[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 126 (Monday, July 1, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39190-39193]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-15663]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0543; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-202-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 all
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by a determination that certain special washers used in
the retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing installation in the main
landing gear (MLG) were incorrectly manufactured. This proposed AD
would require an inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH)
MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing assemblies to verify that
the special washer is seated correctly, and related investigative and
corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and
correct
[[Page 39191]]
installation of incorrectly manufactured special washers, which could
lead to a local stress concentration resulting in possible reduction of
the fatigue life of the jack fitting, and consequent reduction of the
structural integrity of the affected MLG.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 15, 2013.
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--EIAS, 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.
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-2013-0543;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-202-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 2012-0223, dated October 23, 2012 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
Airbus identified a batch of special washers, Part Number (P/N)
D5725260120000 and P/N D5725664320000, which were incorrectly
manufactured and delivered as spares from the supplier between
October 2006 and January 2010. As a result of these manufacturing
defects, the affected washers differ geometrically from the design
specifications. The results of further analyses on Airbus A318,
A319, A320 and A321 aeroplanes demonstrate that the affected washers
could be seated incorrectly when installed on aeroplanes, which
could affect the main landing gear (MLG) retraction jack anchorage
fitting bearing installation.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a
local stress concentration which may reduce the fatigue life of the
jack fitting, possibly reducing the structural integrity of the
affected MLG.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time detailed visual inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand
(RH) MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing assemblies to
verify that the special washer is seated correctly and, depending on
findings, the accomplishment of applicable [related investigative
action and] corrective actions.
The related investigative action is a detailed inspection of the jack
anchorage fitting for damage, corrosion, cracks or other defects.
Corrective actions include replacing the special washer with a new
special washer and repairing the jack anchorage fitting if there are
signs of damage, corrosion, or other defects. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision
01, dated September 18, 2012, and the following tasks in Subject 57-26-
13, Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus
A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 50,
dated November 1, 2012.
Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, Installation of the Bearing
Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin.
Task 57-26-13-400-002-A, Installation of the Bearing
Assembly of the MLG Actuator Attachment.
Task 57-26-13-400-004-A, Installation of the Bearing Seals
of the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly.
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.
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service
Information
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated September
18, 2012, specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how
to repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require
repairing those conditions using a method approved by either the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate,
FAA; or the EASA (or its delegated agent).
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 851 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 3 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be
[[Page 39192]]
$217,005, or $255 per product. In addition, we estimate that any
necessary follow-on actions would take about 15 work-hours, for a cost
of $1,275 per product. We have received no definitive data that would
enable us to provide part cost estimates for the on-condition actions
specified in this proposed AD. We have no way of determining the number
of products that may need these actions.
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 this proposed
regulation:
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
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2013-0543; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
202-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 15, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes listed in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(3) Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that certain special
washers used in retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing
installation in the main landing gear (MLG) were incorrectly
manufactured. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
installation of incorrectly manufactured special washers, which
could lead to a local stress concentration resulting in possible
reduction of the fatigue life of the jack fitting, and consequent
reduction of the structural integrity of the affected MLG.
(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) Detailed Inspection
Within 21,300 flight cycles after August 1, 2006, or within 30
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do
a detailed inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) MLG
retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing assemblies for correct
installation, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated September
18, 2012, except as specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of
this AD.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The affected special washers
having part numbers (P/N) D5725260120000 and P/N D5725664320000 were
manufactured between October 2006 and January 2010.
(h) Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
If any special washer is found incorrectly seated during the
inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further
flight, do all applicable related investigative and corrective
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated September
18, 2012, except as specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD.
(i) Exceptions to Inspections and Service Information
(1) Airplanes on which Airbus modification 39730 or Airbus
modification 150311 has been embodied in production, or on which
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1157 has been embodied in service,
do not have to be inspected as required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
unless a special washer having P/N D5725260120000 or P/N
D5725664320000 has been installed since the airplane's first flight,
or since modification as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
57-1157, as applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is
acceptable to make this determination if the part numbers of the
special washers and modification status can be conclusively
determined from that review.
(2) MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing assemblies on
which no special washer replacement has been accomplished after
August 1, 2006; and MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing
assemblies on which a special washer replacement has been
accomplished as specified in Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, Installation
of the Bearing Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin; Task 57-26-13-
400-002-A, Installation of the Bearing Assembly of the MLG Actuator
Attachment; and Task 57-26-13-400-004-A Installation of the Bearing
Seals of the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly; of Subject 57-26-13,
Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus
A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 50,
dated November 1, 2012; do not have to be inspected as required by
paragraph (g) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records
is acceptable to make this determination if the status can be
conclusively determined from that review.
(3) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01,
dated September 18, 2012, specifies to contact Airbus and apply
corrective action defined by Airbus: Before further flight, repair
the jack anchorage fitting using a method approved by either the
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or
its delegated agent).
[[Page 39193]]
(j) Parts Installation Limitations
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on
any airplane, a special washer having P/N D5725260120000 or P/N
D5725664320000, unless it is installed in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169,
Revision 01, dated September 18, 2012; or in accordance with the
instructions specified in the tasks identified in paragraphs (j)(1),
(j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD.
(1) Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, Installation of the Bearing
Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin, in Subject 57-26-13,
Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus
A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 50,
dated November 1, 2012.
(2) Task 57-26-13-400-002-A, Installation of the Bearing
Assembly of the MLG Actuator Attachment, in Subject 57-26-13,
Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus
A318/A319/A320/A321 AMM, Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012.
(3) Task 57-26-13-400-004-A Installation of the Bearing Seals of
the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly, in Subject 57-26-13, Attachment--
Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus A318/A319/
A320/A321 AMM, Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, dated
January 10, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, 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.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0223, dated October 23,
2012; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated
September 18, 2012; and the following tasks specified in Subject 57-
26-13, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 AMM,
Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012; for related information.
(i) Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, Installation of the Bearing
Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin.
(ii) Task 57-26-13-400-002-A, Installation of the Bearing
Assembly of the MLG Actuator Attachment.
(iii) Task 57-26-13-400-004-A, Installation of the Bearing Seals
of the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 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. 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 June 17, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-15663 Filed 6-28-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P