Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 48286-48289 [2013-19023]
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48286
Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 153 / Thursday, August 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
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period begins on July 1, and ends on
June 30.
In an interim rule published in the
Federal Register on April 29, 2013, and
effective on April 30, 2013 (78 FR
24981, Doc. No. AMS–FV–13–0010,
FV13–946–1 IR), § 946.248 was
amended by decreasing the assessment
rate established for Washington potatoes
for the 2013–2014 fiscal year and all
subsequent fiscal periods from $0.003 to
$0.0025 per hundredweight of potatoes
handled. The decrease in the per
hundredweight assessment rate allows
the Committee to reduce its financial
reserve while still providing adequate
funding to meet program expenses.
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
Pursuant to requirements set forth in
the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5
U.S.C. 601–612), the Agricultural
Marketing Service (AMS) has
considered the economic impact of this
rule on small entities. