Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 24, 2009)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12247-12249]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-5959]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-1327; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-161-AD; 
Amendment 39-15859; AD 2009-06-22]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 
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

[[Page 12248]]

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:

    An A320 aircraft experienced an event where it was not possible 
to open the reinforced cockpit door, even after power had been 
removed from the aircraft. Investigation has identified that the 
cockpit door latch/striker assembly may have overheated, causing 
permanent internal damage prior to being electrically isolated by 
the internal thermal fuse. This condition, in case of a rapid 
decompression in the cockpit, would prevent the necessary unlocking/
opening of the door, which may lead to failure of the airplane 
structure.

* * * * *
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective April 28, 2009.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 28, 
2009.

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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
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 23, 2008 
(73 FR 78670). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for 
the specified products. The MCAI states:

    An A320 aircraft experienced an event where it was not possible 
to open the reinforced cockpit door, even after power had been 
removed from the aircraft. Investigation has identified that the 
cockpit door latch/striker assembly may have overheated, causing 
permanent internal damage prior to being electrically isolated by 
the internal thermal fuse. This condition, in case of a rapid 
decompression in the cockpit, would prevent the necessary unlocking/
opening of the door, which may lead to failure of the airplane 
structure.
    To prevent this, an improved strike package/door bolting system, 
including a Polymer Positive Temperature Coefficient (PPTC) element 
(overheat protection) was introduced by Airbus Modification 35219 in 
production and modification 35218 (Service Bulletin A320-25-1444) 
in-service. The PPTC is a resettable thermistor and is installed on 
the frame of the electrically-operated cockpit door latch/striker 
assembly.
    The in-service implementation of this modification was 
originally managed by an Airbus campaign but the rate of 
installation by operators has not met the expected timescales, 
making mandatory action necessary to address this.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires the 
installation of improved cockpit door latch/striker assemblies.

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 620 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take 6 work-hours per product to comply 
with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $80 
per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $0 per product. Where the 
service information lists required parts costs that are covered under 
warranty, we have assumed that there will be no charge for these parts. 
As we do not control warranty coverage for affected parties, some 
parties may incur costs higher than estimated here. Based on these 
figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be 
$297,600, 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: 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.

[[Page 12249]]

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:

2009-09-22 Airbus: Amendment 39-15859. Docket No. FAA-2008-1327; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-161-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective April 
28, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122; A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133; A320-
111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, -233; and A321-111, -112, -131, -
211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 series airplanes; certificated in 
any category; equipped with a cockpit door latch/striker assembly 
having part number AR4714-1 or AR4714-3.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25: 
Equipment/furnishings.

Reason

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

    An A320 aircraft experienced an event where it was not possible 
to open the reinforced cockpit door, even after power had been 
removed from the aircraft. Investigation has identified that the 
cockpit door latch/striker assembly may have overheated, causing 
permanent internal damage prior to being electrically isolated by 
the internal thermal fuse. This condition, in case of a rapid 
decompression in the cockpit, would prevent the necessary unlocking/
opening of the door, which may lead to failure of the airplane 
structure.
    To prevent this, an improved strike package/door bolting system, 
including a Polymer Positive Temperature Coefficient (PPTC) element 
(overheat protection) was introduced by Airbus Modification 35219 in 
production and modification 35218 (Service Bulletin A320-25-1444) 
in-service. The PPTC is a resettable thermistor and is installed on 
the frame of the electrically-operated cockpit door latch/striker 
assembly.
    The in-service implementation of this modification was 
originally managed by an Airbus campaign but the rate of 
installation by operators has not met the expected timescales, 
making mandatory action necessary to address this.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires the 
installation of improved cockpit door latch/striker assemblies.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 8 months after the effective date of this AD: Replace 
all cockpit door latch/striker assemblies having part number AR4714-
1 or AR4714-3 with modified units in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-25-1444, Revision 02, dated August 1, 2006 (Airbus 
Modification 35218).
    (2) Previous accomplishment of the replacement before the 
effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-25-1444, dated April 29, 2005; or Revision 01, dated July 19, 
2005; meets the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1: 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, 
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, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 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 European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness 
Directive 2008-0151, dated August 5, 2008; and Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-25-1444, Revision 02, dated August 1, 2006; for 
related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1444, Revision 
02, dated August 1, 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 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 
61 93 44 51; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.airbus.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
    (4) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 12, 2009.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-5959 Filed 3-23-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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