1 [Federal Register: April 14, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 72)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 19975-19977] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr14ap08-8]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0014; Directorate Id entifier 2007-NM-249-AD; Amendment 39-15456; AD 2008-08-04]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Mo del A318, A319, A320, and A321 Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airwor thiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 airp lanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking in the forward lug of th e support rib 5 fitting of both main landing gear (MLG), and repair if necessary. The existing AD also provides optional terminating actions for certain airplanes, as well as other optional methods for complying with the inspection requirements of the existing AD. This new AD continues to require re petitive inspections for cracking in the forward lug of the support rib 5 fitting of the left and right MLG at new repetitive interv als in accordance with new service information, and repair or replacement of any cracked MLG fitting if necessary. This new AD also requires modification of the rib bushings of the left and right MLG, which would end the repetitive inspections. This AD results from cr acks found in the forward lug of the MLG support rib 5 fitting. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking in the forw ard lug of the MLG, which could result in failure of the lug and consequent collapse of the MLG during takeoff or landing.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 19, 2008.

The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorpor ation by reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of May 19, 2008.

ADDRESSES: For service information iden tified in this AD, contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.2 Examining the AD Docket

You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; 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, a ny comments received, and

other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-647- 5527) is the Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Trans portation, Docket Operati ons, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jers ey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Direct orate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaki ng (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that supersedes AD 2006-11-04, amendment 39-14608 (71 FR 29578, May 23, 2006). The existing AD applies to certain Airbus Model A 318, A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on Janua ry 14, 2008 (73 FR 2200). That NPRM proposed to continue to require repetitive insp ections for cracking in the forward lug of the support rib 5 fitting of the left and right main landing g ear (MLG) at new repeti tive intervals in accordance with new service information, and repair or replacement of any crac ked MLG fitting if necessary. That NPRM also proposed to require modification of the rib bushings of the left and right MLG, which would end the repetitive inspections.

Comments

We gave the public the opportunity to part icipate 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 relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Costs of Compliance

This AD affects about 466 ai rplanes of U.S. registry. The actions that are required by AD 2006-11-04 and retained in th is AD take about 2 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the currently required actions is $1 60 per airplane, per inspection cycle. The new required inspections take between 3 and 4 work hours per airplane, depending on the type of inspection accomplished, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the new inspections sp ecified in this AD for U.S. operators is between $111,840 and $149,120, or between $240 and $320 per airplane, per inspection cycle. The new required modification takes about 73 work hours per airplane, at an average labor rate of $80 per work hour. Required part s cost $3,850 per airplane. Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the new modification specified in th is AD for U.S. operators is $4,515,540, or $9,690 per airplane.3 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 und er the authority described in Subt itle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ''General requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in ai r 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 becau se it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products iden tified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

We have determined that this AD will not ha ve federalism implications under Executive Order

13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct eff ect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the dist ribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

For the reasons discussed a bove, I certify that this AD: (1) Is not a ''significant regulat ory action'' under Executive Order 12866; (2) Is not a ''significant rule'' under DOT Re gulatory 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 estimat ed costs to comply with this AD and placed it

in the AD docket. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safe ty, 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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13 [Amended]

2. The Federal Aviation Admini stration (FAA) amends § 39.13 by removing amendment 39-14608 (71 FR 29578, May 23, 2006) and by adding the follo wing new airworthiness directive (AD):4 

### FAA

Aircraft Certification Service 

## AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/ www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/advanced.html

2008-08-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-15456. Docket No. FAA- 2008-0014; Directorate Identifier

2007-NM-249-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This AD becomes effective May 19, 2008.

Affected ADs

(b) This AD supersedes AD 2006-11-04.

Applicability

(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318, A319 , A320, and A321 airplanes, certificated in any category, except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 32025 has been accomplished in production.

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD results from cracks found in th e forward lug of the main landing gear (MLG) support rib 5 fitting. We are issuing this AD to pr event cracking in the forward lug of the MLG, which could result in failure of the lug and c onsequent collapse of th e MLG during takeoff or landing.

Compliance

(e) You are responsible for having the acti ons required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless th e actions have already been done.

Restatement of Certain Requirements of AD 2006-11-04

Repetitive Detailed Inspections

(f) Within 8 days after June 7, 2006 (the eff ective date of AD 2006-11-04), or before further flight after a hard landing, whichever is first: Perform a detailed inspection for cracking in the forward lug of the support rib 5 f itting of the left- and right-hand MLG, and, if any crack is found, replace the MLG fitting with a new fitting before further flight, in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, F AA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or its delegated agent). Accomplishing the actions sp ecified in the Airbus

A318/A319/A320/A321 Nondestructive Testing Manual, Chapter 51-90- 00, Revision dated February 1, 2003, is one approved method for performing th e detailed inspection. Repeat the inspection

thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8 days, or before further flight after a hard landing, whichever is first. As of the effective date of this AD, the re petitive inspections required by paragraph (i) of this AD must be accomplished in lieu of the repe titive inspections required by this paragraph.5 Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detaile d inspection is: ''An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Avai lable lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensit y deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lens es, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Optional Inspection Method

