[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 110 (Tuesday, June 8, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 31867-31870]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-12678]



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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 110 / Tuesday, June 8, 2004 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 31867]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT)

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-17996; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-100-AD; 
Amendment 39-13659; AD 2004-11-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. 
That AD currently 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 amendment adds an additional inspection to determine 
only the serial number of the MLG sliding tubes. This AD is prompted by 
a report that the field of MLG sliding tubes subject to the identified 
unsafe condition has expanded. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracking in an MLG sliding tube, which could result in failure 
of the sliding tube, loss of one axle, and consequent reduced 
controllability of the airplane.

DATES: Effective June 23, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operators Telex A320-
32A1273, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004, listed in the AD is approved 
by the Director of the Federal Register as of June 23, 2004.
    On April 14, 2004 (69 FR 16475, March 30, 2004), the Director of 
the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Airbus 
All Operators Telex A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004.
    We must receive any comments on this AD by August 9, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You can get the service information identified in this AD from 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. You 
may examine this information at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
    You may examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, on 
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Examining the Dockets

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

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: On March 19, 2004, we issued AD 2004-07-02, 
amendment 39-13546 (69 FR 16475, March 30, 2004). That AD 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. That AD was 
prompted by a report indicating that, during a routine visual 
inspection of an MLG sliding tube, a linear crack was found at the 
intersection of the cylinder and the axle. The actions specified in 
that AD are intended to detect and correct cracking in an MLG sliding 
tube, which could result in failure of the sliding tube, loss of one 
axle, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Actions Since AD Was Issued

    Since we issued that AD, the Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de 
l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for 
France, notified the FAA that the applicability field of the MLG 
sliding tubes that need to be inspected has been expanded. Initially, 
the number of affected parts included MLG sliding tubes with certain 
serial numbers (S/Ns) and with certain part numbers (P/Ns). However, 
the field of affected parts has been expanded to include additional MLG 
sliding tubes that are subject to the identified unsafe condition. 
Additionally, the MLG sliding tubes have all been identified by S/N, 
regardless of P/N.

[[Page 31868]]

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued All Operators Telex (AOT) A320-32A1273, Revision 
01, dated May 6, 2004, which describes procedures for a one-time 
inspection to determine the serial number of both MLG sliding tubes, 
and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The AOT 
specifies to report the S/N to Airbus. The related investigative action 
includes repetitive inspections of the MLG sliding tubes for cracking. 
The corrective actions include replacing the MLG sliding tube with a 
new or serviceable MLG sliding tube, reporting any cracking to Airbus, 
and sending the affected MLG sliding tube to Messier-Dowty. Replacing 
the MLG sliding tube with an MLG sliding tube having a S/N that is not 
listed in the AOT eliminates the need for the repetitive inspections.
    The DGAC mandated the service information and issued French 
airworthiness directive UF-2004-065, dated May 11, 2004, to ensure the 
continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    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. We have examined the DGAC's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that AD action is 
necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in 
an 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 continues to require 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. This AD adds 
an additional inspection to determine only the S/N of the MLG sliding 
tubes. This AD also provides for terminating action for certain 
requirements. This AD requires using the service information described 
previously to perform these actions, except as discussed under 
``Differences Among the French Airworthiness Directive, Service 
Information, and This AD.''
    We are requiring a short compliance time because the identified 
unsafe condition can adversely affect the controllability of the 
airplane. Therefore, we must issue this AD immediately, and you must 
comply with the requirements at the specified time intervals.

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

    The applicability of the French airworthiness directive and the 
effectivity of the AOT include the list of affected S/Ns for the MLG 
sliding tubes. The applicability of this AD does not include S/Ns. We 
find that listing S/Ns in the applicability is not necessary because 
paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD require a general visual inspection 
to determine the 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 ``detailed 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 replacing the affected part 
with another part. This AD requires replacing any cracked part with a 
new or serviceable part.

Change to Existing AD

    This AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2004-07-02. Since 
AD 2004-07-02 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and certain 
paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding 
paragraph identifiers have changed in this AD, as listed in the 
following table:

                      Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Corresponding requirement in
       Requirement in AD 2004-07-02                    this AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paragraph (a).............................  Paragraph (f).
Paragraph (b).............................  Paragraph (h).
Paragraph (c).............................  Paragraph (i).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any written relevant 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-17996; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-100-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket 
Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications with you. You can get more information about plain 
language at http://www/faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

[[Page 31869]]

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to 
examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing amendment 39-13546 (69 FR 
16475, March 30, 2004) and adding the following new AD:

2004-11-13 Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2004-17996; Directorate Identifier 
2004-NM-100-AD; Amendment 39-13659.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective June 23, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-07-02, amendment 39-13546.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 
series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by a report that the field of main 
landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes subject to the identified unsafe 
condition has expanded. We are issuing this AD 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.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Restatement of Requirements of AD 2004-07-02

