[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 21, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16492-16494]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-6772]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0291; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-168-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 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 
certain Airbus Model A318-112, and -121; A319-111, -112, -115, -132, 
and -133; A320-214, -232, and -233; and A321-211, -212, -213, and -231 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that some nuts 
installed on the wing, including on primary structural elements, were 
found cracked. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine 
if certain nuts are installed or cracked, and replacing the affected 
nuts if necessary. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct 
missing and cracked nuts, which could result in the structural 
integrity of the airplane wings being impaired.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 7, 2012.

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 W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., 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, 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; email: [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced 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.

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: 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: 

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-2012-0291; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-168-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 2011-0121R1, dated July 13, 2011 (referred to 
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During structural part assembly in Airbus production line, some 
[wing] nuts Part Number (P/N) ASNA2531-4 were found cracked. 
Investigations were performed to determine the batches of the 
affected nuts and had revealed that these nuts have been installed 
in production on the fuel tank area of aeroplanes listed in the 
applicability section of this AD.
    Static, fatigue and corrosion tests were performed, which 
demonstrated that no immediate maintenance action is necessary. 
However, a large number of these nuts are fitted on primary 
structural elements, which could have long-term consequences.
    This condition, if not corrected, could impair the structural 
integrity of the affected aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a 
detailed inspection of the affected nuts [for cracking and to 
determine if nuts are installed], associated corrective actions, 
depending on findings, and replacement of the affected P/N ASNA2531-
4 nuts with new ones, having the

[[Page 16493]]

same P/N [and reporting to Airbus the inspection results].
    This [EASA] AD has been revised to reduce the Applicability. 
Since no spare nuts have been delivered to operators for 
installation on Airbus aeroplanes, only the Models and MSN listed in 
the Airbus SB are affected by this [EASA] AD.

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

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, including 
Appendices 01, 02, and 03, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2010. 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

    This proposed AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness 
Directive specifies a compliance time of 12 years after the first 
flight of the airplane. This proposed AD specifies a compliance time of 
the later of the following: (1) Within 6 years after the first flight 
of the airplane; or (2) within 6 years after the most recent scheduled 
fuel tank inspection or 6 months after the effective date of this AD 
(whichever occurs later). This difference has been coordinated with 
EASA.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 170 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take up to 15 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $216,750, or $1,275 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 143 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$12,155 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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, Incorporation by 
reference, 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-2012-0291; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
168-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 7, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-112, and -121; A319-111, -
112, -115, -132, and -133; A320-214, -232, and -233; and A321-211, -
212, -213, and -231 airplanes; certificated in any category; serial 
numbers 3359, 3361, 3362, 3365, 3366, 3368, 3370 to 3508 inclusive, 
3510 to 3519 inclusive, 3522, 3523, 3525, 3527, 3529, 3530, 3533, 
3534, 3537, 3539, 3542, 3544, 3546, 3548, 3552, and 3555.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that some nuts installed on the 
wing, including on primary structural elements, were found cracked. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct missing and cracked 
nuts, which could result in the structural integrity of the airplane 
wings being impaired.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspect/Replace the Fuel Tank Nuts

    Within the compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) or 
(g)(2), whichever occurs later: Do a detailed inspection of the fuel 
tank areas of the wings to determine if nuts with part number (P/N) 
ASNA2531-4 are installed or cracked, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, 
including Appendices 01, 02, and 03, Revision 01, dated June 28, 
2010. Before further flight, replace any missing or cracked nut with 
P/N ASNA2531-4 with a new P/N ASNA2531-4 nut, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, 
including Appendices 01, 02, and 03, Revision 01, dated June 28, 
2010.
    (1) Within 6 years after the first flight of the airplane.
    (2) Within 6 years after the most recent scheduled fuel tank 
inspection, or 6 months

[[Page 16494]]

after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(h) Inspection Report

    Submit a report of the findings of the inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD to Airbus, at the applicable time specified 
in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. Submit the report using 
``Appendix 01--Inspection Report,'' of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
57-1153, Revision 01, dated June 28, 2010.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(i) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, if the actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-
1153, including Appendices 01, 02, and 03, dated February 9, 2010.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    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 emailed 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.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. 
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES-200.

(k) Related Information

    Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) 
Airworthiness Directive 2011-0121R1, dated July 13, 2011; and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-57-1153, Revision 01, including Appendices 01, 
02, and 03, dated June 28, 2010; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 12, 2012.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-6772 Filed 3-20-12; 8:45 am]
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