Document ID: FAA-2013-0543-0001
Agency: faa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Airplanes
Posted Date: 2013-07-01T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 126 (Monday, July 1, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 39190-39193]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-15663]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2013-0543; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-202-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed 
AD was prompted by a determination that certain special washers used in 
the retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing installation in the main 
landing gear (MLG) were incorrectly manufactured. This proposed AD 
would require an inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) 
MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing assemblies to verify that 
the special washer is seated correctly, and related investigative and 
corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and 
correct

[[Page 39191]]

installation of incorrectly manufactured special washers, which could 
lead to a local stress concentration resulting in possible reduction of 
the fatigue life of the jack fitting, and consequent reduction of the 
structural integrity of the affected MLG.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 15, 2013.

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 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 review copies of the 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; 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 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-2013-0543; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-202-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 Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0223, dated October 23, 2012 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:

    Airbus identified a batch of special washers, Part Number (P/N) 
D5725260120000 and P/N D5725664320000, which were incorrectly 
manufactured and delivered as spares from the supplier between 
October 2006 and January 2010. As a result of these manufacturing 
defects, the affected washers differ geometrically from the design 
specifications. The results of further analyses on Airbus A318, 
A319, A320 and A321 aeroplanes demonstrate that the affected washers 
could be seated incorrectly when installed on aeroplanes, which 
could affect the main landing gear (MLG) retraction jack anchorage 
fitting bearing installation.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a 
local stress concentration which may reduce the fatigue life of the 
jack fitting, possibly reducing the structural integrity of the 
affected MLG.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time detailed visual inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand 
(RH) MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing assemblies to 
verify that the special washer is seated correctly and, depending on 
findings, the accomplishment of applicable [related investigative 
action and] corrective actions.

The related investigative action is a detailed inspection of the jack 
anchorage fitting for damage, corrosion, cracks or other defects. 
Corrective actions include replacing the special washer with a new 
special washer and repairing the jack anchorage fitting if there are 
signs of damage, corrosion, or other defects. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 
01, dated September 18, 2012, and the following tasks in Subject 57-26-
13, Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 50, 
dated November 1, 2012.
     Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, Installation of the Bearing 
Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin.
     Task 57-26-13-400-002-A, Installation of the Bearing 
Assembly of the MLG Actuator Attachment.
     Task 57-26-13-400-004-A, Installation of the Bearing Seals 
of the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly.
    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 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.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated September 
18, 2012, specifies to contact the manufacturer for instructions on how 
to repair certain conditions, but this proposed AD would require 
repairing those conditions using a method approved by either the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
FAA; or the EASA (or its delegated agent).

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 851 products 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 the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be

[[Page 39192]]

$217,005, or $255 per product. In addition, we estimate that any 
necessary follow-on actions would take about 15 work-hours, for a cost 
of $1,275 per product. We have received no definitive data that would 
enable us to provide part cost estimates for the on-condition actions 
specified in this proposed AD. We have no way of determining the number 
of products that may need these actions.

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 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed 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.

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 AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2013-0543; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
202-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 15, 2013.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes listed in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57, Wings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a determination that certain special 
washers used in retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing 
installation in the main landing gear (MLG) were incorrectly 
manufactured. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
installation of incorrectly manufactured special washers, which 
could lead to a local stress concentration resulting in possible 
reduction of the fatigue life of the jack fitting, and consequent 
reduction of the structural integrity of the affected MLG.

 (f) Compliance

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

(g) Detailed Inspection

    Within 21,300 flight cycles after August 1, 2006, or within 30 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do 
a detailed inspection of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) MLG 
retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing assemblies for correct 
installation, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated September 
18, 2012, except as specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of 
this AD.

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The affected special washers 
having part numbers (P/N) D5725260120000 and P/N D5725664320000 were 
manufactured between October 2006 and January 2010.

(h) Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

    If any special washer is found incorrectly seated during the 
inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD: Before further 
flight, do all applicable related investigative and corrective 
actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated September 
18, 2012, except as specified in paragraph (i)(3) of this AD.

(i) Exceptions to Inspections and Service Information

    (1) Airplanes on which Airbus modification 39730 or Airbus 
modification 150311 has been embodied in production, or on which 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1157 has been embodied in service, 
do not have to be inspected as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
unless a special washer having P/N D5725260120000 or P/N 
D5725664320000 has been installed since the airplane's first flight, 
or since modification as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
57-1157, as applicable. A review of airplane maintenance records is 
acceptable to make this determination if the part numbers of the 
special washers and modification status can be conclusively 
determined from that review.
    (2) MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing assemblies on 
which no special washer replacement has been accomplished after 
August 1, 2006; and MLG retraction jack anchorage fitting bearing 
assemblies on which a special washer replacement has been 
accomplished as specified in Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, Installation 
of the Bearing Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin; Task 57-26-13-
400-002-A, Installation of the Bearing Assembly of the MLG Actuator 
Attachment; and Task 57-26-13-400-004-A Installation of the Bearing 
Seals of the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly; of Subject 57-26-13, 
Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 50, 
dated November 1, 2012; do not have to be inspected as required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD. A review of airplane maintenance records 
is acceptable to make this determination if the status can be 
conclusively determined from that review.
    (3) Where Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, 
dated September 18, 2012, specifies to contact Airbus and apply 
corrective action defined by Airbus: Before further flight, repair 
the jack anchorage fitting using a method approved by either the 
Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane 
Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (or 
its delegated agent).

[[Page 39193]]

(j) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, a special washer having P/N D5725260120000 or P/N 
D5725664320000, unless it is installed in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, 
Revision 01, dated September 18, 2012; or in accordance with the 
instructions specified in the tasks identified in paragraphs (j)(1), 
(j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, Installation of the Bearing 
Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin, in Subject 57-26-13, 
Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Revision 50, 
dated November 1, 2012.
    (2) Task 57-26-13-400-002-A, Installation of the Bearing 
Assembly of the MLG Actuator Attachment, in Subject 57-26-13, 
Attachment--Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 AMM, Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012.
    (3) Task 57-26-13-400-004-A Installation of the Bearing Seals of 
the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly, in Subject 57-26-13, Attachment--
Main Landing Gear, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus A318/A319/
A320/A321 AMM, Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, dated 
January 10, 2012, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(l) 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 their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

(m) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0223, dated October 23, 
2012; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1169, Revision 01, dated 
September 18, 2012; and the following tasks specified in Subject 57-
26-13, of Chapter 57, Wings, of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 AMM, 
Revision 50, dated November 1, 2012; for related information.
    (i) Task 57-26-13-400-001-A, Installation of the Bearing 
Assembly of the Forward Pintle Pin.
    (ii) Task 57-26-13-400-002-A, Installation of the Bearing 
Assembly of the MLG Actuator Attachment.
    (iii) Task 57-26-13-400-004-A, Installation of the Bearing Seals 
of the MLG Actuator Bearing Assembly.
    (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 review copies of the referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. You may review copies of the 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 17, 2013.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-15663 Filed 6-28-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P