Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A321 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 166 (Tuesday, August 28, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49157-49158]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-16670]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-28358; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-019-AD; 
Amendment 39-15172; AD 2007-17-14]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A321 Series 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 the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    Some operators have reported wheel corrosion, mainly under the 
heat-shield overlap area. In some cases a circular crack initiated 
from a corrosion pit. When the crack is initiated under the bead 
seat, it does not lead to tire pressure loss, and can cause a flange 
separation as experienced by few operators.

This condition could result in separation of the wheel and consequent 
reduced controllability of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to 
require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective October 2, 2007.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 2, 
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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
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:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on June 6, 2007 (72 FR 
31209). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Some operators have reported wheel corrosion, mainly under the 
heat-shield overlap area. In some cases a circular crack initiated 
from a corrosion pit. When the crack is initiated under the bead 
seat, it does not lead to tire pressure loss, and can cause a flange 
separation as experienced by few operators.

The unsafe condition could result in separation of the wheel and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. The corrective 
action is inspecting the main landing gear (MLG) wheel assembly for 
discrepancies (corrosion, damage, cracks, and loose or missing heat 
shield spacers) and, if necessary, repair of the MLG wheel assembly. 
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this AD affects 
about 34 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it takes 
about 6 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of 
this AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of the AD on U.S. operators to be 
$16,320, or $480 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 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); 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the 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.

[[Page 49158]]

The AD docket contains the NPRM, 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.

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2007-17-14 Airbus: Amendment 39-15172. Docket No. FAA-2007-28358; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-019-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective October 
2, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A321 series airplanes; all 
certified models; certificated in any category; equipped with 
Messier-Goodrich S.A. or Goodrich-Messier Inc., main landing gear 
(MLG) wheel assemblies having part number (P/N) C20500000 or P/N 
C20452000.

Subject

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

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Some operators have reported wheel corrosion, mainly under the 
heat-shield overlap area. In some cases a circular crack initiated 
from a corrosion pit. When the crack is initiated under the bead 
seat, it does not lead to tire pressure loss, and can cause a flange 
separation as experienced by few operators.

    This condition could result in separation of the wheel and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. The corrective 
action is inspecting the MLG wheel assembly for discrepancies 
(corrosion, damage, cracks, and loose or missing heat shield 
spacers) and, if necessary, repair of the MLG wheel assembly.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) At the next scheduled tire change, but no later than 6 
months after the effective date of this AD: Inspect the MLG wheel 
assembly for discrepancies (corrosion, damage, cracks, and loose or 
missing heat shield spacers) in accordance with the instructions of 
Messier-Bugatti Special Inspection Service Bulletin C20452-32-3254, 
Revision 2, dated September 5, 2006. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed every tire change or 6 months, 
whichever is earlier.
    (2) If any discrepancy is found: Before further flight, repair 
the MLG wheel assembly in accordance with the instructions of 
Messier-Bugatti Special Inspection Service Bulletin C20452-32-3254, 
Revision 2, dated September 5, 2006.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The MCAI specifies an imprecise compliance time for 
inspecting the MLG wheel assembly--i.e., ``at each tire change.'' 
This AD requires inspecting the MLG wheel assembly at the next 
scheduled tire change, but no later than 6 months after the 
effective date of the AD; and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
every tire change or 6 months, whichever is earlier.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) 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. Send information to ATTN: Tim 
Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  39.19 on any 
airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal 
inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), 
or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to EASA Airworthiness Directive 2006-0328, dated 
October 23, 2006; and Messier-Bugatti Special Inspection Service 
Bulletin C20452-32-3254, Revision 2, dated September 5, 2006, for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Messier-Bugatti Special Inspection Service 
Bulletin C20452-32-3254, Revision 2, dated September 5, 2006, to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Messier-Bugatti, 45 Avenue Victor Hugo--Bat. 227, Aubervilliers, 
France.
    (3) 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 14, 2007.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-16670 Filed 8-27-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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