Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 80 (Monday, April 27, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23232-23237]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-09465]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0930; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-040-AD; 
Amendment 39-18144; AD 2015-08-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

[[Page 23233]]


ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-26-53 and 
AD 2015-03-02 for certain Airbus Model A319-115, A319-133, A320-214, 
A320-232, and A320-233 airplanes. AD 2014-26-53 required 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). AD 2015-03-02 required repetitive 
detailed visual inspections of the outboard MLG support rib lower 
flange fasteners for discrepancies, and corrective actions if 
necessary. This new AD retains the repetitive detailed visual 
inspections to detect discrepancies of the fasteners located in the 
wing lower skin surface and inboard MLG support rib lower flange with 
extended compliance times and repetitive intervals, and accomplishment 
of applicable corrective actions. This new AD also retains the 
repetitive detailed visual inspections of the outboard MLG support rib 
lower flange fasteners for discrepancies, and corrective actions if 
necessary. In addition, this new AD adds airplanes to the 
applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that certain 
airplanes were missing from the applicability of AD 2014-26-53 and AD 
2015-03-02 and that those airplanes may be affected by the unsafe 
condition addressed in AD 2014-26-53 and AD 2015-03-02. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the fasteners at the 
external surface of the lower wing skin and inboard and outboard MLG 
support rib lower flanges, which could result in an airplane not 
meeting its maximum loads expected in service. This condition could 
result in structural failure.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 12, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 12, 
2015.
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 11, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments 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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, 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.
    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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0930.

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-2015-
0930; 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 
(telephone 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 January 7, 2015, we issued AD 2014-26-53, Amendment 39-18068 (80 
FR 3155, January 22, 2015). AD 2014-26-53 applied to certain Airbus 
Model A319-115, A319-133, A320-214, A320-232, and A320-233 airplanes. 
AD 2014-26-53 was prompted by reports of failure of certain fasteners 
located at the wing lower skin surface and inboard MLG support rib 
lower flange. AD 2014-26-53 required 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). We 
issued AD 2014-26-53 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.
    On January 30, 2015, we issued AD 2015-03-02, Amendment 39-18098 
(80 FR 6897, February 9, 2015). AD 2015-03-02 applied to certain Airbus 
Model A319-115, A319-133, A320-214, A320-232, and A320-233 airplanes. 
AD 2015-03-02 was prompted by reports of failure of certain fasteners 
on the MLG support rib lower flange. AD 2015-03-02 required repetitive 
detailed visual inspections of the outboard MLG support rib lower 
flange fasteners for discrepancies, and corrective actions if 
necessary. We issued AD 2015-03-02 to detect and correct discrepancies 
of the fasteners at the outboard 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.
    Since we issued AD 2014-26-53, Amendment 39-18068 (80 FR 3155, 
January 22, 2015); and AD 2015-03-02, Amendment 39-18098 (80 FR 6897, 
February 9, 2015); we have determined that certain airplanes were 
missing from the applicability of AD 2014-26-53 and AD 2015-03-02. 
Airbus Model A319-132 airplanes are affected with the identified unsafe 
condition and should have been included in the applicability of those 
ADs. In addition, we have also determined that the repetitive detailed 
visual inspections to detect discrepancies of the wing lower skin 
surface and inboard MLG support rib lower flange could be extended from 
8-day intervals to 60-day intervals.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0026, dated February 19, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A319-115, A319-132, 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. 
Based on the results of the preliminary investigation, this affects 
only certain A319

[[Page 23234]]

and A320 aeroplanes delivered since January 2014.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected could reduce the 
design safety margin of the structure.
    Prompted by these findings, EASA issued Emergency AD 2014-0270-E 
(later revised) [which corresponds to certain requirements of AD 
2014-26-53, Amendment 39-18068 (80 FR 3155, January 22, 2015)] to 
require repetitive detailed inspections (DET) of the bottom skin 
taperlok fasteners at the MLG Rib 5 footprint location and, 
depending on findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective 
action(s).
    Since EASA AD 2014-0270R1 [which corresponds to certain 
requirements of AD 2015-03-02, Amendment 39-18098 (80 FR 6897, 
February 19, 2015)] was issued, based on in service feedback and 
further investigation, Airbus issued Revision 01 of Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A57N006-14 to extend the original 8 calendar days 
inspection interval to 60 calendar days for the external area and 
for the internal inboard side. In addition, it was identified that 
the model A319-132 was missing from the [EASA] AD applicability.
    For the reasons described above, this AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0270R1, which is superseded, to amend 
the Applicability and to require those actions within the new 
thresholds and intervals.
    This [EASA] AD is still considered to be an interim action and 
further [EASA] AD action may follow.

