[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 94 (Monday, May 15, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30874-30876]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-11949]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-103-AD; Amendment 39-11726; AD 2000-10-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, 
and A340 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 series 
airplanes, that requires repetitive inspections to detect missing and 
incorrectly installed parts of the footrest actuator assembly, and 
replacement of discrepant parts with new parts. This AD also provides 
for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This 
amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions 
specified by this AD are intended to prevent detachment of the footrest 
assembly actuator, which could result in partial blockage of the rudder 
pedals and reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective June 19, 2000.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of June 19, 2000.

ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be 
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules 
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of 
the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, 
Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness 
directive (AD)

[[Page 30875]]

that is applicable to all Airbus Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on July 14, 1999 
(64 FR 37915). That action proposed to require repetitive inspections 
to detect missing and incorrectly installed parts of the footrest 
actuator assembly, and replacement of discrepant parts with new parts. 
That AD also would provide for optional terminating action for the 
repetitive inspections.
    Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate 
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to 
the comments received.

Explanation of Changes Made to This Final Rule

    1. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) references All Operator 
Telex (AOT) 25-14 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes) and 
AOT 25-13 (for Model A330 and A340 series airplanes); both dated 
December 17, 1998, as the appropriate sources of service information 
for accomplishment of the actions specified by paragraph (a) of the 
NPRM. Instead, this amendment requires that the actions specified by 
that paragraph be accomplished in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-25-1220 and A320-25-1225, both dated November 19, 1999 
(for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); A330-25-3105, dated 
October 22, 1999, and A330-25-3110, dated December 23, 1999 (for Model 
A330 series airplanes); and A340-25-4131, dated October 22, 1999, and 
A340-25-4136, dated December 23, 1999 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes); as applicable. The inspection procedures specified by those 
service bulletins are similar to the procedures specified by AOT 25-13 
and 25-14; however, the service bulletins also include graphics to show 
the areas of inspection and replacement (repair). Note 2 has been added 
to this AD to give credit to operators for accomplishment of the 
actions specified in the AOT's prior to the effective date of this AD.
    2. Note 4 of the proposed rule has been renumbered as NOTE 6 in the 
final rule, and two references to French airworthiness directives have 
been changed to reflect later revision numbers.

Support for the Proposed Rule

    The Air Transport Association (ATA) of America states that one of 
its members concurs with the proposal and offers no further comments.

Requests To Include Terminating Action

    <bullet> One commenter states that Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-
1225 includes procedures for the installation of a new footrest 
actuator, Modification 28472, and that such a modification should be 
considered terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
    The FAA acknowledges the commenter's request and has determined 
that the installation of Modification 28472 during production or the 
accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1225, or the 
installation of Modification 47376 during production or the 
accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3110 or A340-25-4136, 
constitutes optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
required by this AD. In light of this, the FAA has added a new 
paragraph (c) to the final rule to include this new option.
    <bullet> Another commenter states that it is in the process of 
issuing a request for funding to remove the footrest from the seat, and 
that ``it is our expectation that this will be terminating action.''
    The FAA acknowledges the commenter's statement and points out that 
paragraph (b) of the proposed rule provides for optional terminating 
action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD. 
Therefore, no change to the final rule is necessary in this regard.

Request to Credit Operators With Prior Accomplishment of 
Inspections

    One commenter states that operators were notified of a proposed 
rule mandating repetitive inspections of the cockpit footrest actuator 
assembly. The first inspection (detailed visual) was required at 500 
flight hours after the effective date of the proposed AD, followed by a 
repeat inspection at intervals not to exceed 15 months. The commenter 
also states that AOT 25-14, dated December 17, 1998, specifies a 
production quality control check and that the manufacturer issued two 
messages to specify that all airplanes undergoing production quality 
checks may take credit for accomplishing the inspections specified at 
500 flight hours. For this reason, the commenter requests that all 
airplanes that have accomplished such a check be excluded from the 
detailed visual inspection within 500 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, and only be required to accomplish that inspection at 
intervals not to exceed 15 months. The commenter considers that such a 
policy will not impair the safety of the airplanes.
    The FAA concurs and considers that such a check during production 
would detect any discrepancy, such as a missing or broken retaining 
clip, and preclude the necessity for the initial inspection at 500 
flight hours. For that reason, Note 3, preceding paragraph (a) of this 
AD, has been added to provide credit for prior accomplishment of the 
initial detailed visual inspection required by that paragraph.

