Document ID: FAA-2011-0573-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 Series Airplanes
Posted Date: 2011-06-27T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 123 (Monday, June 27, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37241-37244]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-15683]

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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 123 / Monday, June 27, 2011 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 37241]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0573; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-082-AD; 
Amendment 39-16734; AD 2011-13-11]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 
Series Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above that would supersede an existing AD. This AD 
results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and 
correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes 
the unsafe condition as:

    Some operators reported slow operation of the MLG [main landing 
gear] door opening/closing sequence, leading to the generation of 
ECAM [Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitoring] warnings during 
the landing gear retraction or extension sequence.
* * * * *
    This condition, if not corrected, could prevent the full 
extension and/or downlocking of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG 
collapse during landing or rollout and consequent damage to the 
aeroplane and injury to occupants.
* * * * *
    After in-service introduction of the new MLG door actuator, P/N 
114122012, several operators reported failures of internal parts of 
the MLG door actuator. Investigations confirmed that these failures 
could result in slow extension of the actuator rod, delaying the MLG 
Door operation, or possibly stopping just before the end of the 
stroke, preventing the door to reach the fully open position.
* * * * *
    This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe 
condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 12, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of July 12, 
2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain other publication, listed in the AD as of April 
27, 2007 (72 FR 13681, March 23, 2007).
    We must receive comments on this AD by August 11, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     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 W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
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 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, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On March 13, 2007, we issued AD 2007-06-18, Amendment 39-14999 (72 
FR 13681, March 23, 2007). That AD required actions intended to address 
an unsafe condition on Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 
Airplanes.
    Since we issued AD 2007-06-18, it has been determined that certain 
new actuators had failure of internal parts. The European Aviation 
Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member 
States of the European Community, has issued EASA Airworthiness 
Directive 2011-0069, dated April 18, 2011 (referred to after this as 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Some operators reported slow operation of the [main landing 
gear] MLG door opening/closing sequence, leading to the generation 
of ECAM [Electronic Centralised Aircraft Monitoring] warnings during 
the landing gear retraction or extension sequence.
    Investigations showed that the damping ring and associated 
retaining ring of the MLG door actuator deteriorate. The resultant 
debris increases the friction inside the actuator which can be 
sufficiently high to restrict opening of the MLG door by gravity, 
during operation of the landing gear alternate (free-fall) extension 
system.
    This condition, if not corrected, could prevent the full 
extension and/or downlocking of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG 
collapse during landing or rollout and consequent damage to the 
aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    EASA AD 2006-0112R1 was issued to require repetitive inspections 
of the opening sequence of the MLG door in order to identify the 
defective actuators [and replacement of any defective actuator with 
a new actuator], and to introduce as an optional terminating action 
Airbus production Modification 38274 and associated Service Bulletin 
(SB) A320-32-1338, which incorporate an improved retaining ring, 
located on the piston rod's extension end, and a new piston rod with 
machined shoulder to accommodate the thicker section of the modified 
retaining ring.
    After in-service introduction of the new MLG door actuator, P/N 
114122012, several operators reported failures of internal parts of 
the MLG door actuator. Investigations confirmed that these failures 
could result in slow extension of the actuator rod, delaying the MLG 
Door operation, or possibly stopping just before the end of the 
stroke, preventing the door to reach the fully open position.
    This new [EASA] AD, which supersedes EASA AD 2006-0112R1, 
requires an amendment of the applicable Airplane Flight

[[Page 37242]]

Manual (AFM), repetitive checks of specific Centralized Fault 
Display System (CFDS) messages [and an inspection of the opening 
sequence of the MLG door actuator for discrepancies if certain 
messages are found], * * * and, depending on findings, corrective 
action(s) [i.e., replacing the affected MLG door actuator with a new 
MLG door actuator].

    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operators Telex A320-32A1390, dated February 
10, 2011. The actions described in this service information are 
intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

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.

Differences Between the AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies 
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because 
failure of internal parts of actuators that could result in slow 
extension and down-locking of MLG, resulting in MLG collapse during 
landing or roll out, and consequent damage to the airplane. Therefore, 
we determined that notice and opportunity for public comment before 
issuing this AD are impracticable and that good cause exists for making 
this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.

