[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 124 (Tuesday, June 28, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 41886-41889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-14969]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0831; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-061-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of 
comment period.

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SUMMARY: We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive 
(AD) for all Airbus Model A318 and A319 series airplanes, A320-211, -
212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, and A321 series airplanes. 
The NPRM proposed to require an inspection to identify the part number 
and serial number of the main landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes 
installed on the airplane; and inspection of affected chromium plates 
for damage; an inspection of affected sliding tube axles for damage; 
and replacement of the sliding tube if necessary. The NPRM was prompted 
by a report of a rupture of a MLG sliding tube axle. This action 
revises the NPRM by removing certain service information that does not 
adequately address the identified unsafe condition and revising the 
compliance method. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to 
detect and correct cracks in the axle and (partial) detachment of the 
axle and wheel from the sliding tube, which could result in failure of 
an MLG. Since these actions impose an additional burden over those 
proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the 
public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.

DATES: We must receive comments on this SNPRM by August 12, 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 SNPRM, 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-
0831; 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 
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-2015-0831; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-061-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

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A318 and 
A319 series airplanes, A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes, and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on April 24, 2015 (80 FR 22939) (``the NPRM''). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report of a rupture of a MLG sliding tube axle. The NPRM 
proposed to require an inspection to identify the part number and 
serial number of the MLG sliding tubes installed on the airplane; and 
an inspection of the axle on certain MLG sliding tubes for damage, and 
replacement of the sliding tube if necessary.

Actions Since Previous NPRM Was Issued

    Since we issued the NPRM, we have determined that Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty Service Bulletin 200-32-313, dated February 25, 2013, including 
Appendices A, B, and C, dated February 25, 2013; and Service Bulletin 
201-32-62, including Appendices A, B, and C, dated February 25, 2013; 
do not adequately address the identified unsafe condition because this 
service information does not include all Required for Compliance steps 
required in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1416, including Appendix 
01, dated March 10, 2014. Therefore, this SNPRM proposes revising the 
service information specified for accomplishing the proposed actions.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0058, dated March 11, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A318 
and A319 series airplanes, A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A main landing gear (MLG) sliding tube axle rupture occurred in 
service. Investigation of the affected part showed that

[[Page 41887]]

this failure was due to an abnormal grinding operation during 
overhaul by a certain maintenance and repair organization located in 
Singapore. A population of MLG sliding tubes was subsequently 
identified whose axles may have been subject to this grinding 
operation, which may have resulted in areas of residual stress on 
the axles on the MLG sliding tubes. In addition, the MSN 
[manufacturer serial number] of the aeroplanes which are known to 
have had the affected parts installed have been identified.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
cracks in the axle and (partial) detachment of axle and wheel from 
the sliding tube, possibly resulting in failure of a MLG with 
consequent damage to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty, the MLG gear manufacturer, issued Service Bulletin (SB) 200-
32-313 and SB 201-32-62 [both dated February 25, 2013], providing 
inspection instructions and criteria for removal from service of the 
affected MLG sliding tubes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time Special Detailed Inspection (SDI) of the axle on the affected 
MLG sliding tubes and, depending on findings, replacement of the MLG 
sliding tube.

    The SDI includes a detailed visual inspection of the chromium plate 
for damage, and a Barkhausen noise inspection of the sliding tube axles 
for damage.
    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-
0831.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-32-1416, dated March 10, 
2014, including Appendix 01, dated March 10, 2014. This service 
information describes procedures for inspecting MLG axles and brake 
flanges by doing a detailed visual inspection of the chromium plates 
for damage, and a Barkhausen noise inspection of the sliding tube axles 
for damage, and replacement of affected parts if necessary. 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.