Part Number Identification, Detailed Inspection, and Corrective 
Action

    (f) For airplanes on which the actions required by AD 2004-07-
02, amendment 39-13546, have been done before the effective date of 
this AD: Within 30 days after April 14, 2004 (the effective date of 
AD 2004-07-02), 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. After the effective date of this AD, only the S/N 
must be determined and only Airbus AOT A320-32A1273, Revision 01, 
dated May 6, 2004, may be used; as required by paragraph (g) of this 
AD.
    (1) If both the P/N and S/N of any MLG sliding tube are not 
listed in the AOT A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004: 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 A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004: Before further 
flight, do a detailed inspection of the MLG sliding tube for 
cracking, per AOT A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004, or AOT A320-
32A1273, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004. After the effective date of 
this AD, do the detailed inspection per AOT A320-32A1273, Revision 
01, dated May 6, 2004.
    (i) If no cracking is found in any MLG sliding tube: Repeat the 
detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 10 days 
until the inspection required by paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD is 
done.
    (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 
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale 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 an MLG 
sliding tube that does not have both a P/N and an S/N listed in 
Airbus AOT A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004; or an S/N listed in 
Airbus AOT A320-32A1273, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004; is 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this AD for that MLG sliding tube only. After 
the effective date of this AD, only the installation of an MLG 
sliding tube that does not have an S/N listed in Airbus AOT A320-
32A1273, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004, is terminating action for 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(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.''


    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.''

New Requirements of This AD

Serial Number Identification

    (g) For all airplanes: Within 30 days after the effective date 
of this AD, do a one-time general visual inspection to determine the 
S/N of both MLG sliding tubes, per Airbus AOT A320-32A1273, Revision 
01, dated May 6, 2004. Instead of inspecting the MLG sliding tubes, 
reviewing the airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the S/N 
of the MLG sliding tubes can be positively determined from that 
review.
    (1) If the S/N of any MLG sliding tube is not listed in AOT 
A320-32A1273, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004: No further action is 
required by this paragraph for that MLG sliding tube.
    (2) If the S/N of any MLG sliding tube is listed in AOT A320-
32A1273, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004: Do the actions in paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
    (i) For any MLG sliding tube that has not been inspected per 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD before the effective date of this AD: 
Before further flight, do a detailed inspection of the MLG sliding 
tube for cracking, per AOT A320-32A1273, Revision 01, dated May 6, 
2004.
    (A) If no cracking is found in any MLG sliding tube: Repeat the 
detailed inspection at intervals not to exceed 10 days.
    (B) 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 
G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (or its delegated 
agent). Chapter 32 of the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Aircraft 
Maintenance Manual is one approved method. Installing an MLG sliding 
tube that has an S/N that is not listed in Airbus AOT A320-32A1273, 
Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004, terminates

[[Page 31870]]

the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this 
AD for that MLG sliding tube only.
    (ii) For any MLG sliding tube that has been inspected per 
paragraph (f)(2) of this AD before the effective date of this AD: 
Within 10 days since the last inspection required by paragraph 
(f)(2) of this AD, do the detailed inspection required by paragraph 
(g)(2)(i) of this AD. Performing this detailed inspection terminates 
the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (f)(2)(i) of this 
AD.

Submission of Cracked Parts Not Required

    (h) Airbus AOT A320-32A1273, dated February 5, 2004, and AOT 
A320-32A1273, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004, specify to send any 
cracked part to Messier-Dowty. This AD does not include such a 
requirement.

Reporting Requirement

    (i) Prepare a report of any crack found during any detailed 
inspection required by paragraphs (f)(2)(i) and (g)(2) of this AD. 
Send the report 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 (i)(1) 
or (i)(2) of this AD. The report must include the MLG sliding pin 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 April 14, 2004: Submit the 
report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before April 14, 2004: Submit the 
report within 30 days after April 14, 2004.

Parts Installation

    (j) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an MLG sliding tube having an S/N that is listed in Airbus AOT A320-
32A1273, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004, on any airplane, unless the 
part has been inspected, and any applicable correction done, per 
paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (k) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (l) French airworthiness directive UF-2004-065, dated May 11, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (m) You must use Airbus All Operators Telex A320-32A1273, dated 
February 5, 2004; and Airbus All Operators Telex A320-32A1273, 
Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004; as applicable; to perform the 
actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approves the 
incorporation by reference of Airbus All Operators Telex A320-
32A1273, Revision 01, dated May 6, 2004, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) On April 14, 2004 (69 FR 16475, March 30, 2004), the 
Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of Airbus All Operators Telex A320-32A1273, dated February 
5, 2004.
    (3) You can get copies of the documents from Airbus, 1 Rond 
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. You can review 
copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif 
Building, Washington, DC; or at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 28, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-12678 Filed 6-7-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P