[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 192 (Wednesday, October 3, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60331-60333]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-24394]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-1035; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-235-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report of an uncommanded nose landing
gear (NLG) retraction. This proposed AD would require installing a
power interruption protection circuit for the landing gear control
interface unit (LGCIU). We are proposing this AD to prevent untimely
unlocking and/or retraction of the NLG, which, while on the ground,
could result in injury to ground personnel and damage to the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 19,
2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44
51; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket
shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405;
fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-1035;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-235-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0202, dated October 13, 2011 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
After a push back from the gate, an A320 aeroplane was preparing
to initiate taxi, when an uncommanded nose landing gear (NLG)
retraction occurred, causing the nose of the aeroplane to hit the
ground. Investigations revealed that the retraction was caused by a
combination of a power interruption to LGCIUs [landing gear control
interface unit] and an internal hydraulic leak through the landing
gear (LG) selector valve 40GA.
Deeper investigations have revealed that LGCIU power
interruption appears during engine start at each flight. Even though
no incident has been reported in service, it has been determined
that a non compliance to the safety objective exists when combined
with a dormant single failure of the selector valve seal leaking.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to further
incidents of untimely unlocking and/or retraction of the NLG which,
while on the ground, could result in injury to ground personnel and
damage to the aeroplane.
To address the possible hydraulic leak of the LG selector valve,
EASA issued AD 2007-0065, currently at Revision 2.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
installation of a power interruption protection circuit to the LGCIU
and the accomplishment of associated modifications [install new
seals on nose landing gear (NLG)/main landing gear (MLG) door valve
selector and gear valve-selector and for certain airplanes, re-
identification of identification plates].
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service bulletins:
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 04,
including Appendices 1 and 2, dated April 22, 2011 (for Model A318,
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes).
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1349, Revision 03,
including Appendix 1, dated October 5, 2011 (for Model A319CJ
(corporate jet) airplanes).
The actions described in this service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
[[Page 60332]]
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 755 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 48 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Required parts would cost up to $8,220 per product. Where
the service information lists required parts costs that are covered
under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these
parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties,
some parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these
figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be up to $9,286,500, or up to $12,300 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2012-1035; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
235-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by November 19, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-111, A318-112, A318-121,
A318-122, A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-
131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-111, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214,
A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-
211, A321-212, A321-213, A321-231, and A321-232 airplanes;
certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial numbers,
except airplanes on which Airbus modification 37866 has been
embodied in production.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of an uncommanded nose landing
gear (NLG) retraction. We are issuing this AD to prevent untimely
unlocking and/or retraction of the NLG, which, while on the ground,
could result in injury to ground personnel and damage to the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Modification
At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (g)(1)
or (g)(2) of this AD: Install a power interruption protection
circuit for the landing gear control interface unit (LGCIU), in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 04, including Appendices 1 and 2,
dated April 22, 2011 (for Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes other than the Model A319CJ (corporate jet) airplanes); or
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1349, Revision 3, including Appendix
1, dated October 5, 2011 (for Model A319CJ (corporate jet)
airplanes).
(1) For airplanes that have embodied Airbus modification 38947
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1348 during production
or in service: Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For all airplanes other than those identified in paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD: Within 60 months after the effective date of this
AD.
(h) Re-Identification of Identification Plates
For airplanes that have done the installation required by
paragraph (g) of this AD before the effective date of this AD using
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, dated December 4, 2008 (for
airplanes other than the Model A319CJ (corporate jet) airplanes): At
the applicable times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of
this AD, re-identify the identification plates, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-
1346, Revision 4, including Appendices 1 and 2, dated April 22, 2011
(for airplanes other than the Model A319CJ (corporate jet)
airplanes).
(i) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using the service information specified in
paragraphs (i)(1) through (i)(6) of this AD which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD:
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 1, dated
October 27, 2009 (for Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes).
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 2, dated
November 4, 2009 (for Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes).
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 3, dated
January 7, 2010 (for Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes).
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1349, dated December 4, 2008
(for Model A319CJ (corporate jet) airplanes).
(5) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1349, Revision 1, dated
August 31, 2009, (for Model A319CJ (corporate jet) airplanes).
(6) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1349, Revision 2, dated June
16, 2010 (for Model A319CJ (corporate jet) airplanes).
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANM-
116,
[[Page 60333]]
International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may
be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2011-0202, dated October 13, 2011, and the service
information specified in paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this
AD, for related information.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 4, including
Appendices 1 and 2, dated April 22, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1349, Revision 03,
including Appendix 1, dated October 5, 2011.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 26, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-24394 Filed 10-2-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P