[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 43 (Tuesday, March 5, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7804-7808]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-03414]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0957; Product Identifier 2018-NM-102-AD; Amendment
39-19570; AD 2019-03-18]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS 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 all
Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-
111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and Model
A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. This AD was
prompted by reports of cracks that were found after improperly
performed magnetic particle inspections of the main landing gear (MLG)
sliding tubes were done. This AD requires repetitive general visual
inspections of the affected MLG sliding tubes for cracks and
replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 9, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 9,
2019.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine
No: 2, 31700 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 Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0957.
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-2018-
0957; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30,
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 SAS Model A318-
111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114,
-115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -
216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal
Register on November 8, 2018 (83 FR 55833). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of cracks that were found after improperly performed magnetic
particle inspections of the MLG sliding tubes were done. The NPRM
proposed to require repetitive general visual inspections of the
affected MLG sliding tubes for cracks and replacement if necessary.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2018-0136, dated June 26, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and
-133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes. The MCAI states:
During a walk-around inspection, prior to aeroplane dispatch, an
A320 MLG was found collapsed. Investigation revealed that, following
a magnetic particle inspection of the MLG sliding tube, performed
improperly during overhaul, cracks were initiated, eventually
leading to fatigue fracture. A limited number of MLG sliding tubes
have been identified that may have been subject to the same improper
inspection during the last overhaul.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG
sliding tube fracture, possibly resulting in MLG collapse,
[[Page 7805]]
damage to the aeroplane, and injury to occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the SB
[Service Bulletin A320-32-1461], providing instructions for
repetitive general visual inspections (GVI) of the affected parts
until next overhaul.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive GVI of the affected parts [for cracks] and, depending on
findings, replacement.
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-2018-
0957.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this final rule. We have considered the comments received.
Support for the NPRM
Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) stated that it
supports the NPRM. Another commenter, Kolby Brown, indicated support
for the NPRM.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this final rule as proposed, except for minor editorial changes. We
have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 11,
2018. This service information describes procedures for repetitive
general visual inspections of affected MLG sliding tubes for cracks and
replacement of affected MLG sliding tubes. 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 817 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 Up to $170......... Up to $138,890.
hour = $170.
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* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
We estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be $9,945, or $85
per product.
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition
actions that would be required based on the results of any required
actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that
might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,615......................................... $185 $1,800
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Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to 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 control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is 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.
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on
[[Page 7806]]
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.
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
2019-03-18 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19570; Docket No. FAA-2018-0957;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-102-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective April 9, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks that were found after
improperly performed magnetic particle inspections of the main
landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes were done. We are issuing this AD
to address this condition, which could result in fracture of the MLG
sliding tube, possibly resulting in MLG collapse, damage to the
airplane, and injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definitions
For the purposes of this AD, the definitions specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD apply.
(1) An affected part is any MLG sliding tube, having a part
number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD, that has been last overhauled between October 27,
2003, and September 21, 2009, inclusive.
[[Page 7807]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR05MR19.000
(2) Group 1 airplanes are those that have an affected part
installed. Group 2 airplanes are those that do not have an affected
part installed.
(h) Repetitive Inspections
For Group 1 airplanes: Within 500 flight cycles after the
effective date of this AD, and, thereafter, at intervals not to
exceed 500 flight cycles, accomplish a general visual inspection for
cracks of each affected part, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April
11, 2018.
(i) Corrective Action
If any crack is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the
affected part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 11, 2018.
(j) Terminating Action for Certain Actions Required by Paragraph (h) of
This AD
Accomplishment of an overhaul of an affected part after
September 21, 2009, constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive general visual inspections required by paragraph (h) of
this AD for that affected part.
(k) Reporting
Submit a report of findings (both positive and negative) of the
inspections specified in paragraph (h) of this AD to Airbus, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April
11, 2018, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or
(k)(2) of this AD. If operators have reported findings as part of
obtaining any corrective actions approved by Airbus SAS's European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Design Organization Approval (DOA),
operators are not required to report those findings as specified in
this paragraph.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
[[Page 7808]]
(l) Exception to Paragraphs (h) and (i) of This AD
An airplane embodying Airbus Modification 161202 (Evolution (EV)
MLG) is not affected by the requirements of paragraphs (h) and (i)
of this AD, provided it is determined that no affected parts are
installed on that airplane. A review of airplane delivery and/or
maintenance records is acceptable to make this determination,
provided those records can be relied upon for that purpose and the
part number and serial number of the MLG sliding tube can be
positively identified from that review.
(m) Parts Installation
(1) For Group 1 airplanes: From the effective date of this AD,
it is allowed to install on any airplane an affected part, or an MLG
equipped with an affected part, provided that, within the last 500
flight cycles before installation, the part passed an inspection
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, and that, following
installation, the part is inspected as required by this AD.
(2) For Group 2 airplanes: From the effective date of this AD,
do not install on any airplane an affected part.
(n) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (o)(2) of this AD. 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.
(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
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS'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.
(4) 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 1
hour 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.
(o) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0136, dated June 26, 2018, 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-2018-0957.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3223.
(p) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 11, 2018.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) 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.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on February 14, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-03414 Filed 3-4-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P