[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 61 (Tuesday, March 30, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 16475-16478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-6775]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2004-NM-43-AD; Amendment 39-13546; AD 2004-07-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that 
is applicable to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes. This action requires a one-time general visual inspection to 
determine the part number and serial number of both main landing gear 
(MLG) sliding tubes, and related investigative and corrective actions 
if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct cracking 
in a MLG sliding tube, which could result in failure of the sliding 
tube, loss of one axle, and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe 
condition.

DATES: Effective April 14, 2004.

[[Page 16476]]

    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as 
of April 14, 2004.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before April 29, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2004-NM-43-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 the Internet must contain ``Docket No. 2004-NM-43-
AD'' in the subject line and need not be submitted in triplicate. 
Comments sent via fax or the Internet as attached electronic files must 
be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 or 2000 or ASCII text.
    The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from 
Airbus, 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; or at the 
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 
700, Washington, DC.

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: The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale 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 A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The DGAC 
advises that during a routine visual inspection of a main landing gear 
(MLG) sliding tube, a linear crack was found at the intersection of the 
cylinder and the axle. Investigation revealed that the crack was caused 
by non-metallic inclusions in the base metal. A specific batch of MLG 
sliding tubes that may have these inclusions has been identified. Such 
cracking, if not corrected, could result in failure of the affected MLG 
sliding tube, loss of one axle, and consequent reduced controllability 
of the airplane.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) 320-32A1273, dated 
February 5, 2004, which describes procedures for identifying the part 
number (P/N) and (S/N) of both MLG sliding tubes. The procedures for 
the P/N and S/N identification include visually inspecting 
(``checking'') and cleaning the part number plate, and reporting the S/
N to Airbus. For airplanes on which the S/N is included in the batch of 
affected S/Ns listed in the AOT, the procedures include:
     Cleaning the visible part of the MLG sliding 
tube and visually inspecting the part for surface cracking.
     Removing any MLG sliding tube with cracking from 
the airplane, reporting the cracking to Airbus, and sending the 
affected part to Messier-Dowty.
     Repeating the inspection for cracking at 
intervals not exceeding 10 days, until a final fix is found.
    The DGAC classified this AOT as mandatory and issued French 
airworthiness directive F-2004-022, dated February 18, 2004, to ensure 
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 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, this AD is being issued to detect and correct 
cracking in a MLG sliding tube, which could result in failure of the 
sliding tube, loss of one axle, and consequent reduced controllability 
of the airplane. This AD requires a one-time general visual inspection 
to determine the P/N and S/N of both MLG sliding tubes, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The related 
investigative actions include repetitive detailed inspections for 
cracking of the MLG sliding tubes. The corrective actions include 
replacement of a cracked part with a new or serviceable part. 
Installation of a replacement part that does not have a S/N as listed 
in Airbus AOT A320-32A1273 eliminates the need for the repetitive 
inspections for only that part.
    The actions are required to be accomplished in accordance with the 
AOT described previously, except as discussed below under ``Differences 
Among the French Airworthiness Directive, Service Information, and This 
AD.''
    This AD also includes a reporting requirement. When the unsafe 
condition addressed by an AD is likely due to a manufacturer's quality 
control (QC) problem, a reporting requirement is instrumental in 
ensuring that we can gather as much information as possible regarding 
the extent and nature of the QC problem or breakdown, especially in 
cases where such data may not be available through other established 
means. This information is necessary to ensure that proper corrective 
action will be taken.

Differences Among the French Airworthiness Directive, Service 
Information, and This AD

    The applicability of the French airworthiness directive does not 
include Airbus Model A318 series airplanes, but the effectivity of the 
AOT does include that model. The applicability of this AD includes the 
Airbus Model A318 series airplanes to ensure that all airplanes that 
might have an affected MLG sliding tube are inspected and any necessary 
corrective actions taken.
    Also, the applicability of the French airworthiness directive and 
the effectivity of the AOT include P/Ns and the list of affected S/Ns 
for the MLG sliding tubes. The applicability of this AD does not 
include any P/Ns or S/Ns. We find that listing the P/Ns and S/Ns in the 
applicability is not necessary because paragraph (a) of this AD 
requires a general visual inspection to determine the P/N and S/N of 
both MLG sliding tubes.
    The AOT specifies to send any cracked part to Messier-Dowty. This 
AD does not include such a requirement.

