Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 182 (Thursday, September 21, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44053-44057]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: R1-2017-19301]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0809; Product Identifier 2017-NM-094-AD; Amendment 
39-19030; AD 2017-18-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

Republication

    Editorial Note: Rule document 2017-19301 was originally 
published on pages 42929 through 42932 in the issue of Wednesday, 
September 13, 2017. In that publication, on page 42931, Figure 1 was 
formatted incorrectly. The corrected document is republished here in 
its entirety.

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-13-12, 
which applied to all Airbus Model A318 and A319 series airplanes; Model 
A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2017-
13-12 required modification or replacement of certain side stay 
assemblies of the main landing gear (MLG). This new AD clarifies the 
formatting of a figure in the published version of AD 2017-13-12. This 
new AD was prompted by reports indicating that affected parties 
misinterpreted the applicability of the affected part numbers due to 
the

[[Page 44054]]

formatting of a figure in the published version of AD 2017-13-12, which 
could result in a negative effect on compliance. We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective September 28, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 9, 
2017 (82 FR 30949, July 5, 2017).
    We must receive comments on this AD by October 30, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-493-2251.
    <bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For Airbus 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.
    For Messier-Dowty service information identified in this final 
rule, contact Messier-Dowty: Messier Services Americas, Customer 
Support Center, 45360 Severn Way, Sterling, VA 20166-8910; telephone: 
703-450-8233; fax: 703-404-1621; Internet: https://techpubs.services/messier-dowty.com.
    You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-
227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-
0809.

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-2017-
0809; 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-
1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On June 19, 2017, we issued AD 2017-13-12, Amendment 39-18942 (82 
FR 30949, July 5, 2017) (``AD 2017-13-12''), which applied to all 
Airbus Model A318 series airplanes and A319 series airplanes; Model 
A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2017-
13-12 was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder 
(DAH), which indicates that the main landing gear (MLG) does not comply 
with certification specifications, which could result in a locking 
failure of the MLG side stay. AD 2017-13-12 required modification or 
replacement of certain MLG side stay assemblies. We issued AD 2017-13-
12 prevent possible collapse of the MLG during takeoff and landing.
    Since we issued AD 2017-13-12, we have received reports indicating 
that affected parties misinterpreted the applicability of the affected 
part numbers due to the formatting of figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), 
and (i) in the published version of AD 2017-13-12, which could result 
in a negative effect on compliance. Therefore, we have determined that 
clarification of the formatting of the published figure is necessary.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0018R1, dated September 14, 2016 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A318 and A319 series 
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; 
and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes. The EASA AD is referenced in AD 2017-13-12. EASA has not 
revised its AD since the issuance of AD 2017-13-12.
    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-2017-
0809.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We have reviewed the following service information.
    <bullet> Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1429, Revision 01, dated 
February 29, 2016.
    <bullet> Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 200-32-315, dated 
April 24, 2015.
    <bullet> Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 201-32-63, dated 
April 24, 2015.
    The service information describes procedures for modifying the MLG 
side stay assembly. The Messier-Bugatti-Dowty documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane models. This service information 
is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to 
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified 
in the ADDRESSES section.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date

    We are superseding AD 2017-13-12 to clarify the formatting of a 
figure in the regulatory text of the published AD. No other changes 
have been made to AD 2017-13-12. Therefore, we determined that notice 
and opportunity for prior public comment are unnecessary.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant

[[Page 44055]]

data, views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-
2017-0809; Product Identifier 2017-NM-094-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this 
AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 959 airplanes of U.S. registry. 
This AD adds no new economic burden to AD 2017-13-12. We estimate the 
following costs to comply with this AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement or modification (retained   9 work-hours x $85 per           $14,104         $14,869     $14,259,371
 actions from AD 2017-13-12).            hour = $765.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to 
the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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 removing airworthiness directive (AD) 
2017-13-12, Amendment 39-18942 (82 FR 30949, July 5, 2017), and adding 
the following new AD:

