Document ID: FAA-2017-0690-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2017-07-17T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 135 (Monday, July 17, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32650-32651]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14704]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0690; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-061-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; removal.

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SUMMARY: We propose to remove Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-01-06, 
which applies to certain Airbus Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-214, 
A320-232, A321-211, A321-213, and A321-231 airplanes. AD 2017-01-06 
requires inspection and replacement of certain tie rod assemblies 
installed on the hinged fairing assembly of the main landing gear 
(MLG). We issued AD 2017-01-06 to detect and correct the absence of 
cadmium plating on the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies. Since 
we issued AD 2017-01-06, we have determined that although cadmium 
plating might be absent, the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies 
can withstand the expected environmental conditions, therefore the 
unsafe condition, as initially determined, does not exist.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 31, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to the Mail address above 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-2017-
0690; 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0690; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-061-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 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    On December 23, 2016, we issued AD 2017-01-06, Amendment 39-18773 
(82 FR 4773, January 17, 2017) (``AD 2017-01-06''), for certain Airbus 
Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-214, A320-232, A321-211, A321-213, and 
A321-231 airplanes. AD 2017-01-06 requires a detailed inspection for 
the presence of cadmium plating on tie rod assemblies having certain 
part numbers, and procedures for replacement of tie rod assemblies with 
no cadmium plating on the rod end threads. AD 2017-01-06 resulted from 
a report of certain tie rod assemblies installed on the hinged

[[Page 32651]]

fairing assembly of the MLG with no cadmium plating on the rod end 
threads. We issued AD 2017-01-06 to detect and correct the absence of 
cadmium plating on the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies. The 
absence of cadmium plating could lead to galvanic corrosion of the tie 
rod end threads, resulting in rod end failure, loss of a MLG door, and 
consequent damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2017-01-06 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2017-01-06 we have determined that, although 
cadmium plating might be absent, the rod end threads of the tie rod 
assemblies can withstand the expected environmental conditions, 
therefore the unsafe condition, as initially determined, does not 
exist.
    In addition, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) which is 
the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has 
issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0234-CN, dated April 28, 2017 
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for 
certain Airbus Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-214, A320-232, A321-211, 
A321-213, and A321-231 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A production quality issue was identified concerning tie rod 
assemblies, having [a] Part Number starting with D52840212000 or 
D52840212002, which are installed on the main landing gear (MLG) 
hinged fairing assembly. This quality issue affects the cadmium 
plating surface treatment which was inadvertently omitted from the 
rod end threads of the assembly. The absence of cadmium plating 
reduces the corrosion protection scheme.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, was initially 
assessed as leading to galvanic corrosion of the tie rod end 
threads, possibly resulting in rod end failure, loss of a MLG door, 
and consequent injury to persons on ground.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus identified the affected 
MSN [manufacturer serial number] and issued SB A320-52-1167 to 
provide inspection instructions.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2015-0234 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2017-01-06], requiring a one-time inspection of the affected MLG 
hinged fairing tie rod assemblies, and, depending on findings, 
replacement of the affected tie rod assembly.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, tests performed by the tie rod 
assembly manufacturers determined that the assemblies, even without 
cadmium plating surface treatment on the rod end threads, can 
withstand the expected environmental conditions. The consequence is 
that the unsafe condition, as initially determined, does not exist.
    For the reasons described above, this Notice cancels EASA AD 
2015-0234.

    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-2017-
0690.

FAA's Conclusions

    Upon further consideration, we have determined that AD 2017-01-06, 
must be removed. Accordingly, this proposed AD would remove AD 2017-01-
06. Removal of AD 2017-01-06 would not preclude the FAA from issuing 
another related action or commit the FAA to any course of action in the 
future.

Related Costs of Compliance

    AD 2017-01-06 affects about 20 airplanes of U.S. registry. The 
estimated cost of the actions required by AD 2017-01-06 for U.S. 
operators is $3,400, or $170, per product. Removing AD 2017-01-06 would 
eliminate those costs.

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);
    (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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-01-06, Amendment 39-18773 (82 FR 4773, January 17, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2017-0690; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-
061-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 31, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This action removes AD 2017-01-06, Amendment 39-18773 (82 FR 
4773, January 17, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    This action applies to Airbus Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-
214, A320-232, A321-211, A321-213, and A321-231 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-52-1167, dated August 6, 2015.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-14704 Filed 7-14-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P