[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 228 (Friday, November 27, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 74045-74047]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-30023]



[[Page 74045]]

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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-5814; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-247-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, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of an operator finding chafing 
damage on the fuselage skin at the bottom of certain frames, underneath 
the fairing structure. This proposed AD would require a repetitive 
detailed inspection for damage on the fuselage skin at certain frames, 
and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. We are 
proposing this AD to detect and correct damage to the fuselage skin, 
which could lead to crack initiation and propagation, possibly 
resulting in reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 11, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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--EIAS, 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 view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
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 by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
5814; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 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, WA 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-2015-5814; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-247-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 Union, has issued EASA AD 
2014-0259, dated December 5, 2014 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, and 
A320 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    An operator reported finding chafing damage on the fuselage skin 
at the bottom of frame (FR) 34 junction between stringer (STR) 43 
left hand (LH) side and right hand (RH) side on several aeroplanes, 
underneath the fairing structure.
    After investigation, a contact between the fairing nut plate and 
the fuselage was identified, causing damage to the fuselage.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
crack initiation and propagation, possibly resulting in reduced 
structural integrity of the fuselage.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive detailed inspections (DET) of the fuselage [for chafing] 
at FR 34 and provides an optional terminating action [modification 
of the belly fairing] to the repetitive inspections required by this 
[EASA] AD.

    Related investigative actions include a special detailed inspection 
of external fuselage skin panel for any cracking, and measurement of 
crack length and remaining thickness. Corrective actions include repair 
or modification of the fuselage skin panel. You may examine the MCAI in 
the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-5814.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-53-1281, Revision 01, dated 
December 1, 2014; and Service Bulletin A320-53-1287, dated July 29, 
2014. The service information describes procedures for a detailed 
inspection for damage (including chafing marks) on the fuselage skin at 
FR34 between STR43 LH and RH sides, and applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions. This service information is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in 
the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.

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 these 
same type designs.

Explanation of ``RC'' Procedures and Tests in Service Information

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation

[[Page 74046]]

Rulemaking Committee (ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement 
was a new process for annotating which procedures and tests in the 
service information are required for compliance with an AD. 
Differentiating these procedures and tests from other tasks in the 
service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's 
understanding of crucial AD requirements and help provide consistent 
judgment in AD compliance. The procedures and tests identified as 
Required for Compliance (RC) in any service information have a direct 
effect on detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating an 
identified unsafe condition.
    As specified in a Note under the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
specified service information, procedures and tests that are identified 
as RC in any service information must be done to comply with the 
proposed AD. However, procedures and tests that are not identified as 
RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests that are not identified 
as RC may be deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with 
the operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC), provided the 
procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can 
be put back in an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or changes to 
procedures or tests identified as RC will require approval of an AMOC.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 642 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 12 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $90 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $712,620, or $1,110 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 21 work-hours and require parts costing $3,550, for a cost 
of $5,335 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
aircraft that might need this action.

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.

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

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2015-5814; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
247-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 11, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
all manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus 
Modification 37878 has been embodied in production, or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-53-1281 has been done in service.
    (1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of chafing damage on the 
fuselage skin at the bottom of certain frames, underneath the 
fairing structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
damage to the fuselage skin, which could lead to crack initiation 
and propagation, possibly resulting in reduced structural integrity 
of the fuselage.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Repetitive Inspection and Corrective Action

    (1) Within the compliance times identified in paragraphs 
(g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a 
detailed inspection for damage (including chafing marks) on the 
fuselage skin at frame (FR)34 between stringer (STR)43 on the left-
hand and right-hand sides, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1287, dated July 29, 
2014. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 
12,000 flight cycles or 24,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first.
    (i) Before exceeding 12,000 flight cycles or 24,000 flight 
hours, whichever occurs first since the airplane's first flight.
    (ii) Within 5,000 flight cycles or 10,000 flight hours, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD.
    (2) If any damage is detected during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, before further flight, do all 
applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-53-1287, dated July 29, 2014, except as required by 
paragraph (g)(3) of this AD.
    (3) If any cracking is found during any related investigative 
action required by paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, or if any damage 
detected during the inspection required by paragraph (g)(1) of this 
AD exceeds the limits defined in the Accomplishment Instructions

[[Page 74047]]

of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1287, dated July 29, 2014, before 
further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA 
Design Organization Approval (DOA).

(h) Non-Terminating Repair Action

    Accomplishment of a repair on an airplane as required by 
paragraphs (g)(2) and (g)(3) of this AD, does not constitute 
terminating action for the repetitive detailed inspection required 
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, unless the approved repair indicates 
otherwise.

(i) Terminating Action for the Repetitive Detailed Inspection

    Modification of the belly fairing on any airplane in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-53-1281, Revision 01, dated December 1, 2014, constitutes 
terminating action for the repetitive detailed inspection required 
by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD for that airplane.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1281, dated 
July 29, 2014, which is not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(k) 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, WA 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; 
or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0259, dated December 5, 
2014, for related information.
    This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. 
FAA-2015-5814.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 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 view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 17, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-30023 Filed 11-25-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P