27.65(b)(2) is changed to read ``The steady rate of 
climb must be determined,'' and Sec. 27.65(b)(2)(ii) is changed to read 
``Within the range from sea level up to the maximum altitude for which 
certification is requested.''
    b. Section 27.1141 plus a new requirement that ``Each control must 
be able to maintain any set position without (1) Constant attention; or 
(2) Tendency to creep due to control loads or vibration.''
    c. Additional requirements for rotor brake controls state that (1) 
It must be impossible to apply the rotor brake inadvertently in flight, 
and (2) There must be means to warn the crew if the rotor brake has not 
been completely released before takeoff.''
    3. Applicable paragraphs of part 29, Amendment 36, dated January 
31, 1996; as follows: 29.861(a), 29.901(c), 29.903 (b), (c), (e), 
29.908(a), 29.917(b), (c)(1), 29.927(c)(1), 29.953(a), 29.1027(a), 
20.1045(a)(1), (b), (c), (d), (f), 29.1047(a), 29.1181(a), 29.1189(c), 
29.1191(a)(1), 29.1193(e), 29.1305(a)(6), (b), 29.1309(b)(2)(i), (d), 
29.1331(b), 29.1351(d)(2).
    4. Noise Requirements of part 36 Noise Standards Appendix J amended 
by Amendments 36-1 through the latest amendment in effect at the time 
of certification.
    If the Administrator finds that the applicable airworthiness 
regulations do not contain adequate or appropriate safety standards for 
the Model EC135 helicopter because of a novel or unusual design 
feature, special conditions are prescribed under the provisions of 
Sec. 21.101(b)(2) establish a level of safety equivalent to that 
established in the regulations.
    Special conditions, as appropriate, are issued in accordance with 
Sec. 11.49 after public notice, as required by Secs. 11.28 and 11.29(b) 
and become a part of the type certification basis, as provided by 
Sec. 21.101(b)(2). In addition to the applicable airworthiness 
regulations and special conditions, the Model EC135 helicopter must 
comply with the noise certification requirements of part 36 and the 
engine emission requirements of Special Federal Aviation Regulation 
(SFAR) 27.

Discussion of Comments

    Notice of Proposed Special Condition No. SC-93-SW was published in 
the Federal Register on January 22, 1993 (58 FR 5666). Two comments 
were received from the manufacturer. One comment corrected the name of 
the manufacturer. The other comment stated that the laboratory test 
option should satisfy this special condition for VFR including 
operation below 500 feet AGL. The FAA agrees with both comments. The 
name is corrected in this final special condition, and the other 
comment does not require a change to the rule as proposed. Therefore, 
except for the name change, the special condition is adopted as 
proposed.
    Special conditions are initially applicable to the model for which 
they are issued. Should the type certificate for that model be amended 
later to include any other model that incorporates the same novel or 
unusual design feature, or should any other model already included on 
the same type certificate be modified to incorporate the same novel or 
unusual design feature, the special conditions would also apply to the 
other model under the provisions of Sec. 21.101(a)(1).

Novel or Unusual Design Feature

    The Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC135 helicopter has been 
identified as incorporating one and possibly more electrical or 
electronic systems that will be performing functions critical to the 
continued safe flight and landing of the helicopter. FADEC is an 
electronic device that performs the critical functions of engine 
control. The control of the engines is critical to the continued safe 
flight and landing of the helicopter during visual flight rules (VFR) 
and instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.
    If it is determined that this helicopter will incorporate other 
electrical or electronic systems performing critical functions, those 
systems also will be required to comply with the requirements of this 
special condition.
    As discussed above, these special conditions are applicable 
initially the Model EC135 helicopter. Should Eurocopter Deutschland 
apply at a later date for a change to the type certificate to include 
another model incorporating the same novel or unusual design feature, 
the special conditions would apply to that model as well, under the 
provisions of Sec. 21.101(a)(1).

Conclusion

    This action affects only one unusual or novel design feature on one 
series of helicopters. It is not a rule of general applicability and 
affects only the manufacturer who applied to the FAA for approval of 
these features on the affected helicopter.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Parts 21 and 27

    Aircraft, Air transportation, Aviation safety, Rotorcraft, Safety.

    The authority citation for this special condition is as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C.(g), 40113, 44701, 44702, and 44704.

The Special Condition

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the following special condition is issued as part of the 
type certification basis for the Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC-135 
helicopter.

Protection for Electrical/Electronic Systems From High Intensity 
Radiated Fields.

    Each system that performs critical functions must be designed and 
installed to ensure that the operation and operational capabilities of 
these critical functions are not adversely affected when the helicopter 
is exposed to high intensity radiated fields external to the 
helicopter.

    Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on February 9, 1996.
Eric Bries,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3976 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3970 Airworthiness Directives; Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH DG-500M Sailplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6937-6938]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3970]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-CE-16-AD; Amendment 39-9524; AD 96-04-12]

Airworthiness Directives; Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH DG-500M 
Sailplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to certain Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH (Glaser-Dirks) DG-500M 
sailplanes. This action requires replacing the airbrake control hook-up 
shaft with a part of improved design. Reports of cracks in the welding 
of the lever to the torsion tube of the airbrake control prompted this 
action. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent an 
unintended extension of the airbrakes caused by failure of the lever to 
the torsion tube of the airbrake control, which could result in 
flutter, excessive rate of descent, and loss of control of the 
sailplane.

DATES: Effective March 29, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before April 19, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief 
Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket 95-CE-16-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th 
Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained from 
Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH, Im Schollengarten 19-20, D-78646 
Buchsal-UnterGrombach 4, Germany. This information may also be examined 
at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Central Region, Office of 
the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-CE-16-AD, 
Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Herman Belderok, Project Officer, 
Sailplanes, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 1201 Walnut, suite 900, 
Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone (816) 426-6932; facsimile (816) 
426-2169.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Luftfarht-Bundesant (LBA), which is the 
airworthiness authority for Germany, recently notified the FAA that an 
unsafe condition may exist on certain Glaser-Dirks DG-500M sailplanes. 
The LBA reports cracks in the welding of the lever to the torsion tube 
of the airbrake control. In one instance, the airbrake control failed, 
resulting in an unintended airbrake extension. If not detected and 
corrected, a cracked lever to the torsion tube of the airbrake control 
could result in an unintended extension of the airbrakes with 
subsequent possible flutter, excessive rate of descent, and loss of 
control of the sailplane.
    Glaser-Dirks Technical Note (TN) No. 843/3-2, dated October 28, 
1992, contains information about replacing the airbrake control hook-up 
shaft (part number 5 St 57) on DG-500M sailplanes with an airbrake 
control hook-up shaft of improved design (part number 5 St 57 change 
b). The LBA classified this technical note as mandatory and issued LBA 
AD 92-358, dated October 30, 1992, in order to assure the continued 
airworthiness of these sailplanes in Germany.
    This sailplane model is manufactured in Germany and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the LBA has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described. The FAA has examined the findings of the LBA, 
reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action is 
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Glaser-Dirks DG-500M sailplanes of the same 
type design registered in the United States, this AD requires replacing 
the airbrake control hook-up shaft (part number 5 St 57) with an 
airbrake control hook-up shaft of improved design (part number 5 St 57 
change b). Accomplishment of the replacement is in accordance with the 
applicable maintenance or service manual. Improved design airbrake 
control hook-up shafts may be obtained from Glaser-Dirks on an exchange 
basis.
    None of the DG-500M sailplanes affected by this action are on the 
U.S. Register. All sailplanes included in the applicability of this 
rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign 
registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. 
However, the FAA considers this rule necessary to ensure that the 
unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject 
sailplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register.
    Should an affected sailplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register, accomplishment of the required replacement and inspection 
would take approximately 8 workhours at an average labor charge of $60 
per workhour. Parts are provided by Glaser-Dirks at no cost on an 
exchange basis. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this 
AD would be $480 per sailplane that would become registered in the 
United States.
    Since this AD action does not affect any sailplane that is 
currently on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and 
imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and 
public procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to 

[[Page 6938]]
comment on this rule by submitting such written data, views, or 
arguments as they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules 
Docket number and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified 
under the caption ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before 
the closing date for comments will be considered, and this rule may be 
amended in light of the comments received. Factual information that 
supports the commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in 
evaluating the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether 
additional rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket No. 95-CE-16-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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, 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.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

96-04-12  Glaser-Dirks Flugzeugbau GmbH: Amendment 39-9524; Docket 
95-CE-16-AD.

    Applicability: DG-500M sailplanes (serial numbers 5E30M14 
through 5E60M25), certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each sailplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For sailplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.
    Compliance: Required prior to further flight after the effective 
date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
    To prevent an unintended extension of the airbrakes caused by 
failure of the lever to the torsion tube of the airbrake control, 
which could result in flutter, excessive rate of descent, and loss 
of control of the sailplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Replace the airbrake control hook-up shaft (part number 5 St 
57) with an airbrake control hook-up shaft of improved design (part 
number 5 St 57 change b). Accomplishment of the replacement is in 
accordance with the applicable maintenance or service manual.

    Note 2: Glaser-Dirks Technical Note No. 843/3-2, dated October 
28, 1992, references an exchange program where improved design 
airbrake control hook-up shafts may be obtained at no cost.

    (b) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the sailplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an equivalent level of safety may be 
approved by the Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1201 
Walnut, suite 900, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. The request shall be 
forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who may 
add comments and then send it to the Manager, Small Airplane 
Directorate.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Small Airplane Directorate.

    (d) All persons affected by this directive may obtain copies of 
the document referred to herein upon request to Glaser-Dirks 
Flugzeugbau GmbH, Im Schollengarten 19-20, D-78646 Buchsal-
UnterGrombach 4, Germany; or may examine this document at the FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 
601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
    (e) This amendment (39-9524) becomes effective on March 29, 
1996.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 15, 1996.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3970 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3965 Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area, Trawl Closure to Protect Red King Crab
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6953-6954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3965]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Part 675

[Docket No. 951128281-5281-01;I.D. 112795A]

Groundfish Fishery of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area, 
Trawl Closure to Protect Red King Crab

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Inseason adjustment; response to comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: NMFS responds to comments received on an inseason adjustment 

[[Page 6954]]
closing a portion of the Bering Sea to all trawl vessels to protect red 
king crab. NMFS published this inseason adjustment in the Federal 
Register on December 11, 1995, for a 30-day comment period. No change 
in the trawl closure was made as a result of the comments received.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The inseason adjustment is effective January 20, 1996, 
through March 31, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kaja Brix, 907-586-7228.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

    NMFS published an inseason adjustment in the Federal Register on 
December 11, 1995 (60 FR 63451) that implemented a closure to all trawl 
vessels in part of the Bristol Bay area located in the Bering Sea. The 
closure area encompasses an area between 56 deg. and 57 deg. N. lat. 
and between 162 deg. and 164 deg. W. long., and is intended to protect 
female red king crab, in view of the declining Bristol Bay red king 
crab stocks. One letter of comments on the inseason adjustment was 
received within the comment period, which ended January 10, 1996, and 
is summarized in the ``Response to Comments'' section, below. After 
review of the comments received, NMFS determined that no change to the 
inseason adjustment is warranted.

Response to comments

    Comment 1: Closure of areas that experience high red king crab 
bycatch rates is supported.
    Response: NMFS agrees.
    Comment 2: The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), 
NMFS, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) should consider 
implementing regulations that provide appropriate management tools for 
controlling bycatch of crab in the crab fisheries as well as other 
causes of crab mortality.
    Response: The current Fishery Management Plan for the Commercial 
King and Tanner Crab Fisheries (FMP) defers the right to implement 
bycatch limits of other species of crab in the directed crab fisheries 
to the State of Alaska. Proposals to implement crab bycatch limits in 
directed crab fisheries could be addressed to the State of Alaska Board 
of Fisheries and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game or proposals 
could be made to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council for 
amendments to the current FMP.
    Comment 3: Regulations that authorize inseason adjustments at 
Sec. 675.20(e) specify that the selection of inseason management 
measures, including time/area closures, must be based on the least 
restrictive action necessary to protect the species in need of 
conservation protection and allow fisheries to continue for other 
species. Therefore, the trawl closure implemented under the December 
11, 1995, inseason adjustment should prohibit only bottom trawling, not 
pelagic trawling, in the closed area. The seasonal timing of the 
closure is supported to allow other fisheries with low bycatch of red 
king crab to be prosecuted later in the year.
    Response: The authority for various types of inseason adjustments 
is provided in regulations at 50 CFR 675.20(e). However, the specific 
regulatory authority under which the December 11, 1995, inseason 
closure was promulgated (Sec. 675.20(e)(1)(iv)) does not require that 
the least restrictive action be implemented. Furthermore, justification 
for applying the interim closure to pelagic trawl operations is 
provided in the publication of the inseason adjustment.
    Comment 4: NMFS and the Council should begin to collect data and 
pursue analyses of conservation benefits of red king crab bycatch 
reduction measures, impacts on groundfish target fisheries that may be 
affected by time/area closures, and impacts on bycatch of other species 
by potentially displaced groundfish fisheries.
    Response: NMFS collects a variety of fisheries data that may be 
used to analyze the impacts of bycatch of groundfish and non-groundfish 
species. These data were used as the basis for the analysis supporting 
the inseason adjustment and are provided in the environmental 
assessment/regulatory impact review/initial regulatory flexibility 
analysis prepared for this action.

