Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 160 (Friday, August 17, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49705-49708]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-19815]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0291; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-168-AD; 
Amendment 39-17158; AD 2012-16-11]
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 that some nuts installed on the wing, including on primary 
structural elements, were found cracked. This AD requires inspecting to 
determine if certain nuts are installed or cracked, and replacing the 
affected nuts if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct missing and cracked nuts, which could result in the structural 
integrity of the airplane wings being impaired.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 21, 2012.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
21, 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: 

[[Page 49706]]

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 March 21, 2012 (77 
FR 16492). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During structural part assembly in Airbus production line, some 
[wing] 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 fuel tank area of aeroplanes listed in the 
applicability section of this [European Aviation Safety Agency 
(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 a 
detailed inspection of the affected nuts [for cracking and to 
determine if nuts are installed], associated corrective actions, 
depending on findings, and replacement of the affected P/N ASNA2531-
4 nuts with new ones, having the same P/N [and reporting to Airbus 
the inspection results].
    This [EASA] AD has been revised to reduce the Applicability. 
Since no spare nuts have been delivered to operators for 
installation on Airbus aeroplanes, only the Models and MSN 
[manufacturer's serial numbers] listed in the Airbus SB are affected 
by this [EASA] AD.

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 considered the comments received.

Request To Reference Latest Service Information

    Airbus stated that they have issued Revision 02, dated April 6, 
2012, of Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, including Appendices 
01, 02, and 03. Airbus also requested that we revise the NPRM (77 FR 
16492, March 21, 2012) to give credit for Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
57-1153, Revision 01, including Appendices 01, 02, and 03, dated June 
28, 2010 (referenced as the appropriate source of service information 
for the actions in paragraph (g) of the NPRM).
    We agree with the commenter. We reviewed Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A320-57-1153, Revision 02, including Appendices 01, 02, and 
03, dated April 6, 2012. Revision 02 corrects a part number and revises 
the title, certain illustrations, and the test job set-up. We also 
agree, as Revision 02 of that service bulletin states, that there is no 
additional work required by Revision 02 of this service bulletin for 
airplanes modified using previous revisions of this bulletin. We have 
changed paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD to refer to Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, Revision 02, including Appendices 01, 
02, and 03, dated April 6, 2012, and have changed paragraph (i) of this 
AD (``Credit for Previous Actions'') to include Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-57-1153, Revision 01, including Appendices 01, 02, and 03, dated 
June 28, 2010.

Request To Revise ``Costs of Compliance'' Section

    Airbus requested that we revise the ``Costs of Compliance'' section 
of the NPRM (77 FR 16492, March 21, 2012) to correctly state the number 
of U.S.-registered airplanes affected by this AD, which it noted as 22 
airplanes rather than 170 airplanes as stated in the NPRM.
    We agree that 22 is the correct number of U.S.-registered airplanes 
affected by this AD. We have changed the ``Costs of Compliance'' 
section of this AD accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD with the changes described previously--except for minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (77 FR 16492, March 21, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 16492, March 21, 2012).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 22 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take up to 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 $28,050, or $1,275 per 
product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 143 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$12,155 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 16492, March 21, 
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

[[Page 49707]]

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:

2012-16-11 Airbus: Amendment 39-17158. Docket No. FAA-2012-0291; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-168-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective September 
21, 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; serial numbers 3359, 
3361, 3362, 3365, 3366, 3368, 3370 through 3508 inclusive, 3510 
through 3519 inclusive, 3522, 3523, 3525, 3527, 3529, 3530, 3533, 
3534, 3537, 3539, 3542, 3544, 3546, 3548, 3552, and 3555.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that some nuts installed on the 
wing, including on primary structural elements, were found cracked. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct missing and cracked 
nuts, which could result in the structural integrity of the airplane 
wings being impaired.

(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/Replacement of Fuel Tank Nuts

    Within the compliance times specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a detailed inspection 
of the fuel tank areas of the wings to determine if nuts with part 
number (P/N) ASNA2531-4 are installed or cracked, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin 
A320-57-1153, Revision 02, including Appendices 01, 02, and 03, 
dated April 6, 2012. Before further flight, replace any missing or 
cracked nut with P/N ASNA2531-4 with a new P/N ASNA2531-4 nut, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory 
Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, Revision 02, including Appendices 01, 
02, and 03, dated April 6, 2012.
    (1) Within 6 years after the first flight of the airplane.
    (2) Within 6 years after the most recent scheduled fuel tank 
inspection, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later.

(h) Inspection Report

    Submit a report of the findings of the inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD to Airbus, at the applicable time specified 
in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. Submit the report using 
``Appendix 01--Inspection Report,'' of Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A320-57-1153, Revision 02, dated April 6, 2012.
    (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 the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using the service information specified in 
paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, including Appendices 
01, 02, and 03, dated February 9, 2010.
    (2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, Revision 01, including 
Appendices 01, 02, and 03, dated June 28, 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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; telephone (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 (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0121R1, dated July 13, 2011; and Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, Revision 02, including 
Appendices 01, 02, and 03, dated April 6, 2012; 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 Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, Revision 02, 
including Appendices 01, 02, and 03, dated April 6, 2012.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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-

[[Page 49708]]

6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 3, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-19815 Filed 8-16-12; 8:45 am]
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