[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 226 (Friday, November 23, 2001)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 58682-58684]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-29194]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2001-NM-252-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319 Series Airplanes and 
A320-200 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 Model A319 series 
airplanes and A320-200 series airplanes. This proposal would require 
repetitive inspections to detect loose or missing rivets in specified 
areas of the door frames of the overwing emergency exits and corrective 
action, if necessary. This proposal would also require measurement of 
the grip length of all rivets in the specified areas and corrective 
action, if necessary, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. 
This action is prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness 
information from a foreign airworthiness authority. This action is 
necessary to detect and correct loose or missing rivets or discrepant 
rivets, which could lead to reduced structural integrity of the 
overwing emergency exit door frames. This action is intended to address 
the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by December 24, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket Number 2001-NM-252-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. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2001-NM-252-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2125; 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 action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2001-NM-252-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 Number 2001-NM-252-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 certain Airbus A319 series airplanes and A320-
200 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that one operator reported 
finding a loose rivet at a corner of the door frame of an

[[Page 58683]]

overwing emergency exit during normal maintenance. Investigation of 
other airplanes revealed that some rivets in certain areas of the door 
frames had grip lengths which were slightly out of tolerance. If not 
corrected, rivets in specified areas of the door frames of the overwing 
emergency exits, which are loose or missing or have the wrong grip 
length, could lead to reduced structural integrity of the door frames.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated September 
22, 2000, which describes procedures for repetitive detailed visual 
inspections of specified areas of the door frame of the overwing 
emergency exits for loose or missing rivets and corrective action, if 
necessary. The service bulletin also describes procedures for 
measurement of the grip length of all rivets in the specified areas and 
corrective action, if necessary. The corrective actions include 
inspecting rivet holes for cracks, opening up certain rivet holes, 
repairing certain rivet holes, and installing new rivets. Measurement 
of the grip length of all rivets in all specified areas and corrective 
action, if necessary, eliminates the need for the repetitive 
inspections. 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 2001-241(B), dated June 27, 2001, 
in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
France.

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 service bulletin described previously, 
except as discussed below.

Differences between Proposed Rule and Service Bulletin

    Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated September 22, 2000, 
specifies that, if a second rotating probe inspection reveals cracks at 
any rivet holes, the operator is to contact the manufacturer for 
further instructions. The proposed rule would require that, if such 
cracks are detected, the operator is to repair them in accordance with 
a method approved by the FAA or the DGAC or its delegated agent.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 168 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 1 work 
hour per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, 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 
$10,080, or $60 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    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 proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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 2001-NM-252-AD.

    Applicability: Model A319 series airplanes and A320-200 series 
airplanes, as listed in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated 
September 22, 2000; 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 (e) 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 rivets in specified areas of the door 
frames of the overwing emergency exits which are loose or missing or 
which have the wrong grip length, which could lead to reduced 
structural integrity of the door frames, accomplish the following:

Inspection and Measurement

    (a) Within 3,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD: Conduct a detailed visual inspection of the specified areas of 
the door frames of the overwing emergency exits for loose or missing 
rivets, in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions 
and Figure 5 of Airbus Service Bulletin A32053-1147, dated September 
22, 2000. If no loose or missing rivets are found,

[[Page 58684]]

repeat the detailed visual inspection and the measurement at 
intervals not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles until the requirements 
of paragraph (d) have been accomplished.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual 
inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a 
specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to 
detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is 
normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at 
intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such 
as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

Corrective Action

    (b) If the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
reveals that there are loose or missing rivets: Prior to further 
flight, accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (b)(1) or 
(b)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Measure the grip length of all rivets in the specified areas 
in which the loose or missing rivets were detected and perform 
corrective action (e.g., inspecting rivet holes for cracks, opening 
up rivet holes, repairing cracks at rivet holes, and installing new 
rivets) as applicable, in accordance with Part C of the 
Accomplishment Instructions and Figure 5 of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-53-1147, dated September 22, 2000, except as specified in 
paragraph (c) of this AD. Repeat the detailed visual inspection 
required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 
3,500 flight cycles until the requirements of paragraph (d) have 
been accomplished.
    (2) Measure the grip length of all rivets in all specified areas 
and perform corrective action (e.g., inspecting rivet holes for 
cracks, opening up rivet holes, repairing cracks at rivet holes, and 
installing new rivets) as applicable, in accordance with Part C of 
the Accomplishment Instructions and Figure 5 of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated September 22, 2000, except as specified 
in paragraph (c) of this AD.
    (c) If Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated September 22, 
2000 recommends contacting the manufacturer for instructions 
concerning certain repairs, perform those repairs in accordance with 
a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate or by the Direction Generale de 
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) or its delegated agent. For a repair method 
to be approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, as 
required by this paragraph, the Manager's approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.

Terminating Action

    (d) Prior to the accumulation of 24,000 total flight cycles or 
within 3,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, 
whichever occurs later: Accomplish the requirements of paragraph 
(b)(2) of this AD. Accomplishment of paragraph (b)(2) of this AD 
constitutes terminating action for the purpose of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (e) 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. 
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

    (f) 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 2001-241(B), dated June 27, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 15, 2001.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 01-29194 Filed 11-21-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P