    Dated: February 16, 1996.
Richard W. Surdi,
Acting Director, Office of Fisheries Conservation and Management, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3965 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-F

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3962 Streamlining of Affordable Housing Programs
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7060-7063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3962]

[[Page 7059]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part III

Department of Housing and Urban Development

_______________________________________________________________________

24 CFR Parts 510, 511, and 590

Streamlining of Affordable Housing Programs; Final Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 1996 / 
Rules and Regulations 

[[Page 7060]]

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and 
Development

24 CFR Parts 510, 511, and 590

[Docket No. FR-3938-F-01]
RIN 2506-AB76

Streamlining of Affordable Housing Programs

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and 
Development, HUD.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This rule revises the regulations for certain affordable 
housing programs within the Office of Community Planning and 
Development to eliminate outdated provisions and to streamline and 
simplify the remaining provisions.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 25, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gordon McKay, Director, Office of 
Affordable Housing Programs, Room 7168, Department of Housing and Urban 
Development, 451 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20410. Telephone: 
(202) 708-2685; TTY: 1-800-877-8339. (These are not toll-free numbers.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: President Clinton's memorandum of March 4, 
1995, titled ``Regulatory Reinvention Initiative'' directed heads of 
Federal departments and agencies to review all existing regulations to 
eliminate those that are outdated and modify others to increase 
flexibility and reduce burden. As a part of HUD's overall effort to 
reduce regulatory burden and streamline the content of title 24 of the 
Code of Federal Regulations, this rule revises 24 CFR parts 510, 511, 
and 590 to eliminate outdated provisions and to streamline and simplify 
the remaining provisions.

Part 510--Section 312 Rehabilitation Loan Program

    Part 510 is eliminated except for Sec. 510.105(h). Authority to 
make loans under the Section 312 Rehabilitation Loan Program was 
repealed as of October 1, 1991. However, since there are still loan 
collection functions associated with the program, Sec. 510.105(h) is 
retained and revised to refer to loan assumption, which it still 
governs. Section 510.105(h) is also revised to change ``Area Manager'' 
to ``Assistant Secretary for CPD,'' and to delete reference to local 
loan approval officers and to the statutory authority to approve loans 
because the collection functions are now administered centrally. The 
waiver provision in Sec. 510.104 is being consolidated into the 
Department-wide waiver regulation being promulgated separately.

Part 511--Rental Rehabilitation Grant Program

    Section 511.3, ``Technical Assistance,'' is eliminated because 
authority to make new grants under the program was repealed as of 
October 1, 1991, and no more technical assistance will be made 
available.
    Section 511.5, ``Waivers,'' is being consolidated into the 
Department-wide waiver regulation being promulgated separately.
    In Sec. 511.10, paragraph (d) is eliminated to remove a minimum 
project cost. This amendment will facilitate the use of small amounts 
of leftover program funds. A conforming change is made to 
Sec. 511.11(a). Paragraph (a) of Sec. 511.11 is also revised to remove 
the inflexible repayment requirement for incomplete projects. The last 
two sentences of Sec. 511.11(c)(2)(iii) are deleted for conforming 
reasons. Also, paragraph (g) of Sec. 511.11 (which lists the programs 
with which program grant amounts may not be used) is removed because 
the programs listed are governed by federally-imposed rent regulatory 
agreements or requirements and use of program funds in conjunction with 
these programs is not statutorily prohibited.
    Subpart D is eliminated, except for Sec. 511.33(c). Sections 
511.30, 511.31, and 511.34 relate to formula allocations, which are no 
longer being made. In Sec. 511.33, the references to reallocations in 
paragraphs (a), (b), and (d) are no longer applicable, since there is 
no remaining authority to ``reallocate funds.'' Section 511.33(c) 
becomes a separate section regarding the deobligation of rental 
rehabilitation grant amounts. In Sec. 511.33(c), the former first two 
sentences and the former fifth and sixth sentences are deleted because 
those provisions are now out of date and unnecessary. For similar 
reasons, in the former third (now second) sentence (requiring 
consultation with the grantee prior to deobligation), the reference to 
a reasonable start-up time for implementing a new program is deleted. 
In the former fourth (now first) sentence, the word ``will'' is changed 
to ``may'' and each of the time periods referred to therein is extended 
by one year, and clarifications are made. This assumes that the 
discretionary one-year extensions permitted by the former regulation 
were granted, and it authorizes, but no longer requires, HUD to 
deobligate uncommitted or unexpended grant funds after the extended 
time periods have expired. Finally, a new third sentence is added which 
authorizes the applicable HUD field office to direct a grantee to 
proceed to close-out its rental rehabilitation program and to 
deobligate remaining funds when the field office determines, after 
consultation with the grantee, that any remaining uncommitted funds 
cannot be committed within a reasonable time, only small amounts of 
funds remain, and any incomplete projects cannot be completed within a 
reasonable time. The net effect of these changes is to empower HUD 
field offices and grantees with the necessary authority and flexibility 
to close out rental rehabilitation programs on an orderly, but timely, 
basis.
    The first three sentences of Sec. 511.50 regarding a State's 
election to administer a State allocation are deleted because they are 
no longer needed; all such allocations have already been made.
    For similar reasons, in Sec. 511.51(a), the phrase ``that elects to 
administer its allocation in accordance with Sec. 511.50'' and 
paragraph (d) (regarding State administration of rental rehabilitation 
grant program for cities receiving a formula allocation) are deleted.
    Section 511.52, ``HUD-administered program,'' is eliminated because 
the authority to make new grants was repealed as of October 1, 1991. 
However, the rest of subpart F contains continuing, substantive 
requirements for States using grants obligated prior to repeal and, 
therefore, is retained.
    Section 511.76(h)(2) is revised to allow grantees increased 
flexibility by permitting the use of program income for other 
affordable housing projects (which might include State or locally 
assisted projects) and does not limit them to using this program income 
for only RRP, HOME, HOPE, or CDBG activities.
    Section 511.77(a) is revised to remove language regarding 
obligating funds for any fiscal year.
    Section 511.80(a) is revised to eliminate the introductory 
reference to reallocations under Sec. 511.33 because reallocations are 
no longer available under the program.
    Section 511.81(b) is eliminated. The annual performance report is 
still required for grantees which are still actively expending funds, 
but the content of the report need not be specified in regulations.
    Section 511.82(c)(2) is eliminated because conditioning the use of 
Rental Rehabilitation grant amounts from a succeeding fiscal year's 
allocation as a 

[[Page 7061]]
corrective or remedial action is no longer possible.
    Section 511.82(d) is revised to remove the first sentence referring 
to reallocation of grant amounts that become available from a 
succeeding fiscal year's allocation, because funds may not be 
reallocated to other grantees after October 1, 1991.

Part 590--Urban Homesteading Program

    Section 590.1 is revised to reflect that authority to reimburse 
Federal agencies for transfer of additional properties to LUHAs under 
this part was repealed effective October 1, 1991.
    Section 590.3, ``Waiver authority,'' is being consolidated into the 
Department-wide waiver regulation being promulgated separately.
    Section 590.5 is revised to remove the definitions of ``Federally-
owned property,'' ``FmHA,'' ``RTC,'' and ``VA,'' since no additional 
properties may be transferred from any source.
    In Sec. 590.7, paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) are revised to remove 
unnecessary provisions and to streamline and conform the remaining 
provisions.
    The following sections are eliminated because the authority to 
transfer properties under the program was repealed as of October 1, 
1991, and the sections are no longer necessary:

Sec. 590.9 ``Listing of Federally-owned properties''
Sec. 590.11 ``Applications''
Sec. 590.13 ``Standards for HUD review and approval of a local urban 
homesteading program''
Sec. 590.15 ``Urban homesteading program participation agreement''
Sec. 590.17 ``Transfer of HUD-owned property''
Sec. 590.18 ``Reimbursement to FmHA, VA and RTC''
Sec. 590.21 ``Reservation of funds''

    Section 590.19, ``Use of Section 810 funds,'' is revised to 
eliminate the first two sentences which reference the use of Section 
810 funds. With no Section 810 funds available, discussion of fund use 
is unnecessary.
    In Sec. 590.23, paragraphs (a) and (c) are revised, and paragraph 
(d) is removed, to streamline the provisions by removing unnecessary 
regulatory detail regarding close-out.
    In Sec. 590.29, paragraphs (a) and (c) are revised to streamline 
the language regarding the review of LUHA performance.
    In Sec. 590.31, paragraph (c) is deleted, since conditioning a 
future participation request is no longer possible.

Other Matters:

    Environmental Review. This rulemaking does not have an 
environmental impact. This rulemaking simply amends existing 
regulations by streamlining and simplifying the provisions and does not 
alter the environmental effect of the regulations being amended. 
Findings of No Significant Impact with respect to the environment were 
made in accordance with HUD regulations in 24 CFR part 50 that 
implement section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332) at the time of development of the implementing 
regulations. Those findings remain applicable to this rule and are 
available for public inspection between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. 
weekdays in the Office of the Rules Docket Clerk at the above address.
    Regulatory Flexibility Act. The Secretary, in accordance with the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)), has reviewed this rule 
before publication and by approving it certifies that this rule does 
not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities because this rule pertains to the administrative matter of 
streamlining and simplifying provisions in title 24 of the Code of 
Federal Regulations.
    Executive Order 12612, Federalism. The General Counsel, as the 
Designated Official under section 6(a) of Executive Order 12612, 
Federalism, has determined that this rule does not have ``federalism 
implications'' because it does not have substantial direct effects on 
the States (including their political subdivisions), or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government.
    Executive Order 12606, The Family. The General Counsel, as the 
Designated Official under Executive Order 12606, The Family, has 
determined that this rule does not have potential significant impact on 
family formation, maintenance, and general well-being.

List of Subjects

24 CFR Part 510

    Lead poisoning, Loan programs--housing and community development, 
Relocation assistance, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Social 
security, Urban renewal.

24 CFR Part 511

    Administrative practice and procedure, Grant programs--housing and 
community development, Lead poisoning, Low and moderate income housing, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Technical assistance.

24 CFR Part 590

    Government property, Housing, Intergovernmental relations, Low and 
moderate income housing, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Urban renewal.

    Accordingly, the Department amends title 24 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations, subtitle B, chapter V, parts 510, 511, and 590, as 
follows:

PART 510--SECTION 312 REHABILITATION PROGRAM

    1. The authority for part 510 is revised to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1452b and 3535(d).

PART 510--[AMENDED]

    2. Part 510 is amended as follows:
    a. All sections of part 510 are removed, except for Sec. 510.105(h) 
(1), (2), and (3) which is redesignated as Sec. 510.1 (a), (b), and 
(c), ``Multi-family property loans.''

Sec. 510.1  [Amended]

    b. In newly redesignated Sec. 510.1(a), the phrase ``Area Manager'' 
is removed and, in its place, the phrase ``Assistant Secretary for 
CPD'' is added; the phrase ``, or the approving officer where a 
locality has local section 312 loan approval authority,'' is removed; 
and the phrase ``under section 312(a)(3) for approval'' is removed and, 
in its place, the phrase ``for assumption'' is added.

PART 511--RENTAL REHABILITATION GRANT PROGRAM

    3. The authority for part 511 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 42 U.S.C. 1437o and 3535(d).

Secs. 511.3 and 511.5  [Removed and Reserved]

    4. Sections 511.3 and 511.5 are removed and reserved.

Sec. 511.10  [Amended]

    5. In Sec. 511.10, paragraph (d) is removed and reserved.
    6. Section 511.11 is amended by removing the last two sentences of 
paragraph (c)(2)(iii), by removing and reserving paragraph (g), and by 
revising paragraph (a), to read as follows:

Sec. 511.11  Project requirements.

    (a) Rehabilitation. To receive assistance under this part, a 
project must require rehabilitation, measured by whether the project 
before the assisted rehabilitation does not meet the rehabilitation 
standards under Sec. 511.10(e). If a project is terminated before 
completion of rehabilitation (as defined in Sec. 511.2), whether 
voluntarily 

[[Page 7062]]
by the grantee or otherwise, amounts equal to the rental rehabilitation 
grant amounts already dispersed for the project under the C/MI System 
are not eligible project costs, whether or not the grantee has already 
expended such grant amounts to pay for project costs. If such amount is 
not repaid, the grantee may be subject to corrective and remedial 
actions under Sec. 511.82.
* * * * *

Secs. 511.30, 511.31, 511.34  [Removed and Reserved]

    7. Sections 511.30, 511.31 and 511.34 are removed and reserved.
    8. Section 511.33 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 511.33  Deobligation of rental rehabilitation grant amounts.

