[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 132 (Wednesday, July 10, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41286-41289]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-15335]
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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;
Amendment 39-17492; AD 2013-13-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
[[Page 41287]]
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a report of an uncommanded nose landing gear (NLG)
retraction. This AD requires installing a power interruption protection
circuit for the landing gear control interface unit (LGCIU). 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.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 14, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 14,
2013.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
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:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on October 3, 2012 (77
FR 60331). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which
is the aviation authority 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 Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``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 [installation of
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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Reference Latest Service Information
Airbus requested that we refer to Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-
32-1346, Revision 05, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated January 13,
2012. US Airways and Virgin America requested that the NPRM (77 FR
60331, October 3, 2012) mandate this revision in lieu of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 04, including
Appendices 01 and 02, dated April 22, 2011.
We disagree with the requests. We reviewed Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 05, including Appendices 01 and 02,
dated January 13, 2012. Revision 05 requires additional work such as
changes to the part number of a placard and adds a test of a battery
relay. Therefore, referring to that revision of the service information
in the final rule would require issuance of a supplemental NPRM. In
light of this, and in the interest of the safety of the flying public,
we will reference the service information that was referenced in the
proposed NPRM (77 FR 60331, October 3, 2012) so as to not delay
issuance of this final rule. Airbus or affected operators may, however,
request approval to use a later revision of referenced service
information as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph (j) of this AD. We have not
changed the AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD as proposed--except for minor editorial changes. We have
determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 60331, October 3, 2012) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 60331, October 3, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 755 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 48 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $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 this AD to the
U.S. operators to be up to $9,286,500, or up to $12,300 per product.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://
[[Page 41288]]
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 the 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2013-13-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-17492. Docket No. FAA-2012-1035;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-235-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 14,
2013.
(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 01 and 02,
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 03, 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 on which the installation required by paragraph
(g) of this AD have been done before the effective date of this AD
using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, dated December 4, 2008
(for Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes other than
Model A319CJ (corporate jet) airplanes): Within 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 04,
including Appendices 01 and 02, dated April 22, 2011 (for Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes other than 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 are not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 01, dated
October 27, 2009 (for Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes).
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 02, dated
November 4, 2009 (for Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes).
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 03, 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 01, dated
August 31, 2009, (for Model A319CJ (corporate jet) airplanes).
(6) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1349, Revision 02, 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, 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 Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2011-
0202, dated October 13, 2011, for related information. This MCAI may
be viewed on the Internet at http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2011_0202.pdf.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference may be obtained at the addresses specified
in paragraphs (l)(3) and (l)(4) of this AD. (l)
Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1346, Revision 04, including
Appendices 01 and 02, dated April 22, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1349, Revision 03,
including Appendix 1, dated October 5, 2011.
(3) 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.
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane
[[Page 41289]]
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 14, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-15335 Filed 7-9-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P