Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 153 (Thursday, August 9, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44750-44753]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-15225]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22918; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-172-AD; 
Amendment 39-15143; AD 2007-16-04]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200 
Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200 series airplanes. This AD 
requires repetitive inspections of the wing-tank fuel pumps, canisters, 
and wing fuel tanks for detached identification labels, and corrective 
action if necessary. This AD also requires modification of the fuel 
strainers at the fuel pump and suction bypass intakes, which would end 
the repetitive inspections. This AD results from several incidents of 
detached plastic identification labels found floating in the wing fuel 
tanks. We are issuing this AD to prevent plastic identification labels 
being ingested into the fuel pumps and consequently entering the engine 
fuel feed system, which could result in an engine shutdown.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 13, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 13, 
2007.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, 
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 44751]]

International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the 
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Operations 
office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
located on the ground floor of the West Building at the street address 
stated in the ADDRESSES section.

Discussion

    The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) 
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain 
Airbus Model A319-100 and Model A320-200 series airplanes. That 
supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 29, 
2007 (72 FR 14715). That supplemental NPRM proposed to require 
repetitive inspections of the wing-tank fuel pumps, canisters, and wing 
fuel tanks for detached identification labels, and corrective action if 
necessary. That supplemental NPRM also proposed to mandate modification 
of the fuel strainers at the fuel pump and suction bypass intakes.

Comments

    We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the 
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.

Request To Add Revised Service Information

    Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of US Airways, asks that 
we update the service bulletin reference for the modification specified 
in paragraph (j) of the supplemental NPRM to Revision 01 of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-28-1149, dated October 9, 2006.
    We agree with the request. Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-
28-1149, Revision 01, dated October 9, 2006. We referred to the 
original issue of the service bulletin, dated June 14, 2006, as the 
appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the 
modification. The procedures in Revision 01 are essentially the same as 
those in the original issue; however, the procedures in Revision 01 add 
certain clarifications, and the work hours for accomplishing the 
modification have been increased. We have changed paragraph (j) of this 
AD to refer to Revision 01 of the service bulletin, added a new 
paragraph (k) to this AD to give credit for the original issue of the 
service bulletin, and re-identified subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Request To Change Applicability/Add Revised Service Information

    Airbus asks that we change the applicability specified in paragraph 
(c) of the supplemental NPRM. Airbus states that the applicability 
refers to Airbus Service Bulletins A320-28-1102, Revision 02, dated 
July 10, 2006; and A320-57-1117, Revision 02, dated March 13, 2006. 
Airbus notes that the service bulletins are being revised to remove 
manufacturer's serial numbers (MSNs) 1083, 1310, 1314, and 1360, 
because Airbus has confirmed that labels were never installed on these 
airplanes. Airbus also notes that European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA) airworthiness directive 2006-0236, also referred to in the 
supplemental NPRM, has been revised to remove the MSNs; however, due to 
an administrative error, MSN 1083 remains in the compliance section of 
the EASA airworthiness directive. In conclusion, Airbus asks that the 
applicability section be updated to reflect these changes.
    We agree to change the applicability specified in paragraph (c) of 
this AD to exclude airplanes having MSNs 1083, 1310, 1314, and 1360. 
However, since the referenced service bulletins have not yet been 
revised to remove these airplanes, we will retain the reference to 
Revision 2 of the service bulletin in paragraph (c) as well as 
paragraph (f) of this AD, which is repetitive inspections and 
corrective actions of the four wing-tank fuel pumps and canisters.

Request To Change Costs of Compliance Section

    Northwest Airlines (NWA) states that it is in the process of 
implementing the modification of the fuel pump strainers specified in 
Service Bulletin A320-28-1149. NWA adds that its work-hour estimate is 
54 hours for implementation, after access to the tanks is gained. NWA 
does not provide a specific request.
    We infer that NWA is asking that we increase the number of work 
hours for accomplishing the modification, as specified in the Costs of 
Compliance section of the supplemental NPRM. Revision 01 of Service 
Bulletin A320-28-1149 specifies an increase in the work hours for 
accomplishing the modification from 20 to 36; therefore, we have 
changed the work hours in the Costs of Compliance section of this AD to 
match the work hours specified in the subject service bulletin. 
However, modification costs will likely vary depending on the operator 
and the airplane configuration.