    (a) Before deobligating grant amounts, HUD will consult with the 
affected grantee and take into account factors such as timing of the 
grantee's program year; the timing of State distributions to State 
recipients, if applicable; the timing of expected project approvals for 
projects in the grantee's pipeline; climatic or other considerations 
affecting rehabilitation work schedules; and other relevant 
considerations. In addition to any remedial deobligation under 
Sec. 511.82, HUD may deobligate any rental rehabilitation grant amounts 
that are not:
    (1) Committed to specific local projects within 3 years of the date 
of obligation of the grant under Sec. 511.21(d) (4 years in the case of 
a State that distributes rental rehabilitation grant amounts to State 
recipients); or
    (2) Expended for eligible costs within 5 years of such date of 
obligation (6 years in the case of a State that distributes rental 
rehabilitation grant amounts to State recipients).
    (b) After such consultation, the HUD field office may direct the 
grantee to proceed with program closeout and may deobligate remaining 
unexpended grant amounts if the field office determines that any 
uncommitted funds will not be committed within a reasonable time, only 
small amounts of funds remain unexpended, or completion of uncompleted 
projects appears infeasible within a reasonable time. None of the time 
periods referred to in this section are extended by any suspensions of 
project set-ups or other remedial action imposed by HUD under this 
part.

Sec. 511.50  [Amended]

    9. In Sec. 511.50, paragraph (a) is amended by removing the first 
three sentences.

Sec. 511.51  [Amended]

    10. In Sec. 511.51, paragraph (a) is amended by removing the phrase 
``that elects to administer its allocation in accordance with 
Sec. 511.50,'' and paragraph (d) is removed.

Sec. 511.52  [Removed and Reserved]

    11. Section 511.52 is removed and reserved.
    12. In Sec. 511.76, paragraph (h)(2) is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 511.76  Program income.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *
    (2) Program income on hand at the time of program closeout or 
earned after program closeout may be contributed to HOME or HOPE 
program grantees as a cash matching contribution in accordance with 
applicable HOME or HOPE program rules, or may be used for activities 
that would be eligible under other affordable housing activities, as 
determined by the recipient.
    13. In Sec. 511.77, the introductory sentence is removed, and 
paragraph (a) is revised, to read as follows:

Sec. 511.77  Grant closeout.

    (a) Each individual fiscal year rental rehabilitation grant will be 
closed out when all grant amounts for the grant to be closed out have 
been drawn down and expended for completed projects and/or 
administrative costs, or grant amounts not drawn down and expended have 
been deobligated by HUD.
* * * * *

Sec. 511.80  [Amended]

    14. In Sec. 511.80, paragraph (a) is amended by removing the phrase 
``In addition to reviewing grantee performance for purposes of making 
reallocations under Sec. 511.33,'' from the first sentence.

Sec. 511.81  [Amended]

    15. In Sec. 511.81, paragraph (b) is removed and reserved.

Sec. 511.82  [Amended]

    16. In Sec. 511.82, paragraph (c)(2) is removed and reserved, and 
the first sentence of paragraph (d) is removed.

PART 590--URBAN HOMESTEADING

    17. The authority citation for part 590 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1706e; 42 U.S.C. 3535(d).
    18. Section 590.1 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 590.1  General.

    This part applies to the completion of activities remaining under 
the Urban Homesteading Program authorized under section 810(b) of the 
Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (12 U.S.C. 1706e). 
Authority to reimburse Federal agencies for transfer of additional 
properties to LUHAs under this part was repealed effective October 1, 
1991.

Secs. 590.3, 590.9, 590.11, 590.13, 590.15, 590.17, 590.18, and 
590.21  [Removed and Reserved]

    19. Sections 590.3, 590.9, 590.11, 590.13, 590.15, 590.17, 590.18, 
and 590.21 are removed and reserved, and the first and second sentences 
of Sec. 590.19 are removed.

Sec. 590.5  [Amended]

    20. Section 590.5 is amended by removing the definitions of 
``Federally-owned property,'' ``FmHA,'' ``RTC,'' and ``VA.''

Sec. 590.7  [Amended]

    21. Section 590.7 is amended as follows:
    a. Paragraph (a) is removed and reserved;
    b. Paragraph (b)(6) is amended by removing the last two sentences;
    c. Paragraph (b)(8) is amended by removing the phrase ``consistent 
with the coordinated approach to neighborhood improvement'';
    d. Paragraph (c)(1) is amended by removing the second sentence, and 
to remove the phrase ``as described in Secs. 590.13-.15 of this part'' 
from the third sentence;
    e. Paragraph (c)(2)(i) is amended by removing the phrase ``VA, FmHA 
and RTC as described in Sec. 590.11(a)(7)'';
    f. Paragraph (c)(2)(iii) is revised; and
    g. Paragraphs (c)(3) and (c)(4) are removed, to read as follows:

Sec. 590.7  Program requirements.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (2) * * *
    (iii) Designate, and enter into a written agreement with, a 
qualified community organization (as defined in the Act) to act as LUHA 
in accordance with this part.
    22. Section 590.23 is amended by revising paragraph (a), and by 
removing the last sentence of paragraph (c) and paragraph (d), to read 
as follows:

Sec. 590.23  Program close-out.

    (a) Initiation of close-out. The LUHA shall institute close-out 
procedures, as prescribed by HUD.
* * * * *
    23. In Sec. 590.29, paragraph (a) introductory text, paragraph 
(a)(4), and paragraph (c) are revised to read as follows: 

[[Page 7063]]

Sec. 590.29  HUD review of LUHA performance.

    (a) HUD may review the performance of each active LUHA as 
necessary, as determined by HUD, to determine whether:
* * * * *
    (4) The LUHA is making reasonable progress in moving properties 
through the stages of the homesteading process, including acquisition, 
homesteader selection, conditional conveyance, rehabilitation, and 
final conveyance.
* * * * *
    (c) LUHAs shall supply data and make available records necessary 
for HUD's monitoring of the LUHA's local urban homesteading program.

Sec. 590.31  [Removed and Reserved]

    24. In Sec. 590.31, paragraph (c) is removed and reserved.

    Dated: February 13, 1996.
Andrew M. Cuomo,
Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development.
[FR Doc. 96-3962 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-29-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3950 Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 Series Airplanes Equipped With Rolls Royce Model RB211-535E4/E4B Engines
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6935-6937]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3950]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 96-NM-30-AD; Amendment 39-9523; AD 96-04-11]

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 757-200 Series Airplanes 
Equipped With Rolls Royce Model RB211-535E4/E4B Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Boeing Model 757-200 series airplanes. This 
action requires a revision to the Airplane Flight Manual to ensure that 
the flightcrew activates the engine cowl thermal anti-ice (CTAI) system 
for both engines at the top of descent to avoid engine rundown (loss of 
engine power). This amendment is prompted by reports that, after the 
flightcrew activated the engine CTAI during descent, engine rundown 
occurred due to unknown reasons. The actions specified in this AD are 
intended to ensure that the flightcrew activates the engine cowl 
thermal anti-ice system for both engines prior to descent; activation 
of the engine CTAI system in the middle of descent could result in a 
compressor stall and subsequent engine rundown of multiple engines.

DATES: Effective March 11, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before April 23, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 96-NM-30-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056.
    Information concerning this amendment may be obtained from or 
examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue 
SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nancy Hanowski, Aerospace Engineer, 
Propulsion Branch, ANM-140S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; telephone (206) 227-
2684; fax (206) 227-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has received at least seven reports 
of engine rundown (loss of engine power) on Boeing Model 757-200 series 
airplanes equipped with Rolls Royce Model RB211-535E4/E4B engines. 
These incidents occurred while the airplanes were in flight, at an 
altitude between 24,000 and 29,000 feet.
    In four of the seven incidents, dual engine events occurred in 
which one of the engines stalled and ``recovered'' to produce usable 
thrust; the other engine stalled, ran down to sub-idle power, and was 
subsequently shutdown.
    In six of the seven incidents, the flightcrew activated the engine 
cowl thermal anti-ice system (CTAI) for both engines during the middle 
of the descent, which resulted in either single or dual engine 
compressor stalls and subsequent engine rundowns.
    In the seventh incident, the flightcrew increased engine power from 
a minimum flight idle to a slightly higher power when both engines 
stalled; one of the engines returned to normal thrust level, and the 
other engine ran down to sub-idle power.
    The cause of these engine rundown incidents has not been 
conclusively proven. However, ice accumulation on the engine is one 
possible cause that is 

[[Page 6936]]
being investigated. Rolls Royce (the manufacturer of the subject 
engines) is continuing to conduct tests and evaluations to determine 
the exact cause of engine rundowns.

FAA's Considerations

    Data gathered from the reported incidents have led the FAA to 
consider that activation of the engine CTAI system for both engines 
during the middle of descent may result in a compressor stall and 
subsequent loss of multiple engine power. Operation of the engine at a 
higher idle thrust level, from the beginning of the descent, will 
increase the compressor stall margin and, thus, reduce the risk of 
compressor stall. A higher idle thrust level also will increase the 
airflow through the compressor and, thus, reduce the susceptibility of 
the compressor to rain and icing. Activation of the engine CTAI system 
at the beginning of descent has the effect of increasing the idle 
thrust level.
    Based on this, the FAA finds that, prior to idle descent above 
flight level (FL) 200 (20,000 feet), activation of the engine CTAI 
system for both engines is necessary in order to operate the engine at 
a higher idle thrust level. This action will reduce the risk of engine 
stall and rundown during idle descent.
    In addition, the FAA finds that, below FL 200, operation of the 
engine at low idle thrust level using normal engine CTAI system 
procedures will maintain the necessary icing protection for the engine 
and will provide adequate stall protection.

Explanation of the Requirements of the AD

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other Boeing Model 757-200 series airplanes, 
equipped with Rolls Royce Model RB211-535E4/E4B engines, of the same 
type design, this AD is being issued to ensure that the flightcrew 
activates the engine cowl thermal anti-ice system for both engines 
prior to descents above flight level (FL) 200. This AD requires 
revising the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight 
Manual (AFM) to include information instructing the flightcrew to 
activate the engine cowl thermal anti-ice system for both engines prior 
to descent. The AFM limitation procedures will reduce the risk of a 
variety of suspected causes for engine rundown.
    This AD action is considered to be interim action. Rolls Royce has 
advised the FAA that it currently is developing a modification that 
will positively address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD for 
the various suspect causes. Once this modification is developed, 
approved, and available, the FAA may consider additional rulemaking.
    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by 
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire. 
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted 
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 96-NM-30-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, 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, 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 USC 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-04-11  Boeing: Amendment 39-9523. Docket 96-NM-30-AD.

    Applicability: Model 757-200 series airplanes, equipped with 
Rolls Royce Model RB211-535E4/E4B engines; certificated in any 
category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously. To reduce the risk of engine rundown during idle 
descents, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual 
(AFM) to include the following statement. This may be accomplished 
by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.

``Limitations Section 1

    In order to reduce the risk of engine rundown during idle 
descents, activate the engine cowl thermal anti-ice system for both 
engines prior to idle descents above flight level (FL) 200. Below FL 
200, use normal engine cowl thermal anti-ice system procedures (as 
defined in the AFM).

[[Page 6937]]

    Note: The Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) for Model 757 
series airplanes currently specifies that an airplane may be 
dispatched with an engine anti-ice valve locked in the closed 
position. The requirement of this section to activate the engine 
cowl thermal anti-ice system prior to descent will prevent the 
dispatch of airplanes with an engine anti-ice valve locked in the 
closed or open position. Where differences exist between the current 
specification of the MMEL and the requirements of this AFM 
limitation, the AFM limitation prevails.''

    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification 
Office (ACO), FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall 
submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Operations Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, Seattle ACO.

