Document ID: FAA-2014-0233-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2014-04-29T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 23900-23903]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-09623]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0233; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-053-AD; 
Amendment 39-17825; AD 2014-08-01]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-03-08 for 
all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2014-
03-08 required an inspection to determine the part number of the 
interconnecting struts installed on the wings, identifying the part 
number and the serial number of the associated target and proximity 
sensor if applicable, and replacing or re-identifying the flap 
interconnecting strut if applicable. This new AD corrects a 
typographical error that affects the definition of a serviceable 
interconnecting strut. This AD was prompted by a report that an 
investigation showed that when a certain combination of a target/
proximity sensor serial number is installed on a flap interconnecting 
strut, a ``target FAR'' signal cannot be detected when it reaches the 
mechanical end stop of the interconnecting strut. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct a latent failure of the flap down drive 
disconnection due to an already-failed interconnecting strut sensor, 
which could result in asymmetric flap panel movement and consequent 
loss of control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 14, 2014.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 26, 
2014 (79 FR 9398, February 19, 2014).
    We must receive comments on this AD by June 13, 2014.

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 W12-140, 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 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; 
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-2014-
0233; 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, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; 
fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    On January 22, 2014, we issued AD 2014-03-08, Amendment 39-17745 
(79 FR 9398, February 19, 2014). AD 2014-03-08 applied to all Airbus 
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series

[[Page 23901]]

airplanes. AD 2014-03-08 was prompted by a report that an investigation 
showed that when a certain combination of a target/proximity sensor 
serial number is installed on a flap interconnecting strut, a ``target 
FAR'' signal cannot be detected when it reaches the mechanical end stop 
of the interconnecting strut. AD 2014-03-08 required an inspection to 
determine the part number of the interconnecting struts installed on 
the wings, identifying the part number and the serial number of the 
associated target and proximity sensor if applicable, and replacing or 
re-identifying the flap interconnecting strut if applicable. We issued 
AD 2014-03-08 to detect and correct a latent failure of the flap down 
drive disconnection due to an already-failed interconnecting strut 
sensor, which could result in asymmetric flap panel movement and 
consequent loss of control of the airplane.
    Since we issued AD 2014-03-08, Amendment 39-17745 (79 FR 9398, 
February 19, 2014), we identified a typographical error that affects 
the definition of a serviceable interconnecting strut.

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.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    This new AD merely corrects a typographical error that affects the 
definition of a serviceable interconnecting strut. The requirements of 
this AD are substantially similar to the requirements of superseded AD 
2014-03-08, Amendment 39-17745, (79 FR 9398, February 19, 2014). 
Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are unnecessary and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less 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-2014-0233; Directorate 
Identifier 2014-NM-053-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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 755 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    The actions that were required by AD 2014-03-08, Amendment 39-17745 
(79 FR 9398, February 19, 2014), and are retained in this AD take about 
8 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-
hour. Required parts cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, 
the estimated cost of the actions that were required by AD 2014-03-08 
is $680 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$850 per product. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft 
that might need this action.
    The new requirements of this AD add no additional economic burden.

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 that 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);
    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.

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 airworthiness directive (AD) 
2014-03-08, Amendment 39-17745 (79 FR 9398, February 19, 2014), and 
adding the following new AD:

2014-08-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-17825. Docket No. FAA-2014-0233; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-053-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective May 14, 2014.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD supersedes AD 2014-03-08, Amendment 39-17745 (79 FR 
9398, February 19, 2014).

(c) Applicability

    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,

[[Page 23902]]

-211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any 
category; all manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that an investigation showed 
that when a certain combination of a target/proximity sensor serial 
number is installed on a flap interconnecting strut, a ``target 
FAR'' signal cannot be detected when reaching the mechanical end 
stop of the interconnecting strut. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct a latent failure of the flap down drive disconnection 
due to an already-failed interconnecting strut sensor, which could 
result in asymmetric flap panel movement and consequent loss of 
control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained Inspection To Determine the Part Number of the 
Interconnecting Struts

