[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 241 (Monday, December 17, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71284-71286]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-24332]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0337; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-111-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


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

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    During planned maintenance visit on two aircraft, corrosion was 
found on the upper surface of the wing lower skin panel N\o\1, 
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
    It was discovered that [certain] access panels * * * had been 
omitted from the access requirements of the associated AMM (airplane 
maintenance manual) task (AMM 05-25-40) until the August 2001 
revision.
    The result is that some * * * inspections may have not been 
fully accomplished due to non-removal of [certain] panels * * *.
    If the area has not been inspected with the correct access, and 
if AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320-57-1121 has not been performed, 
then some aircraft could remain insufficiently inspected until the 
next scheduled inspection. This may result in a high risk of 
corrosion findings greater than level 1.

    Corrosion findings greater than level 1 in the wing could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the airplane. The proposed AD would 
require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 16, 
2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,

[[Page 71285]]

Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-0337; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-111-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0064R1, dated September 21, 2007 (referred 
to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During planned maintenance visit on two aircraft, corrosion was 
found on the upper surface of the wing lower skin panel N\o\1, 
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
    It was discovered that access panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 
640DZ had been omitted from the access requirements of the 
associated AMM (aircraft maintenance manual) task (AMM 05-25-40) 
until the August 2001 revision.
    The result is that some ZL-540-02-1 or ZL-540-02-2 (or ZL-540-02 
and ZL-640-02) inspections may have not been fully accomplished due 
to non-removal of panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ.
    If the area has not been inspected with the correct access, and 
if AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320-57-1121 has not been performed, 
then some aircraft could remain insufficiently inspected until the 
next scheduled inspection. This may result in a high risk of 
corrosion findings greater than level 1.

    Corrosion findings greater than level 1 in the wing could result in 
reduced structural integrity of the airplane. The corrective actions 
include an inspection for corrosion in the wing tank dry bay, and 
repair if necessary. You may obtain further information by examining 
the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-57-1121, dated October 9, 
2002. The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 103 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 4 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $32,960, or $320 per product.

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 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 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. 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 and placed it in the AD docket.

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 AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2007-0337; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
111-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by January 16, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series 
airplanes, certificated in any category, all certified models, all 
serial numbers, on which Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) 
zonal tasks ZL-540-02 and ZL-640-02 (for MRBR up to Revision 7)

[[Page 71286]]

or MRBR zonal task ZL-540-02-1 or ZL-540-02-2 (for MRBR since 
Revision 8) have already been performed before the effective date of 
this AD, and for which it cannot be substantiated that access panels 
540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ were removed for inspection. This AD 
does not apply to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Airplanes on which zonal tasks ZL-540-02-1 and ZL-540-02-2 
(or ZL-540-02 and ZL-640-02) have been performed in accordance with 
airplane maintenance manual (AMM) 05-25-40 at August 2001 revision 
or later revision.
    (2) Airplanes on which one of the following Airworthiness 
Limitation Items (ALI)/MRBR tasks have been performed: 572004-01-X, 
572004-03-X; 572020-01-X, 572020-02-X; 572027-01-X, 572027-03-X; 
572053-01-X, 572053-02-X; 572060-02-X; or 572061-02-X; where X 
represents the task applicability index.
    (3) Airplanes delivered after March 27, 2007.

    Note 1: Up to MRBR Revision 7, ZL-540-02 covered Zone 540 and 
ZL-640-02 covered Zone 640. Since MRBR Revision 8, ZL-540-02-1 or 
ZL-540-02-2 also cover the corresponding RH wing zone (Zone 640).

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 57: Wings.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    During planned maintenance visit on two aircraft, corrosion was 
found on the upper surface of the wing lower skin panel N[deg] 1, 
inside the Right Hand (RH) inboard dry bay.
    It was discovered that access panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 
640DZ had been omitted from the access requirements of the 
associated AMM (aircraft maintenance manual) task (AMM 05-25-40) 
until the August 2001 revision.
    The result is that some ZL-540-02-1 or ZL-540-02-2 (or ZL-540-02 
and ZL-640-02) inspections may have not been fully accomplished due 
to non-removal of panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ and 640DZ.
    If the area has not been inspected with the correct access, and 
if AIRBUS Service Bulletin (SB) A320-57-1121 has not been performed, 
then some aircraft could remain insufficiently inspected until the 
next scheduled inspection. This may result in a high risk of 
corrosion findings greater than level 1.
    Corrosion findings greater than level 1 in the wing could result 
in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. The corrective 
actions include an inspection for corrosion in the wing tank dry 
bay, and repair if necessary.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions. Within 14 
months after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed 
visual inspection of the wing tank dry bay to detect corrosion and 
if any corrosion is found, before further flight, contact Airbus for 
repair instructions and repair. Do all applicable actions in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-57-1121, dated October 9, 2002. Another approved 
method for doing the detailed inspection and applicable corrective 
actions is the accomplishment of one of the following ALI/MRBR 
tasks: 572004-01-X, 572004-03-X; 572020-01-X, 572020-02-X; 572027-
01-X, 572027-03-X; 572053-01-X, 572053-02-X; 572060-02-X; or 572061-
02-X; and ZL-540-02-X if panels 540CZ, 540DZ, 640CZ, and 640DZ 
panels have been removed; where X represents the task applicability 
index.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tim 
Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0064R1, 
dated September 21, 2007, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1121, 
dated October 9, 2002, for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 10, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-24332 Filed 12-14-07; 8:45 am]
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