    Note 1: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Seattle ACO.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) This amendment becomes effective on March 11, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 15, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3950 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3910 International Banking Operations
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6918-6921]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3910]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

12 CFR Part 211

[Regulation K; Docket No. R-0862]

International Banking Operations

AGENCY: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Section 202(e)(7) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 
Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA or Act) provides that the Board, in 
consultation with the Treasury, develop and publish criteria to be used 
in evaluating the operations of any foreign bank in the United States 
that the Board has determined is not subject to comprehensive 
supervision or 

[[Page 6919]]
regulation on a consolidated basis. This final rule amends Regulation K 
on international banking operations to set out such criteria pursuant 
to section 202(e)(7) of FDICIA.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 25, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen M. O'Day, Associate General 
Counsel (202/452-3786), Sandra L. Richardson, Managing Senior Counsel 
(202/452-6406), John W. Rogers, Attorney (202/452-2798); Michael G. 
Martinson, Assistant Director (202/452-3640), Elizabeth H. Roberts, 
Manager (202/452-3846), Division of Banking Supervision and Regulation, 
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. For users of 
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD), please contact Dorothea 
Thompson (202/452-3544), Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System (Board or Federal Reserve), 20th and C Streets, N.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20551.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 7(e)(7) of the International Banking 
Act (IBA) was added by the Foreign Bank Supervision Enhancement Act 
(FBSEA) and requires the Board, in consultation with the Treasury 
Department, to publish criteria to be used in evaluating the operations 
of any foreign bank in the United States that the Board has determined 
is not subject to comprehensive, consolidated supervision by its home 
country supervisor. A determination by the Board that a foreign bank is 
not subject to comprehensive, consolidated supervision is a sufficient 
ground, in and of itself, for the Board to require, or with respect to 
federal branches or agencies to recommend, termination of the foreign 
bank's U.S. branches, agencies, or commercial lending company 
subsidiaries. However, termination of its U.S. operations is not 
mandatory in these circumstances. Instead, in enacting section 7(e)(7) 
of the IBA, Congress recognized that there may be factors in particular 
cases that militate against termination of a foreign bank's U.S. 
operations.
    On December 13, 1994, the Board published for comment a proposed 
amendment to Regulation K (the Proposed Rule), 59 FR 64171, setting 
forth criteria to be used in evaluating whether a foreign bank's U.S. 
operations, in the absence of comprehensive, consolidated supervision, 
should be terminated or permitted to continue and, if the latter, 
whether any supervisory constraints should be placed upon the bank in 
connection with those operations.
    The Proposed Rule further provided that any foreign bank found not 
to be subject to comprehensive, consolidated supervision may be 
required to enter into and comply with an agreement to conduct its U.S. 
operations in accordance with restrictions the Board may determine to 
be appropriate in order to assure the safety and soundness of such 
operations. Prior to imposing any such restrictions, whether through 
written agreement or otherwise, the Board would consult with the Office 
of Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) or the relevant state banking 
authorities. In appropriate circumstances, the OCC or the relevant 
state banking authorities may join in any such agreement. If any 
requirements imposed in such an agreement were not adhered to, the U.S. 
banking operations of the foreign bank would be subject to further 
enforcement action, including potentially the issuance of an order 
terminating the activities of its U.S. offices or transmittal of a 
recommendation to the OCC for such termination.
    The Board received six public comments with regard to the Proposed 
Rule. Comments were submitted by two Members of Congress, an 
association of state banking supervisors, three trade associations, and 
one domestic bank. The comments focused on the following general 
topics: maintaining flexibility in the evaluation process, as well as 
in the supervisory responses to a determination that a foreign bank is 
not subject to comprehensive, consolidated supervision; taking into 
account a country's progress towards a system of comprehensive, 
consolidated supervision; excluding representative offices from 
evaluation under the criteria; providing notice to a foreign bank prior 
to making a comprehensive, consolidated supervision determination; 
clarifying relevant state banking regulators for purposes of 
consultation under the rule; and evaluating a foreign bank's overall 
financial condition. The comments are discussed further below.

Flexibility

    The commenters generally endorsed the flexibility indicated by the 
Board in proposing to take into account a wide variety of criteria in 
evaluating whether a foreign bank's U.S. operations should be 
terminated or permitted to continue when that foreign bank is not 
subject to comprehensive, consolidated supervision.
    Several commenters urged the Board to apply the criteria and 
develop any subsequent supervisory response on a case-by-case basis, 
taking into account the unique circumstances of the foreign bank 
concerned, rather than developing a ``standardized'' response based 
upon a foreign bank's country of origin. The commenters further urged 
the Board explicitly to endorse the case-by-case approach to such 
determinations, either in the final rule or in commentary to the final 
rule.
    As the Board indicated in the preamble to the Proposed Rule, 
determinations with regard to whether a foreign bank is subject to 
comprehensive, consolidated supervision will be made in the context of 
the supervision and regulation of the foreign bank's existing U.S. 
operations. A case-by-case approach to such determinations was 
contemplated in the Proposed Rule and the Board continues to believe 
that this is the appropriate basis on which such determinations should 
be made. That said, an adverse determination with regard to whether a 
particular bank is subject to comprehensive, consolidated supervision 
will suggest that further inquiry may be appropriate with regard to the 
nature and scope of supervision of other banks with the same home 
country supervisor.

Progress Towards Comprehensive, Consolidated Supervision

    The commenters also noted that many foreign supervisors have 
reacted to passage of the FBSEA by undertaking initiatives to institute 
systems of comprehensive, consolidated supervision. The commenters 
urged the Board to take into account as an additional criterion whether 
the foreign bank's home country supervisor was making progress towards 
comprehensive, consolidated supervision as outlined in the minimum 
standards for the supervision of international banking groups and their 
cross-border establishments published by the Basle Committee on Banking 
Supervision. The Board considers this to be an appropriate suggestion 
and the final rule has been amended to include such a criterion.

Supervisory Response

    Several commenters were concerned that imposing a requirement that 
a foreign bank conduct its U.S. banking operations on the basis of such 
operations being in a net-due-to position vis-a-vis the parent should 
not be the standard supervisory response stemming from a determination 
that a foreign bank is not subject to comprehensive, consolidated 
supervision. The commenters noted generally that such a requirement 
could be extremely damaging to the business of a foreign bank. These 
commenters also noted that the Board, in the 

[[Page 6920]]
preamble to the Proposed Rule, indicated that it was appropriate, in 
developing the proposed criteria, to take into account the panoply of 
tools available to the Board and other banking regulators to regulate 
the operations of foreign banks not yet subject to comprehensive, 
consolidated supervision. One commenter recommended that the Board 
clarify that it only would use specific supervisory agreements in cases 
where it has safety and soundness concerns regarding the U.S. 
operations of a foreign bank, not solely on the basis that the foreign 
bank's home country supervisor does not exercise comprehensive, 
consolidated supervision.
    The Proposed Rule provided that any foreign bank that the Board 
determines is not subject to comprehensive, consolidated supervision 
may be required to conduct its U.S. operations subject to such 
restrictions as the Board, having taken into account the criteria, 
determines to be appropriate in order to assure the safety and 
soundness of the bank's U.S. operations. 59 FR 64173. The Board stated 
in the preamble to the Proposed Rule that requiring a foreign bank to 
conduct its U.S. banking operations in a net-due-to position vis-a-vis 
the rest of the organization would be one means of assuring the safe 
and sound operation of the bank's U.S. offices. The Board also noted 
that other operational requirements also could be imposed, such as 
collateralization of affiliate transactions, asset maintenance 
requirements, increased asset pledges, and liquidity requirements. 
Which of these operational requirements, if any, would be imposed upon 
a foreign bank's offices in the United States following a determination 
that the bank is not subject to comprehensive, consolidated supervision 
would be determined in light of the circumstances of each case.

Representative Offices

    Two commenters asked the Board to consider the implications of the 
Proposed Rule as regards representative offices, arguing that the 
criteria should not apply to foreign banks that operate only 
representative offices in the United States. The Board notes that the 
FBSEA permits the approval of applications to establish representative 
offices even in the absence of comprehensive, consolidated supervision. 
The absence of comprehensive, consolidated supervision would not mean 
necessarily that any action would be taken under the criteria in 
relation to a bank with only representative offices in the United 
States. If, however, supervisory concerns should arise in relation to 
such a bank, the criteria would apply.

Notice to Foreign Bank

    One commenter noted that language in the preamble to the Proposed 
Rule could imply that a Board determination as to comprehensive, 
consolidated supervision may be made without notice to the foreign bank 
other than when expeditious action is necessary or in connection with 
an application requiring such determination. The commenter further 
stated that the strength of support assessment to be made in connection 
with the Supervisory Program for the U.S. Operations of Foreign Banking 
Organizations presents an opportunity for a comprehensive, consolidated 
supervision determination to be made unbeknownst to the foreign bank. 
This commenter recommended that the final rule confirm that a foreign 
bank will always receive notice and an opportunity to provide its views 
and relevant information when a comprehensive, consolidated supervision 
determination is being made and expeditious action in the public 
interest is not necessary.
    As the Board indicated in the Proposed Rule, all determinations 
with regard to whether a foreign bank is subject to comprehensive, 
consolidated supervision will be made in the context of the supervision 
of the foreign bank's U.S. operations or, of course, in connection with 
an application. Just as is the case with other such determinations, a 
foreign bank generally will have an opportunity to provide its views 
and any information it considers relevant during the course of the 
application, supervision, or examination process. Information gained in 
the course of the supervisory process will be available to the Board 
when making the determination of whether a foreign bank is subject to 
comprehensive, consolidated supervision. Any action that might result 
from a determination, such as a decision to terminate or to begin 
enforcement proceedings, would provide the foreign bank with an 
opportunity to provide further information to the Board.

State Banking Regulators

    One commenter noted that the criteria do not specify which state 
banking regulator would be the ``relevant'' banking regulator in those 
cases where a foreign bank has operations in more than one state. This 
commenter, therefore, recommended that the Board clarify that the 
``relevant'' state regulator includes all state bank regulators where 
the foreign bank in question has offices. This amendment is consistent 
with the intention underlying the subject provision of the Proposed 
Rule and the final rule has been amended accordingly.

Evaluation of Financial Condition

    One commenter indicated that due regard should be accorded 
different accounting systems used by the foreign bank when evaluating 
the soundness of the foreign bank's financial condition, particularly 
if the accounting treatments differ from U.S. generally accepted 
accounting principles. The Board considers that no amendment to the 
Proposed Rule is necessary to address this point. The Board notes that 
it approaches the evaluation of a foreign bank's financial condition 
with sufficient flexibility to accommodate such accounting differences, 
yet with sufficient rigor to reach a view regarding whether the foreign 
bank's overall financial strength is equivalent to that required of 
U.S. banks seeking to engage in similar activities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    In accordance with section 3506 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. Ch. 35; 5 CFR 1320 Appendix A.1), the Board reviewed 
the rule under the authority delegated to the Board by the Office of 
Management and Budget. No collections of information pursuant to the 
Paperwork Reduction Act are contained in the rule.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Pursuant to section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. 
L. 96-354, 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), it is certified that the final rule 
would not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small 
entities that are subject to its regulation.

List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 211

    Exports, Federal Reserve System, Foreign banking, Holding 
companies, Investments, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    For the reasons outlined above, the Board is amending 12 CFR Part 
211 as set forth below:

PART 211--INTERNATIONAL BANKING OPERATIONS (REGULATION K)

    1. The authority citation for Part 211 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 221 et seq., 1818, 1841 et seq., 3101 et 
seq., 3901 et seq.

    2. A new Sec. 211.30 is added to Subpart B to read as follows: 
    
[[Page 6921]]

Sec. 211.30  Criteria for evaluating the U.S. operations of foreign 
banks not subject to consolidated supervision.

    (a) General. Pursuant to the Foreign Bank Supervision Enhancement 
Act, Pub.L. 102-242, 105 Stat. 2286 (1991), the Board shall develop and 
publish criteria to be used in evaluating the operations of any foreign 
bank in the United States that the Board has determined is not subject 
to comprehensive supervision or regulation on a consolidated basis.
    (b) Criteria. Following a determination by the Board that, having 
taken into account the standards set forth in Sec. 211.24(c)(1) of this 
subpart, a foreign bank is not subject to comprehensive, consolidated 
supervision by its home country supervisor, the Board shall consider 
the following criteria in determining whether the foreign bank's U.S. 
operations should be permitted to continue and, if so, whether any 
supervisory constraints should be placed upon the bank in connection 
with those operations:
    (1) The proportion of the foreign bank's total assets and total 
liabilities that are located or booked in its home country, as well as 
the distribution and location of its assets and liabilities that are 
located or booked elsewhere;
    (2) The extent to which the operations and assets of the foreign 
bank and any affiliates are subject to supervision by its home country 
supervisor;
    (3) Whether the appropriate authorities in the home country of such 
foreign bank are actively working to establish arrangements for the 
comprehensive, consolidated supervision of such bank and whether 
demonstrable progress is being made;
    (4) Whether the foreign bank has effective and reliable systems of 
internal controls and management information and reporting, which 
enable its management properly to oversee its worldwide operations;
    (5) Whether the foreign bank's home country supervisor has any 
objection to the bank continuing to operate in the United States;
    (6) Whether the foreign bank's home country supervisor and the home 
country supervisor of any parent of the foreign bank share material 
information regarding the operations of the foreign bank with other 
supervisory authorities;
    (7) The relationship of the U.S. operations to the other operations 
of the foreign bank, including whether the foreign bank maintains funds 
in its U.S. offices that are in excess of amounts due to its U.S. 
offices from the foreign bank's non-U.S. offices;
    (8) The soundness of the foreign bank's overall financial 
condition;
    (9) The managerial resources of the foreign bank, including the 
competence, experience, and integrity of the officers and directors and 
the integrity of its principal shareholders;
    (10) The scope and frequency of external audits of the foreign 
bank;
    (11) The operating record of the foreign bank generally and its 
role in the banking system in its home country;
    (12) The foreign bank's record of compliance with relevant laws, as 
well as the adequacy of its money laundering controls and procedures, 
in respect of its worldwide operations;
    (13) The operating record of the U.S. offices of the foreign bank;
    (14) The views and recommendations of the Office of the Comptroller 
of the Currency or the state banking regulators in those states in 
which the foreign bank has operations, as appropriate;
    (15) Whether the foreign bank, if requested, has provided the Board 
with adequate assurances that such information will be made available 
on the operations or activities of the foreign bank and any of its 
affiliates as the Board deems necessary to determine and enforce 
compliance with the International Banking Act, the Bank Holding Company 
Act, and other applicable federal banking statutes; and
    (16) Any other information relevant to the safety and soundness of 
the U.S. operations of the foreign bank.
    (c) Restrictions on U.S. operations.--(1) Terms of agreement. Any 
foreign bank that the Board determines is not subject to comprehensive 
supervision or regulation on a consolidated basis by its home country 
supervisor may be required to enter into an agreement to conduct its 
U.S. operations subject to such restrictions as the Board, having 
considered the criteria set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, 
determines to be appropriate in order to assure the safety and 
soundness of its U.S. operations.
    (2) Failure to enter into or comply with agreement. A foreign bank 
that is required by the Board to enter into an agreement pursuant to 
paragraph (c)(1) of this section and either fails to do so or fails to 
comply with the terms of such agreement may be subject to enforcement 
action in order to assure safe and sound banking operations under 12 
U.S.C. 1818, or to termination or a recommendation for termination of 
its U.S. operations under Sec. 211.25 (a) and (e) of this subpart and 
section (7)(e) of the IBA (12 U.S.C. 3105(e)).

