[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 217 (Thursday, November 10, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 68379-68381]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-22444]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22918; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-172-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200 
Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the wing-tank fuel 
pumps, canisters, and wing fuel tanks for detached identification 
labels, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD results 
from several incidents of detached plastic identification labels found 
floating in the wing fuel tanks. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
plastic identification labels being ingested into the fuel pumps and 
consequently entering the engine fuel feed system, which could result 
in an engine shutdown.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 12, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
    <bullet> DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
    <bullet> Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
    <bullet> Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
    <bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    <bullet> Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, 
France, for service information identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2005-
22918; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-172-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web

[[Page 68380]]

site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the 
airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200 
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, in several incidents, plastic 
identification labels have been found floating in the fuel tanks. There 
are two types of labels and the information on the labels identifies 
each rib number in the vent box and the manhole door fasteners in the 
wing fuel tank, for inspection purposes. Inspection of the airplanes 
revealed that the varnish coating and adhesive on the labels had 
deteriorated and the labels detached from the wing structure. Detached 
labels floating in the fuel tank could be ingested into the fuel pumps 
and consequently enter into the engine fuel feed system. These 
conditions, if not corrected, could result in an engine shutdown.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1102, Revision 01, dated 
February 11, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for 
repetitive detailed visual inspections of the four wing-tank fuel pumps 
and canisters for detached identification labels, and corrective action 
if necessary. The corrective action involves removing any label debris 
that is found, performing a detailed visual inspection for debris of 
the fuel filters and replacing the filters if necessary, and replacing 
the fuel pump if the inlet and outlet ports are blocked. The service 
bulletin also recommends sending an inspection report to Airbus.
    Airbus has also issued Service Bulletin A320-57-1117, dated July 
16, 2002. The service bulletin describes procedures for repetitive 
detailed visual inspections for detached identification labels in the 
collector cells between ribs 1 and 2, the surge tank between ribs 22 
and 26, and the wing fuel tank and vent box, and corrective action if 
necessary. The corrective action involves removing any label debris 
that is found, removing any partially detached labels, and re-
identifying certain fasteners and ribs.
    The DGAC mandated the service information and issued French 
airworthiness directive F-2005-121, dated July 20, 2005, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information 
described previously. For any wing-tank fuel pump failure that occurs, 
this proposed AD would also require performing a detailed inspection of 
the failed pump, the pump located in the same half wing, and the 
associated canister, and accomplishing any applicable corrective 
action, including replacing the pump.

Difference Between the Proposed AD and French Airworthiness Directive

    The French airworthiness directive mandates changes to the master 
minimum equipment list (MMEL). This proposed AD will not mandate those 
MMEL changes because the limits imposed by the FAA-approved MMEL meet 
or exceed those mandated by the French airworthiness directive. We have 
coordinated this issue with the DGAC.

Clarification of Inspection Terminology

    In this proposed AD, the ``detailed visual inspections'' specified 
in the service bulletins are referred to as ``detailed inspections.'' 
We have included the definition for a detailed inspection in a note in 
the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    This proposed AD would affect about 74 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The inspection specified in Service Bulletin A320-28-1102 would 
take about 3 work hours (including an operational test) per airplane, 
at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, 
the estimated cost of this proposed inspection for U.S. operators is 
$14,430, or $195 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The inspection specified in Service Bulletin A320-57-1117 would 
take about 6 work hours (including an operational test) per airplane, 
at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, 
the estimated cost of this proposed inspection for U.S. operators is 
$28,860, or $390 per airplane, per inspection cycle.

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 have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 the proposed 
regulation:
    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

[[Page 68381]]

    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 proposed 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 safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-22918; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
172-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December 
12, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, 
-115, -131, -132, and -133, and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified 
in Airbus Service Bulletins A320-57-1117, dated July 16, 2002, and 
A320-28-1102, Revision 01, dated February 11, 2005.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from several incidents of detached plastic 
identification labels found floating in the wing fuel tanks. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent plastic identification labels being 
ingested into the fuel pumps and consequently entering the engine 
fuel feed system, which could result in an engine shutdown.

Compliance

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

Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions of Four Wing-Tank Fuel Pumps 
and Canisters

    (f) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Perform a detailed inspection for detached identification labels in 
the four wing-tank fuel pumps and canisters, and do any applicable 
corrective actions, by doing all the actions in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1102, 
Revision 01, dated February 11, 2005; except as provided by 
paragraph (j) of this AD. Do any applicable corrective action before 
further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to 
exceed 600 flight hours.
    (g) For any wing-tank fuel pump failure that occurs after the 
effective date of this AD: Before further flight, perform a detailed 
inspection of the failed pump, the pump located in the same half 
wing, and the associated canister, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1102, 
Revision 01, dated February 11, 2005. Do any applicable corrective 
action, including replacing the failed pump, before further flight.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: 
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

Inspections and Corrective Actions Accomplished According to Previous 
Issue of Service Bulletin

    (h) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the 
effective date of this AD according to Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
28-1102, dated August 20, 2002; are considered acceptable for 
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) 
of this AD.

Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions of the Collector Cells, Wing 
Fuel Tank and Vent Box

    (i) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Perform a detailed inspection for detached identification labels in 
the collector cells between ribs 1 and 2, the surge tank between 
ribs 22 and 26, and the wing fuel tank and vent box, and do any 
applicable corrective actions, by doing all the applicable actions 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-57-1117, dated July 16, 2002. Do any applicable 
corrective action before further flight. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 72 months.

No Reporting Required

    (j) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1102, Revision 01, 
dated February 11, 2005, specifies submitting an inspection report 
to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (l) French airworthiness directive F-2005-121, dated July 20, 
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 31, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-22444 Filed 11-9-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P