Clarification of Inspection Terminology

    The Airbus AOT specifies to ``visually check'' the serial number 
displayed on the MLG sliding tube. This AD requires a general visual 
inspection, which is defined in Note 1 of this AD. For certain 
airplanes, the AOT also specifies to ``visually check'' the MLG sliding 
tube for surface cracking. This AD requires a

[[Page 16477]]

detailed visual inspection, which is defined in Note 2 of this AD.

Clarification of Corrective Action

    The Airbus AOT specifies to remove any cracked MLG sliding tube 
from the airplane, but does not specify to replace the affected part 
with another part. This AD requires the replacement of any cracked part 
with a new or serviceable part.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD to be interim action. The manufacturer is 
currently developing a non-destructive inspection technique to detect 
non-metallic inclusions in the base metal of the MLG sliding tube, 
which, along with any necessary corrective actions, will address the 
unsafe condition identified in this AD. Once this inspection is 
developed, approved, and available, we may consider additional 
rulemaking.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior 
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good cause exists for 
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves 
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by 
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on 
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 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 under the caption ADDRESSES. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will 
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments 
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and 
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the 
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be 
needed.
    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 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 rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the 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 that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2004-NM-43-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency 
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe 
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory 
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further 
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is 
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be 
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final 
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket. 
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
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]

0
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2004-07-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-13546. Docket 2004-NM-43-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To detect and correct cracking in a main landing gear (MLG) 
sliding tube, which could result in failure of the sliding tube, 
loss of one axle, and consequent reduced controllability of the 
airplane, accomplish the following:

Part Number Identification, Detailed Inspection, and Corrective Action

    (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Do a 
one-time general visual inspection to determine the part number (P/
N) and serial number (S/N) of both MLG sliding tubes, per Airbus All 
Operators Telex (AOT) A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004.
    (1) If both the P/N and S/N of any MLG sliding tube are not 
listed in the AOT: No further action is required by this paragraph 
for that MLG sliding tube.
    (2) If both the P/N and S/N of any MLG sliding tube are listed 
in the AOT: Before further flight, do a detailed inspection of the 
MLG sliding tube for cracking, per the AOT.
    (i) If no cracking is found in any MLG sliding tube: Repeat the 
detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 days.
    (ii) If any cracking is found in any MLG sliding tube: Before 
further flight, replace the part with a new or serviceable part per 
a method approved by either the FAA or the Direction Generale de 
l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated agent). Chapter 32 of the Airbus 
A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual is one approved 
method. Installation of a MLG sliding tube that does not have both a 
P/N and a S/N listed in Airbus AOT A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 
2004, is terminating action for the repetitive inspections required 
by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD for that MLG sliding tube only.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior 
area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, 
or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within 
touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be 
necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the 
inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally 
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, 
flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of 
access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be 
required to gain proximity to the area being checked.''



[[Page 16478]]


    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.''

Submission of Cracked Parts Not Required

    (b) The AOT specifies to send any cracked part to Messier-Dowty. 
This AD does not include such a requirement.

Reporting Requirement

    (c) Submit a report of any positive findings of cracking found 
during any detailed inspection required by paragraph (a)(2)(i) of 
this AD to Airbus Customer Services, Engineering and Technical 
Support, Attention: M.Y. Quimiou, SEE33, fax +33+ (0) 5.6193.32.73, 
at the applicable time specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of 
this AD. The report must include the MLG P/N and S/N, date of 
inspection, a description of any cracking found, the airplane serial 
number, and the number of flight cycles on the MLG at the time of 
inspection. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained 
in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
    (1) If the inspection is done after the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done prior to the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD.

Parts Installation

    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
MLG sliding tube having both a P/N and S/N specified in Airbus AOT 
A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004, on any airplane, unless the 
part has been inspected, and any applicable correction accomplished, 
per paragraph (a) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

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

Incorporation by Reference

    (f) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be 
done in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex A320-32A1273, 
dated February 5, 2004. (The manufacturer, date, and document number 
of the All Operators Telex only appear on page 1 of the document.) 
This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the 
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 
51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be inspected at 
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in French 
airworthiness directive F-2004-022, dated February 18, 2004.

    (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 14, 2004.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 19, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-6775 Filed 3-29-04; 8:45 am]
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