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

[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 157 (Monday, August 14, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49481-49483]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-20504]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-331-AD; Amendment 39-11769; AD 2000-11-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; correction.

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SUMMARY: This document corrects information in an existing 
airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A319, 
A320, and A321 series airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time 
general visual inspection to determine the part number and serial 
number of the spoiler servocontrol, and corrective action, if 
necessary. This document corrects the type of inspection required by 
this AD, and corrects references to certain paragraphs of the 
applicable service bulletins. These corrections are necessary to ensure 
that operators are notified of the type of inspection required and the 
correct paragraph references of the applicable service bulletins.

DATES: Effective July 18, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of July 18, 2000 (65 FR 37017, June 13, 2000).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 1, 2000, the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA) issued AD 2000-11-21, amendment 39-11769, which 
applies to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. 
That AD requires a one-time general visual inspection to determine the 
part number

[[Page 49482]]

and serial number of the spoiler servocontrol, and corrective action, 
if necessary. That AD was prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. 
The actions required by that AD are intended to prevent failure of the 
spoiler servocontrol piston rod, which could result in reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

Need for the Correction

    Paragraph (a) of AD 2000-11-21 specifies a ``general visual 
inspection.'' However, the FAA points out that since the inspection is 
to determine the part number and serial number of certain components, 
it is unnecessary to require a general visual inspection. Likewise, it 
is unnecessary to include the definition of that inspection in Note 2 
following paragraph (a) of that AD. Instead, the FAA considers that an 
``inspection'' rather than a ``general visual inspection'' adequately 
describes the action required by this AD to determine the part number 
and serial number for the spoiler servocontrols. Paragraph (a) of this 
AD reflects these changes.
    In addition, the FAA recently obtained information that paragraphs 
(a) and (b) of AD 2000-11-21 contain incorrect paragraph references to 
the applicable service bulletins. The information specifies that 
paragraph (a) should reference paragraph 3.B.(1)(b) instead of 
paragraph 2.B.(1)(b) of the applicable service bulletins, and that 
paragraph (b) should reference paragraph 3.B.(1)(b)1 instead of 
paragraph 2.B.(1)(b)1. However, the FAA points out that paragraphs 
2.B.(1)(b) and 2.B.(1)(b)1 are the correct paragraph references 
specified by Airbus Service Bulletin A320-17-1126 and A320-27-1127, 
both dated April 26, 1999. In addition, paragraphs 3.B.(1)(b) and 
3.B.(1)(b)1 are the correct paragraph references specified by Revision 
01 of those service bulletins, both dated October 6, 1999. Therefore, 
in paragraph (a) of this AD, the FAA has added a reference to paragraph 
3.B(1)(b) of Revision 01 of the service bulletins, and in paragraph (b) 
of this AD, the FAA has added a reference to paragraph 3.B(1)(b)1 of 
Revision 01 of the service bulletins.
    The FAA has determined that such corrections to paragraphs (a) and 
(b) of AD 2000-11-21 are necessary. These corrections will ensure that 
operators are notified of the correct type of inspection required by 
this AD, and the correct paragraph references of the applicable service 
bulletins.

Correction of Publication

    This document corrects the type of inspection required by this AD, 
corrects certain paragraph references to the applicable service 
bulletins, and adds the AD as an amendment to section 39.13 of the 
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13).
    The AD is reprinted in its entirety for the convenience of affected 
operators. The effective date of the AD remains July 18, 2000.
    Since this action only corrects the type of inspection required 
(and removes Note 2 defining the previously specified inspection), and 
corrects certain paragraph references to the applicable service 
bulletins, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional 
burden on any person. Therefore, the FAA has determined that notice and 
public procedures are unnecessary.

List of Subject in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Correction

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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  [Corrected]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by correctly adding the following 
airworthiness directive (AD):

2000  21 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11769. Docket 99-NM-331-AD.

    Applicability: The following models, certificated in any 
category, excluding those on which Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-
1126, dated April 26, 1999 (for Model A319 and 321 series 
airplanes); or A320-27-1127, dated April 26, 1999, or Revision 01, 
dated October 6, 1999 (for Model A320 series airplanes); has been 
accomplished:
    <bullet> Model A319 series airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 0546 
through 0972 inclusive;
    <bullet> Model A320 series airplanes, S/N 0002 through 0842 
inclusive, 0846 through 0859 inclusive, 0865, 0866, and 0872 through 
0960 inclusive; and
    <bullet> Model A321 series airplanes, S/N 0364 through 0974 
inclusive.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the servocontrol piston rod, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the 
following:

Inspection

    (a) At the applicable time specified by paragraph (a)(1) or 
(a)(2) of this AD: Perform an inspection to determine the part 
number and serial number for the spoiler servocontrols, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1126, dated April 
26, 1999, or Revision 01, dated October 6, 1999 (for Model A319 and 
A321 series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1127, 
dated April 26, 1999, or Revision 01, dated October 6, 1999 (for 
Model A320 series airplanes); as applicable. If the part number and 
serial number are identified in paragraph 2.B.(1)(b) of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the original service bulletins, or in 
paragraph 3.B.(1)(b) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Revision 
01 of the service bulletins; as applicable; prior to further flight, 
perform applicable corrective actions (including removal, 
reidentification of the servocontrol, and replacement of the 
servocontrol with a modified part) as specified in the applicable 
service bulletin.
    (1) For Model A319 and A321 series airplanes: Inspect within 2 
months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For Model A320 series airplanes: Inspect within 28 months 
after the effective date of this AD.

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
on any airplane a spoiler servocontrol having part number 31077-050, 
31077-060, or 31077-110; and S/N 0001 to 3499, except those serial 
numbers excluded in paragraph 2.B.(1)(b)1 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1126, dated April 
26, 1999; or in paragraph 3.B.(1)(b)1 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1126, Revision 01, 
dated October 6, 1999; unless that servocontrol has been inspected, 
and corrective actions have been performed, in accordance with the 
requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators

[[Page 49483]]

shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal 
Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-27-1126, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated April 
26, 1999; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1126, Revision 01, 
including Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 6, 1999; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-27-1127, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated 
April 26, 1999; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1127, Revision 
01, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 6, 1999, as 
applicable. The incorporation by reference of these documents was 
approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of 
July 18, 2000 (65 FR 37017, June 13, 2000). Copies may be obtained 
from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac 
Cedex, France. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or 
at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, 
NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 1999-362-139(B), dated September 8, 1999.

Effective Date

    (f) The effective date of this amendment remains July 18, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 8, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-20504 Filed 8-11-00; 8:45 am]
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