Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 40 (Thursday, February 28, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 10660-10662]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-3404]



[[Page 10660]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0337; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-111-AD; 
Amendment 39-15392; AD 2008-04-20]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and 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:

    During planned maintenance visit on two aircraft, corrosion was 
found on the upper surface of the wing lower skin panel N[deg]1, 
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
    It was discovered that [certain] access panels * * * had been 
omitted from the access requirements of the associated AMM (airplane 
maintenance manual) task (AMM 05-25-40) until the August 2001 
revision.
    The result is that some * * * inspections may have not been 
fully accomplished due to non-removal of [certain] panels * * *.
    If the area has not been inspected with the correct access, and 
if AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320-57-1121 has not been performed, 
then some aircraft could remain insufficiently inspected until the 
next scheduled inspection. This may result in a high risk of 
corrosion findings greater than level 1.

Corrosion findings greater than level 1 in the wing could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to 
require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 3, 2008.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 3, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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 December 17, 2007 
(72 FR 71284). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:

    During planned maintenance visit on two aircraft, corrosion was 
found on the upper surface of the wing lower skin panel N[deg]1, 
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
    It was discovered that access panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 
640DZ had been omitted from the access requirements of the 
associated AMM (airplane maintenance manual) task (AMM 05-25-40) 
until the August 2001 revision.
    The result is that some ZL-540-02-1 or ZL-540-02 (or ZL-540-02 
and ZL-640-02) inspections may have not been fully accomplished due 
to non-removal of panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ.
    If the area has not been inspected with the correct access, and 
if AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320-57-1121 has not been performed, 
then some aircraft could remain insufficiently inspected until the 
next scheduled inspection. This may result in a high risk of 
corrosion findings greater than level 1.

Corrosion findings greater than level 1 in the wing could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the airplane. The corrective actions 
include an inspection for corrosion in the wing tank dry bay, and 
repair if necessary. 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

    We estimate that this AD will affect about 103 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 4 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 this AD to the U.S. operators to be $32,960, or $320 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.

[[Page 10661]]

    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://www.regulations.gov; 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 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:

2008-04-20 Airbus: Amendment 39-15392. Docket No. FAA-2007-0337; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-111-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 3, 
2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all certified models, all 
serial numbers, on which Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Maintenance 
Review Board Report (MRBR) zonal tasks ZL-540-02 and ZL-640-02 (for 
MRBR up to Revision 7) or MRBR zonal task ZL-540-02-1 or ZL-540-02-2 
(for MRBR since Revision 8) have already been performed before the 
effective date of this AD, and for which it cannot be substantiated 
that access panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ were removed for 
inspection. This AD does not apply to the airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airplanes on which zonal tasks ZL-540-02-1 and ZL-540-02-2 
(or ZL-540-02 and ZL-640-02) have been performed in accordance with 
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airplane Maintenance Manual (AMM) 05-25-
40 at August 2001 revision or later revision.
    (2) Airplanes on which one of the following Airbus A318/A319/
A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI)/MRBR tasks have been 
performed: 572004-01-X, 572004-03-X; 572020-01-X, 572020-02-X; 
572027-01-X, 572027-03-X; 572053-01-X, 572053-02-X; 572060-02-X; or 
572061-02-X; where X represents the task applicability index.
    (3) Airplanes delivered after March 27, 2007.

    Note 1: Up to Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 MRBR Revision 7, ZL-
540-02 covered Zone 540 and ZL-640-02 covered Zone 640. Since Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 MRBR Revision 8, ZL-540-02-1 or ZL-540-02-2 also 
cover the corresponding RH wing zone (Zone 640).

Subject

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

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    During planned maintenance visit on two aircraft, corrosion was 
found on the upper surface of the wing lower skin panel N[deg]1, 
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
    It was discovered that access panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 
640DZ had been omitted from the access requirements of the 
associated AMM task (AMM 05-25-40) until the August 2001 revision.
    The result is that some ZL-540-02-1 or ZL-540-02-2 (or ZL-540-02 
and ZL-640-02) inspections may have not been fully accomplished due 
to non-removal of panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ.
    If the area has not been inspected with the correct access, and 
if AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320-57-1121 has not been performed, 
then some aircraft could remain insufficiently inspected until the 
next scheduled inspection. This may result in a high risk of 
corrosion findings greater than level 1.

Corrosion findings greater than level 1 in the wing could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the airplane. The corrective actions 
include an inspection for corrosion in the wing tank dry bay, and 
repair if necessary.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions. Within 14 
months after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed 
visual inspection of the wing tank dry bay to detect corrosion and 
if any corrosion is found, before further flight, contact Airbus for 
repair instructions and repair. Do all applicable actions in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-57-1121, dated October 9, 2002. Another approved 
method for doing the detailed inspection and applicable corrective 
actions is the accomplishment of one of the following Airbus A318/
A319/A320/A321 ALI/MRBR tasks: 572004-01-X, 572004-03-X; 572020-01-
X, 572020-02-X; 572027-01-X, 572027-03-X; 572053-01-X, 572053-02-X; 
572060-02-X; or 572061-02-X; and ZL-540-02-X if panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 
640CZ, and 640DZ have been removed; where X represents the task 
applicability index.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, International Branch, ANM-116, 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 approved AMOC 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.
    (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 MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0064R1, 
dated September 21, 2007, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1121, 
dated October 9, 2002, for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1121, dated 
October 9, 2002, 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 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 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.


[[Page 10662]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 15, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-3404 Filed 2-27-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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