Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 141 (Monday, July 23, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42952-42954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17389]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0329; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-139-AD; 
Amendment 39-17127; AD 2012-14-13]
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 
Airbus Model A318-112 and -121 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -115, -
132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and 
Model A321-211, -212, -213, and -231 airplanes. This AD was prompted by 
reports of some fuselage nuts found cracked. This AD requires an 
inspection to determine if certain fuselage nuts are installed, a 
detailed inspection for cracking of fuselage nuts having a certain part 
number, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fuselage nuts found 
cracked, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 27, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 27, 
2012.

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, Washington 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. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 2, 2012 (77 FR 
19567). That NPRM proposed to correct an

[[Page 42953]]

unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    During structural part assembly in Airbus production line, some 
nuts Part Number (P/N) ASNA2531-4 were found cracked. Investigations 
were performed to determine the batches of the affected nuts and had 
revealed that these nuts have been installed in production on the 
fuselage of aeroplanes listed in the applicability section of this 
[EASA] AD.
    Static, fatigue and corrosion tests were performed, which 
demonstrated that no immediate maintenance action is necessary. 
However, a large number of these nuts are fitted on primary 
structural elements, which could have long-term consequences.
    This condition, if not corrected, could impair the structural 
integrity of the affected aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires [an 
inspection to determine if certain fuselage nuts are installed,] a 
detailed inspection [for cracking] of the affected nuts, associated 
corrective actions, [general visual inspection for scratching of the 
hole if necessary] depending on findings, and replacement of the 
affected P/N ASNA2531-4 nuts with new ones, having the same P/N.
* * * * *
Required actions include related investigative and corrective actions 
if necessary. Related investigative actions include a general visual 
inspection for scratching of the hole. Corrective actions include 
replacing the fastener and installing a new fuselage nut. 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 received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 19567, April 2, 
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 152 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 15 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $193,800, or $1,275 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $362, for a cost of 
$1,212 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these 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 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://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 NPRM (77 FR 19567, April 2, 2012), 
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:

2012-14-13 Airbus: Amendment 39-17127. Docket No. FAA-2012-0329; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-139-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 27, 
2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-112 and -121 airplanes; 
Model A319-111, -112, -115, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-
214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-211, -212, -213, and -
231 airplanes; certificated in any category; manufacturer serial 
numbers 3339, 3340, 3350, 3355, 3360, 3367, 3369, 3372, 3380, 3382, 
3385, 3387, 3388, 3390, 3393, 3395, 3397 through 3508 inclusive, 
3510 through 3519 inclusive, 3522, 3523, 3525, 3527, 3529, 3530, 
3537, 3539, 3542, 3544, 3546, 3548, 3552, and 3555.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of fuselage nuts found cracked. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fuselage nuts found 
cracked, which could result in reduced structural integrity of 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) Inspection and Replacement

    Within 72 months since first flight of the airplane or within 90 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do 
an inspection for nuts having part number (P/N) ASNA2531-4 located 
in the fuselage. If a nut having P/N ASNA2531-4 is found, before 
further flight, do a detailed inspection for cracking of the nut, 
and all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in

[[Page 42954]]

accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1218, Revision 01, including Appendices 01 and 02, 
dated June 17, 2010. If any cracking is found, before further 
flight, repair in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1218, Revision 01, including 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated June 17, 2010.

(h) Reporting

    Submit a report of the findings of the inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD to Airbus in accordance with Appendix 01 of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1218, Revision 01, including 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated June 17, 2010, at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for inspections and replacements 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1218, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated 
February 8, 2010.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2011-0120R1, dated July 13, 2011; and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1218, Revision 01, including Appendices 01 and 02, 
dated June 17, 2010; for related information.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service 
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use the following service information to do the 
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1218, Revision 01, including 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated June 17, 2010.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 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 Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at an NARA facility, 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 July 5, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-17389 Filed 7-20-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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