Comments

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

Request To Revise Parts Installation Limitation

    American Airlines requested that we revise paragraphs (l)(1) and 
(l)(2) of the proposed AD (in the NPRM) to allow installation of 
serviceable MLG sliding tubes that have passed the inspection required 
by paragraph (i) of the proposed AD (in the NPRM). American Airlines 
stated that it believes that this is the intent of the MCAI.
    We agree with the commenter's request and have revised paragraphs 
(l)(1) and (l)(2) of this proposed AD accordingly.

Additional Changes to This SNPRM

    We have removed Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 200-32-313, 
including Appendices A, B, and C, dated February 25, 2013; and Service 
Bulletin 201-32-62, including Appendices A, B, and C, dated February 
25, 2013; as sources of service information in this SNPRM. We have 
specified Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1416, including Appendix 01, 
dated March 10, 2014, as the appropriate source of service information 
for accomplishing the proposed actions.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This SNPRM

    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.
    Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a 
result, we have determined that it is necessary to reopen the comment 
period to provide additional opportunity for the public to comment on 
this SNPRM.

Differences Between This SNPRM and the MCAI or Service Information

    The effectivity in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1416, including 
Appendix 01, dated March 10, 2014, does not include Model A318 series 
airplanes. This SNPRM specifies using the procedures specified for 
Model A319 series airplanes in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1416, 
including Appendix 01, dated March 10, 2014, for accomplishing the 
proposed actions on Model A318 series airplanes.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this SNPRM affects 3 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 18 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this SNPRM. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this SNPRM on U.S. operators to be $4,590, or $1,530 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary on-condition actions 
would take about 3 work-hours, for a cost of $255 per product. We have 
received no definitive data that would enable us to provide part cost 
estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this SNPRM. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might 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.

[[Page 41888]]

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-2015-0831; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
061-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 12, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (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.
    (4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of a rupture of a main landing 
gear (MLG) sliding tube axle. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracks in the axle and (partial) detachment of the axle and 
wheel from the sliding tube, which could result in failure of an 
MLG.

 (f) Compliance

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

(g) MLG Sliding Tube Part Number and Serial Number Identification

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD: Do an 
inspection to identify the part number and serial number of the MLG 
sliding tubes installed on the airplane. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number and serial number of the MLG sliding tubes can be 
conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Identification of Airplanes Not Affected by the Requirements of 
Paragraph (i) of This AD

    An airplane with a manufacturer serial number (MSN) not listed 
in figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD is not affected by the 
requirements of paragraph (i) of this AD, provided it can be 
determined that no MLG sliding tube having a part number and serial 
number listed in table 1 to paragraphs (h), (i), (k)(1), (k)(2), 
(l)(1), and (l)(2) of this AD has been installed on that airplane 
since first flight of the airplane.

                                      Figure 1 to Paragraph (h) of This AD
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Affected Airplanes Listed by MSN
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           0179               0214               0296               0412               0558               0604
           0607               0668               0704               0720               0726               0731
           0754               0771               0799               0828               0841               0855
           0909               0914               0925               0939               0986               1028
           1030               1041               1070               1083               1093               1098
           1108               1148               1294               1356               2713               2831
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  Table 1 to Paragraphs (h), (i), (k)(1), (k)(2), (l)(1), and (l)(2) of
                   This AD--Affected MLG Sliding Tubes
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                 Part No.                            Serial No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
201160302................................  78B
201160302................................  1016B11
201160302................................  1144B
201371302................................  B4493
201371302................................  B4513
201371302................................  SS4359
201371302................................  B4530
201371302................................  B4517
201371302................................  B4568
201371302................................  B4498
201371302................................  4490B
201371302................................  B202-4598
201371302................................  B165-4623
201371302................................  B244-4766
201371302................................  B267-4794
201371302................................  B272-4813
201160302................................  1108B
201371304................................  B041-4871
201371304................................  B045-4869
201371304................................  B001-4781
201371304................................  B051-4892
201371304................................  B110-1952
201371304................................  B054-4891
201371304................................  B063-4921
201371304................................  B071-4911
201371304................................  B071-4917
201371304................................  B080-1933
201371304................................  B117-5010
201371304................................  B120-4989
201371304................................  B132-2023
201371304................................  B114-1956
201371304................................  B208-2009
201371304................................  B133-1947
201371304................................  B154-5037
201371304................................  B89 4952
201371304................................  B129-1964
201371304................................  B227-2010
201371304................................  B170-5031
201371304................................  B182-5047
201371304................................  B239-2053
201371304................................  B1401-2856
201371304................................  B1813-3142
201371304................................  B116-5004
201522353................................  B011-149
201522350................................  B014-25
201522350................................  B019-56
201522350................................  B019-57
201522350................................  B021-69
201522350................................  B022-60
201522353................................  B03-111
201522353................................  B03-110
201522353................................  B112-317
201522353................................  B174-351
201522353................................  B179-392
201383350................................  4377B
201383350................................  4393B
201383350................................  B1831
201383350................................  B1832
201383350................................  SS4355B
201383350................................  SS4400B
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(i) Inspections

