[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 141 (Monday, July 23, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42952-42954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-17389]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0329; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-139-AD;
Amendment 39-17127; AD 2012-14-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus 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 certain
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. This AD was prompted by
reports of some fuselage nuts found cracked. This AD requires 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 issuing this AD to detect and correct fuselage nuts found
cracked, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the
airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 27, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 27,
2012.
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 2, 2012 (77 FR
19567). That NPRM proposed to correct an
[[Page 42953]]
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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (77 FR 19567, April 2,
2012) or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 152 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 15 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD to the 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 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 that 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);
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 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 (77 FR 19567, April 2, 2012),
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:
2012-14-13 Airbus: Amendment 39-17127. Docket No. FAA-2012-0329;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-139-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 27,
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 fuselage nuts found cracked.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fuselage nuts found
cracked, 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
[[Page 42954]]
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 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 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.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the following service
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1218, Revision 01, including
Appendices 01 and 02, dated June 17, 2010.
(3) 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; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(4) 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.
(5) 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 an NARA facility, 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 5, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-17389 Filed 7-20-12; 8:45 am]
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