[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 9, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 1556-1558]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-164]


 ========================================================================
 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
 ________________________________________________________________________
 
 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
 
 ========================================================================
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 6 / Wednesday, January 9, 2008 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 1556]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-0390; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-260-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 
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:

    Several cases of cracks on the main landing gear (MLG) door 
hinge fitting and MLG door actuator fitting on the keel beam were 
reported.

    Such failure could lead to the loss [of] the MLG door and could 
cause damage to the aircraft and/or hazard to persons or property on 
the ground.

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 February 8, 
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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
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-2007-0390; 
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-260-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.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

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 2007-0161, dated June 11, 2007 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    Several cases of cracks on the main landing gear (MLG) door 
hinge fitting and MLG door actuator fitting on the keel beam were 
reported.

    Such failure could lead to the loss [of] the MLG door and could 
cause damage to the aircraft and/or hazard to persons or property on 
the ground.

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates a onetime detailed 
visual inspection (DVI) and special detailed inspection (SDI) of the 
MLG door hinge fitting and actuator fitting.

The inspections are for cracking, damage, correct installation, and 
correct adjustment. The corrective actions include correcting incorrect 
adjustments and installations, and contacting Airbus for instructions 
to repair damage and cracking. You may obtain further information by 
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletins A320-53-1195, Revision 02, 
dated April 5, 2007, and A320-53-1196, Revision 01, dated November 29, 
2006. 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

[[Page 1557]]

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 641 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 28 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 $1,435,840, or $2,240 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-2007-0390; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
260-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by February 8, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 
series airplanes, all certified models, certificated in any 
category, all serial numbers up to manufacturer's serial number 
(MSN) 2850 inclusive, except MSNs 0115, 0184, 0782, 1151, 1190, 
2650, 2675, 2706, 2801, and 2837.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: 
Fuselage.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:

    Several cases of cracks on the main landing gear (MLG) door 
hinge fitting and MLG door actuator fitting on the keel beam were 
reported.

    Such failure could lead to the loss [of] the MLG door and could 
cause damage to the aircraft and/or hazard to persons or property on 
the ground.

    This Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates a onetime detailed 
visual inspection (DVI) and special detailed inspection (SDI) of the 
MLG door hinge fitting and actuator fitting.

    The inspections are for cracking, damage, correct installation, 
and correct adjustment. The corrective actions include correcting 
incorrect adjustments and installations, and contacting Airbus for 
instructions to repair damage and cracking.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) At the latest of the times specified in paragraphs 
(f)(1)(i), (f)(1)(ii), and (f)(1)(iii) of this AD, perform detailed 
visual, high frequency eddy current (HFEC), and ultrasonic 
inspections (for cracking, damage, correct installation, and correct 
adjustment, as applicable) of the left hand (LH) and right hand (RH) 
MLG door actuator fitting on the keel beam, and do all applicable 
corrective actions before further flight. Where the service bulletin 
specifies the applicable corrective action is contacting Airbus, 
contact Airbus for repair instructions and repair before further 
flight. Do all actions required by this paragraph in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-
1195, Revision 02, dated April 5, 2007.
    (i) Within 6,000 flight cycles since first flight.
    (ii) Within 1,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD.
    (iii) Within 6,000 flight cycles from the latest MLG door 
actuator fitting replacement.
    (2) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (f)(2)(i) 
and (f)(2)(ii) of this AD, perform detailed visual and HFEC 
inspections (for cracking, damage, correct installation, and correct 
adjustment, as applicable) of the LH and RH MLG door hinge fitting 
on the keel beam, and do all applicable corrective actions before 
further flight. Where the service bulletin specifies the applicable 
corrective action is contacting Airbus, contact Airbus for repair 
instructions and repair before further flight. Do all actions 
required by this paragraph in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1196, Revision 01, 
dated November 29, 2006.
    (i) Within 4,500 flight cycles since first flight.
    (ii) Within 1,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this 
AD.
    (3) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the applicable service bulletins listed in 
paragraphs (f)(3)(i), (f)(3)(ii), and (f)(3)(iii) of this AD are 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions required by 
this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1195, dated June 23, 2006.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1195, Revision 01, dated 
November 29, 2006.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1196, dated June 23, 2006.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: 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, 
International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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,

[[Page 1558]]

Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 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 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0161, dated June 11, 2007, Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-53-1195, Revision 02, dated April 5, 2007, and 
Airbus Service Bulletin A-320-53-1196, Revision 01, dated November 
29, 2006, for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 19, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-164 Filed 1-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P