[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 70 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 17757-17759]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-8893]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-16-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 certain Airbus Model A319, A320, 
and A321 series airplanes equipped with certain cockpit lateral fixed 
windows manufactured by PPG Aerospace. This proposal would require a 
detailed inspection of the cockpit lateral fixed windows to detect 
moisture ingression and delamination, and follow-on/corrective actions 
as applicable. This proposed AD also provides for an optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This action is 
necessary to prevent moisture ingression and delamination of the 
cockpit lateral fixed windows, which could result in the loss of the 
outer glass ply, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to 
people or damage to property on the ground. This action is intended to 
address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by May 12, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-16-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 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. 2002-NM-16-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:
    [sbull] 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.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
    [sbull] 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 2002-NM-16-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. 2002-NM-16-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 Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes equipped with certain cockpit lateral fixed windows 
manufactured by PPG Aerospace. The DGAC advises that an operator 
reported partial separation of the outer glass ply of the right-hand 
cockpit lateral fixed window. This window had been previously 
identified as having delamination in the lower forward corner. 
Investigation revealed that a process used in the manufacturing of 
these windows was deficient, resulting in moisture ingress and 
delamination of the outer glass ply. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in loss of the outer glass ply, and consequent damage to 
the airplane and injury to people or damage to property on the ground.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-56-1009, Revision 01, 
including Appendix 01 and Reporting Sheet, dated July 4, 2002. This 
service bulletin describes procedures for a detailed inspection of 
cockpit lateral fixed windows manufactured by PPG Aerospace having part 
number (P/N) NP-165313-1 or NP-165313-2, and having a serial number (S/
N) below 95001H0001 (PPG Aerospace manufacturing date before January 1, 
1995), to detect moisture ingression evidenced by urethane degradation 
or delamination. For windows having no

[[Page 17758]]

moisture ingression, the service bulletin describes procedures for 
either follow-on repetitive inspections of those windows to detect 
moisture ingression; or replacement of those windows with windows 
having P/N NP-165313-1 or NP-165313-2, and S/N 95001H0001 or above (PPG 
Aerospace manufacturing date January 1, 1995, or after), or with 
windows having P/N NP-165313-3 or NP-165313-4. For windows having 
urethane degradation, the service bulletin describes procedures for 
replacement of those windows with windows having a certain P/N and S/N. 
For windows having delamination, the service bulletin describes 
procedures for measuring the length of the delamination, and either 
performing follow-on repetitive inspections or replacing the windows 
with windows having a certain P/N and S/N, depending on the length of 
the delamination. Accomplishment of the replacement described in the 
service bulletin would eliminate the need for repetitive inspections.
    The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and issued 
French airworthiness directive 2001-632(B), dated December 26, 2001, in 
order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
France.
    The Airbus service bulletin references PPG Aerospace Service 
Bulletin NP-165313-56-001, dated May 15, 2001, as an additional source 
of service information for accomplishing the actions described 
previously.

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 these type designs 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 designs registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the Airbus service bulletin described 
previously. This proposed AD also would provide for optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections.
    Operators should note that, to be consistent with the findings of 
the DGAC, we have determined that the repetitive inspections proposed 
by this AD can be allowed to continue in lieu of accomplishment of the 
optional terminating replacement, provided that no moisture ingression 
or delamination is found during the inspections. In making this 
determination, we consider that, in this case, long-term continued 
operational safety will be adequately assured by accomplishing the 
repetitive inspections to detect moisture ingression and delamination 
before they represent a hazard to the airplane.

Difference Between Service Information and Proposed Rule

    Operators should note that, although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
56-1009, Revision 01, recommends that, in Appendix 01, operators submit 
inspection findings to Airbus, this AD does not include such a 
reporting requirement.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 36 Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that 
it would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to accomplish the 
proposed detailed inspection to identify moisture ingression of certain 
identified cockpit lateral fixed windows, at an average labor rate of 
$60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
detailed inspection proposed by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated 
to be $4,320, or $120 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
    The cost impact figure discussed above 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. 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.
    Should an operator elect to accomplish the optional terminating 
replacement that would be provided by this AD action, we estimate that 
it would take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish it, 
at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, 
the cost impact of the optional terminating replacement would be $240 
per airplane.

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: Docket 2002-NM-16-AD.

    Applicability: Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes, 
certificated in any category; equipped with PPG Aerospace cockpit 
lateral fixed windows having part number (P/N) NP-165313-1 or NP-
165313-2, and having a serial number (S/N) below 95001H0001 (PPG 
Aerospace manufacturing date before January 1, 1995).

    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

[[Page 17759]]

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 moisture ingression and delamination of the cockpit 
lateral fixed windows, which could result in the loss of the outer 
glass ply, and consequent damage to the airplane and injury to 
people or damage to property on the ground, accomplish the 
following:

Repetitive Inspections and Replacement, if Necessary

    (a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, 
perform a detailed inspection to detect urethane degradation or 
delamination of the outer glass ply; per the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-56-1009, Revision 01, 
excluding Appendix 01 and Reporting Sheet, dated July 4, 2002.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.''

    (1) If no urethane degradation or delamination is found: 
Accomplish the actions specified in paragraph (a)(1)(i) or 
(a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours, until the 
replacement specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD has been 
accomplished; or
    (ii) Within 500 flight hours after the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD: Replace the cockpit lateral fixed windows 
with new windows having P/N NP-165313-1 or NP-165313-2, and S/N 
95001H0001 or above (PPG Aerospace manufacturing date January 1, 
1995, or after); or with new windows having P/N NP-165313-3 or NP-
165313-4, per the Accomplishment Instructions of the service 
bulletin. Accomplishment of the replacement terminates the 
requirements of this AD.
    (2) If any urethane degradation is found: Within 50 flight hours 
after the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, 
accomplish the replacement specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this 
AD.
    (3) If any delamination is found: Before further flight, measure 
the length of the delamination per the Accomplishment Instructions 
of the service bulletin.
    (i) If the length of the delamination is less than or equal to 
1.0 inch (25.4 millimeters (mm)): Accomplish the actions specified 
in paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (ii) If the length of the delamination is greater than 1.0 inch 
(25.4 mm): Within 50 flight hours after the inspection required by 
paragraph (a) of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in 
paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this AD.

    Note 3: The Airbus service bulletin references PPG Aerospace 
Service Bulletin NP-165313-56-001, dated May 15, 2001, as an 
additional source of service information for accomplishing the 
applicable actions required by this AD.

Actions Accomplished per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin

    (b) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD 
per Airbus Service Bulletin A320-56-1009, dated August 30, 2001, are 
considered acceptable for compliance with the actions required by 
this AD.

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 4: 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2001-632(B), dated December 26, 2001.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 7, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-8893 Filed 4-10-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P