    By order of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve 
System, February 15, 1996.
William W. Wiles,
Secretary of the Board.
[FR Doc. 96-3910 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6210-01-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3895 Vessel Identification System; Effective Date Change
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6942-6943]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3895]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 6943]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

33 CFR Part 187

[CGD 89-050]
RIN 2115-AD35

Vessel Identification System; Effective Date Change

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Interim final rule: change in effective date.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On April 25, 1995, the Coast Guard published an interim final 
rule in the Federal Register (60 FR 20310) for establishing a vessel 
identification system and prescribing guidelines for State vessel 
titling systems. The effective date of the interim final rule was April 
24, 1996. This document suspends the effective date of the guidelines 
for the State vessel titling systems for a period of two years.

EFFECTIVE DATES: This document is effective February 23, 1996. 33 CFR 
part 187, subpart D, is suspended through April 23, 1998. All other 
provisions of the interim final rule will become effective on April 24, 
1996, as stated in the interim final rule.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Lieutenant Commander Richard Ferraro, Project Manager, Information 
Resources Division (G-MIR-3), Office of Marine Safety, Security and 
Environmental Protection, (202) 267-0386, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: One provision of the interim final rule 
prescribes the procedures for obtaining certification of compliance 
with guidelines for State vessel titling systems. Many comments pointed 
out that compliance of the States with these guidelines may create 
undue hardship upon the marine industry where titling, vessel 
documentation, mortgage recording, and lending institutions are 
concerned. The delay in the effective date until April 24, 1998, was 
deemed necessary in order to allow the Coast Guard, States, and the 
public time to further review the complexities of the State titling 
guideline issues identified during review of the comments received 
regarding this interim final rule. A delay of two years should provide 
sufficient time to complete the rulemaking on vessel titling 
guidelines.
    All other provisions of the interim final rule will become 
effective on April 24, 1996.
    Accordingly, under the authority of 46 U.S.C. 2103; 49 CFR 1.46, 33 
CFR part 187, subpart D is suspended effective February 23, 1996 
through April 23, 1998.

    Dated: February 14, 1996.
Joseph H. Angelo,
Director for Standards, Office of Marine Safety, Security and 
Environmental Protection.
[FR Doc. 96-3895 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3888 Amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act; Regulations Regarding Tribal Gaming
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7054-7056]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3888]

[[Page 7053]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part II

Department of the Treasury

_______________________________________________________________________

31 CFR Part 103

Amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act; Regulations Regarding Tribal 
Gaming; Final Rule and application to Tribal Gaming; Final Rule and 
Application to Tribal Casinos; Notice

Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 37 / Friday, February 23, 1996 / 
Rules and Regulations 

[[Page 7054]]

DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

31 CFR PART 103

RIN 1506-AAO7

Amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act; Regulations Regarding Tribal 
Gaming

AGENCY: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (``FinCEN'') is 
amending the regulations implementing the Bank Secrecy Act to include 
casinos operated by or on behalf of Indian tribes within the definition 
of financial institution set forth in those regulations. The amendments 
extend the reporting and recordkeeping requirements and anti-money 
laundering safeguards of the Bank Secrecy Act to tribal casinos.

EFFECTIVE DATE: The final rule is effective August 1, 1996.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Leonard C. Senia, Senior Financial 
Enforcement Officer, Office of Regulatory Policy and Enforcement, 
FinCEN, (703) 905-3931, or Joseph M. Myers, Attorney-Advisor, Office of 
Legal Counsel, FinCEN, (703) 905-3590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
    This final rule amends the regulations implementing the statute 
popularly known as the ``Bank Secrecy Act,'' Pub. L. 91-508, as 
amended, codified at 12 U.S.C. 1829b, 12 U.S.C. 1951-1959, and 31 
U.S.C. 5311-5330. The final rule: (i) amends the definition of 
``casino'' in 31 CFR 103.11(n)(7)(i) to include explicitly casinos 
operating on Indian lands; (ii) amends the regulatory definitions of 
``person'' and ``United States'' in 31 CFR 103.11(z) and 103.11(nn), 
respectively; (iii) adds definitions of the terms ``Indian Gaming 
Regulatory Act,'' ``State,'' and ``Territories and Insular 
Possessions'' in 31 CFR 103.11(rr), 103.11(ss), and 103.11(tt), 
respectively; and (iv) makes a conforming change to the recordkeeping 
and retention requirements of 31 CFR 103.36(b)(7) to reflect the 
regulatory system contemplated by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act 
(IGRA). The amendments reflect the terms of section 409 of the Money 
Laundering Suppression Act of 1994 (the ``MLSA''), Title IV of the 
Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994, 
Pub. L. 103-325.
    FinCEN published a notice of proposed rulemaking (the ``Notice'') 
in the Federal Register on August 3, 1995 (60 FR 39665) proposing the 
amendments to the Bank Secrecy Act regulations that are the subject of 
this final rule. Only four comments were submitted in response to the 
Notice. These comments were submitted, respectively, by a staff 
attorney at the National Indian Gaming Commission, by the governments 
of two states within which tribal lands are located, and by one tribal 
casino.
    The only substantive change made to the rule is the postponement of 
the rule's effective date until August 1, 1996. FinCEN believes that 
the delayed effective date will provide tribes and tribal casino 
management companies with a reasonable amount of time to implement 
operating and staff training programs for Bank Secrecy Act compliance. 
In this connection, FinCEN is publishing in today's Federal Register a 
notice of a tribal casino Bank Secrecy Act compliance conference to be 
held in April of this year.
Explanation of Provisions
A. Definition of ``Casino''

    The definition of casino is amended to include explicitly casinos 
operating on Indian lands. Under this amendment, the term ``casino'' 
now includes any casino duly licensed or authorized to do business 
under the IGRA or other federal, state, or tribal law or arrangement 
affecting Indian lands.

    The general need for and appropriateness of treatment of casinos as 
financial institutions for purposes of the Bank Secrecy Act have been 
accepted since the mid-1980s. The Department of the Treasury has made 
clear the need to prevent casinos, which offer to their customers a 
variety of financial services such as deposit or credit accounts, check 
cashing and currency exchange services, from being used as a vehicle 
for money laundering. The potential risk of money laundering in casinos 
on Indian lands is not any less than the risk of money laundering in 
state-licensed casinos. Thus, this final rule makes casinos operating 
on Indian lands subject to the full set of reporting and recordkeeping 
provisions, and anti-money laundering safeguards, of the Bank Secrecy 
Act to which other casinos in the United States are subject.
    The amendments make it clear that the term ``casino'', as applied 
to tribal lands, includes not only tribal casinos created in conformity 
with IGRA. The term also includes casinos operating on Indian lands 
under a view that compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is 
unnecessary or inconsistent with inherent tribal rights; such non-IGRA 
sanctioned tribal casinos are not exempted from the terms of the Bank 
Secrecy Act. In its comments, the State of California specifically 
noted its approval of this language in the amendments, and cited the 
fact that a significant number of casinos on Indian lands within its 
borders were operating Class III gaming without the tribal-state 
compact required by IGRA.
    The other changes in the definition of casino are designed simply 
to list explicitly the three classes of government authorities that can 
authorize or license casinos subject to the Bank Secrecy Act. The 
changes are intended neither to expand nor contract the coverage of the 
Bank Secrecy Act to casinos operating under state authority or under 
the authority of various United States territories or possessions.
    Recognizing the need to proceed thoughtfully in adopting the rules 
of the Bank Secrecy Act to the realities of the operation of casinos on 
Indian lands, the Notice specifically sought comment about whether any 
part of the Bank Secrecy Act applicable to casinos generally did not 
accurately reflect the way tribal casinos operate. Few comments were 
received on this issue; the comments that were received indicated that 
tribal casinos operate similarly to non-tribal casinos, and that both 
tribal and non-tribal casinos should be treated uniformly under the 
Bank Secrecy Act.
    The State of California commented that the term ``casino'' should 
be defined to include Indian gaming establishments engaging in bingo, 
lotteries, and pari-mutuel wagering. As outlined in the Notice, the 
retention at this time of the term ``casino,'' rather than substitution 
in 31 CFR 103.11(n)(7)(i) of the broader authorizing language of 31 
U.S.C. 5312(a)(2)(X), is intentional. The Department of the Treasury 
generally has sought to apply the Bank Secrecy Act to gaming 
establishments that provide both gaming and an array of financial 
services for their patrons. Activities such as bingo, lotteries, and 
pari-mutuel wagering, are not generally offered in casino-like settings 
and may create different problems for law enforcement, tax compliance, 
and anti-money laundering programs than do full-scale casino 
operations. Consequently, although the MLSA grants the Department of 
the Treasury authority to extend the Bank Secrecy Act to the full range 
of gaming establishments in the United States, FinCEN intends at this 
time to concentrate on taking the initial step of extending the 
existing Bank Secrecy Act structure to true casino-like establishments 
operating on Indian 

[[Page 7055]]
lands. (Of course, a full-scale casino that happens to offer, inter 
alia, pari-mutuel wagering, for example, is included within the 
definition of ``casino'' with respect to all of its gaming activities.)
    FinCEN also sought comment on how compliance by tribal casinos with 
the requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act could best be examined and 
enforced. Aside from a suggestion from the one tribal casino commenter 
that external auditors were best suited to examine for compliance with 
the Bank Secrecy Act, FinCEN received no other responses to this 
question. The Internal Revenue Service is generally responsible for 
auditing the Bank Secrecy Act compliance by casinos and has full 
authority to audit such compliance by tribal casinos.
    FinCEN also received comments seeking: (i) clarification of the 
terms ``gross annual gaming revenue'' and ``gaming day'' in the casino 
definition; (ii) an increase in the $1 million threshold in the 
definition of casino; and (iii) reconsideration of certain casino 
recordkeeping and verification rules withdrawn on March 12, 1993. 
Because the scope of these comments goes beyond the scope of the 
Notice, these comments are not addressed in this final rule.
    As outlined in the Notice, the uniform treatment of state-licensed 
and tribal casinos is a necessary prelude to the consideration of 
broader issues affecting the application of the BSA to the entire 
gaming industry. Those issues include whether clarifications should be 
made in the definition of casino as new types of gaming develop (or 
whether the term ``casino'' is sufficiently elastic to encompass such 
developments 1), whether special rules should be formulated for 
small casinos, and how best to implement with respect to casinos the 
suspicious transaction reporting and anti-money laundering program 
rules authorized in the amendments made to the Bank Secrecy Act by the 
Annunzio-Wylie Anti-Money Laundering Act of 1992, Title XV of the 
Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, Pub. L. 102-550, and by 
the Money Laundering Suppression Act.

    \1\ For example, an establishment that claimed to be a gambling 
``club'' rather than a casino because it simply offered customers an 
opportunity to gamble with one another, but that in practice funded 
certain customers so that other customers were in effect gambling 
against ``house'' money, and that offered its customers financial 
services of various kinds, could well be a casino under present law. 
If so, such a ``club'' would violate the Bank Secrecy Act now (that 
is, without the need for further regulatory changes) if it failed to 
report currency transactions in excess of $10,000, or allowed a 
customer to deposit funds in a player bank account without requiring 
customer identifying information.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Conforming Changes in ``Meaning of Terms''

    Changes are made to the definition of ``person'' and ``United 
States'' in 31 CFR 103.11 (z) and (nn), and definitions of the terms 
``Indian Gaming Regulatory Act'', ``State'', and ``Territories and 
Insular Possessions'' are added to Sec. 103.11 as new paragraphs (rr), 
(ss), and (tt), respectively. These definitions are added as required 
corollaries to the new casino definition.

