Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65173-65175]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23905]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0543; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-202-AD; 
Amendment 39-17610; AD 2013-20-04]
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 all 
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a determination that certain special washers used in the 
bearing installation of the retraction jack anchorage fitting in the 
main landing gear (MLG) were incorrectly manufactured. This AD requires 
an inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) bearing 
assemblies of the MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting to verify that 
the special washer is seated correctly, and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct installation of incorrectly manufactured special washers, which 
could lead to a local stress concentration resulting in possible 
reduction of the fatigue life of the jack fitting, and consequent 
reduction of the structural integrity of the affected MLG.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 5, 2013.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 5, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0543; 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 service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, 
Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 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. You may review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 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. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 1, 2013 (78 FR 
39190). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0223, dated October 23, 2012 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Airbus identified a batch of special washers, Part Number (P/N) 
D5725260120000 and P/N D5725664320000, which were incorrectly 
manufactured and delivered as spares from the supplier between 
October 2006 and January 2010. As a result of these manufacturing 
defects, the affected washers differ geometrically from the design 
specifications. The results of further analyses on Airbus A318, 
A319, A320 and A321 aeroplanes demonstrate that the affected washers 
could be seated incorrectly when installed on aeroplanes, which 
could affect the main landing gear (MLG) retraction jack anchorage 
fitting bearing installation.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a 
local stress concentration which may reduce the fatigue life of the 
jack fitting, possibly reducing the structural integrity of the 
affected MLG.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time detailed visual inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand 
(RH) MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing assemblies to 
verify that the special washer is seated correctly and, depending on 
findings, the accomplishment of applicable [related investigative 
action and] corrective actions.

The related investigative action is a detailed inspection of the jack 
anchorage fitting for damage, corrosion, cracks or other defects. 
Corrective actions include replacing the special washer with a new 
special washer and repairing the jack anchorage fitting if there are 
signs of damage, corrosion, or other defects. You may examine the MCAI 
in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0543-0003.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comment received. The commenter, Jeremy 
Schreck, supported the NPRM (78 FR 39190, July 1, 2013).

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed--except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (78 FR 39190, July 1, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 39190, July 1, 2013).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 851 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 65174]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Cost per       Cost on U.S.
                   Action                        Labor cost       Parts cost        product         operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection..................................  3 work-hours x               $0             $255         $217,005
                                              $85 per hour =
                                                        $255
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the initial inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
these replacements:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                Action                            Labor cost                   Parts cost             product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............................  15 work-hours x $85 per hour =  See the following                 $1,275
                                         $1,275.                         statement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
part cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD. 
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 MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0543; 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 this AD, the 
MCAI, 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.

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:

2013-20-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-17610. Docket No. FAA-2013-0543; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-202-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 5, 
2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes listed in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that certain special 
washers used in retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing 
installation in the main landing gear (MLG) were incorrectly 
manufactured. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
installation of incorrectly manufactured special washers, which 
could lead to a local stress concentration resulting in possible 
reduction of the fatigue life of the jack fitting, and consequent 
reduction of the structural integrity of the affected MLG.

(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) Detailed Inspection

    Within 21,300 flight cycles after August 1, 2006, or within 30 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do 
a detailed inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) 
bearing assemblies of the

[[Page 65175]]

MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting for correct installation, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated September 18, 2012, except 
as specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The affected special washers 
having part number (P/N) D5725260120000 and P/N D5725664320000 were 
manufactured between October 2006 and January 2010.

(h) Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

    If any special washer is found incorrectly seated during the 
inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further 
flight, do all applicable related investigative and corrective 
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated September 
18, 2012, except as specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD.

(i) Exceptions to Inspections and Service Information

    (1) Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 39730 or Airbus 
Modification 150311 has been embodied in production, or on which 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1157 has been embodied in service, 
do not have to be inspected as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
unless a special washer having P/N D5725260120000 or P/N 
D5725664320000 has been installed since the airplane's first flight, 
or since modification as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
57-1157, as applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is 
acceptable to make this determination if the part numbers of the 
special washers and modification status can be conclusively 
determined from that review.
    (2) Bearing assemblies for the MLG retraction jack anchorage 
fitting on which no special washer replacement has been accomplished 
after August 1, 2006; and bearing assemblies for the MLG retraction 
jack anchorage fitting on which a special washer replacement has 
been accomplished as specified in Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, 
Installation of the Bearing Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin; Task 
57-26-13-400-002-A, Installation of the Bearing Assembly of the MLG 
Actuator Attachment; and Task 57-26-13-400-004-A Installation of the 
Bearing Seals of the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly; of Subject 57-
26-13, Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the 
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), 
Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012; do not have to be inspected as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable to make this determination if the 
status can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (3) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, 
dated September 18, 2012, specifies to contact Airbus and apply 
corrective action defined by Airbus: Before further flight, repair 
the jack anchorage fitting using a method approved by either the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or 
its delegated agent).

(j) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, a special washer having P/N D5725260120000 or P/N 
D5725664320000, unless it is installed in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, 
Revision 01, dated September 18, 2012; or in accordance with the 
instructions specified in the tasks identified in paragraphs (j)(1), 
(j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airbus Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, Installation of the Bearing 
Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin, in Subject 57-26-13, 
Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 50, 
dated November 1, 2012.
    (2) Airbus Task 57-26-13-400-002-A, Installation of the Bearing 
Assembly of the MLG Actuator Attachment, in Subject 57-26-13, 
Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 AMM, Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012.
    (3) Airbus Task 57-26-13-400-004-A Installation of the Bearing 
Seals of the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly, in Subject 57-26-13, 
Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 AMM, Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, dated 
January 10, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(l) 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, WA 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0223, 
dated October 23, 2012, for related information. You may examine the 
MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0543-0003.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference may be obtained at the addresses specified 
in paragraphs (n)(3) and (n)(4) of this AD.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated 
September 18, 2012.
    (ii) Airbus Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, Installation of the Bearing 
Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin in Subject 57-26-13, of Chapter 
57, Wings, of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance 
Manual, Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012.
    (iii) Airbus Task 57-26-13-400-002-A, Installation of the 
Bearing Assembly of the MLG Actuator Attachment in Subject 57-26-13, 
of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012.
    (iv) Airbus Task 57-26-13-400-004-A, Installation of the Bearing 
Seals of the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly in Subject 57-26-13, of 
Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual, Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 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, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 19, 2013.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-23905 Filed 10-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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