Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 224 (Thursday, November 20, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 69033-69035]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-26984]



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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 224 / Thursday, November 20, 2014 / 
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 69033]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0449; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-259-AD; 
Amendment 39-18021; AD 2014-23-05]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A318 series airplanes, Model A319 series airplanes, Model 
A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, and Model A321 
series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a circumferential 
crack at the gland retaining-ring groove of certain retraction 
actuators on the main landing gear (MLG). This AD requires an 
inspection to identify the part numbers of MLG retraction actuators and 
replacement of certain MLG retraction actuators. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent MLG retraction actuator failure that could prevent the full 
extension and/or down-locking of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG 
collapse during landing or rollout, and consequent damage to the 
airplane and injury to the occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 26, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 26, 
2014.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0449 or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, 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 view this 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 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A318 
series airplanes, Model A319 series airplanes, Model A320-211, -212, -
214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, and Model A321 series airplanes. 
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2014 (79 FR 
41658).
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0283R1, dated December 9, 2013 [Corrected 
December 11, 2013] (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:

    During routine pre-flight inspection of an Airbus A319, a 
hydraulic fluid leak was detected, coming from the retraction 
actuator of the main landing gear (MLG). The results of subsequent 
investigations revealed that a galvanic difference between materials 
induced an internal corrosion which was the crack initiator of the 
component. Actuators from 201590 series were identified as 
potentially affected, unless inspected and corrected during MLG 
overhaul.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
retraction actuator failure, preventing the full extension and/or 
down-locking of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG collapse during 
landing or rollout and consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury 
to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published 
Service Bulletin (SB) A320-32-1408, providing instructions to 
identify and replace the affected actuators that have already 
exceeded 20,000 flight cycles (FC) or 10 years of operation since 
new, or since last overhaul.
    For the reason described above, EASA AD 2013-0283 was issued to 
require a one-time identification and replacement of each affected 
MLG retraction actuator.

* * * * *
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0449-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 41658, July 17, 
2014) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Clarification of Costs of Compliance

    We have revised the Costs of Compliance section of this AD to 
clarify the costs of the follow-on actions.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data 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 (79 FR 41658, July 17, 2014) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 41658, July 17, 2014).

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 851 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 3 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 on U.S. operators to be $217,005, or $255 per product.

[[Page 69034]]

    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 8 work-hours and require parts costing $36,135 per MLG 
actuator, for a cost of $36,845 per MLG actuator. We have no way of 
determining the number of aircraft that might 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0449; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, 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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2014-23-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-18021. Docket No. FAA-2014-0449; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-259-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 26, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

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

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a circumferential crack at 
the gland retaining-ring groove of certain retraction actuators on 
the main landing gear (MLG). We are issuing this AD to prevent MLG 
retraction actuator failure that could prevent the full extension 
and/or down-locking of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG collapse 
during landing or rollout, and consequent damage to the airplane and 
injury to the occupants.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Inspection To Determine Part Number (P/N) and Time-in-Service

    Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Do an 
inspection of each MLG retraction actuator to determine whether the 
actuator has P/N 201590001, 201590002, 201590002-010, 201590002-020, 
or 201590003; and to determine the time-in-service accumulated on 
actuators having those part numbers. The actuator flight cycles and 
calendar time are those accumulated since first installation on an 
airplane, or since last actuator overhaul, or since the most recent 
accomplishment of the actions described in Task 321147-01-1 of the 
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR), 
whichever occurs latest. A review of airplane delivery or 
maintenance records is acceptable, provided that the actuator part 
number and time-in-service can be conclusively identified from that 
review.

(h) MLG Actuator Replacement

    At the applicable time specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) 
of this AD: Replace each MLG actuator having a part number 
identified in paragraph (g) of this AD with a new or serviceable 
actuator, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1408, dated July 22, 2013. The 
actuator flight cycles and calendar time specified in paragraphs 
(h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD are those accumulated since first 
installation on an airplane, or since last actuator overhaul, or 
since doing the actions described in Task 321147-01-1 of the Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 MRBR; whichever occurs later.
    (1) For actuators with accumulated time-in-service equal to or 
more than 20,000 flight cycles or 10 years as of the effective date 
of this AD: Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) For actuators with accumulated time-in-service less than 
20,000 flight cycles and 10 years as of the effective date of this 
AD: Before the accumulation of 10 years since first installation on 
an airplane.

(i) MLG Actuator Replacement With Unknown Time-in-Service

    Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace 
each MLG retraction actuator having a part number specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD, and for which the in-service history is 
unknown, with a new or serviceable actuator, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1408, 
dated July 22, 2013.

(j) Exception to Paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of This AD

    An airplane that does not have Airbus Modification 26644 or 
Modification 150820 (for all airplane models), or Modification 27151 
(for Model A321 series airplanes), applied in production, as 
applicable, is not affected by the requirements of paragraphs (g), 
(h), and (i) of this AD, provided that it can be conclusively 
determined that no MLG retraction actuator having a part number 
identified in paragraph (g) of this AD has been installed on that 
airplane since first flight.

[[Page 69035]]

(k) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, installation of an MLG 
retraction actuator having a part number identified in paragraph (g) 
of this AD is allowed, provided that the MLG retraction actuator has 
not accumulated or exceeded 20,000 flight cycles or 10 years since 
new; or 20,000 flight cycles or 10 years since last actuator 
overhaul.

(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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(m) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 
21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the airplane 
can be modified (if the operator elects to do so), provided the MLG 
remains extended.

(n) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
2013-0283R1, dated December 9, 2013 [Corrected December 11, 2013], 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-
2014-0449-0002.

(o) 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 A320-32-1408, dated July 22, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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 view this 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 November 5, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-26984 Filed 11-19-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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