C. Additions to Record Maintenance Requirements

    Conforming language is added to the requirement of 31 CFR 
103.36(b)(7) that casinos retain all records, documents, or manuals 
required to be maintained under state and local laws or regulations. 
The new language recognizes that a casino on tribal lands will retain 
certain documents because tribal rules or tribal-state compacts, rather 
than state regulation, require their retention. The amendment simply 
conforms the recordkeeping and retention requirements to this fact.

D. Effective Date

    Compliance with the reporting and recordkeeping provisions, and 
anti-money laundering safeguards of the Bank Secrecy Act, will depend 
in large part on the operating and staff training programs put in place 
at tribal casinos. The amendments made by the final rule will become 
effective on August 1, 1996, to allow tribes and their management 
enterprises a reasonable amount of time to train their staff members 
and to establish programs designed to comply with the requirements of 
the Bank Secrecy Act. As noted above, FinCEN also is publishing in 
today's Federal Register a notice of a tribal casino compliance 
conference to be held in April of this year.

Special Analyses

    It has been determined that this final rule (i) is not subject to 
the ``budgetary impact statement'' requirement of section 202 of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4) and (ii) is not a 
significant regulatory action as defined in Executive Order 12866. It 
is not anticipated that this final rule will have an annual effect on 
the economy of $100 million or more. Nor will it affect adversely in a 
material way the economy, a sector of the economy, productivity, 
competition, jobs, the environment, public health or safety, or state, 
local, or tribal governments or communities. The final rule is neither 
inconsistent with, nor does it interfere with, actions taken or planned 
by other agencies. Finally, the final rule raises no novel legal or 
policy issues.
    Because this final rule affects only Indian gaming establishments 
with gross annual gaming revenues in excess of $1 million, it is hereby 
certified that this final rule is not likely to have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

List of Subjects in 31 CFR Part 103

    Administrative practice and procedure, Authority delegations 
(Government agencies), Banks, banking, Currency, Foreign banking, 
Investigations, Law enforcement, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Taxes.

Adoption of Amendments to the Regulations

    For the reasons set forth above in the preamble, 31 CFR Part 103 is 
amended as follows:

PART 103--FINANCIAL RECORDKEEPING AND REPORTING OF CURRENCY AND 
FOREIGN TRANSACTIONS

    1. The authority citation for Part 103 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1829b and 1951-1959; 31 U.S.C. 5311-5330.

    2. Section 103.11 as amended at 60 FR 228, 60 FR 44144, and 61 FR 
4331 effective April 1, 1996, is further amended by revising paragraphs 
(n)(7)(i), (z), and (nn), and adding paragraphs (rr), (ss), and (tt) to 
read as follows:

Sec. 103.11  Meaning of terms.

* * * * *
    (n) * * *
    (7)(i) Casino. A casino or gambling casino that: Is duly licensed 
or authorized to do business as such in the United States, whether 
under the laws of a State or of a Territory or Insular Possession of 
the United States, or under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act or other 
federal, state, or tribal law or arrangement affecting Indian lands 
(including, without limitation, a casino operating on the assumption or 
under the view that no such authorization is required for casino 
operation on Indian lands); and has gross annual gaming revenue in 
excess of $1 million. The term includes the principal headquarters and 
every domestic branch or place of business of the casino.
* * * * *
    (z) Person. An individual, a corporation, a partnership, a trust or 
estate, a joint stock company, an 

[[Page 7056]]
association, a syndicate, joint venture, or other unincorporated 
organization or group, an Indian Tribe (as that term is defined in the 
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act), and all entities cognizable as legal 
personalities.
* * * * *
    (nn) United States. The States of the United States, the District 
of Columbia, the Indian lands (as that term is defined in the Indian 
Gaming Regulatory Act), and the Territories and Insular Possessions of 
the United States.
* * * * *
    (rr) Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act 
of 1988, codified at 25 U.S.C. 2701-2721 and 18 U.S.C. 1166-68.
    (ss) State. The States of the United States and, wherever necessary 
to carry out the provisions of this part, the District of Columbia.
    (tt) Territories and Insular Possessions. The Commonwealth of 
Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth 
of the Northern Mariana Islands, and all other territories and 
possessions of the United States other than the Indian lands and the 
District of Columbia.

Sec. 103.36  [Amended]

    3. Section 103.36(b)(7) is amended by adding after the words 
``state and local laws or regulations'' the words ``, regulations of 
any governing Indian tribe or tribal government, or terms of (or any 
regulations issued under) any Tribal-State compacts entered into 
pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, with respect to the 
casino in question''.

    Dated: February 14, 1996.
Stanley E. Morris,
Director, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.
[FR Doc. 96-3888 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-03-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3886 Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Incorporated Models AT-802 and AT-802A Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6934-6935]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3886]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-CE-59-AD; Amendment 39-9520; AD 96-04-08]

Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Incorporated Models AT-802 
and AT-802A Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
applies to Air Tractor, Incorporated (Air Tractor) Models AT-802 and 
AT-802A airplanes. This action requires repetitively replacing the main 
landing gear legs. Failure of the main landing gear legs on an AT-802A 
prompted this action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent possible failure of the main landing gear legs, which, if not 
detected and corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane 
during landing operations.

DATES: Effective April 12, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 12, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Service information that applies to this AD may be obtained 
from Air Tractor Incorporated, P.O. Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374; 
telephone (817) 564-5616, facsimile (817) 564-2348. This information 
may also be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 
Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Attention: Rules 
Docket 95-CE-59-AD, Room 1558, 601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North 
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob May, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Aircraft Certification Office, 2601 Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, 
Texas 76193-0150; telephone (817) 222-5155, facsimile (817) 222-5960.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply 
to Air Tractor, Incorporated (Air Tractor) Models AT-802 and AT-802A 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on October 5, 1995 (60 
FR 52130). The action proposed to require repetitively replacing the 
main landing gear legs in accordance with Snow Engineering Company 
Service Letter (SL) 104A, dated July 29, 1995.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. No comments were received on the 
proposed rule or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
    After careful review of all available information related to the 
subject presented above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the 
public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed except for 
minor editorial corrections. The FAA has determined that these minor 
corrections will not change the meaning of the AD and will not add any 
additional burden upon the public than was already proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 18 airplanes in the U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 12 hours per 
airplane to accomplish this action, and that the average labor rate is 
approximately $60 an hour. Parts cost approximately $2,816 per 
airplane. Based on these figures, the total cost impact of this AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $63,648 ($3,536 per airplane). This 
figure is based on the assumption that no affected airplane owner/
operator has replaced the main landing gear legs and does not take into 
account the number of repetitive replacements each operator would incur 
over the life of the airplane. The FAA has no way of determining how 
many main landing gear replacements each owner/operator will incur.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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 copy of the final evaluation prepared for this 
action is 

[[Page 6935]]
contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by 
contacting 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.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding a new airworthiness directive 
(AD) to read as follows:

Ad No. 96-04-08  Air Tractor Incorporated: Amendment 39-9520; Docket 
No. 95-CE-59-AD.

    Applicability: Model AT-802 and AT-802A Airplanes (all serial 
numbers), certificated in any category:

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it. Compliance: Required upon the accumulation of 3,000 
landings or within the next 25 landings after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, unless already accomplished, and 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 landings.

    Note 2: If the number of landings is not known, calculate by 
multiplying three landings per one hour time-in-service (TIS).

    To prevent possible failure of the main landing gear legs, which 
could result in loss of control of landing operations and possible 
loss of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Replace the main landing gear legs, Air Tractor part number 
(P/N) 40091-2, in accordance with Air Tractor Service Bulletin (SB) 
104A, dated July 29, 1995.
    (b) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
initial or repetitive compliance times that provides an equivalent 
level of safety may be approved by the Manager, Fort Worth Aircraft 
Certification Office, FAA, Aircraft Certification Office, 2601 
Meacham Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0150. The request shall 
be forwarded through an appropriate FAA Maintenance Inspector, who 
may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Fort Worth 
Aircraft Certification Office.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Fort Worth Aircraft Certification Office.

    (d) The replacements required by this AD shall be done in 
accordance with Air Tractor Service Bulletin 104A, dated July 29, 
1995. 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. Copies may be obtained from Air Tractor Incorporated, P.O. 
Box 485, Olney, Texas 76374. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, 
Central Region, Office of the Assistant Chief Counsel, Room 1558, 
601 E. 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri, or at the Office of the 
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., 7th Floor, suite 
700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment (39-9520) becomes effective on April 12, 
1996.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on February 13, 1996.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3886 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3836 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320-231 Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6931-6932]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3836]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-89-AD; Amendment 39-9522; AD 96-04-10]

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320-231 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A320-231 series airplanes, that 
requires modification of the fire wall of each engine. This amendment 
is prompted by a report of a fire in the engine of an in-service 
airplane due to the fire wall being improperly sealed during 
production. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
propagation of a fire through a gap (opening) in the fire wall in the 
event of an engine fire, as a result of improperly sealed fire wall.

DATES: Effective March 25, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 25, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Huber, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2589, fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A320-231 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 8, 
1995 (60 FR 56270). That action proposed to require modification of the 
fire wall of each engine on these airplanes.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    Two commenters support the proposal.
    One commenter requests that the proposal be withdrawn. This 
commenter, International Aero Engines, states that its records indicate 
that all engines installed on affected airplanes worldwide have been 
modified already in accordance with the procedures that were proposed 
in the notice. In light of this, the commenter considers that an AD to 
require modification of the engines is unnecessary.
    The FAA does not concur. This commenter did not provide specific 
data to the FAA to verify that all affected airplanes have been 
modified. Without that data, this AD is necessary to ensure that all 
airplanes currently on the U.S. Register, as well as any airplane later 
imported and placed on the U.S. Register, are modified in accordance 
with the AD. Further, it is the responsibility of the FAA to ensure 
that the configuration that resulted in the addressed unsafe condition 
is corrected and is not reintroduced into the U.S. fleet either through 
production, repair, or overhaul; this AD is the appropriate vehicle for 
doing that.
    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 as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 108 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the 
manufacturer at no cost to operators. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $12,960, or $120 
per airplane.
    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 regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-04-10  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-9522. Docket 95-NM-89-AD.

[[Page 6932]]

    Applicability: Model A320-231 series airplanes on which Airbus 
Modification 23929 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A320-78-1009) 
has not been installed, certificated in any category.

    -Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent propagation of a fire through a gap (opening) in the 
fire wall as a result of an improperly sealed fire wall in the event 
of an engine fire, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 9 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the fire wall of each engine in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-78-1009, dated October 14, 1993.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-78-1009, dated October 14, 1993. 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. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 25, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 14, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3836 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3835 Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6932-6934]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3835]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-215-AD; Amendment 39-9521; AD 96-04-09]

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, that 
requires an inspection to detect the presence of a drain hole in 
certain mounting frames of the auxiliary power unit (APU). If a drain 
hole is present, the AD requires an inspection to detect corrosion of 
the mounting frame, and eventual replacement of the mounting frame. 
This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that corrosion was 
found on a number of mounting frames of the APU. The actions specified 
by this AD are intended to prevent such corrosion, which could lead to 
failure of the frame and consequently render the APU inoperative and/or 
create a potential fire hazard.