Request To Change Repetitive Inspection Requirement

    NWA agrees with the 3,000-flight-hour repetitive inspection 
interval after the initial label removal has been completed. However, 
NWA has not found any labels in the wing pumps on affected airplanes 
after the removal procedure has been done. NWA would like the exception 
``following any wing-tank fuel pump failure'' removed from the 
repetitive inspection requirement specified in paragraph (g)(2) of the 
supplemental NPRM to simplify the continued inspections.
    We do not agree with the NWA request. Accomplishment of the label 
removal procedure does not completely remove the risk of detached 
labels getting into the fuel system, since some of the labels are not 
accessible during the label removal procedure. The FAA-approved Master 
Minimum Equipment List prohibits dispatch with one wing-tank fuel pump 
inoperative on the airplanes affected by the requirements in this AD. 
Therefore, the fuel pump would have to be repaired before further 
flight, and inspecting for labels would not impose any additional 
burden. We have made no change to the AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the 
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public 
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously. 
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the 
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this AD.

[[Page 44752]]



                                                                     Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                               Number of U.S.-
                 Action                    Work hours     Average labor    Parts        Cost per airplane        registered            Fleet cost
                                                          rate per hour                                           airplanes
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Inspection specified in Service                       3             $80         $0  $240, per inspection                   70  $16,800, per inspection
 Bulletin A320-28-1102.                                                              cycle.                                     cycle.
Inspection specified in Service                      20              80          0  $1,600, per inspection                 70  $112,000, per inspection
 Bulletin A320-57-1117.                                                              cycle.                                     cycle.
Modification specified in Service                    36              80          0  $2,880...................              70  $201,600.
 Bulletin A320-28-1149, Revision 01.
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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 have 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 DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    (3) 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES 
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

2007-16-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-15143. Docket No. FAA-2005-22918; 
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-172-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective September 13, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-100 and Model A320-200 
series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in 
Airbus Service Bulletins A320-28-1102, Revision 02, dated July 10, 
2006; and A320-57-1117, Revision 02, dated March 13, 2006; except 
airplanes having manufacturer's serial numbers 1083, 1310, 1314, and 
1360.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from several incidents of detached plastic 
identification labels found floating in the wing fuel tanks. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent plastic identification labels being 
ingested into the fuel pumps and consequently entering the engine 
fuel feed system, which could result in an engine shutdown.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions of Four Wing-Tank Fuel Pumps 
and Canisters

    (f) Perform a detailed inspection for detached identification 
labels in the four wing-tank fuel pumps and canisters, and do all 
applicable corrective actions, by doing all the actions in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-28-1102, Revision 02, dated July 10, 2006; except as 
provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective 
actions before further flight. Inspect at the earlier of the 
compliance times specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this 
AD.
    (1) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) Before the next flight following any wing-tank fuel pump 
failure.
    (g) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD 
thereafter at the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or 
(g)(2) of this AD, until accomplishment of paragraph (j) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD has not been done: Repeat the inspection at intervals 
not to exceed the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) 600 flight hours.
    (ii) Before the next flight following any wing-tank fuel pump 
failure.
    (2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD has been done: Repeat the inspection at intervals not 
to exceed the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i) 
and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) 3,000 flight hours.
    (ii) Before the next flight following any wing-tank fuel pump 
failure.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''


[[Page 44753]]



Credit for Actions Accomplished Using Previous Service Information

    (h) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-28-1102, dated August 20, 2002; or Revision 01, dated February 
11, 2005; are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.

Inspection/Corrective Actions of the Collector Cells, Surge Tank, Wing 
Fuel Tank and Vent Box

    (i) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Perform a detailed inspection for detached identification labels in 
the collector cells between ribs 1 and 2, the surge tank between 
ribs 22 and 26, and the wing fuel tank and vent box, and do any 
applicable corrective actions, by doing all the applicable actions 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-57-1117, Revision 02, including Appendix 01, dated 
March 13, 2006. Do any applicable corrective action before further 
flight.

Modification

    (j) Before the accumulation of 162 months since first flight of 
the airplane, or within 6 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever is later: Modify the fuel strainers at the fuel pump 
and suction bypass intakes by doing all the actions in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1149, Revision 01, dated 
October 9, 2006. Accomplishment of the modification in this 
paragraph ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) 
of this AD.

Credit for Actions Accomplished Using Previous Service Information

    (k) Modifications accomplished before the effective date of this 
AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1149, dated 
June 14, 2006, are considered acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding actions specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.

No Reporting Required

    (l) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1102, Revision 02, 
dated July 10, 2006, specifies submitting an inspection report to 
the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (m)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards 
District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.

Related Information

    (n) European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness directive 
2006-0236R1, dated March 9, 2007, also addresses the subject of this 
AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (o) You must use the Airbus service bulletins specified in Table 
1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, 
unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal 
Register approved the incorporation by reference of these documents 
in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, 
for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington; or 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.

              Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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   Airbus Service Bulletin    Revision level             Date
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A320-28-1102, excluding                   02  July 10, 2006.
 Appendix 01.
A320-57-1117, including                   02  March 13, 2006.
 Appendix 01.
A320-28-1149................              01  October 9, 2006.
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    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E7-15225 Filed 8-8-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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