    For each MLG sliding tube, identified as required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, having a part number and serial number listed in 
table 1 to paragraphs (h), (i), (k)(1), (k)(2), (l)(1), and (l)(2) 
of this AD: Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, 
inspect affected MLG axles and brake flanges by doing a detailed 
visual inspection of the chromium plates for damage, and a 
Barkhausen noise inspection of the sliding tube axles for damage, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-32-1416, including

[[Page 41889]]

Appendix 01, dated March 10, 2014. For Model A318 series airplanes, 
use the procedures specified for Model A319 series airplanes in 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1416, including Appendix 01, dated 
March 10, 2014.

(j) Corrective Action

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD, 
any damage is detected: Before further flight, replace the MLG 
sliding tube with a serviceable tube, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1416, 
including Appendix 01, dated March 10, 2014. For Model A318 series 
airplanes, use the procedures specified for Model A319 series 
airplanes in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1416, including 
Appendix 01, dated March 10, 2014.

(k) Definition of Serviceable Sliding Tube

    For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable sliding tube is 
defined as a sliding tube that meets the criterion in either 
paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD.
    (1) A sliding tube having a part number and serial number not 
listed in table 1 to paragraphs (h), (i), (k)(1), (k)(2), (l)(1), 
and (l)(2) of this AD.
    (2) A sliding tube having a part number and serial number listed 
in table 1 to paragraphs (h), (i), (k)(1), (k)(2), (l)(1), and 
(l)(2) of this AD that has passed the inspections required by 
paragraph (i) of this AD.

(l) Parts Installation Prohibitions

    (1) For airplanes that have an MLG sliding tube installed that 
has a part number and serial number listed in table 1 to paragraphs 
(h), (i), (k)(1), (k)(2), (l)(1), and (l)(2) of this AD: After an 
airplane is returned to service following accomplishment of the 
actions required by paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, no 
person may install on any airplane an MLG sliding tube having a part 
number and serial number listed in table 1 to paragraphs (h), (i), 
(k)(1), (k)(2), (l)(1), and (l)(2) of this AD unless that sliding 
tube has passed the inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (2) For airplanes that, as of the effective date of this AD, do 
not have an MLG sliding tube installed that has a part number and 
serial number listed in table 1 to paragraphs (h), (i), (k)(1), 
(k)(2), (l)(1), and (l)(2) of this AD: No person may install on any 
airplane an MLG sliding tube having a part number and serial number 
listed in table 1 to paragraphs (h), (i), (k)(1), (k)(2), (l)(1), 
and (l)(2) of this AD unless that sliding tube has passed the 
inspection required by paragraph (i) of this AD.

(m) 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) 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.
    (3) 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 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(n) Special Flight Permits

    Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 
21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the airplane 
can be modified (if the operator elects to do so), provided the MLG 
remains extended throughout the flight.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0058, dated March 11, 2014, 
for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on 
the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-
2015-0831-0003.
    (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 June 16, 2016.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-14969 Filed 6-27-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P