DATES: Effective March 25, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 25, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 North Fairfax Street, 
Alexandria, Virginia 22314. This information may be examined at the 
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, 
Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2141; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on December 20, 
1994 (59 FR 65514). That action proposed to require an inspection to 
detect the presence of a drain hole in certain mounting frames of the 
auxiliary power unit (APU). If a drain hole is present, the action 
proposed to require an inspection to detect corrosion of the mounting 
frame, and eventual replacement of the mounting frame.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.
    One commenter supports the proposal.
    Another commenter requests that the FAA withdraw the proposal for 
what this commenter perceives as lack of justification. This commenter 
purports that corrosion of the APU frame will not result in a critical 
safety of flight condition. The commenter contends that, even if the 
subject frame were to fail completely, the APU cannot fall or lean 
enough to sever any fuel or electrical lines; therefore, the 
possibility that the failure of the mounting frame could become a 
potential fire hazard is simply conjecture. Based on these assertions, 
the commenter considers that no unsafe condition exists, and requests 
that the FAA review its justification for the proposed rule to ensure 
that it is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of part 39 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR).
    The FAA does not concur with either the commenter's request or 
assertions.
    First, the FAA points out that the existing design of the drain 
hole on certain APU mounting frames allows the accumulation of moisture 
on the frame. These frames have been found to be particularly sensitive 
to corrosion caused by such moisture accumulation. Corrosion of these 
frames could cause them to fail, especially when exposed to higher 
loads during airplane touchdown.
    Second, the Rijksluchtvaartdienst (RLD) (which is the airworthiness 
authority for the Netherlands) and the FAA, have determined that, if a 
mounting frame were to fail due to associated corrosion, the APU could 
be displaced and consequently sever APU fuel lines located in the 
adjacent area. The leaking fuel could then pose a fire hazard. This is 
the unsafe condition that this AD intends to prevent. In addition, the 
APU could be rendered inoperative because of the failure of its support 
assembly. If it were inoperative, electrical power may not be available 

[[Page 6933]]
during flight, or both electrical and pneumatic power may not be 
available when the airplane is on the ground, when such power is needed 
via the APU.
    Third, although there have been no reported cases of inoperative 
APU's or fuel leakage caused by the problems associated with the 
failure of the APU mounting frames, the potential for them to occur 
still exists. In fact, when Fokker examined the subject APU mounting 
frames removed from in-service airplanes, it found that up to 73% of 
the thickness at the place of the drain holes in these frames was 
fretted away. This reduced thickness, which is attributed to the 
typical effects of corrosion, weakens the integrity of the frames and, 
consequently, can lead to their failure.
    Finally, according to section 39.1 of the FAR (14 CFR 39.1), the 
issuance of an AD is based on the finding that an unsafe condition 
exists and that condition is likely to exist or develop in aircraft of 
a particular type design. The responsibilities placed on the FAA by the 
Federal Aviation Act do not limit it from making any unsafe condition 
the proper subject of an AD--regardless of whether or not the unsafe 
condition has actually occurred in service and led to an incident or 
accident. When sufficient data exist to demonstrate that an unsafe 
condition is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design, the issuance of an AD is appropriate in order to address 
that potential unsafe condition and to prevent its occurrence.
    This same commenter also requests clarification as to the 
applicability of the proposed rule. The commenter points out that, 
although both the proposed AD and the parallel Dutch AD are applicable 
to all Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, the referenced 
Fokker service bulletin calls out only certain airplanes (serial 
numbers 11244 through 11402) in its effectivity listing. This commenter 
knows of four airplanes on which the suspect frames were found, but 
these airplanes were not included in the service bulletin's effectivity 
listing. The commenter believes that the service bulletin should be 
revised to specify that all airplanes must be inspected.
    The FAA does not concur that additional action is necessary. Since 
in-service experience has shown that APU mounting frames are regularly 
removed from and (re-) installed on aircraft upon removal of the APU, 
the FAA has determined that the suspect frames could be installed on 
any Fokker Model F28 Mark 0100 airplane. In light of this, the 
applicability of the AD, which makes all airplanes subject to the 
requirements, is correct. In any case, where there are differences 
between the AD and the service bulletin, the AD prevails.
    One commenter requests that the rule be revised to extend the 
compliance time for replacement of the mounting frames from the 
proposed 30 days or 90 days (depending upon the results of the 
inspection for corrosion) to one year for all cases. The commenter 
states that Fokker has indicated that it has only 2 frames in stock to 
support the replacement requirement. In addition, the lead time for 
procurement of a replacement frame is minimum of 127 days.
    The FAA concurs that some adjustment to this compliance time can be 
made. Reports received by the FAA indicate that most airplanes already 
have been inspected in accordance with the requirements of this AD, and 
have been found not to have the suspect APU mounting frames installed. 
Therefore, the FAA considers that only a limited number of replacement 
mounting frames actually will be required. However, the FAA 
acknowledges that timely parts availability may be a problem for some 
operators. In light of this, the FAA finds that the compliance time for 
replacement of the frame can be extended to 9 months for cases where no 
corrosion is found on the frame, and to 3 months for cases where 
corrosion is found. The FAA finds that safety will not be compromised 
by the extension of these compliance times. The final rule has been 
revised accordingly.
    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 change previously 
described. The FAA has determined that this change will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.
    The FAA estimates that 119 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 13 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of 
the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $92,820, or $780 per 
airplane.
    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 regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-04-09  Fokker: Amendment 39-9521. Docket 94-NM-215-AD.

    Applicability: All Model F28 Mark 0100 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

[[Page 6934]]

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent corrosion of certain mounting frames of the auxiliary 
power unit (APU), which could render the APU inoperative and may 
lead to a potential fire hazard, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform 
a detailed visual inspection to detect the presence of a drain hole 
in frame member M of the mounting frames, having part number (P/N) 
D67050-407, of the auxiliary power unit (APU), in accordance with 
Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-49-022, dated August 27, 1992.
    (1) If no drain hole(s) is present, no further action is 
required by this AD.
    (2) If any drain hole is present, prior to further flight, 
perform a detailed visual inspection to detect corrosion on the 
mounting frame of the APU, in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (i) If no corrosion is detected, within 9 months after 
accomplishing the visual inspection, replace the mounting frame with 
a new mounting frame in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (ii) If any corrosion is detected, within 3 months after 
accomplishing the visual inspection, replace the mounting frame with 
a new mounting frame in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a mounting frame, having P/N D67050-407, that has a 
drain hole in frame member M.
    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Issued in Renton, 
Washington, on December 14, 1994.
    (e) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance 
with Fokker Service Bulletin SBF100-49-022, dated August 27, 1992. 
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. Copies may be obtained from Fokker Aircraft USA, Inc., 1199 
North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 25, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 14, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3835 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3614 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320 Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6927-6928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3614]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-77-AD; Amendment 39-9518; AD 96-04-06]

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A320 series airplanes, that requires 
replacement of the relays in the forward electronics rack of the 
braking system of the landing gear with new relays. This amendment is 
prompted by reports of loss of the systems of the braking/steering 
control unit (BSCU) on these airplanes due to electrical overvoltage of 
the relays. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent 
such electrical overvoltage of the relays, which could result in the 
loss of the BSCU systems, and subsequent loss of the antiskid functions 
and nose wheel steering of the airplane.

DATES: Effective March 25, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 25, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the 

[[Page 6928]]
Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, Washington, 
DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles D. Huber, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2589; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A320 series 
airplanes was published in the Federal Register on October 20, 1995 (60 
FR 54202). That action proposed to require replacement of certain 
relays in the forward electronics rack 90VU of the braking system of 
the landing gear with new relays.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the three comments received.
    The commenters support the proposed rule.
    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 as proposed.
    The FAA estimates that 87 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor 
rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will be supplied by the 
manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $10,440, or 
$120 per airplane.
    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 regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-04-06  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-9518. Docket 95-NM-77-AD.

    Applicability: Model A320 series airplanes on which Airbus 
Modification 23611 (reference Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1115) 
has not been installed, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent an electrical overvoltage of the relays, which could 
result in the loss of the braking/steering control unit (BSCU) 
systems, and subsequent loss of the antiskid functions and nose 
wheel steering of the airplane, accomplish the following:
    (a) Within 10 months after the effective date of this AD, 
replace relays 24 GG and 25 GG in the forward electronics rack 90VU 
of zone 120 of the braking system of the landing gear with new 
relays, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1115, 
Revision 2, dated September 21, 1994.
    (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.
    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (d) The replacement shall be done in accordance with Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-32-1115, Revision 2, dated September 21, 1994, 
which contains the following list of effective pages:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Revision                            
                                      level                             
             Page No.               shown on      Date shown on page    
                                      page                              
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-4, 13...........................         2  Sept. 21, 1994.           
5-12..............................         1  Apr. 22, 1994.            
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (e) This amendment becomes effective on March 25, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 12, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3614 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3613 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series Airplanes Equipped With SOGERMA-SOCEA Pilot, Co-Pilot, and Third Occupant Seats
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6928-6931]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3613]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 6929]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 94-NM-191-AD; Amendment 39-9519; AD 96-04-07]

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 Series 
Airplanes Equipped With SOGERMA-SOCEA Pilot, Co-Pilot, and Third 
Occupant Seats

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and A300-600 series 
airplanes. This amendment requires repetitive inspections to detect 
distortion and/or cracks on the attachment brackets of the backrest 
recline control locks of certain seats. It also provides for an 
optional modification which, if accomplished, terminates the repetitive 
inspections. This amendment is prompted by a report of failure of the 
bracket of the backrest recline control lock on a seat due to fatigue-
related cracking. The actions specified by this AD are intended to 
prevent fatigue-related cracking and/or distortion, which could result 
in failure of the seat backrest attach fitting, and the subsequent 
uncommanded 50 deg. angle recline of the pilot or co-pilot seat; this 
situation could lead to the temporary inability of the pilots to 
control the airplane.

DATES: Effective March 25, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 25, 1996.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Phil Forde, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2146; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A310 and 
A300-600 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on June 
2, 1995 (60 FR 526678) as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking 
(NPRM). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections to 
detect distortion and/or cracks on the attachment brackets of the 
backrest recline control locks of certain seats. It also proposed an 
optional modification which, if accomplished, would terminate the 
repetitive inspection requirement.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Support for the Proposal

    Three commenters support the proposal.

Request To Withdraw the Proposal

    One commenter requests that the proposal be withdrawn. This 
commenter contends that an AD is not justified based on only one 
incident of failure that occurred on one seat. The commenter considers 
that issuing an AD to address only this one occurrence is a 
misapplication of the AD process.
    The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request. The FAA 
points out that the seat backrest recline lock mechanism currently is 
not the subject of routine maintenance to determine the presence of 
distortion or cracking. Therefore, cracking and distortion potentially 
could be present or developing on these components throughout the 
affected fleet. While it is true that there has been only one incident 
of failure of the lock mechanism identified so far, the FAA finds that 
the unsafe condition presented by such failure is likely to exist or 
develop on other products of this same type design. According to 
section 39.1 (``Airworthiness Directives'') of the Federal Aviation 
Regulations (FAR) (14 CFR 39.1), the issuance of an AD must be based on 
just such a finding. Further, it is within the FAA's authority to issue 
AD's to require actions to address unsafe conditions that are not 
otherwise being addressed (or addressed adequately) by normal 
maintenance procedures. The intent of this AD is to ensure that 
maintenance procedures include inspections of the backrest recline lock 
mechanism.

Request To Extend Compliance Time

    Another commenter, an operator, requests that the compliance time 
for the initial inspection be extended. This commenter plans to 
accomplish the terminating modification at a time that coincides with 
its normally scheduled maintenance checks and, therefore, requests that 
the compliance time for the inspection be extended to June 1997.
    The FAA does not concur with this commenter's request. Based on the 
unsafe condition associated with the failure of the lock mechanism 
(uncommanded 50 deg. angle recline of the pilot or co-pilot seat), the 
FAA considers that the compliance time for the inspection, as proposed, 
represents the most appropriate interval of time allowable for the 
affected airplanes to continue to operate prior to accomplishing that 
inspection without compromising safety. The FAA also finds that, in 
order to ensure continuing operational safety, these inspections must 
be repeated at regular intervals until a terminating modification is 
installed. However, paragraph (c) of the final rule does provide 
affected operators the opportunity to apply for an adjustment of the 
compliance time if data are presented to justify such an adjustment.

Explanation of New Service Information

    On March 22, 1995, SOGERMA-SOCEA issued Revision 2 of Service 
Bulletin 25-233. Revision 2 completely supersedes Revision 1, which was 
referenced in the supplemental NPRM as the appropriate source of 
service information. This new revision describes new procedures for 
modification of the backing of the control locks attachment fittings of 
the seat backrest recline. This modification involves installing 
certain nuts, lock nuts, back plates, fittings, and flat washers on the 
seat bottoms. Accomplishment of this modification eliminates the need 
for repetitive inspections of the lock mechanism. The Direction 
Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness 
authority for France, approved this revision of the service bulletin; 
and the FAA has revised paragraph (b) of the final rule to cite 
Revision 2 as the appropriate source of service information for 
accomplishing the terminating modification. Modifications that were 
accomplished in accordance with Revision 1 of the service bulletin 
prior to the effective date of the final rule are considered acceptable 
for compliance.

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 previously 
described. The FAA has 

[[Page 6930]]
determined that these changes will neither increase the economic burden 
on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 49 airplanes of U.S. registry will be 
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per 
airplane to accomplish the required inspections, and that the average 
labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost 
impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $11,760, or $240 
per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    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.
    Should an operator elect to accomplish the optional terminating 
action that is provided by this AD, the number of hours required to 
accomplish it would be approximately 1 per airplane, at an average 
labor charge of $60 per work hour. Required parts would be supplied by 
the manufacturer at no cost to the operators. Based on these figures, 
the total cost impact of the optional terminating action on U.S. 
operators would be $60 per airplane.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-04-07  Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-9519. Docket 94-NM-191-AD.