    You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0930.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) 
A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 2015. The service 
information describes procedures for repetitive detailed visual 
inspections to detect discrepancies of the wing lower skin surface and 
inboard and outboard MLG support rib lower flange location fasteners 
and corrective actions. The actions described in this service 
information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in 
the MCAI.
    This service information is reasonably available at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0930. Or see ADDRESSES for other ways to access this service 
information.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    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 these 
same type designs.

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 
failure of more than two fasteners at the outboard MLG support rib 
lower flange could result in an airplane not meeting its maximum loads 
expected in-service. This condition could result in failure of the 
structure. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for 
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good 
cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-0930; Directorate 
Identifier 2015-NM-040-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 148 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions required by AD 2014-26-53, Amendment 39-18068 (80 FR 
3155, January 22, 2015); and AD 2015-03-2, Amendment 39-18098 (80 FR 
6897, February 9, 2015); and retained in this AD, take about 2 work-
hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour. Based 
on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that were required 
by AD 2014-26-53 and AD 2015-03-06 is $170 per product, per inspection 
cycle.
    We also estimate that it will take about 2 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 $25,160, or $170 per product, per 
inspection cycle.
    In addition, we estimate that any fastener replacement will take 
about 3 work-hours and require parts costing $400, for a cost of $655 
per fastener replacement. 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.

[[Page 23235]]

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:
0
a. Removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-26-53, Amendment 39-18068 
(80 FR 3155, January 22, 2015); and AD 2015-03-02, Amendment 39-18098 
(80 FR 6897, February 9, 2015; and
0
b. Adding the following new AD:
2015-08-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-18144. Docket No. FAA-2015-0930; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-040-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 12, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces the following:
    (1) AD 2014-26-53, Amendment 39-18068 (80 FR 3155, January 22, 
2015).
    (2) AD 2015-03-02, Amendment 39-18098 (80 FR 6897, February 9, 
2015).

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-115, A319-132, 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, 5910, and 5918 and subsequent.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that certain airplanes 
were not included in the applicability of AD 2014-26-53, Amendment 
39-18068 (80 FR 3155, January 22, 2015); and AD 2015-03-02, 
Amendment 39-18098 (80 FR 6897, February 9, 2015). This AD was also 
prompted by reports of failure of certain fasteners located at the 
wing lower skin surface, and inboard and outboard main landing gear 
(MLG) support rib lower flanges. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct discrepancies of the fasteners at the external surface 
of the lower wing skin and inboard and outboard MLG support rib 
lower flanges, 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) Retained for All Airplanes Except Airbus Model A319-132 Airplanes: 
Repetitive Inspections, With Extended Compliance Time and New Service 
Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2014-26-53, Amendment 39-18068 (80 FR 3155, January 22, 2015), with 
an extended compliance time and new service information. For Airbus 
Model A319-115, A319-133, A320-214, A320-232, and A320-233 
airplanes: Within 60 days after February 6, 2015 (the effective date 
of AD 2014-26-53), or within 60 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 for more than 60 days, 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; 
or Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 2015. 
Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60 
days. As of the effective date of this AD, only use Airbus AOT 
A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 2015, to accomplish the 
actions required by this paragraph.
    (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) Retained for All Airplanes Except Airbus Model A319-132 Airplanes: 
Corrective Actions for the Inspections Required by Paragraph (g)(1) of 
This AD, With New Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2014-26-53, Amendment 39-18068 (80 FR 3155, January 22, 2015), with 
new service information.
    (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 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; or Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated 
February 16, 2015. 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. As of the effective date of this AD, 
only use Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 
2015, to accomplish the actions required by this paragraph.

(i) Retained for All Airplanes Except Airbus Model A319-132 Airplanes: 
Corrective Actions for the Inspections Required by Paragraph (g)(2) of 
This AD, With New Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2014-26-53, Amendment 39-18068 (80 FR 3155, January 22, 2015), with 
new service information.
    (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; or Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 
2015. 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. As of the effective date of this AD, only 
use Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 2015, to 
accomplish the actions required by this paragraph.

