Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319 and A320-200 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 3 (Wednesday, January 5, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 685-687]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-103]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-135-AD; Amendment 39-13925; AD 2005-01-01]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319 and A320-200 Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A319 and A320-200 series 
airplanes, that currently requires repetitive inspections to detect 
loose, missing, or discrepant rivets in specified areas of the door 
frames of the overwing emergency exits; measurement of the grip length 
of all rivets in the specified areas; and corrective action if 
necessary, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This new 
amendment also requires an inspection for correct dimensions of the 
interior countersinks of the rivet holes, and related corrective 
action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loose, 
missing, or discrepant rivets, which could lead to reduced structural 
integrity of the door frames of the overwing emergency exits. This 
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective February 9, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain service information, as 
listed in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal 
Register as of February 9, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain other service 
information, as listed in the regulations, was approved previously by 
the Director of the Federal Register as of April 5, 2002 (67 FR 9392, 
March 1, 2002).

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac 
Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,

[[Page 686]]

Renton, Washington; or 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2002-04-10, 
amendment 39-12667 (67 FR 9392, March 1, 2002), which is applicable to 
certain Airbus Model A319 and A320-200 series airplanes, was published 
in the Federal Register on April 7, 2004 (69 FR 18304). The action 
proposed to retain the existing requirements for repetitive inspections 
for loose, missing, or discrepant rivets in specified areas of the door 
frames of the overwing emergency exits; and measurement of the grip 
length of all rivets in the specified areas; and corrective action if 
necessary, which terminates the repetitive inspections. The proposed AD 
also proposed to add an inspection for correct dimensions of the 
interior countersinks of the rivet holes, and related corrective 
action.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been 
submitted on the proposed AD. The commenters support the proposed AD.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments that have been submitted, and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Cost Impact

    This AD affects about 168 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The inspections required by AD 2002-04-10 take about 1 work hour 
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on 
these figures, the cost impact of those inspections is estimated to be 
$65 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The new inspection required by this AD takes about 1 work hour per 
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the new inspection on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $10,920, or $65 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this 
AD, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future 
if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD 
rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the 
specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically 
do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain 
access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other 
administrative 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 Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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

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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-12667 (67 FR 9392, 
March 1, 2002), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
amendment 39-13925, to read as follows:

2005-01-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-13925. Docket 2003-NM-135-AD. 
Supersedes AD 2002-04-10, Amendment 39-12667.

    Applicability: Model A319 series airplanes and A320-200 series 
airplanes; certificated in any category; as listed in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated September 22, 2000; Revision 02, dated 
December 3, 2002; or Revision 03, dated August 5, 2003.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent loose, missing, or discrepant rivets in specified 
areas of the door frames of the overwing emergency exits, which 
could lead to reduced structural integrity of the door frames, 
accomplish the following:

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2002-04-10

Repetitive Inspections

    (a) Within 3,500 flight cycles after April 5, 2002 (the 
effective date of AD 2002-04-10, amendment 39-12667): Conduct a 
detailed inspection of the specified areas of the door frames of the 
overwing emergency exits for loose, missing, or discrepant rivets, 
in accordance with Part B and Figure 5 of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated 
September 22, 2000; Revision 02, dated December 3, 2002; or Revision 
03, dated August 5, 2003. If no loose, missing, or discrepant rivets 
are found, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,500 
flight cycles until the requirements of paragraph (d) have been 
accomplished. As of the effective date of this AD, only Revision 02 
or Revision 03 of the service bulletin may be used.


[[Page 687]]


    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific 
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, 
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally 
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity 
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, 
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate 
access procedures may be required.''

Corrective Action

    (b) If the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
reveals that there are loose, missing, or discrepant rivets: Prior 
to further flight, accomplish the requirements of either paragraph 
(b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Part C and Figure 5 
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
53-1147, dated September 22, 2000; Revision 02, dated December 3, 
2002; or Revision 03, dated August 5, 2003. As of the effective date 
of this AD, only Revision 02 or Revision 03 of the service bulletin 
may be used.
    (1) Measure the grip length of all rivets in the specified areas 
in which the loose, missing, or discrepant rivets were detected and 
perform corrective action (e.g., inspecting rivet holes for cracks, 
opening up rivet holes, repairing cracks at rivet holes, and 
installing new rivets) as applicable, per the service bulletin; 
except as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD. Repeat the detailed 
visual inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals 
not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles until the requirements of 
paragraph (d) of this AD have been accomplished.
    (2) Measure the grip length of all rivets in all specified areas 
and perform corrective action (e.g., inspecting rivet holes for 
cracks, opening up rivet holes, repairing cracks at rivet holes, and 
installing new rivets) as applicable, per the service bulletin; 
except as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD.
    (c) If Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated September 22, 
2000; Revision 02, dated December 3, 2002; or Revision 03, dated 
August 5, 2003; recommends contacting the manufacturer for 
instructions concerning certain repairs, perform those repairs in 
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, or by the 
Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile or its 
delegated agent.

Terminating Action

    (d) Prior to the accumulation of 24,000 total flight cycles or 
within 3,500 flight cycles after April 5, 2002, whichever occurs 
later: Accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this AD, 
which constitutes terminating action for the requirements specified 
in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.

New Requirements of This AD

Inspection of Interior Countersinks/Corrective Action

    (e) Prior to the accumulation of 24,000 total flight cycles or 
within 3,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later: Do a detailed inspection for correct 
dimensions of the interior countersinks of the rivet holes of the 
door frames of the overwing emergency exits; and any related 
corrective action; per the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, Revision 02, including Appendix 01, 
dated December 3, 2002; or Revision 03, including Appendix 01, dated 
August 5, 2003. Do any related corrective action within 1,000 flight 
cycles after doing the inspection.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

     (f)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative 
methods of compliance for this AD.
    (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously per 
AD 2002-04-10, amendment 39-12667, are approved as alternative 
methods of compliance with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2003-147(B) R1, dated May 14, 2003.

Incorporation by Reference

    (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be 
done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated 
September 22, 2000; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, Revision 
02, including Appendix 01, dated December 3, 2002; or Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1147, Revision 03, including Appendix 01, dated 
August 5, 2003.
    (1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-53-1147, Revision 02, including Appendix 01, dated December 3, 
2002; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, Revision 03, 
including Appendix 01, dated August 5, 2003, is approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-53-1147, dated September 22, 2000, was approved previously by 
the Director of the Federal Register as of April 5, 2002 (67 FR 
9392, March 1, 2002).
    (3) Copies may be obtained from Airbus, 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 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Effective Date

    (h) This amendment becomes effective on February 9, 2005.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 27, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-103 Filed 1-4-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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