    Applicability: Model A310 and A300-600 series airplanes equipped 
with SOGERMA-SOCEA pilot, co-pilot, and third occupant seats; as 
listed in SOGERMA-SOCEA Service Bulletin 25-229, dated November 26, 
1993; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent fatigue cracks and/or distortion in the seat bracket 
of the backrest recline control lock, which could result in failure 
of the seat backrest attach fittings, the uncommanded 50 deg. angle 
recline of the pilot or co-pilot seat, and, subsequently, lead to 
the temporary inability of the pilots to control the airplane, 
accomplish the following:
    (a) Prior to the accumulation of 10,000 total flight hours or 
within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later, perform a detailed visual inspection to 
detect distortion and/or cracks on the attachment brackets of the 
backrest recline control locks of certain seats, in accordance with 
SOGERMA-SOCEA Service Bulletin 25-229, dated November 26, 1993.
    (1) If no bracket is distorted or cracked, repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight hours.
    (2) If any bracket is distorted or cracked, prior to further 
flight, accomplish either paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this 
AD.
    (i) Replace both of the brackets and their associated attachment 
fittings with new parts, in accordance with SOGERMA-SOCEA Service 
Bulletin 25-229, dated November 26, 1993. Thereafter, repeat the 
inspection at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight hours. Or
    (ii) Modify the backing of the control locks attachment fittings 
of the seat backrest recline, in accordance with SOGERMA-SOCEA 
Service Bulletin 25-233, Revision 2, dated March 22, 1995. 
Accomplishment of this modification constitutes terminating action 
for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.

    Note 2: Modification of the backing of the control locks 
attachment fittings of the seat backrest recline that was 
accomplished in accordance with SOGERMA-SOCEA Service Bulletin 25-
233, Revision 1, dated March 22, 1995, prior to the effective date 
of this AD, is considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph 
(a)(2)(ii) of this AD.

    (b) Modification of the backing of the control locks fittings of 
the backrest recline in accordance with SOGERMA-SOCEA Service 
Bulletin 25-233, Revision 2, dated March 22, 1995, constitutes 
terminating action for the repetitive inspection requirements of 
this AD.

    Note 3: Modification of the backing of the control locks 
attachment fittings of the seat backrest recline that was 
accomplished in accordance with SOGERMA-SOCEA Service Bulletin 25-
233, Revision 1, dated March 22, 1995, prior to the effective date 
of this AD, is considered acceptable for compliance with paragraph 
(b) of this AD.

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 4: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (e) The inspections and replacements shall be done in accordance 
with SOGERMA-SOCEA Service Bulletin 25-229, dated November 26, 1993. 
The modification shall be done in accordance with SOGERMA-SOCEA 
Service Bulletin 25-233, Revision 2, dated March 22, 1995, which 
contains the following list of effective pages: 

[[Page 6931]]

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Revision level                        
            Page No.              shown on page-    Date shown on page  
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1-4, 6-16......................  2..............  Mar. 22, 1995.        
5..............................  Original.......  Sept. 14, 1994.       
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 25, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 12, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3613 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U

Complete official Federal Register PDF

FR Doc. 96-3149 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340 Series Airplanes
[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 37 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6924-6927]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-3149]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 6925]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 95-NM-262-AD; Amendment 39-9515; AD 96-04-04]

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A340 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to certain Airbus Model A340 series airplanes. This action 
requires repetitive inspections to detect corrosion and cracking of the 
shortening mechanism pins in the main landing gear (MLG), and repair or 
replacement, if necessary. It also requires replacement of the 
shortening mechanism pin and retraction mechanism pins; the forward 
pintle pin; the shortening mechanism bellcrank pin; and the bellcrank 
subassembly of the shortening mechanism. This amendment is prompted by 
reports of failure of the shortening mechanism pins due to improper 
grinding of the chrome plating during manufacture, which led to the 
initiation of stress corrosion and cracks. The actions specified in 
this AD are intended to prevent failure of these pins, which could lead 
to a significant reduction of the shock absorber capability or damage 
to various components of the MLG, and eventually could lead to the 
failure of the MLG.

DATES: Effective March 11, 1996.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of March 11, 1996.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before April 23, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-103, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 95-NM-262-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France. This information may be examined at the FAA, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charles Huber, Aerospace Engineer, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (206) 
227-2589; fax (206) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile 
(DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, recently 
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus 
Model A340 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that there have been two 
cases of failure of the shortening mechanism pin of the main landing 
gear (MLG) assembly on in-service airplanes.
    In one case, investigation revealed that the pin had broken into 
three parts, the chrome plating was detached from the base metal around 
the breaks, and heavy corrosion was present on all of the fracture 
surfaces. A metallurgical analysis of the broken pin concluded that the 
pin fractures were the result of cracks in the pin's chrome plating and 
subsequent stress corrosion. The cracks in the chrome plating most 
likely occurred as a result of ``grinding abuse'' when the pin was 
ground during manufacture. The subsequent penetration of moisture 
through the cracks to the base metal initiated the stress corrosion and 
the local detachment of the chrome plating.
    In the second case, investigation revealed that the pin had failed 
as a result of damage caused by stress corrosion.
    The DGAC also advises that similar ``grinding abuse'' may also be 
present on some forward pintle pins installed on the main strut and 
dressings of certain affected airplanes, and on the shortening 
mechanism bellcrank pins of the bellcrank subassembly of the MLG.
    Failure of the shortening mechanism pin on the MLG could result in 
substantial damage to the shortening mechanism, the shock absorber, and 
the inner top side of the main fitting. This condition could lead to a 
significant reduction of the shock absorber capability, and eventually 
could lead to the failure of the MLG.
    Likewise, failure of the forward pintle pins or the shortening 
mechanism bellcrank pins could also result in damage to the shortening 
mechanism and/or the surrounding area and components, and eventually 
could lead to the failure of the MLG.
    Airbus Industrie has issued the following service bulletins that 
contain procedures to address this problem:
    1. Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4050, dated April 10, 1995; and 
Revision 1, dated May 17, 1995. These service bulletins describe 
procedures for conducting repetitive visual inspections to detect 
cracks and corrosion of the shortening mechanism pins. The inspection 
procedures also call for a one-time lubricating of the affected 
shortening mechanism links. The service bulletins also describe 
procedures for replacement of the shortening mechanism pin and 
retraction mechanism pins of the MLG (left- and right-hand side) with 
pins that are properly chrome-plated and not susceptible to problems 
associated with corrosion. (These service bulletins refer to Messier-
Dowty Service Bulletins A33/34-32-29 and A33/34-32-30 for more detailed 
procedural instructions.)
    2. Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4058, dated April 10, 1995; and 
Revision 1, dated May 17, 1995. These service bulletins describe 
procedures for removing discrepant forward pintle pins and replacing 
them with new or reworked pintle pins that are not susceptible to the 
problems associated with corrosion. This replacement will ensure the 
integrity of the affected components of the MLG. (These service 
bulletins refer to Messier-Dowty Service Bulletins A33/34-32-28 and 
A33/34-32-32 for more detailed procedural instructions.)
    3. Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4062, dated May 17, 1995. This 
service bulletin describes procedures for replacing discrepant 
shortening mechanism bellcrank pins with new or serviceable pins that 
are not susceptible to the problems associated with corrosion. It also 
describes procedures for replacing the bellcrank subassembly of the 
shortening mechanism of the MLG. These replacements will ensure the 
integrity of the affected components of the bellcrank and the MLG. 
(This service bulletin refers to Messier-Dowty Service Bulletins A33-
34-32-44 and A33/34-32-45 for more detailed procedural instructions.
    The DGAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued 
French airworthiness directive (CN) 94-244-012(B)R3, dated July 19, 
1995, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes 
in France.
    This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.19) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of 
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD 
action is necessary for products of this 

[[Page 6926]]
type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, this AD is being issued to prevent failure of the 
MLG. This AD requires, initially, repetitive visual inspections to 
detect damage or cracks of the shortening mechanism pivot pin, and 
replacement, if necessary. It also requires a one-time lubrication 
(greasing) of the MLG shortening mechanism main links.
    This AD also requires replacement of the following items:
    1. The shortening mechanism pivot pin, and the retraction mechanism 
pins of the MLG on the left- and right-hand sides (after these 
replacements are accomplished, the required repetitive visual 
inspections are terminated);
    2. The forward pintle pin fitted to the MLG;
    3. The shortening mechanism bellcrank pin of the MLG; and
    4. The bellcrank subassembly of the shortening mechanism of the 
MLG.
    These actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with 
the service bulletins described previously.
    None of the Model A340 series airplanes affected by this action are 
on the U.S. Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of 
this rule currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign 
registry; therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. 
However, the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that 
the unsafe condition is addressed in the event that any of these 
subject airplanes are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, the following costs could be expected:
    Inspection of the shortening mechanism pivot pin would require 
approximately .5 work hour to accomplish the required actions, at an 
average labor charge of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of this inspection requirement would be $30 per airplane 
per inspection cycle.
    Replacement of the shortening mechanism pivot pin and retraction 
mechanism pins would require approximately 118 work hours per airplane 
to accomplish, at an average labor charge of $60 per work hour. Based 
on these figures, the cost impact of this replacement requirement would 
be $7,080 per airplane.
    Replacement of the forward pintle pin would require approximately 
92 work hours per airplane to accomplish, at an average labor charge of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this 
replacement requirement would be $5,520 per airplane.
    Replacement of the shortening mechanism bellcrank pin and bellcrank 
subassembly would require approximately 13 work hours per airplane to 
accomplish, at an average labor charge of $60 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of this replacement requirement would be 
$780 per airplane.
    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may 
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be 
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES.
    All communications received on or before the closing date for 
comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of 
the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 95-NM-262-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.
    The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct 
effects 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, in 
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final 
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the 
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    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.

Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

96-04-04  Airbus: Amendment 39-9515. Docket 95-NM-262-AD.

    Applicability: Model A340 series airplanes; having 
manufacturer's serial numbers (MSN) 002 through 009 inclusive, 011, 
013 through 016 inclusive, 018 through 029 inclusive, 031 through 
036 inclusive, or 038; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the 

[[Page 6927]]
owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of 
compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request 
should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, 
alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; 
and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request 
should include specific proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent collapse of the main landing gear, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) For airplanes having MSN 005 through 009 inclusive, 011, 013 
through 016 inclusive, 018 through 029 inclusive, 031 through 034 
inclusive, or 038: Accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) 
and (a)(2) of this AD:
    (1) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a 
visual inspection to detect corrosion and cracks of the shortening 
mechanism (pivot) pins of the main landing gear (MLG), in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4050, dated April 10, 1995, or 
Revision 1, dated May 17, 1995.
    (i) If no corrosion or cracking is found, repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 7 days.
    (ii) If any corrosion or cracking is found, prior to further 
flight, replace the shortening mechanism pin and the retraction 
mechanism pin with a new pin in accordance with the service 
bulletin. Accomplishment of this replacement constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph 
(a)(1)(i) of this AD.
    (2) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a 
one-time lubrication (greasing) of the MLG shortening mechanism main 
links in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (b) Prior to the accumulation of 1,500 total landings, or within 
3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs 
later, but no later than 12 months after the effective date of this 
AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and 
(b)(3) of this AD, as applicable.
    (1) For airplanes having MSN 005 through 009 inclusive, 011, 013 
through 016 inclusive, 018 through 029 inclusive, 031 through 034 
inclusive, or 038: Replace the shortening mechanism pivot pin, and 
the retraction mechanism pins of the MLG, left- and right-hand side, 
in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4050, dated April 
10, 1995, or Revision 1, dated May 17, 1995.
    (2) For airplanes having MSN 021 through 029 inclusive, or 031 
through 034 inclusive: Replace the forward pintle pins fitted to the 
MLG in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4058, dated 
April 10, 1995, or Revision 1, dated May 17, 1995.
    (3) For airplanes having MSN 002 through 009 inclusive, 011, 013 
through 016 inclusive, 018 through 029 inclusive, or 031 through 036 
inclusive: Replace the shortening mechanism bellcrank pin of the MLG 
in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A340-32-4062, dated May 
17, 1995.
    (c) For airplanes having MSN 002 through 009 inclusive, 011, 013 
through 016 inclusive, 018 through 029 inclusive, or 031 through 036 
inclusive: Prior to the accumulation of 7,250 total landings, or 
within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later, replace the bellcrank subassembly of the shortening 
mechanism of the MLG in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin 
A340-32-4062, dated May 17, 1995.
    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, 
Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the Standardization Branch, ANM-113.

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where 
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following 
Airbus service bulletins, which contain the following list of 
effective pages:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Airbus service bulletin and date                        Page No.               Revision level shown on page          Date shown on page        
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A340-32-4050, April 10, 1995.....................  1-15-                                (Original)-                   April 10, 1995.                   
A340-32-4050, Revision 1, May 17, 1995-..........  1, 2, 5, 10-                         1-                            May 17, 1995.                     
                                                   3, 4, 6-9, 11-15-                    (Original)-                   April 10, 1995.                   
A340-32-4058, April 10, 1995.....................  1-10-                                (Original)-                   April 10, 1995.                   
A340-32-4058, Revision 1, May 17, 1995-..........  1-3, 7-9-                            1-                            May 17, 1995.                     
                                                   4-6, 10-                             (Original)-                   April 10, 1995.                   
A340-32-4062, May 17, 1995.......................  1-10-                                (Original)-                   May 17, 1995.                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be 
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
    (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 11, 1996.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 7, 1996.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-3149 Filed 2-22-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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