Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3155-3158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-00716]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0927; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-230-AD; 
Amendment 39-18068; AD 2014-26-53]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A319-115, A319-133, A320-214, A320-232, and A320-233 
airplanes. This emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. 
owners and operators of these airplanes. This AD requires repetitive 
detailed visual inspections to detect discrepancies of the wing lower 
skin surface and inboard main landing gear (MLG) support rib lower 
flange location fasteners and, depending on findings, accomplishment of 
applicable corrective action(s). This AD was prompted by reports of 
failure of certain fasteners located at the wing lower skin surface and 
inboard MLG support rib lower flange. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct discrepancies of the fasteners at the external surface of 
the lower wing skin and inboard MLG support rib lower flange, which 
could result in an airplane not meeting its maximum loads expected in 
service. This condition could result in structural failure.

DATES: This AD is effective February 6, 2015 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 
2014-26-53, issued on December 16, 2014, which contained the 
requirements of this amendment.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication identified in this AD as of February 
6, 2015.
    We must receive comments on this AD by March 9, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    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.

[[Page 3156]]

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0927; 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 regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations Office 
(phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

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

    On December 16, 2014, we issued Emergency AD 2014-26-53, which 
requires repetitive detailed visual inspections to detect discrepancies 
of the wing lower skin surface and inboard MLG support rib lower flange 
location fasteners and, depending on findings, accomplishment of 
applicable corrective action(s). Corrective actions include fastener 
replacement or repair. This emergency AD was sent previously to all 
known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0270R1, dated December 15, 2014 (referred 
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on certain Airbus Model 
A319-115, A319-133, A320-214, A320-232, and A320-233 airplanes. The 
MCAI states:

    During production of wings, a number of taperlok fasteners were 
found failed after installation. The fasteners in question are 
located at the bottom skin of the Main Landing Gear (MLG) 
reinforcing plate, wing skin and Gear Support Rib 5 lower flange.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected could reduce the 
design margin of the structure [and could result in structural 
failure].
    Based on the results of the preliminary investigation, this 
affects only certain A319 and A320 aeroplane Models delivered since 
January 2014. A321 aeroplanes are not affected, as the wing assembly 
is done using parallel fasteners. A318 aeroplanes are not affected, 
since none have been delivered since January 2014.
    Prompted by these findings, EASA issued Emergency AD 2014-0270-E 
[dated December 11, 2014] to require repetitive inspections of the 
bottom skin taperlok fasteners at the MLG Rib 5 footprint location 
and, depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s).
    Since that AD was issued, operator comments have indicated the 
need for clarification, as well as correction.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD is revised to add 
Notes for information and to correct paragraphs (1) and (2) of the 
AD.
    This [EASA] AD is still considered to be an interim action and 
further AD action may follow.

Related Service Information

    Airbus has issued Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) 
A57N006-14, Revision 00, dated December 4, 2014. The service 
information describes procedures for inspections of the bottom skin 
fasteners at the MLG rib 5 footprint location, and replacement of 
affected fasteners. The actions described in this service information 
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. 
You can find this information at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0927.

FAA's Determination and AD Requirements

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0270-E, dated December 11, 2014, 
specifies to do repetitive detailed visual inspections of the outboard 
MLG support rib lower flange fasteners and nuts. However, these 
inspections are not required by this AD. Since the specified compliance 
time is four months, we are considering further rulemaking to require 
those inspections.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
discrepancies of the fasteners at the external surface of the lower 
wing skin and inboard MLG support rib lower flange could result in an 
airplane not meeting its maximum loads expected in-service. This 
condition could result in structural failure. Therefore, we find that 
notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and 
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 
30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public 
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2014-0927 and 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-230-AD at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 80 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 3157]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                     Labor cost           Parts cost     Cost per product       operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection.....................  1 work-hour x $85 per                $0   $85 [per            $6,800 [per
                                  hour = $85 [per                           inspection cycle].  inspection
                                  inspection cycle].                                            cycle].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Action                         Labor cost                Parts cost           Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement........................  3 work-hours x $85 per hour  $400 [per fastener]...  $655 [per fastener
                                      = $255 [per fastener                                 replacement].
                                      replacement].
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition repairs specified in this AD.

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

    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),
    (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.

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):

2014-26-53 Airbus: Amendment 39-18068; Docket No. FAA-2014-0927; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-230-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 6, 2015 to all persons except 
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency 
AD 2014-26-53, issued on December 16, 2014, which contained the 
requirements of this amendment.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-115, A319-133, A320-214, 
A320-232, and A320-233 airplanes, certificated in any category, 
manufacturer serial numbers (MSN) 5817, 5826, 5837, 5848, 5855, 
5864, 5875, 5886, 5896, and 5910, and MSNs 5918 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of failure of certain fasteners 
located at the wing lower skin surface and inboard main landing gear 
(MLG) support rib lower flange. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct discrepancies of the fasteners at the external surface of 
the lower wing skin and inboard MLG support rib lower flange, which 
could result in an airplane not meeting its maximum loads expected 
in-service. This condition could result in structural failure.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    Within 8 days after the effective date of this AD, or within 8 
days since the date of issuance of the original certificate of 
airworthiness or the original export certificate of airworthiness, 
or before further flight for any airplane that is not in operation, 
whichever occurs later: Do the inspections required by paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A57N006-14, Revision 00, dated December 
4, 2014. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 8 days.
    (1) Do a detailed visual inspection of the external surface of 
the left-hand and right-hand wing lower skin surface to detect 
missing or broken or migrated fasteners.
    (2) Do a detailed visual inspection of the inboard MLG support 
rib lower flange to detect missing or broken nuts or fastener tails.

(h) Corrective Actions for the Inspections Required by Paragraph (g)(1) 
of This AD

    (1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, only one discrepancy (any missing or broken or migrated 
fastener) is found on the left- or right-side: Before further 
flight, do corrective actions in accordance with a method approved 
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA. Replacement of fasteners

[[Page 3158]]

on an airplane does not constitute terminating action for any 
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of 
this AD, more than one discrepancy (any missing or broken or 
migrated fastener) is found on the left- or right-side: Before 
further flight, replace all affected fasteners on the affected 
side(s), in accordance with Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 00, 
dated December 4, 2014. One fastener per side may be missing or 
broken or migrated provided the applicable actions required by 
paragraph (h)(1) of this AD are done. Replacement of fasteners on an 
airplane does not constitute terminating action for any inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Corrective Actions for the Inspections Required by Paragraph (g)(2) 
of This AD

    (1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, only one discrepancy (any missing or broken nut or fastener 
tail) is found on the left- or right-side: Before further flight, do 
corrective actions in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA. Replacement of fasteners on an airplane does not 
constitute terminating action for any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g)(2) of 
this AD, more than one discrepancy (any missing or broken nut or 
fastener tail) is found on the left- or right-side: Before further 
flight, replace all affected fasteners on the affected side(s), in 
accordance with Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 00, dated December 
4, 2014. One fastener per side may be missing or broken or migrated 
provided the applicable actions required by paragraph (i)(1) of this 
AD are done. Replacement of fasteners on an airplane does not 
constitute terminating action for any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are not allowed.

(k) Other FAA Provisions

    (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 Manager, 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. 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 EASA; or 
Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the 
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(l) Related Information

    For further information about this AD, 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.

(m) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A57N006-14, Revision 00, 
dated December 4, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information referenced 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.
    (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 January 7, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-00716 Filed 1-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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