[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 17, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48336-48338]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16263]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2005-22120; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-92-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319-100 Series Airplanes, 
Model A320-111 Airplanes, Model A320-200 Series Airplanes, and Model 
A321-100 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for Airbus Model A319-100 series airplanes, Model A320-111 airplanes, 
Model A320-200 series airplanes, and Model A321-100 series airplanes 
equipped with any additional center tank (ACT). This proposed AD would 
require identifying the part number of the ACT and, for certain ACTs, 
replacing the outer ACT manhole cover and seal. This proposed AD is 
prompted by reports of an ACT fuel transfer failure due to air leakage 
around the seal of the outer manhole covers of the ACTs. We are 
proposing this AD to prevent this leakage, which could result in fuel 
or fuel vapor leaking into the cargo compartment, and consequent 
increased risk of a fire in the cargo compartment.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 16, 
2005.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed 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.
     By 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.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
    You can examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or in person 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. This docket 
number is FAA-2005-22120; the directorate identifier for this docket is 
2004-NM-92-AD.

[[Page 48337]]


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

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-22120; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-92-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments submitted by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed 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 proposed 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 can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
can visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You can 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.

Discussion

    The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), 
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on Airbus Model A319-100 series airplanes, 
Model A320-111 airplanes, Model A320-200 series airplanes, and Model 
A321-100 series airplanes equipped with certain additional center tanks 
(ACTs). The DGAC advises that it has received reports of an ACT fuel 
transfer failure due to extrusion of the outer ACT manhole cover seals, 
which allowed air leaks. Subsequent analysis revealed the need to 
change the installation process and modify the seal material to ensure 
a proper seal. Leakage around the ACT outer manhole cover seals could 
result in fuel or fuel vapor leaking into the cargo compartment, and 
consequent increased risk of a fire in the cargo compartment.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1105, Revision 01, dated 
March 18, 2003. The service bulletin describes procedures for airplanes 
having affected ACTs for replacing the outer ACT manhole cover with a 
reinforced manhole cover, and replacing the outer manhole cover seal 
with a new seal. The DGAC mandated Service Bulletin A320-28-1105 and 
issued French airworthiness directive F-2004-038, dated March 17, 2004, 
to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France. 
Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.
    Service Bulletin A320-28-1105 states that its accomplishment 
``requires the prior or simultaneous accomplishment'' of Service 
Bulletin A320-28-1087. However, this proposed AD would not require the 
actions specified in Service Bulletin A320-28-1087 because those 
actions are required by AD 2004-23-04, amendment 39-13859 (69 FR 65523, 
November 15, 2004).
    Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1105 notes that Airbus Service 
Bulletins A320-28-1098 and A320-28-1086 ``can be done'' at the same 
time as Service Bulletin A320-28-1105, yet identifies those service 
bulletins as ``concurrent requirements.'' This proposed AD would not 
require either Service Bulletin A320-28-1086 (because those actions are 
required by AD 2004-23-04) or A320-28-1098 (because we have determined 
that those actions are not necessary to address the unsafe condition 
identified in this proposed AD).

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed 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 we need to 
issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require 
accomplishing the applicable actions specified in the service 
information described previously, except as discussed below.

Difference Between Proposed AD and French Airworthiness Directive

    The French airworthiness directive limits its applicability to 
Airbus Model A319-100 series airplanes, Model A320-111 airplanes, Model 
A320-200 series airplanes, and Model A321-100 series airplanes equipped 
with ACTs having certain part numbers. However, this proposed AD would 
not limit the applicability to certain ACT part numbers, but would 
require operators to first identify the ACT part number and then modify 
only the affected ACTs. This action will ensure that the unsafe 
condition is addressed on the fleet.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD.

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                       Number of U.S.-
               Action                  Work   Average hourly   Parts      Cost per       registered      Fleet
                                      hours     labor rate                airplane        airplanes       cost
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P/N identification.................        1             $65       $0             $65              28     $1,820
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[[Page 48338]]

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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 proposed 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, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-22120; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
92-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The Federal Aviation Administration must receive comments on 
this AD action by September 16, 2005.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.
    Applicability: (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-111, -
112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-
111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model 
A321-111, -112, and -131 airplanes; certificated in any category; 
which are equipped with any additional center tank (ACT).

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of an ACT fuel transfer 
failure due to air leakage around the seal of the outer manhole 
covers of the ACTs. We are requiring this AD to prevent this 
leakage, which could result in fuel or fuel vapor leaking into the 
cargo compartment, and consequent increased risk of a fire in the 
cargo compartment.
    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.

Part Number Identification

    (f) Within 30 days (for Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, 
-131, -132, and -133 airplanes) or 12 months (for Model A320-111, -
211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, 
-112, and -131 airplanes) after the effective date of this AD: 
Determine whether the part number (P/N) of each ACT installed on the 
airplane is included in Table 1 of this AD. If no ACT installed on 
the airplane has a P/N included in Table 1 of this AD, no further 
work is required by this paragraph.

                       Table 1.--Affected ACT P/Ns
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D2827091100000
D2827091100200
D2827091100600
D2827091300000
D2827091300200
D2827091300400
D2827105100000
D2827105100200
D2827105100400
D2827105200000
D2827105200200
D2827105200400
D2827105300000
D2827105300200
D2827105300400
D2827105400000
D2827105400200
D2827105400400
D2827105400600
D2827105400800
D2827105500000
D2827105500200
D2827105500400
D2827105600000
D2827105600200
D2827105600400
D2827107500000
D2827107500200
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Manhole Cover/Seal Replacement

    (g) Within 30 days (for Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, 
-131, -132, and -133 airplanes) or 12 months (for Model A320-111, -
211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, 
-112, and -131 airplanes) after the effective date of this AD: For 
each ACT P/N listed in Table 1 of this AD: Before further flight, 
replace the outer ACT manhole cover with a reinforced manhole cover 
and replace the outer manhole cover seal with a new seal, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-28-1105, Revision 01, dated March 18, 2003. 
Replacements are also acceptable if done before the effective date 
of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1105, 
dated October 22, 2002.

Parts Installation

    (h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install 
an ACT having any P/N listed in Table 1 of this AD, unless the 
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD have been done for that 
ACT.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

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

Related Information

    (j) French airworthiness directive F-2004-038, dated March 17, 
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 10, 2005.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-16263 Filed 8-16-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P