Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200 Series Airplanes; and Model A320-111 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 247 (Tuesday, December 27, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 76378-76381]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-24344]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-23382; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-221-AD; 
Amendment 39-14428; AD 2005-26-07]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-
200, A321-100, and A321-200 Series Airplanes; and Model A320-111 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200 
series airplanes; and Model A320-111 airplanes. This AD requires 
revising the airplane flight manual by incorporating new procedures to 
follow in the event of a fuel leak. This AD results from a 
determination that, once a fuel leak is detected, fuel management 
procedures are a critical factor in limiting the consequences of the 
leak. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is advised 
of appropriate procedures to follow in the event of a fuel leak, such 
as isolating the fuel tanks, stopping any fuel transfers, and landing 
as soon as possible. Failure to follow these procedures could result in 
excessive fuel loss that could cause the engines to shut down during 
flight.

DATES: This AD becomes effective January 11, 2006.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of January 11, 
2006.
    We must receive comments on this AD by February 27, 2006.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.

[[Page 76379]]

    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), 
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on all Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, 
A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200 series airplanes; and Model A320-111 
airplanes. The DGAC advises of an incident in which an Airbus A330-200 
series airplane was diverted due to an extensive fuel leak. During the 
diversion, both engines shut down due to lack of fuel. The airplane 
made a successful emergency landing. This event and a subsequent review 
of major fuel leaks demonstrated that, after a fuel leak is detected, 
the flightcrew's fuel management procedures are a critical factor in 
limiting the consequences of a fuel leak. Failure to follow proper 
procedures in the event of a fuel leak could result in excessive fuel 
loss that could cause the engines to shut down during flight.
    The fuel systems on Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-200, 
A321-100, and A321-200 series airplanes; and Model A320-111 airplanes; 
is similar to that on the affected Model A330-200 series airplane. 
Therefore, Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-200, A321-100, and 
A321-200 series airplanes; and Model A320-111 airplanes; may be subject 
to the unsafe condition revealed on the Model A330-200 series airplane.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued the temporary revisions (TRs) to the Limitations 
section of the A318/A319/A320/A321 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) listed 
in the table below.

                                                 Airbus AFM TRs
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      Affected Airbus Airplane Models/Series           AFM TR                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A320-111 airplanes and A320-200 series airplanes       4.02.00/28  February 21, 2005.
 on which Airbus Modification 20024 has not been
 done.
A320-111 airplanes; and A318-100, A319-100, and        4.02.00/29  February 22, 2005.
 A320-200 series airplanes; on which Airbus
 Modification 20024 has been done.
A321-100 and A321-200 series airplanes...........      4.02.00/30  February 23, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The TRs describe new procedures to follow in the event of a fuel 
leak. These procedures involve isolating the fuel tanks and stopping 
any fuel transfers in order to determine the location of a fuel leak, 
and landing as soon as possible. The DGAC mandated the TRs and issued 
French airworthiness directive F-2005-165, dated September 28, 2005, to 
ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is 
advised of appropriate procedures to follow in the event of a fuel 
leak. Failure to follow these procedures could result in excessive fuel 
loss that could cause the engines to shut down during flight. This AD 
requires revising the AFM to include the TRs described previously.

Differences Between the AD and French Airworthiness Directive

    The French airworthiness directive requires revising the AFM before 
further flight. This AD requires revising the AFM within 15 days after 
the effective date of the AD. In developing an appropriate compliance 
time for this AD, we considered the DGAC's recommendation in the French 
airworthiness directive and the degree of urgency associated with the 
subject unsafe condition. In light of all of these factors, we find 
that a 15-day compliance time represents an appropriate interval of 
time for affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising 
safety.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-
23382; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-221-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might 
suggest a need to modify it.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of that Web 
site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.).

[[Page 76380]]

You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

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 have 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 the 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); 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2005-26-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-14428. Docket No. FAA-2005-23382; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-221-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective January 11, 2006.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111, A318-112, 
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, and 
A321-231 airplanes; certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a determination that, once a fuel leak 
is detected, fuel management procedures are a critical factor in 
limiting the consequences of the leak. We are issuing this AD to 
ensure that the flightcrew is advised of appropriate procedures to 
follow in the event of a fuel leak, such as isolating the fuel 
tanks, stopping any fuel transfers, and landing as soon as possible. 
Failure to follow these procedures could result in excessive fuel 
loss that could cause the engines to shut down during flight.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (f) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations section of the A318/A319/A320/A321 AFM to include 
the information in the applicable temporary revision (TR) listed in 
Table 1 of this AD. Thereafter, operate the airplane according to 
the limitations and procedures in the applicable TR.

                                            Table 1.--Airbus AFM TRs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Airbus models                          AFM TR                       Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A320-111, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-231, A320-   4.02.00/28  February 21, 2005.
 232, and A320-233 airplanes; on which Airbus
 Modification 20024 has not been done.
A318-111, A318-112, A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-   4.02.00/29  February 22, 2005.
 114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-111,
 A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-231, A320-232, and
 A320-233 airplanes; on which Airbus Modification 20024
 has been done.
A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, and A321-231      4.02.00/30  February 23, 2005.
 airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Note 1:
    The action required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be done by 
inserting in the AFM a copy of the applicable TR listed in Table 1 
of this AD. When this TR has been included in general revisions of 
the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, provided 
the relevant information in the general revision is identical to 
that in the applicable TR listed in Table 1 of this AD.

Special Flight Permits

    (g) Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 
(``Special flight permits'') and Section 21.199 (``Issue of special 
flight permits'') of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are not allowed.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (h)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.

[[Page 76381]]

    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (i) French airworthiness directive F-2005-165, dated September 
28, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the documents listed in Table 2 of this AD to 
perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved 
the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this 
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management 
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., 
Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

              Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Airbus Temporary Revision to the
 A318/A319/A320/A321 Airplane Flight                 Date
               Manual
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.02.00/28..........................  February 21, 2005.
4.02.00/29..........................  February 22, 2005.
4.02.00/30..........................  February 23, 2005.
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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 14, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-24344 Filed 12-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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