Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 66 (Thursday, April 7, 2005)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17591-17594]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-6685]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19762; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-168-AD; 
Amendment 39-14038; AD 2005-07-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 
Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD 
requires an inspection of the spoiler servo control for certain part 
numbers, and corrective action if necessary. This AD is prompted by a 
report of a broken piston rod bearing of the spoiler servo control. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent breakage of the piston rod bearing, 
which could cause loss of the associated hydraulic system and spoiler 
extension, and could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 12, 2005.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May 
12, 2005.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
    Docket: The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any 
final disposition. You can 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 U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401,

[[Page 17592]]

Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2004-19762; the directorate 
identifier for this docket is 2004-NM-168-AD.

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: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39 
with an AD for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes. That action, published in the Federal Register on December 
7, 2004 (69 FR 70568), proposed to require an inspection of the spoiler 
servo control for certain part numbers and corrective action if 
necessary.

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.

Request To Change Applicability

    One commenter asks that the applicability statement in the proposed 
AD be changed. The commenter states that, as written, the applicability 
does not limit the effectivity, but instead applies to every Model 
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplane previously delivered or that 
is yet to be delivered. The commenter adds that the proposed visual 
inspection would have to be done regardless of the documented status of 
the spoiler servo controls, which introduces unnecessary maintenance 
activity. The commenter notes that paragraph (j) of the proposed AD 
prohibits installation of an affected spoiler servo control on any 
airplane; therefore, the applicability statement could be altered to 
limit the effectivity to those airplanes affected by the service 
bulletins referenced therein. The commenter states that limiting the 
applicability would apply if supporting documentation is provided which 
verifies that no spoiler servo control has been changed before the 
effective date of the AD. The commenter adds that this change would 
provide assurance that all affected spoiler servo controls are removed 
from service and would also eliminate unnecessary maintenance activity. 
The commenter operates 148 Model A319 and A320 series airplanes, but of 
those airplanes, only one spoiler servo control is affected. The 
commenter states that the applicability statement, as written, would 
require that the general visual inspection be done on all 148 
airplanes. In conclusion, the commenter states that the applicability 
should be limited to Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, 
all certified models, all serial numbers, on which Goodrich spoiler 
actuators with part number (P/N) 31077-050, -060, -070, -110, or -112 
are installed.
    We do not agree to change the applicability identified in the 
proposed AD. As specified in the Differences section of the proposed 
AD, ``French airworthiness directive F-2004-122, dated July 21, 2004, 
has an effectivity of `AIRBUS A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft, all 
certified models, all serials numbers, fitted with GOODRICH spoiler 
actuators P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110 or -112.' However, because 
spoiler actuators are interchangeable on Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, 
and A321 series airplanes, airplanes not fitted with the spoiler 
actuators P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110 or -112 may have a spoiler 
actuator P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110 or -112 installed in the 
future by operators during normal maintenance. Therefore, the 
applicability of this proposed AD includes all Airbus Model A318, A319, 
A320, and A321 series airplanes. Both the proposed AD and French 
airworthiness directive require an inspection for the part number of 
the spoiler actuator (spoiler servo control).''
    We do agree to allow a review of the airplane maintenance records 
instead of accomplishing the Phase 1 or Phase 2 inspection. We have 
changed paragraphs (f) and (g) of this final rule to allow a review of 
the airplane maintenance records to determine the part number of the 
spoiler servo controls. However, if the part number cannot be 
positively identified from the records review, the inspection will need 
to be done.

Request To Reference New Service Information

    One commenter asks that Airbus Service Bulletins A320-27-1158 and 
A320-27-1159; both Revision 01; both dated September 3, 2004; be 
included as the sources of service information for accomplishing the 
inspections in the proposed AD. The original issues of those service 
bulletins were referenced as the appropriate sources of service 
information for accomplishing the actions specified in the proposed AD.
    We agree with the commenter's request. We have added Revision 01, 
which is the most current source of service information for the actions 
in this AD, to this final rule as the source of service information for 
accomplishing those actions. Revision 01 adds no further work to the 
original issues of the service bulletin; operators are merely informed 
that the revised service bulletins are mandatory. We have also added a 
new paragraph (i) to this final rule which allows credit for actions 
done in accordance with the original issue of the service bulletins. We 
have re-identified subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

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 with the changes described 
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase 
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             Number of
                                       Work       Average      Cost per        U.S.-
               Action                  hours    labor rate     airplane     registered          Fleet cost
                                                 per hour                    airplanes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.........................      3-5           $65     $195-$325           648         $126,360-$210,600
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 17593]]

    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 this AD:
    (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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD. 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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2005-07-14 Airbus: Amendment 39-14038. Docket No. FAA-2004-19762; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-168-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective May 12, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and 
A321 series airplanes; certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report of a broken piston rod 
bearing of the spoiler servo control. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent breakage of the piston rod bearing, which could cause loss 
of the associated hydraulic system and spoiler extension, and could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

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.

