[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 199 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59347-59349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-25978]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2002-NM-49-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. This proposal would require repetitive 
inspections of the left- and right-side main landing gear (MLG) side-
stay cuff lugs and down-lock spring attachments for evidence of cracked 
or fractured side-stay cuff lugs or down-lock spring attachments, and 
repair if necessary. This action would also provide for optional 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This action is 
necessary to prevent failure of the MLG side-stay cuff lugs or down-
lock spring attachments, which could result in improper down-lock of 
the MLG during a freefall extension, and possible collapse of the MLG. 
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by November 14, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-49-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-49-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 or 2000 or 
ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule may be 
obtained from Airbus Industries, 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: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2141; 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.

[[Page 59348]]

    [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-49-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-49-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 A320 series airplanes. The 
DGAC advises that it has received reports of failure of the MLG side-
stay cuff lugs on certain Model A320 series airplanes. Investigation 
has revealed that the failures were due to stress-corrosion cracks 
attributed to moisture ingress. In one case the failed cuff lugs 
resulted in the disconnection of the side-stay down-lock springs from 
the lock-stay links. Failure of the side-stay cuff lugs or down-lock 
spring attachments could result in improper down-lock of the MLG during 
a freefall extension, and possible collapse of the MLG.
    The MLG down-lock mechanism on Airbus Model A319 and A321 series 
airplanes is similar to that on the affected Model A320 series 
airplanes. Therefore, those airplanes may be subject to the unsafe 
condition revealed on the Model A320 series airplanes.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-32A1224, dated January 18, 
2001, which describes procedures for repetitive detailed inspections of 
the MLG lock-springs and side-stay center joint links for evidence of 
cracked or fractured lugs; and repair if necessary. The inspections are 
to be repeated until accomplishment of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-
1223, dated March 5, 2001.
    Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1223 describes procedures for 
installation of MLG side-stay cuffs and links manufactured from new, 
improved material that has a higher stress-corrosion resistance than 
the current material. Accomplishment of this service bulletin 
eliminates the need for the repetitive inspections specified in Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-32A1224.
    Accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-32A1224 is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe 
condition. The DGAC classified this service bulletin as mandatory and 
issued French airworthiness directive 2002-075(B), dated January 23, 
2002, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
France. The French airworthiness directive specifies that 
accomplishment of the actions specified in Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-32-1223 cancels the requirement of that AD.

FAA's Conclusions

    These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
Sec.  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 Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32A1224, 
described previously, and provides for an optional terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 367 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 repetitive inspections, 
and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Based on these 
figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD is estimated to be $130 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 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.

[[Page 59349]]

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Airbus: Docket 2002-NM-49-AD.

    Applicability: Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes; 
certificated in any category; except those airplanes on which Airbus 
Modification 30648 has been installed.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To prevent failure of the MLG side-stay cuff lugs or down-lock 
spring attachments, which could result in improper down-lock of the 
MLG during a freefall extension, and possible collapse of the MLG, 
accomplish the following:

Inspection

    (a) Do a detailed inspection of the left- and right-side main 
landing gear (MLG) side-stay cuff lugs and down-lock spring 
attachments to detect failures (cracked or fractured lugs), in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-32A1224, dated January 18, 2001, at the later of the 
times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD.
    (1) Within 60 months from the first entry into service of the 
MLG, or before the accumulation of 9,000 total flight hours on the 
MLG, whichever occurs first.
    (2) Within 500 flight hours on the MLG after the effective date 
of this AD.

    Note 1: 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.''

    (b) If during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD no crack or fracture is detected: Repeat the inspection required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
500 flight cycles until the actions specified in paragraph (e) of 
this AD are accomplished.
    (c) If during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this 
AD any crack or fracture is detected: Before further flight, replace 
any discrepant part with a new part of the same type in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-32A1224, dated January 18, 2001. Repeat the inspection required 
by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
500 flight cycles until the actions specified in paragraph (e) of 
this AD are accomplished.

Credit for Actions Done per the Maintenance Planning Document

    (d) Compliance with task number 321119.01.1, ``Visual Check of 
Main Landing Gear Downlocking Springs,'' of the Airbus A319/A320/
A321 Maintenance Planning Document, Revision 25, dated October 2001, 
is considered acceptable for compliance with the inspection 
requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. Operators should note that 
this task requires repetitive inspections at 8-day intervals, 
instead of intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles.

Optional Terminating Action

    (e) Replacement of the MLG side-stay lugs and links on the left 
and right sides of the airplane with lugs and links made of new, 
improved material, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
32-1223, dated March 5, 2001, terminates the repetitive inspections 
required by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized 
to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

    Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive 2002-075(B), dated January 23, 2002.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 7, 2003.
Ali Bahrami,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-25978 Filed 10-14-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P