The Federal Register

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

Tue, Jun 24 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

Damage to the lower lateral fittings of the 80VU rack * * * [and] damage to the lower central support fitting * * *.

In the worst case scenario a complete failure of the 80VU fittings in combination with a high load factor or strong vibration could lead to failure of the rack structure and/or computers or rupture/disconnection of the cable harnesses to one or more computers located in the 80VU. This rack contains computers for Flight Controls, Communication and Radionavigation. These functions are duplicated across other racks but during critical phases of flight the multiple system failures/reconfiguration may constitute an unsafe condition.
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The

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, and A340-300 Series Airplanes

Tue, Jun 24 2008 11:00:00 GMT

During manufacturing of A330/A340 aircraft framework, cracks have been found on Frame (FR) 12, left (LH) and right (RH) sides. It has been confirmed that a defect of the FR12 forming tool press is the root cause of the cracks.

If undetected such damage could affect, after propagation, the structural integrity of the aircraft.
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The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, and A340-300 Series Airplanes

Tue, Jun 24 2008 11:00:00 GMT

During fatigue tests (EF3) on the A340600, damages were found in longitudinal doubler
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at VTP (vertical tail plane) attachment cutout between Frame (FR) 80 and FR86. This damage occurred between 58341 and 72891 simulated flight cycles (FC).

Due to the higher Design Service Goal and different design (e.g. doubler thickness) [of the] A330200/300 and A340300 aircraft series, the damage assessment concluded [there was] potential impact on [the airplanes specified in the] applicability.
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The unsafe condition is crack propagation in the VTP attachment cutout, which could reduce airplane structural integrity in the tail section. The proposed

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes

Tue, Jun 24 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737300, 400, and 500 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the 1.04inch nominal diameter wire penetration hole in the
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frame and frame reinforcement, between stringers S20 and S21, on both the left and right sides of the airplane, and related investigative/ corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD results from reports of cracking in the frame, or in the frame and frame reinforcement, common to the 1.04inch nominal diameter wire penetration hole intended for wire routing. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the fuselage frames and frame reinforcements, which could reduce the structural capability of the frames to sustain limit loads, and result in cracking in the fuselage skin and subsequent rapid depressurization of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-600, -700, and -800 Series Airplanes

Tue, Jun 24 2008 11:00:00 GMT

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737600, 700, and 800 series airplanes. This proposed AD would require inspecting the free flange of the lower stringers of the wing center section for drill starts, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. This proposed AD results from drill starts being found on the free flange of the lower stringers of the wing center section during a quality assurance inspection at the final assembly plant. We are proposing this AD to prevent cracks from propagating from drill starts in the free flange of the lower stringers of the wing center section, which could cause a loss of structural integrity of the wing center section and may result in a fuel leak.

Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 190 Airplanes

Tue, Jun 24 2008 11:00:00 GMT

During aircraft structure fatigue tests, cracks were found in the wing lower skin stringers between ribs 7 and 10 on both wings. In order to prevent fatigue cracks in the wing lower skin stringers, which could result in fuel leakage and reduced structural integrity of the wing, the referred stringers must be reworked.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

Petition for Approval of Alternate Odometer Disclosure Requirements

Tue, Jun 24 2008 11:00:00 GMT

The Commonwealth of Virginia has petitioned for approval of alternate requirements governing certain aspects of the Federal odometer law. NHTSA has initially determined that Virginia's proposed alternate requirements are generally consistent with the purposes of the applicable portion of the federal odometer disclosure law. Accordingly, NHTSA preliminarily grants Virginia's petition. This is not a final agency action.

Union Pacific Railroad Company--Abandonment Exemption--in Saline County, MO

Tue, Jun 24 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) has filed a notice of exemption under 49 CFR 1152 Subpart FExempt Abandonments to abandon the Marshall Industrial Lead, a 6.2mile line of railroad, extending from milepost 0.0 to milepost 2.2, in Saline County, MO.\1\ The line traverses United States Postal Service Zip Code 65340.
\1\ This description is derived from the 1918 Missouri Pacific Railroad Company valuation map showing the line as being from survey station 0+00 at the connection with the River Subdivision, hereinafter equaling milepost 0.0, to survey station 116+59 at the connection with Kansas City Southern (KCS), hereinafter equaling milepost 2.2, in and around Marshall.

UP has certified that: (1) No local traffic has moved over the line for at least 2 years; (2) there is no overhead traffic on the line; (3) no formal complaint filed by a user of rail service on the line (or by a state or local government entity acting on behalf of such user) regarding cessation of service over the li