Document ID: FAA-2015-3148-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2015-08-27T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 166 (Thursday, August 27, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 51968-51970]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-21098]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3148; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-254-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A320-212, -214, -232, and -233 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by a report of a crack found during an 
inspection of the pocket radius of the fuselage frame. This proposed AD 
would require repetitive low frequency eddy current inspections or 
repetitive high frequency eddy current inspections of this area, and 
repair if necessary. The repair terminates the repetitive inspections. 
We are proposing this AD to detect and correct any cracking of the 
pocket radius, which could lead to in-flight decompression of the 
airplane and possible injury to the passengers.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 13, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

[[Page 51969]]

     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     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.
     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 service information identified in this proposed 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 account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.

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-2015-
3148; 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 proposed AD, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-3148; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-254-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0278, dated December 19, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A320-212, -214, -232, and -233 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An operator reported finding a crack during an inspection in 
accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A53N007-14. What was found, a 170 mm through-
thickness crack in the pocket radius between frame 36 and 37 above 
stringer 6 on left hand (LH) side lap joint, was not the aim of the 
AOT inspection. Prior to this finding, the operator reported noise 
in the affected area during several weeks.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to in-
flight decompression of the aeroplane, possibly resulting in injury 
to occupants.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus published AOT A53N009-
14 to provide inspection and repair instructions to detect and 
prevent crack propagation.
    EASA decided to agree on a sampling inspection to determine 
whether additional aeroplanes need to be inspected.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires, for 
the selected aeroplanes, repetitive Low Frequency Eddy Current 
(LFEC) or High Frequency Eddy Current (HFEC) inspections of the 
pocket radii [for cracks] located between fuselage frames 35 and 40, 
above stringer 6 on both LH and right hand (RH) sides and, depending 
on findings, accomplishment of repair instructions.
    This [EASA] AD is considered an interim action and further 
[EASA] AD action may follow.

    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-2015-
3148.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A53N009-14, dated 
December 17, 2014. The service information describes procedures for 
repetitive inspections of the pocket radii located between fuselage 
frames 35 and 40, above stringer 6 on both the left- and right-hand 
sides, and repair if necessary. 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 of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed 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 proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 3 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $255, or $255 per 
product.
    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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.

[[Page 51970]]

Regulatory Findings

    We 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 this 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);
    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.

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

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2015-3148; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
254-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 13, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A320-212 airplanes having 
manufacturer serial number (MSN) 1011; Airbus Model A320-214 
airplanes having MSNs 1009, 1026 and 1030; Airbus Model A320-232 
airplanes having MSN 0977; and Airbus Model A320-233 airplanes 
having MSNs 1007 and 1013, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found during an 
inspection of the pocket radius of the fuselage frame. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct any cracking of the pocket 
radius, which could lead to in-flight decompression of the airplane 
and possible injury to the passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections

    (1) Within 750 flight cycles or 4 months, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD: Do a low frequency eddy current 
(LFEC) inspection or a high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspection 
for cracking of the pocket radii located between fuselage frames 35 
and 40, above stringer 6 on both the left- and right-hand sides, in 
accordance with the instructions of Airbus Alert Operators 
Transmission (AOT) A53N009-14, dated December 17, 2014. Repeat the 
inspection, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed the times 
specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) For the LFEC inspection performed on the outside: Repeat the 
inspection at intervals not to exceed 1,000 flight cycles.
    (ii) For the HFEC inspection performed on the inside: Repeat the 
inspection at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight cycles.

(h) Corrective Action

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any crack is found, before further flight, accomplish the repair in 
accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A53N009-14, dated 
December 17, 2014; except if the crack is beyond the structural 
repair manual limits as specified in Airbus AOT A53N009-14, dated 
December 17, 2014, before further flight, repair using a method 
approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency 
(EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).

(i) Terminating Action

    Repair of an airplane as required by paragraph (h) of this AD 
terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of 
this AD for the repaired area only.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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 International 
Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; 
fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (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 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; 
or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.

 (k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0278, dated December 19, 
2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-3148.
    (2) For 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 account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 19, 2015.
Kevin Hull,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-21098 Filed 8-26-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P