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 data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2011-0573; Directorate 
Identifier 2011-NM-082-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.

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 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 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); 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 estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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 Amendment 39-14999 (72 FR 
13681, March 23, 2007) and adding the following new AD:

2011-13-11 Airbus: Amendment 39-16734. Docket No. FAA-2011-0573; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-082-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 12, 
2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2007-06-18, Amendment 39-14999.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, 
and -122, airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -
132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, 
-213, -231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category.

Subject

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

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Some operators reported slow operation of the MLG [main landing 
gear] door opening/closing sequence, leading to the generation of 
ECAM [Electronic Centralised Aircraft

[[Page 37243]]

Monitoring] warnings during the landing gear retraction or extension 
sequence.
* * * * *
    This condition, if not corrected, could prevent the full 
extension and/or downlocking of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG 
collapse during landing or rollout and consequent damage to the 
aeroplane and injury to occupants.
* * * * *
    After in-service introduction of the new MLG door actuator, P/N 
114122012, several operators reported failures of internal parts of 
the MLG door actuator. Investigations confirmed that these failures 
could result in slow extension of the actuator rod, delaying the MLG 
Door operation, or possibly stopping just before the end of the 
stroke, preventing the door to reach the fully open position.
* * * * *

Compliance

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

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2007-06-18, With No Changes

Repetitive Inspections/Replacement

    (g) At the time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this 
AD, as applicable: Do a general visual inspection of the operation 
of the MLG door opening sequence to determine if a defective 
actuator is installed by doing all the applicable actions, including 
replacing the door actuator, as applicable, specified in the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1309, 
Revision 01, dated June 19, 2006. Do all applicable replacements 
before further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals 
not to exceed 900 flight cycles. Accomplishing the actions before 
April 27, 2007 (the effective date of AD 2007-06-18) in accordance 
with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1309, dated March 7, 2006, is 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements in 
this paragraph. Doing the inspection required by paragraph (l) of 
this AD terminates the requirements of this paragraph.
    (1) For airplanes on which a record of the total number of 
flight cycles on the MLG door actuator is available: Before the 
accumulation of 3,000 total flight cycles on the MLG door actuator, 
or within 800 flight cycles after April 27, 2007, whichever is 
later.
    (2) For airplanes on which a record of the total number of 
flight cycles on the MLG door actuator is not available: Within 800 
flight cycles after April 27, 2007.

    Note 1:  For the purposes of this AD, a general visual 
inspection is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''

No Reporting/Parts Return Required

    (h) Although the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-32-1309, Revision 01, dated June 19, 2006, specify 
submitting certain information to the manufacturer and sending 
defective actuators back to the component manufacturer for 
investigation, this AD does not include those requirements.

New Requirements of This AD

Revise the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)

    (i) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Emergency Procedure Section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) 
to incorporate the following information. This may be done by 
inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
    `` If ECAM triggers the ``L/G GEAR NOT DOWNLOCKED'' 
warning, apply the following procedure:
    Recycle landing gear.
     If unsuccessful after 2 min:
    Extend landing gear by gravity. Refer to ABN-32 L/G GRAVITY 
EXTENSION.''

    Note 2: When a statement identical to that in paragraph (i) of 
this AD has been included in the Emergency Procedure Section of the 
general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted 
into the AFM, and the copy of this AD may be removed from the AFM.

Repetitive Checks

    (j) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD or before 
the accumulation of 800 total flight cycles, whichever occurs later, 
check the post flight report (PFR) for centralized fault display 
system (CFDS) messages triggered within the last 8 days, in 
accordance with paragraph 4.2.1 of Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) 
A320-32A1390, dated February 10, 2011. Repeat the check thereafter 
at intervals not to exceed 8 days or 5 flight cycles, whichever 
occurs later. If done in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA, the use of an alternative method to check the PFR 
for CFDS messages (e.g., AIRMAN) is acceptable in lieu of this check 
if the messages can be conclusively determined from that method.