Phase 1 Inspection or Review of Maintenance Records

    (f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection for the part number (P/N) of the spoiler 
servo control at the applicable locations specified in Table 1 of 
this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158, 
Revision 01, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 
2004. Instead of inspecting the spoiler servo control, a review of 
the airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the P/N of the 
spoiler servo control can be conclusively determined from that 
review.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, 
installation or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure or 
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching 
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to 
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This 
level of inspection is made under normal available lighting 
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight or 
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or 
doors. Stands, ladders or platforms may be required to gain 
proximity to the area being checked.''


           Table 1.--Phase 1 Spoiler Servo Control Inspection
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Inspect spoiler servo controls
           For airbus model--                          at--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A318 and A319 series airplanes.........  Positions 2, 3, 4, and 5.
A320 series airplanes..................  Position 2.
A321 series airplanes..................  Positions 2, 3, and 4.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Phase 2 Inspection or Review of Maintenance Records

    (g) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, do a 
general visual inspection for the P/N of the spoiler servo control 
at the applicable locations specified in Table 2 of this AD, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1159, Revision 01, 
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 2004. Instead of 
inspecting the spoiler servo control, a review of the airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable if the P/N of the spoiler servo 
control can be conclusively determined from that review.

           Table 2.--Phase 2 Spoiler Servo Control Inspection
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                          Inspect spoiler servo controls
           For airbus model--                          at--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A318 and A319 series airplanes.........  Position 1.
A320 series airplanes on which Airbus    Positions 1 and 3.
 modification 26335 and Airbus Service
 Bulletin A320-27-1115, dated October
 27, 1997; and Revision 01, dated June
 22, 1999; has not been done.
A320 series airplanes on which Airbus    Positions 1, 3, 4, and 5.
 modification 26335 or Airbus Service
 Bulletin A320-27-1115, dated October
 27, 1997; or Revision 01, dated June
 22, 1999; has been done.
A321 series airplanes..................  Positions 1 and 5.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 17594]]

Corrective Action

    (h) If, during any inspection specified in paragraph (f) or (g) 
of this AD, P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110, or -112 is found or if 
unable to determine the P/N, before further flight, replace the 
spoiler servo control with a new or modified spoiler servo control, 
in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158 or A320-27-
1159; both Revision 01; both excluding Appendices 01 and 02; both 
dated September 3, 2004; as applicable.

    Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A320-27-1158, Revision 01; and 
A320-27-1159, Revision 01; refer to Goodrich Service Bulletin 31077-
27-14, dated May 24, 2004; as an additional source of service 
information for modifying the spoiler servo control.

Actions Accomplished Per Previous Issues of Service Information

    (i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-27-1159; both excluding Appendices 01 and 02; 
both dated May 26, 2004; are considered acceptable for compliance 
with the corresponding actions required by this AD.

Reporting Not Required

    (j) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158, Revision 01, 
dated September 3, 2004; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1159, 
Revision 01, dated September 3, 2004; specify to submit certain 
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that 
requirement.

Parts Installation

    (k) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
spoiler servo control, P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110, or -112, on 
any airplane, unless it has been modified according to Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-27-1158 or A320-27-1159; both Revision 01; 
both excluding Appendices 01 and 02; both dated September 3, 2004.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (l) 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.

Related Information

    (m) French airworthiness directive F-2004-122, dated July 21, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (n) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158, Revision 
01, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 2004; and 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1159, Revision 01, excluding 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 2004; as applicable; to 
perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves 
the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of the service 
information, go to Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. To view the AD docket go to the Docket 
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh 
Street SW, room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. To review 
copies of the service information, go to the National Archives and 
Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 24, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6685 Filed 4-6-05; 8:45 am]
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