(g) Performing an ultrasonic inspection for cracki ng in the forward lug of the support rib 5 fitting of the left- and right-hand MLG in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA (or its delegate d agent; is an acceptable alternative method of compliance for the initial and repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Doing the actions specified in the Air bus A318/A319/A320/A321 Nondestruc tive Testing Manual, Chapter 57- 29-03, Revision dated February 1, 2005 (for Mode l A318, A319, and A320 airplanes), or Chapter 57- 29-04, Revision dated May 1, 2005 (for Model A321 ai rplanes), as applicab le, is one approved method for performing the ultrasonic inspection.

Optional Terminating Action

(h) For Model A319, A320, and A321 airplanes: Repa ir of the forward lugs of the support rib 5 fitting of the left- and right-hand MLG in acco rdance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116; or the EASA (or its delegated agent); constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. Doing the repair in accordance with Airbus A319 Structural Repair Manual (SRM), Chapter 5.C., 57-26-13, Revision dated November 1, 2004; Airbus A320 SRM, Chapter 5.D., 57-26-13, Revision dated November 1, 2004; or Airbus A321 SRM, Chapter 5.D., 57- 26-13, Revision dated February 1, 2005; as applicable; is one approved method.

New Requirements of This AD

New Repetitive Inspections

(i) At the applicable time specified in Table 1 of this AD, or before furt her flight after a hard landing, whichever is first: Do a visual inspection or ultrasonic inspection fo r cracking in the forward lug of the support rib 5 fitting of the left and right MLG, in accordance with the Accomplishment

Instructions of Airbus Serv ice Bulletin A320-57-1138, Revision 01, dated October 27, 2006. Repeat the inspection thereafter at the appl icable interval specified in Tabl e 1 of this AD or before further flight after a hard landing, whiche ver is first, until the modification required by paragraph (k) of this AD has been accomplished. Accomplishing the initial inspection terminates the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.

Table 1 – Compliance Times

Airplanes Initial Inspection Repetitive Interval

If the most recent inspecti on is a detailed inspection done in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD, inspect within 150 flight cycles after the most recent detailed inspection. Within 150 flight cycles after a visual inspection Model A318, A319, and A320 airplanes

If the most recent inspection is an ultrasonic inspection done in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD, inspect within 940 flight cycles after the most recent ultrasonic inspection. Within 940 flight cycles

after an ultrasonic inspection6 If the most recent inspecti on is a detailed inspection done in accordance with paragraph (f) of this AD, inspect within 100 flight cycles after the most recent detailed inspection. Within 100 flight cycles after a visual inspection Model A321 airplanes

If the most recent inspection is an ultrasonic inspection done in accordance with paragraph (g) of this AD, inspect within 630 flight cycles after the most recent ultrasonic inspection. Within 630 flight cycles

after an ultrasonic inspection

Corrective Action

(j) If any cracking is found dur ing any inspection required by para graph (i) of this AD: Before further flight, repair or replace the cracked MLG fitting using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM -116, Transport Airplane Directorat e, FAA, or the EASA (or its delegated agent).

Terminating Action

(k) Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the rib bushings of the left and right MLG, by accomplishing all of the applicab le actions specified in the Accomplishment

Instructions of Airbus Service Bulle tin A320-57-1118, Revision 03, dated April 23, 2007. Accomplishing the modification terminat es the requirements of this AD.

Credit for Actions Done According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin

(l) For Model A319, A320, and A321 airplanes, modi fying the lugs of the support rib 5 fitting of the left and right MLG is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (k) of this

AD if done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with one of the following service bulletins: Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1118, dated September 5, 2002; Revision 01, dated August 28, 2003; or Revision 02, dated August 2, 2006.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(m)(1) The Manager, Interna tional Branch, ANM-116, FAA, ha s the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordan ce with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) To request a different method of complian ce or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before usi ng any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate princi pal inspector (P I) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or l acking a PI, your local FSDO. (3) AMOCs approved previously in accord ance with AD 2006-11-04 are approved as AMOCs for the corresponding provisions of this AD.

Related Information

(n) EASA airworthiness dire ctive 2007-0213, dated August 7, 2007, al so addresses the subject of

this AD.7 Material Incorporated by Reference

(o) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1118, Revision 03, dated April 23, 2007; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1138, Revision 01, dated October 27, 2006; as applicable; to perform the actions that are requi red by this AD, unless the AD specifi es otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of thes e documents in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Ai rbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this service informa tion. You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Rent on, Washington; or at th e National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on th e availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/f ederal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 31, 2008. Dionne Palermo, Acting Manager, Transport Ai rplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-7182 File d 4-11-08; 8:45 am]