[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 156 (Friday, August 12, 2011)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50113-50115]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-20359]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2011-0305; Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-186-AD; 
Amendment 39-16766; AD 2011-17-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 
Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This 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:

* * * * *
    Results from a design review done by AIRBUS for documentation 
update have revealed that, on post-mod 38310 A320 aeroplanes only, 
in case of emergency electrical configuration combined with a Green 
and Yellow hydraulic system loss, during landing phase (nose landing 
gear extended), the roll control would only be provided by the left 
aileron.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an asymmetrical 
landing configuration, resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
* * * * *

    We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 16, 2011.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
16, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on April 8, 2011 (76 FR 
19714). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    In 2007, Airbus modification 38310 was introduced in production 
to simplify the ELAC2 [elevator aileron computer] and Trimmable 
Horizontal Stabiliser (THS) Motor 1 stand by power supply logic.
    Results from a design review done by AIRBUS for documentation 
update have revealed that, on post-mod 38310 A320 aeroplanes only, 
in case of emergency electrical configuration combined with a Green 
and Yellow hydraulic system loss, during landing phase (nose landing 
gear extended), the roll control would only be provided by the left 
aileron.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an asymmetrical 
landing configuration, resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a 
modification of the electrical installation of ELAC2 and THS Motor 1 
power supply, restoring the aeroplane to the pre-mod 38310 
configuration.


[[Page 50114]]


    You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD 
docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We considered the comments received.

Support for the NPRM

    The Air Line Pilots Association, International, supported the NPRM.

Request To Change Costs of Compliance Section of the NPRM

    Airbus stated that Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-27-1199, 
Revision 02, dated September 20, 2010, specifies that 99 airplanes are 
affected and that 56 total work hours are needed to do the required 
actions. Airbus stated that the NPRM specifies that 666 airplanes are 
affected and that about 35 work-hours are needed to do the actions 
required in the NPRM.
    We infer that Airbus is requesting a change to the Cost of 
Compliance section of the NPRM to reduce the number of affected 
airplanes and to increase the estimated work-hours required to perform 
the actions. We agree. We have confirmed with Airbus that there are 99 
Model 320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes with Airbus Modification 38310. 
We have revised the Costs of Compliance section of this AD to reduce 
the number of affected airplanes to 99. We have also revised the Costs 
of Compliance section of this AD to specify 56 work-hours for the 
required actions, as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1199, 
Revision 02, dated September 20, 2010. This estimate includes the time 
required for testing, accessing, and closing.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data, including the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
the AD as proposed.

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 required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 99 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 56 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $3,370 per 
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that 
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no 
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for 
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated 
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the 
U.S. operators to be $804,870, or $8,130 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 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 this AD:
    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 and placed it in the AD docket.

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 the NPRM, 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA amends 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 adding the following new AD:

2011-17-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-16766. Docket No. FAA-2011-0305; 
Directorate Identifier 2010-NM-186-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective 
September 16, 2011.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 
airplanes; all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus 
Modification 38310 has been accomplished in production; certificated 
in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27: Flight 
Controls.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
* * * * *
    Results from a design review done by AIRBUS for documentation 
update have revealed that, on post-mod 38310 A320

[[Page 50115]]

aeroplanes only, in case of emergency electrical configuration 
combined with a Green and Yellow hydraulic system loss, during 
landing phase (nose landing gear extended), the roll control would 
only be provided by the left aileron.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an asymmetrical 
landing configuration, resulting in reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
* * * * *

Compliance

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

Actions

    (g) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify 
the electrical installation of the elevator aileron computer and 
trimmable horizontal stabilizer motor 1 power supply, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service 
Bulletin A320-27-1199, Revision 02, dated September 20, 2010.

Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service 
Information

    (h) Modifications done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1199, Revision 01, 
dated March 4, 2010, are acceptable for compliance with the 
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 1:  This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service 
information as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (i) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): 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. In accordance with 14 CFR 
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay 
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Information may be e-mailed to: [email protected]. 
Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal 
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the 
local flight standards district office/certificate holding district 
office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this 
AD.
    (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.

Related Information

    (j) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2010-0149, dated July 21, 2010; and Airbus 
Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-27-1199, Revision 02, dated 
September 20, 2010; for related information.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (k) You must use Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-27-1199, 
Revision 02, including Appendix 01, dated September 20, 2010, to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 
61 93 44 51; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet 
http://www.airbus.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference 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 July 29, 2011.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2011-20359 Filed 8-11-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P