Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 214 (Thursday, November 5, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68434-68437]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-27925]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0244; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-127-AD; 
Amendment 39-18313; AD 2015-22-08]
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, and A320 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a cracked upper cardan in the main landing gear (MLG). This 
AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as 
applicable, to reduce the life limits for the MLG upper cardan for 
certain installations. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
upper cardan in the MLG, which could result in MLG collapse and 
subsequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 10, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of December 10, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-0244; 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0244.

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, 
A319, and A320 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on March 5, 2015 (80 FR 11964).
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0141, dated June 4, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model 
A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During an A320-200 77T main landing gear (MLG) fatigue test by 
Messier Bugatti-Dowty (MBD), an upper cardan was found with a crack, 
emanating from the grease hole/main lug intersection. The affected 
upper cardan, Part Number (P/N) 201163620, is listed in the 
applicable Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 1 with a 
demonstrated fatigue life of 60,000 landings.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to MLG upper cardan 
failure, possibly resulting in MLG collapse and subsequent damage to 
the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    Prompted by these findings and further to analysis, it has been 
decided to reduce the life limit for certain installations of the P/
N 201163620 MLG upper cardan.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires implementation 
of the new life limits, as applicable, and replacement of any 
affected MLG upper cardan units that have already exceeded the 
reduced limit.
    The reduced life limits for the affected MLG upper cardan are 
expected to be incorporated in a next revision of the Airbus A318/
A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-0244-0003.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (80 
FR 11964, March 5, 2015) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request To Extend the Compliance Time

    Delta Airlines (DAL) requested that paragraph (g) of the proposed 
AD (80 FR

[[Page 68435]]

11964, March 5, 2015) be revised so the initial compliance time for 
replacing the MLG upper cardan is extended and corresponds to that of 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2014-0141, dated June 4, 
2014. EASA AD 2014-0141 specifies an initial compliance time of 
``within 3 months'' after the effective date of that EASA AD and the 
proposed AD specified an initial compliance time of prior to the 
applicable life limit specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5), or 
within 30 days after the effective date of the AD, whichever occurs 
later.
    We agree with the commenter's request. In consideration of the 
average utilization rate of affected U.S. operators, the practical 
aspects of an orderly modification of the U.S. fleet during regular 
maintenance periods, and the availability of required modification 
parts, we have determined that a 3 month initial compliance time is 
appropriate for replacing the MLG upper cardan. We have changed 
paragraph (g) of this AD accordingly.

Request To Reference Next Higher Part Number Assembly

    Lufthansa Technik requested that the part number for the next 
higher assembly of MLG cardan part number (P/N) 201163620 be referenced 
in the NPRM (80 FR 11964, March 5, 2015). The commenter stated that the 
NPRM and corresponding EASA AD 2014-0141, dated June 4, 2014, reference 
P/N 201163620, but that part number is not identified in the aircraft 
illustrated parts catalog (AIPC). The commenter is concerned that if 
operators only look in the AIPC to see if P/N 201163620 is identified, 
and it is not there, they may falsely think that their airplanes would 
not be affected by the NPRM.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request. Although MLG cardan 
P/N 201163620 is not included in the AIPC, it is identified in Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation 
Items, which is part of the approved type design for these airplanes. 
Therefore, we have not changed this AD in this regard.

Clarification of Parts Installation Limitation

    In paragraph (j) of the proposed AD (NPRM (80 FR 11964, March 5, 
2015), we referred to applicable life limits in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(5) of the proposed AD. For airplanes other than those 
identified paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of the proposed AD, the 
life limit is in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation, Revision 02, dated May 13, 2011, as specified 
in paragraph (h)(5) of this AD. In addition, if a part is transferred 
between airplanes, operators must adjust the life limit using the 
method specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation, Revision 02, dated May 13, 2011, as specified 
in paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. We have clarified paragraph (j) of this 
AD by also referring to paragraphs (h)(3) and (h)(5) of this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the changes described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
    <bullet> Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 11964, March 5, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 11964, March 5, 2015).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 02, dated May 13, 2011. This 
document provides revised instructions and life limits for 
airworthiness limitations items. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 851 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. 
Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. 
operators to be $72,335, or $85 per product.

