[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26111-26112]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12511]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 98-NM-93-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to all Airbus Model A319, A320, and
A321 series airplanes. This proposal would require repetitive
inspections for discrepancies of the lock bolt for the pintle pin on
the main landing gear (MLG), and follow-on corrective actions, if
necessary. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness
authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to
detect and correct a rotated, damaged, or missing lock bolt, which
could result in disengagement of the pintle pin from the bearing, and
consequent collapse of the MLG during landing.
DATES: Comments must be received by June 11, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-93-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this location
between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments,
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in
light of the comments received.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 98-NM-93-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and
returned to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules
Docket No. 98-NM-93-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington
98055-4056.
Discussion
The Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe
condition may exist on all Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes. The DGAC advises that it has received two reports indicating
that the forward pintle pin of the main landing gear (MLG) had migrated
forward toward the wing rear spar. In both instances, the lock bolt and
associated MLG barrel bushings securing the pintle pin were missing,
which allowed the pintle pin to migrate forward, although further
movement was prevented by the incrementally tapered diameter of the
pintle pin. Initial investigations have indicated that the probable
cause of migration of the pintle pin was due to ineffective lubrication
of the bearing of the forward pintle pin, which caused excess load on
the lock bolt. The DGAC further advises that backward migration of the
pintle pin also could occur, which would allow the pintle pin to become
disengaged and separate from the pintle pin bearing. Such discrepancies
of the pintle pin, if not corrected, could result in collapse of the
MLG during landing.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
The manufacturer has issued Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 32-17,
Revision 01, dated November 6, 1997, which describes procedures for
repetitive detailed visual inspections for discrepancies (rotation,
wear, missing or broken parts) of the lock bolt for the pintle pin of
the MLG, and follow-on corrective actions, if necessary. The corrective
actions include replacement of a discrepant lock bolt with a new or
serviceable part, followed by relubrication of the pintle spherical
bearing. The DGAC classified this AOT as mandatory and issued French
airworthiness directive 97-385-112(B), dated December 17, 1997, in
order to assure the airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
[[Page 26112]]
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
Section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the DGAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of
the actions specified in the AOT described previously.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action until final action is
identified, at which time the FAA may consider further rulemaking.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 120 airplanes of U.S. registry would be
affected by this proposed AD. It would take approximately 1 work hour
per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, at an average labor
rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of
the inspection proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be
$7,200, or $60 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that
no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements of
this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in
the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations proposed herein would not have substantial direct
effects 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. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that 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);
and (3) if promulgated, 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. A copy of the draft
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the
Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules
Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend
part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as
follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
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]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
Airbus Industrie: Docket 98-NM-93-AD.
Applicability: All Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes;
certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (b) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct a rotated, damaged, or missing lock bolt,
which could result in disengagement of the pintle pin from the
bearing, and consequent collapse of the main landing gear (MLG)
during landing, accomplish the following:
(a) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect discrepancies
(rotation, damage, and absence) of the lock bolt for the pintle pin
on the MLG, in accordance with Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) 32-
17, Revision 01, dated November 6, 1997, at the latest of the times
specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3), of this AD. If
any discrepancy is detected, prior to further flight, perform
corrective actions, as applicable, in accordance with the AOT.
Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 1,000
flight cycles or 15 months, whichever occurs first.
(1) Within 30 months since the airplane's date of manufacture or
prior to the accumulation of 2,000 total flight cycles, whichever
occurs first.
(2) Within 15 months or 1,000 flight cycles after the last gear
replacement or accomplishment of Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin
A320-32-1119, dated June 13, 1994, whichever occurs first.
(3) Within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this
AD.
(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their request
through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may
add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch,
ANM-116.
Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
(c) 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) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 97-385-112(B), dated December 17, 1997.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 5, 1998.
John J. Hickey,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-12511 Filed 5-11-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U