[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 142 (Monday, July 26, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40319-40321]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-19016]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 99-NM-94-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320 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 certain Airbus Model A320 series 
airplanes. This proposal would require modification of the autopilot 
mode engagement/disengagement lever of the rudder artificial feel unit. 
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 prevent 
reduced controllability of the airplane due to the failure of the 
rudder artificial feel unit to properly disengage from autopilot mode 
during approach and landing.

DATES: Comments must be received by August 25, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 99-NM-94-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, Customer Services Directorate, 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 99-NM-94-AD.'' The

[[Page 40320]]

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. 99-NM-94-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, has notified the FAA that an unsafe 
condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A320 series airplanes. The 
DGAC advises that several cases of stiff rudder pedals have been 
reported. The stiffness is due to the rudder artificial feel unit being 
in autopilot mode while the autopilot is disengaged; this is due to 
jamming of the artificial feel autopilot mode disengagement lever. 
Investigations have shown that the radial play of the lever bearing 
together with low temperature could cause an increased operating force. 
In this case, the back driving force is not able to get the autopilot 
mode disengaged. This condition, if not corrected, could result in 
reduced controllability of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus Industrie has issued Service Bulletin A320-27-1042, Revision 
3, dated April 7, 1999, which describes procedures for the modification 
of the autopilot mode engagement/disengagement lever of the rudder 
artificial feel unit. This service bulletin introduces a new modified 
lever with a larger radial play of the bearing. The modification 
ensures that the correct operating force exists at the pedals during 
approach and landing. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the 
service bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified 
unsafe condition. The DGAC classified this service bulletin as 
mandatory and issued French airworthiness directive 1999-075-128(B), 
dated February 24, 1999, in order to assure the continued airworthiness 
of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in France and is 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 service bulletin described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 17 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 6 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed actions, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$6,120, or $360 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 99-NM-94-AD.

    Applicability: Model A320 series airplanes, certificated in any 
category, except airplanes on which Airbus Industrie Modification 
22624 has been accomplished or on which Modification 21999 was 
accomplished in production.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 (c) 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 prevent reduced controllability of the airplane due to the 
failure of the rudder artificial feel unit to properly disengage 
from autopilot mode, accomplish the following:

Modification

    (a) Within 18 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the rudder artificial feel unit in accordance with Airbus Industrie 
Service Bulletin A320-27-1042, Revision 3, dated April 7, 1999.

    Note 2: Accomplishment of the modification, prior to the 
effective date of this AD, in accordance with Airbus Industrie 
Service Bulletin A320-27-1042, dated March 21, 1992, or Revision 1, 
dated June 6, 1998, or Revision 2, dated November 4, 1998, is 
considered acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this 
AD.

[[Page 40321]]

Spares

    (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install 
an artificial feel unit having part number D2727040000600, 
D2727040000651, D2727040000800, or D2727040000851 on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (c) 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 
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, 
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116.

    Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved 
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be 
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.

Special Flight Permits

    (d) 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 1999-075-128(B), dated February 24, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 20, 1999.
D.L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 99-19016 Filed 7-23-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P