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-2015-0244; 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:

[[Page 68436]]

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):

2015-22-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-18313. Docket No. FAA-2015-0244; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-127-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective December 10, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    For airplanes with configurations specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(5) of this AD: Paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the 
life limit specified in paragraph (n)(1) of AD 2014-23-15, Amendment 
39-18031 (80 FR 3871, January 26, 2015), for airplanes having a main 
landing gear (MLG) upper cardan part number (P/N) 201163620.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) 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 A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a cracked upper cardan in the main 
landing gear (MLG). We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 
upper cardan in the MLG, which could result in MLG collapse and 
subsequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Revision to Maintenance or Inspection Program

    For airplanes having a MLG upper cardan part number (P/N) 
201163620: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, 
revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to 
incorporate the applicable life limits for the MLG upper cardan P/N 
201163620 specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD 
and the life limit clarifications specified in paragraph (h) of this 
AD. The initial compliance time for replacing the MLG upper cardan 
is prior to the applicable life limit specified in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(5) of this AD, or within 3 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Accomplishing this revision 
terminates the life limit required by paragraph (n)(1) of AD 2014-
23-15, Amendment 39-18031 (80 FR 3871, January 26, 2015), for the 
MLG upper cardan P/N 201163620 for that airplane only.
    (1) For Airbus Model A319 series airplanes, pre-Airbus 
Modification 26644, excluding corporate jets post-Airbus 
Modification 28238, 28162, and 28342: The life limit is 50,590 total 
flight cycles.
    (2) For Airbus Model A319 series airplanes, post-Airbus 
Modification 26644, excluding corporate jets post-Airbus 
Modification 28238, 28162, and 28342: The life limit is 56,480 total 
flight cycles.
    (3) For Airbus Model A320 series airplanes pre-Airbus 
Modification 26644 having weight variant (WV) WV011, WV012, WV016, 
or WV018: The life limit is 50,590 total flight cycles.
    (4) For Airbus Model A320 series airplanes post-Airbus 
Modification 26644, having WV011, WV012, WV016, or WV018: The life 
limit is 56,480 total flight cycles.
    (5) For Airbus Model A320 series airplanes post-Airbus 
Modification 26644, having WV015 or WV017: The life limit is 42,140 
total flight cycles.

(h) Additional Life Limit Clarifications

    (1) The life limits specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(g)(5) of this AD are total flight cycles accumulated by the MLG 
since first installation on an airplane.
    (2) The life limits specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through 
(g)(5) of this AD are applicable only for the airplane model, 
configuration and WV specified in those paragraphs.
    (3) If a part is transferred between airplanes having a 
different life limit for the MLG unit, adjust the life limit using 
the method specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--Safe 
Life Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 02, dated May 13, 
2011.

    Note 1 to paragraphs (h)(3) and (h)(5) of this AD: Airbus A318/
A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--Safe Life Airworthiness Limitation Items, 
Revision 02, dated May 13, 2011, is already required by paragraph 
(n) of AD 2014-23-15, Amendment 39-18031 (80 FR 3871, January 26, 
2015).

    (4) A MLG unit on which Airbus Modification 26644 is installed 
is also known as ``enhanced'' landing gear and is identified as P/N 
201582xxx Leg and Dressing Series. A MLG unit that does not have 
Airbus Modification 26644 installed is identified as P/N 201375xxx 
Leg and Dressing Series. (The xxx designation is a placeholder for 
numbers).
    (5) For airplanes with configurations not specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD, the life limit for the 
MLG unit is specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--Safe 
Life Airworthiness Limitation Items, Revision 02, dated May 13, 
2011.

(i) No Alternative Actions and Intervals

    After the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, has 
been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative 
actions (e.g., inspections) or intervals may be used unless the 
actions or intervals are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD.

(j) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, a MLG upper cardan having 
P/N 201163620 may be installed on an airplane, provided the part 
life has not exceeded the applicable life limit specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD, paragraph (h)(3) of 
this AD, and paragraph (h)(5) of this AD, and is replaced with a 
serviceable part prior to exceeding the applicable life limit 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD, paragraph 
(h)(3) of this AD, and paragraph (h)(5) of this AD.

(k) 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.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0141, dated June 4, 2014, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-
0244.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 1--Safe Life 
Airworthiness Limitation Items,

[[Page 68437]]

Revision 02, dated May 13, 2011. The revision level of this document 
is identified on only the title page and in the Record of Revisions. 
The revision date is not identified on the title page of this 
document.
    (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 October 22, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-27925 Filed 11-4-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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