[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 63 (Monday, April 2, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19567-19570]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-7770]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-0329; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-139-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A318-112 and -121 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, 
-115, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-

[[Page 19568]]

214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-211, -212, -213, and -231 
airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracked nuts on 
the fuselage. This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine 
if certain fuselage nuts are installed, a detailed inspection for 
cracking of fuselage nuts having a certain part number, and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are proposing 
this AD to detect and correct cracked nuts on the fuselage which could 
result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 17, 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-2012-0329; 
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-139-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 2011-0120R1, 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 
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 
fuselage of aeroplanes listed in the applicability section of this 
[EASA] 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 [an 
inspection to determine if certain fuselage nuts are installed,] a 
detailed inspection [for cracking] of the affected nuts, associated 
corrective actions, [general visual inspection for scratching of the 
hole if necessary] depending on findings, and replacement of the 
affected P/N ASNA2531-4 nuts with new ones, having the same P/N.
* * * * *
    Required actions include related investigative and corrective 
actions if necessary. Related investigative actions include a general 
visual inspection for scratching of the hole. Corrective actions 
include replacing the fastener and installing a new fuselage nut. You 
may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-53-1218, Revision 01, 
including Appendices 01 and 02, dated June 17, 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.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 152 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 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 $193,800, or $1,275 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 10 work-hours and require parts costing $362, for a cost of 
$1,212 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

[[Page 19569]]

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-2012-0329; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-
139-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by May 17, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-112 and -121 airplanes; 
Model A319-111, -112, -115, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-
214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-211, -212, -213, and -
231 airplanes; certificated in any category; manufacturer serial 
numbers 3339, 3340, 3350, 3355, 3360, 3367, 3369, 3372, 3380, 3382, 
3385, 3387, 3388, 3390, 3393, 3395, 3397 through 3508 inclusive, 
3510 through 3519 inclusive, 3522, 3523, 3525, 3527, 3529, 3530, 
3537, 3539, 3542, 3544, 3546, 3548, 3552, and 3555.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracked nuts on the fuselage. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked nuts on the 
fuselage which could result in reduced structural integrity of the 
airplane.

(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) Inspection and Replacement

    Within 72 months since first flight of the airplane or within 90 
days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do 
an inspection for nuts having part number (P/N) ASNA2531-4 located 
in the fuselage. If a nut having P/N ASNA2531-4 is found, before 
further flight, do a detailed inspection for cracking of the nut, 
and all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1218, Revision 01, including Appendices 01 and 02, 
dated June 17, 2010. If any cracking is found, before further 
flight, repair, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1218, Revision 01, including 
Appendices 01 and 02, dated June 17, 2010.

(h) Reporting

    Submit a report of the findings in accordance with Appendix 01 
of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD to Airbus in 
accordance with Appendix 01 of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1218, 
Revision 01, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated June 17, 2010, at 
the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this 
AD.
    (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 inspections and replacements 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1218, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated 
February 8, 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, 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; phone: 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 2011-0120R1, dated July 13, 2011; and Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-53-1218, Revision 01, including Appendices 01 
and 02, dated June 17, 2010; for related information.


[[Page 19570]]


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 22, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-7770 Filed 3-30-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P