Conclusion

    After careful review of the available data, including the comments 
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public 
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described 
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither 
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of 
the AD.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 208 Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 
series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it 
will take approximately 3 work hours per airplane to accomplish the 
required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is 
estimated to be $37,440, or $180 per airplane.
    The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that 
no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD 
action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the 
future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy

[[Page 30876]]

of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided 
under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    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]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

2000-10-02  Airbus: Amendment 39-11726. Docket 99-NM-103-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A319, A320, A321, A330, and A340 series 
airplanes; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the 
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, 
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of 
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an 
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of 
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of 
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition 
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been 
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to 
address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.

    Note 2: Inspections and replacement actions accomplished prior 
to the effective date of this amendment, in accordance with Airbus 
All Operator Telex (AOT) 25-14 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 
series airplanes), and AOT 25-13 (for Model A330 and A340 series 
airplanes), both dated December 17, 1998, are considered acceptable 
for compliance with the initial inspection and replacement actions 
specified by paragraph (a) of this AD.


    Note 3: An initial detailed visual inspection accomplished 
during production prior to the effective date of this amendment is 
considered acceptable for compliance with the initial inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

    To prevent detachment of the footrest assembly actuator, which 
could result in partial blockage of the rudder pedals and reduced 
controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Detailed Visual Inspections

    (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a detailed visual inspection of the footrest actuator 
assembly for discrepancies (including bent pins and missing or 
incorrectly installed retaining rings and pins), in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1220, dated November 19, 1999 (for 
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); A330-25-3105, dated 
October 22, 1999 (for Model A330 series airplanes); or A340-25-4131, 
dated October 22, 1999 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as 
applicable.
    (1) If no discrepancy is detected: Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 months.
    (2) If any discrepancy is detected: Accomplish the actions of 
paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Prior to further flight, remove the actuator system from the 
footrest assembly and conduct a detailed visual inspection of the 
pins for damage, distortion, or wear in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin. If any damage, distortion, or wear of 
the pin, or any discrepancy of the pin or the ring is detected, 
prior to further flight, replace that pin or ring with a new part in 
accordance with the applicable service bulletin. And
    (ii) Repeat the detailed visual inspection of the footrest 
actuator assembly thereafter at intervals not to exceed 15 months.

    Note 4: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and 
elaborate access procedures may be required.''

Optional Terminating Actions

    (b) Removal of the footrest assembly constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspection requirements of this AD.
    (c) Accomplishment of Modification 28472 during production, or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1225, dated November 19, 1999 (for 
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); or accomplishment of 
Modification 47376 during production, or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A330-25-3110 or A340-25-4136, both dated December 23, 1999 (for 
Model A330 and A340 series airplanes); as applicable; constitutes 
terminating action for the inspection requirements of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (d) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the 
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be 
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 5: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 
Secs. 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 
21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the 
requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service 
Bulletin
    A320-25-1220, dated November 19, 1999 (for Model A319, A320, and 
A321 series airplanes); Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1225, dated 
November 19, 1999 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); 
Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3105, dated October 22, 1999 (for 
Model A330 series airplanes); Airbus Service Bulletin A330-25-3110, 
dated December 23, 1999 (for Model A330 series airplanes); Airbus 
Service Bulletin A340-25-4131, dated October 22, 1999 (for Model 
A340 series airplanes); and Airbus Service Bulletin A340-25-4136, 
dated December 23, 1999 (for Model A340 series airplanes); as 
applicable. This incorporation by reference was approved by the 
Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) 
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may 
be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal 
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 6: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directives 1999-047-110(B) R1 (for Model A340 series 
airplanes) and 1999-048-090(B) R1 (for Model A330 series airplanes), 
both dated December 15, 1999; and 1999-074-127(B), R1, dated January 
26, 2000 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes).

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on June 19, 2000.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 8, 2000.
Vi L. Lipski,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-11949 Filed 5-12-00; 8:45 am]
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