2017-18-21 Airbus: Amendment 39-19030; Docket No. FAA-2017-0809; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-094-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 28, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-13-12, Amendment 39-18942 (82 FR 30949, 
July 5, 2017) (``AD 2017-13-12'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder that indicates that the main landing gear (MLG) does not 
comply with certification specifications, which could result in a 
locking failure of the MLG side stay. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent possible collapse of the MLG during takeoff and landing.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Modification or Replacement, With Revised Figure 
Formatting

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2017-13-12, with revised figure formatting. Within 120 months after 
August 9, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-13-12), accomplish the 
action specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Modify each MLG side stay assembly having a part number 
listed in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-32-1429, Revision 01, dated February 29, 2016, and the 
service information specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) 
of this AD, as applicable. The modification may be done ``off 
wing,'' provided the modified MLG is reinstalled on the airplane.
    (i) For Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319 series 
airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 200-32-315, dated 
April 24, 2015.

[[Page 44056]]

    (ii) For Model A321 series airplanes: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty 
Service Bulletin 201-32-63, dated April 24, 2015.
    (2) Replace the MLG side stay assembly with a side stay assembly 
that has been modified in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD. Do the replacement using a method approved by the Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA).

    Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD:  Additional guidance for 
the replacement can be found in Chapter 32 of the Airbus A318/A319/
A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21SE17.000

(h) Retained Provisions for Unaffected Airplanes, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (h) of AD 
2017-13-12, with no changes. An airplane on which Airbus 
Modification (Mod) 156646, Airbus Mod 161202, or Airbus Mod 161346 
has been embodied in production is not affected by the requirements 
of paragraph (g) of this AD, provided it is determined that no part 
having a part number identified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), 
and (i) of this AD has been installed on that airplane since the 
date of issuance of the original certificate of airworthiness or the 
original export certificate of airworthiness. A review of the 
airplane maintenance records is acceptable to make this 
determination, provided that these records are accurate and can be 
relied upon to conclusively make that determination.

(i) Retained Parts Installation Prohibition, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2017-13-12, with no changes. As of August 9, 2017 (the effective 
date of AD 2017-13-12), do not install on any airplane, an MLG side 
stay assembly having a part number, with the strike number not 
cancelled, as identified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) 
of this AD, unless it has been modified in accordance with the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Retained Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the provisions of paragraph (j) of AD 
2017-13-12, with no

[[Page 44057]]

changes. This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
August 9, 2017 (the effective date of AD 2017-13-12), using Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-32-1429, dated September 10, 2015.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 manager of the International Section, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in paragraph (l)(2) of this AD. 
Information may be emailed to: [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.
    (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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA 
DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0018R1, dated September 14, 2016, for related 
information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2017-0809.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 
425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (m)(3), (m)(4), and (m)(5) of this AD.

(m) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 9, 2017 (82 FR 30949, July 5, 2017).
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1429, Revision 01, dated 
February 29, 2016.
    (ii) Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 200-32-315, dated 
April 24, 2015.
    (iii) Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 201-32-63, dated 
April 24, 2015.
    (4) For Airbus 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.
    (5) For Messier-Dowty service information identified in this AD, 
contact Messier-Dowty: Messier Services Americas, Customer Support 
Center, 45360 Severn Way, Sterling, VA 20166-8910; telephone: 703-
450-8233; fax: 703-404-1621; Internet: https://techpubs.services/messier-dowty.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (7) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 31, 2017.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
Editorial Note: Proposed rule document 2017-19301 was originally 
published on pages Pages 42929 through 42932 in the issue of 
Wednesday, September 13, 2017. In that publication, on page 42931, 
Figure 1 was formatted incorrectly. The corrected document is 
republished here in its entirety.

[FR Doc. R1-2017-19301 Filed 9-20-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 1301-00-D

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