(j) Retained for All Airplanes Except Airbus Model A319-132 Airplanes: 
Repetitive Inspections of the Outboard MLG Support Rib Lower Flange, 
With New Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2015-03-02, Amendment 39-18098 (80 FR 6897, February 9, 2015), with 
new service information. For Airbus Model A319-115, A319-133, A320-
214, A320-232, and A320-233 airplanes: Within 4 months after 
February 24, 2015 (the effective date of AD 2015-03-02), or within 4 
months after 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 
for more than 4 months, whichever occurs latest: Do a detailed 
visual inspection of the left and right outboard MLG support rib 
lower flange to detect any discrepancy (broken or missing fastener 
tails or nuts), in accordance with Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 
00, dated December 4,

[[Page 23236]]

2014; or Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 
2015. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 4 
months. As of the effective date of this AD, only use Airbus AOT 
A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 2015, for the actions 
required by this paragraph.

(k) Retained for All Airplanes Except Airbus Model A319-132 Airplanes: 
Corrective Actions for the Inspections Required by Paragraph (j) of 
This AD, With New Service Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2015-03-02, Amendment 39-18098 (80 FR 6897, February 9, 2015), with 
new service information. If, during any inspection required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD, any discrepancy is found on the left or 
right outboard MLG support rib lower flange: 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; or Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 
2015. Replacement of fasteners on an airplane does not constitute 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD. As of the effective date of this AD, only 
use Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 2015, for 
the actions required by this paragraph.

(l) For Airbus Model A319-132 Airplanes: New Repetitive Inspections of 
External Surface of Wing Lower Skin and Inboard MLG Support Rib Lower 
Flange

    For Airbus Model A319-132 airplanes: Within 60 days after the 
effective date of this AD, or within 60 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 for more than 60 
days, whichever occurs later: Do the inspections required by 
paragraphs (l)(1) and (l)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus 
AOT A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 2015. Repeat the 
inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 60 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.

(m) For Airbus Model A319-132 Airplanes: Corrective Actions for the 
Inspections Required by Paragraph (l)(1) of This AD

    (1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (l)(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 on an airplane does not 
constitute terminating action for any inspection required by 
paragraph (l) of this AD.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (l)(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 01, 
dated February 16, 2015. One fastener per side may be missing or 
broken or migrated provided the applicable actions required by 
paragraph (m)(1) of this AD are done. Replacement of fasteners on an 
airplane does not constitute terminating action for any inspection 
required by paragraph (l) of this AD.

(n) For Airbus Model A319-132 Airplanes: Corrective Actions for the 
Inspections Required by Paragraph (l)(2) of This AD

    (1) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (l)(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 (l) of this AD.
    (2) If, during any inspection required by paragraph (l)(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 01, dated February 
16, 2015. One fastener per side may be missing or broken or migrated 
provided the applicable actions required by paragraph (n)(1) of this 
AD are done. Replacement of fasteners on an airplane does not 
constitute terminating action for any inspection required by 
paragraph (l) of this AD.

(o) For Airbus Model A319-132 Airplanes: New Repetitive Inspections of 
Outboard MLG Support Rib Lower Flange

    For Airbus Model A319-132 airplanes: Within 4 months after the 
effective date of this AD, or within 4 months after 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 for more than 4 
months, whichever occurs later: Do a detailed visual inspection of 
the left and right outboard MLG support rib lower flange to detect 
any discrepancy (broken or missing fastener tails or nuts), in 
accordance with Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 
16, 2015. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 4 months.

(p) For Airbus Model A319-132 Airplanes: Corrective Actions for the 
Inspections Required by Paragraph (o) of This AD

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (o) of this AD, 
any discrepancy is found on the left or right outboard MLG support 
rib lower flange: Before further flight, replace all affected 
fasteners on the affected side(s), in accordance with Airbus AOT 
A57N006-14, Revision 01, dated February 16, 2015. Replacement of 
fasteners on an airplane does not constitute terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (o) of this AD.

(q) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), (o), and (p) of this AD, if those 
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using 
Airbus AOT A57N006-14, Revision 00, dated December 4, 2014, which 
was incorporated by reference in AD 2014-26-53, Amendment 39-18068 
(80 FR 3155, January 22, 2015).

 (r) Other FAA AD 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 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].
    (i) 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.
    (ii) AMOCs approved previously for AD 2014-26-53, Amendment 39-
18068 (80 FR 3155, January 22, 2015); and AD 2015-03-02, Amendment 
39-18098 (80 FR 6897, February 19, 2015); are approved as AMOCs for 
the corresponding provisions of this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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.

(s) 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.

(t) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0026, dated February 19, 
2015, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-0930.

[[Page 23237]]

    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (u)(3) and (u)(4) of this AD.

(u) 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 Alert Operators Transmission A57N006-14, Revision 01, 
dated February 16, 2015.
    (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 April 14, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-09465 Filed 4-24-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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