On-Condition Inspection

    (k) If, during any check required by paragraph (j) of this AD, a 
pair of specific CFDS messages specified in paragraph 4.2.1 of 
Airbus AOT A320-32A1390, dated February 10, 2011, has been triggered 
by both landing gear control and indication units (LGCIU) for the 
same flight, before further flight, inspect the door opening 
sequence of the affected doors of the MLG for discrepancies (i.e., 
if any condition specified in steps (a) through (d) of paragraph 
4.2.2 of Airbus AOT A320-32A1390, dated February 10, 2011, is not 
met), in accordance with paragraph 4.2.2 of Airbus AOT A320-32A1390, 
dated February 10, 2011.

Repetitive Inspections

    (l) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (l)(1) or 
(l)(2) of this AD: inspect the door opening sequence of the left 
hand and right hand doors of the MLG for discrepancies (i.e., if any 
condition specified in steps (a) through (d) of paragraph 4.2.2 of 
Airbus AOT A320-32A1390, dated February 10, 2011, is not met), in 
accordance with the instructions of paragraph 4.2.2 of Airbus AOT 
A320-32A1390, dated February 10, 2011. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 425 flight cycles. Doing this 
inspection terminates the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (1) For airplanes on which an inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD has been done as of the effective date of this AD: 
Within 800 flight cycles after doing the most recent inspection 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, or within 100 flight cycles 
after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (2) For airplanes on which an inspection required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD has not been done as of the effective date of this 
AD: Within 800 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.

Replacement

    (m) If any discrepancy (i.e., if any condition specified in 
steps (a) through (d) of paragraph 4.2.2 of Airbus AOT A320-32A1390, 
dated February 10, 2011, is not met) is found during any inspection 
required by paragraph (k) or (l) of this AD, before further flight, 
replace the affected MLG door actuator with a new MLG door actuator, 
in accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A320-32A1390, 
dated February 10, 2011.
    (n) Replacement of the MLG door actuator as required by 
paragraph (m) of this AD is not a terminating action for the 
repetitive actions required by paragraphs (j) and (l) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 3: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows:
    (1) Paragraph (6) of European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 
2011-0069, dated April 18, 2011, specifies a compliance time of 800 
flight cycles after the effective date for all airplanes for the 
initial inspection of the door opening sequence. This AD specifies a 
compliance time of 800 flight cycles after the effective date of 
this AD for airplanes on which the existing inspections (required by 
AD 2007-06-18) of the door opening sequence have not been done, and 
a compliance time of within 800 flight cycles since the most recent 
inspection or within 100 flight cycles after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later, for airplanes on which the existing 
inspections of the door opening sequence have been done.
    (2) EASA AD 2011-0069, dated April 18, 2011, specifies MLG door 
actuators having part number (P/N) 114122006, P/N 114122007, P/N 
114122009, P/N 114122010, P/N 114122011, or P/N 114122012, in its 
applicability. This AD retains the existing applicability of AD 
2007-06-18 of all airplanes because all airplanes have one of the 
affected part numbers.

[[Page 37244]]

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (o) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Information may be e-mailed 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. As of the effective date of this AD, AMOCs approved previously 
in accordance with AD 2007-06-18, are not approved as AMOCs with 
this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Special Flight Permits: Special flight permits may be issued 
in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal 
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) with the MLG 
extended, provided that no recycle of the MLG is allowed during 
flight.

Related Information

    (p) Refer to MCAI EASA 2011-0069, dated April 18, 2011; Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-32-1309, Revision 01, dated June 19, 2006; and 
Airbus AOT A320-32A1390, dated February 10, 2011; for related 
information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (q) You must use Airbus All Operators Telex A320-32A1390, dated 
February 10, 2011; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1309, 
Revision 01, dated June 19, 2006; as applicable; to do the actions 
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operators Telex A320-
32A1390, dated February 10, 2011, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR 
part 51.
    (2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1309, 
Revision 01, dated June 19, 2006, on April 27, 2007 (72 FR 13681, 
March 23, 2007).
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 
61 93 44 51; e-mail: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet 
http://www.airbus.com.
    (4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (5) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 16, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-15683 Filed 6-24-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P