Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 84 (Monday, May 2, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26113-26115]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-10117]



[[Page 26113]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-6539; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-036-AD; 
Amendment 39-18504; AD 2016-09-06]
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 A318-111 and -112 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -
114, and -115 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, and -214 airplanes; and 
Model A321-111, -112, -211, -212, and -213 airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by the results of an evaluation by the design approval holder 
(DAH). During a residual fatigue test, the forward engine mount failed 
prior to reaching the threshold/interval for the detailed inspections 
of the forward engine mounts specified in the airworthiness 
limitations. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the 
right and left forward engine mounts, and corrective action if 
necessary. These inspections are required by AD 2015-05-02. This AD 
reduces the compliance times for those inspections. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the forward engine mounts. 
Such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane and could lead to in-flight loss of an engine, possibly 
resulting in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective June 6, 2016.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
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.

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-
6539; 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 Office (telephone 
800-647-5527) is 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 20590.

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 A318-111 
and -112 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, and -115 
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, and -214 airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -211, -212, and -213 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on November 30, 2015 (80 FR 74723) (``the NPRM'').
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0038, dated March 4, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model 
A318-111 and -112 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, and -115 
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, and -214 airplanes; and Model A321- 
111, -112, -211, -212, and -213 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During a A320 Extended Service Goal (ESG) residual fatigue test, 
in which new loads were used, taking into account the results of the 
2006 fleet survey, the CFM56-5A/5B forward engine mount experienced 
a failure before reaching the threshold/interval for the detailed 
inspection of that forward engine mount, as identified in Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 2 
(hereafter referred to in this [EASA] AD as `the ALS') task 712111-
01. In case of total loss of the primary load path, the current 
maintenance requirements do not ensure the design integrity of the 
remaining structure.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to in-flight loss 
of an engine, possibly resulting in reduced control of the aeroplane 
and injury to persons on the ground.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
implementation of a reduced threshold and interval for the detailed 
inspections (DET) of the forward engine mount on both right hand 
(RH) and left hand (LH) sides, as specified in the ALS, task 712111-
01.
    Once further investigations and test are completed, the 
threshold and interval of the ALS task 712111-01 will likely be 
modified accordingly.

Required actions include repair of discrepancies (cracks) found during 
the inspection. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2015-6539.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM and 
the FAA's response.

Request To Clarify That This Final Rule Was Not Prompted by Widespread 
Fatigue Damage (WFD)

    Airbus requested that all references to WFD be removed from the 
NPRM. Airbus stated that the root cause of the unsafe condition was not 
associated with WFD. The unsafe condition was revealed during a 
residual fatigue test of the CFM56-5A/5B forward engine mount. The 
forward engine mount failed prior to reaching the threshold/interval 
for the detailed inspections specified in the Airbus A318/A319/A320/
A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section Part 2--Damage-Tolerant 
Airworthiness Limitation Items.
    Based on the information provided by the commenter we agree to 
remove all references to WFD from the preamble and regulatory text and 
include an explanation that this final rule was prompted by the results 
of an evaluation by the DAH.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
    <bullet> Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

[[Page 26114]]

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 940 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. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD on U.S. operators to be $79,900, or $85 per product.
    We have received no definitive data that will enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition parts cost 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

    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.

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):

2016-09-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-18504. Docket No. FAA-2015-6539; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-036-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective June 6, 2016.

(b) Affected AD

    This AD affects AD 2015-05-02, Amendment 39-18112 (80 FR 15152, 
March 23, 2015) (``AD 2015-05-02'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and 
(c)(4) of this AD.
    (1) Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, and -115 airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, and -214 airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -211, -212, and -213 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Periodic 
Inspections.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the results of an evaluation by the 
design approval holder. During a residual fatigue test the forward 
engine mount failed prior to reaching the threshold/interval for the 
detailed inspections of the forward engine mounts specified in the 
airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct fatigue cracking in the forward engine mounts. Such cracking 
could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane and 
could lead to in-flight loss of an engine, possibly resulting in 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1), 
(g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection of the left 
and right forward engine mounts for discrepancies (cracking), using 
a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 800 flight cycles.

    Note 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD:  Guidance for the 
inspection and engine mount replacement can be found in Task 712111-
210-040 of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Maintenance Manual.

    (1) Within 800 flight cycles since the first flight of the 
airplane.
    (2) Within 800 flight cycles since the most recent detailed 
inspection specified in Airbus Airworthiness Limitation Tasks 
712111-01-1, 712111-01-2, 712111-01-3, or 712111-01-4, ``Detailed 
Inspection of Forward Engine Mount Installation,'' as applicable.
    (3) Within 800 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD.

(h) Corrective Action

    If any discrepancy (cracking) is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further flight, replace 
the affected forward engine mount with a serviceable part, 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).

(i) No Terminating Action

    Replacement of a forward engine mount does not constitute 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Termination of Certain Tasks Required by AD 2015-05-02

    Accomplishment of the inspections required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD terminates the initial and repetitive inspections specified 
in paragraph (n)(2) of AD 2015-05-02, for Airbus Airworthiness 
Limitation Tasks 712111-01-1, 712111-01-2, 712111-01-3, and 712111-
01-4, ``Detailed Inspection of Forward Engine Mount Installation.''

(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: 9-ANM-116-

[[Page 26115]]

[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 EASA; 
or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.

(l) 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.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0038, dated March 4, 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-2015-6539.
    (2) 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 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.

(n) Material Incorporated by Reference

    None.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 20, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-10117 Filed 4-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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