    This paragraph restates the requirements of AD 2014-03-08, 
Amendment 39-17745 (79 FR 9398, February 19, 2014), with a corrected 
typographical error in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD that affects 
the definition of a serviceable interconnecting strut. Within 8,000 
flight hours after March 26, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014 03-
08), inspect to determine the part number of the interconnecting 
struts installed on both the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) 
wings of the airplane, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1206, Revision 01, 
dated October 10, 2011. A review of the airplane maintenance records 
is acceptable for determining the part number of the installed 
interconnecting struts, in lieu of the inspection, if the part 
number of the installed interconnecting struts, and the part number 
and the serial number of the associated target and proximity sensor, 
can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 27956 has been 
embodied in production, and on which no interconnecting strut has 
been replaced with a strut having a part number specified in figure 
1 to paragraph (g) of this AD since the airplane's first flight: No 
further work is required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) If, during the inspection required by the introductory text 
of paragraph (g) of this AD, any interconnecting strut is installed 
with a part number specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this 
AD: Within 8,000 flight hours after March 26, 2014 (the effective 
date of AD 2014 03-08, Amendment 39-17745 (79 FR 9398, February 19, 
2014)), determine the part number and the serial number of the 
associated target and proximity sensor.
    (i) For airplanes having conditions specified in paragraphs 
(g)(2)(i)(A), (g)(2)(i)(B), (g)(2)(i)(C), and (g)(2)(i)(D) of this 
AD: Before further flight, replace the interconnecting strut with a 
serviceable unit, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1206, Revision 01, dated October 
10, 2011. For the purposes of this AD, a serviceable interconnecting 
strut is a unit which has been determined to be in compliance with 
the requirements of this AD.
    (A) A target part number (P/N) ABS0121-13 or P/N 8-536-01; and
    (B) A target serial number lower than 1600, or a target serial 
number that is unreadable; and
    (C) A proximity sensor having P/N ABS0121-31 or P/N 8-372-04; 
and
    (D) A proximity sensor having a serial number between C59198 and 
C59435, or a serial number (S/N) C500000 or higher.
    (ii) For a target having S/N 1600 or higher and target P/N 
ABS0121-13 or P/N 8-536-01: Within 8,000 flight hours after March 
26, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014 03-08, Amendment 39-17745 
(79 FR 9398, February 19, 2014), re-identify the interconnecting 
strut, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-27-1206, Revision 01, dated October 10, 2011.

  Figure 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--Interconnecting Strut Part Nos.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Interconnecting strut part Nos.
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                             D5757030500000
                             D5757030500100
                             D5757030500200
                             D5757030500600
                             D5757030500800
                             D5757030501000
                             D5757030501200
                             D5757032200000
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 (h) Retained Parts Installation Prohibition

    This paragraph restates the requirements of AD 2014-03-08, 
Amendment 39-17745 (79 FR 9398, February 19, 2014). As of March 26, 
2014 (the effective date of AD 2014 03-08), no person may install an 
interconnecting strut with a part number specified in figure 1 to 
paragraph (g) of this AD, on any airplane, except for parts 
identified in paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, provided that the 
actions in paragraph (g)(2)(ii) are done.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
March 26, 2014 (the effective date of AD 2014 03-08, Amendment 39-
17745 (79 FR 9398, February 19, 2014)), using Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-27-1206, dated January 28, 2011, and if additional 
work has been accomplished using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-
1206, Revision 01, dated October 10, 2011. Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-27-1206, dated January 28, 2011, is not incorporated by 
reference in this AD.

(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, 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, 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) 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 its delegated agent, or the DAH with a State of Design 
Authority's design organization approval, as applicable). You are 
required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to 
service.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-
0012, dated January 23, 2012, for related information. You may 
examine the MCAI on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-0233.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference may be obtained at the addresses specified 
in paragraphs (l)(4) and (l)(5) of this AD.

(l) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
March 26, 2014 (79 FR 9398, February 19, 2014).
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1206, Revision 01, dated 
October 10, 2011.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) 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; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
    (5) 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.

[[Page 23903]]

    (6) You may view this 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 7, 2014.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-09623 Filed 4-28-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P