[Federal Register: September 2, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 169)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 52148]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02se03-26]
[[Page 52148]]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-CE-05-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE Models TB
9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, TB 200, TMB 700, Rallye 100S, Rallye 150T,
Rallye 150ST, Rallye 235E, and Rallye 235C Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This document withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
that would have applied to all SOCATA--Groupe AEROSPATIALE (SOCATA)
Models TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, TB 200, TMB 700, Rallye 100S, Rallye
150T, Rallye 150ST, Rallye 235E, and Rallye 235C airplanes. The
proposed AD would have required you to replace certain safety belts and
restraint systems. Comments received on the NPRM suggest that FAA
withdraw the proposal and that FAA consider issuing a new NPRM to
propose that you do similar actions on any aircraft that incorporates
the affected seatbelts, not just the SOCATA airplanes. We agree and are
withdrawing the NPRM.
ADDRESSES: You may look at information related to this action at FAA,
Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, Attention: Rules Docket
No. 2003-CE-05-AD, 901 Locust, Room 506, Kansas City, Missouri 64106,
between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karl Schletzbaum, Aerospace Engineer,
FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City,
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4146; facsimile: (816) 329-4090.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
What Action Has FAA Taken to Date?
We issued a proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an AD that would apply to all
SOCATA Models TB 9, TB 10, TB 20, TB 21, TB 200, TMB 700, Rallye 100S,
Rallye 150T, Rallye 150ST, Rallye 235E, and Rallye 235C airplanes. This
proposal was published in the Federal Register as a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) on March 7, 2003 (68 FR 11015). The NPRM proposed to
require you to replace certain safety belts and restraint systems.
Was the Public Invited To Comment?
The FAA invited interested persons to participate in the making of
this amendment. We received 23 comments from 3 commenters on the
proposed AD. The majority of the comments reflect the public's desire
to have FAA withdraw the proposal and recommend that FAA consider
issuing an NPRM to:
--Inspect certain safety belts and restraint systems that are installed
in airplanes for defects and service life limits;
--Repair defective safety belts and restraint systems that have not
reached service life limits; and
--Replace safety belts and restraint systems that have reached service
life limits.
The commenters request that these actions apply to any aircraft
that incorporates the affected seatbelts, not just the SOCATA
airplanes.
The FAA's Analysis and Final Determination
Is There Additional Information Related to This Subject?
The following information applies to the subject of this AD Action:
--The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, has issued French ADs Number 2002-
104(AB), Revision 2; and Number 2002-105(AB) Revision 2;
--The above French ADs are equipment-related ADs and apply to all
aircraft equipped with certain Anjou Aeronautique (ANJOU) (formerly TRW
Repa S.A., formerly L'AIGLON) safety belts and restraint systems; and
--Aircraft that are equipped with the Anjou safety belts and restraint
systems include small airplanes, transport airplanes, and helicopters.
What Is FAA's Final Determination on This Issue?
Based on this information, we have determined that we should
withdraw the NPRM and initiate a separate AD action (NPRM) for certain
ANJOU safety belts and restraint systems that are installed in
aircraft.
Withdrawal of this NPRM does not prevent us from issuing another
notice in the future, nor does it commit us to any future action.
Regulatory Impact
Does This AD Involve a Significant Rule or Regulatory Action?
Since this action only withdraws a proposed AD, it is not an AD
and, therefore, is not covered under Executive Order 12866, the
Regulatory Flexibility Act, or DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979).
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Withdrawal
Accordingly, FAA withdraws the notice of proposed rulemaking,
Docket No. 2003-CE-05-AD, which was published in the Federal Register
on March 7, 2003 (68 FR 11015).
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 25, 2003.
Michael Gallagher,
Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 03-22258 Filed 8-29-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P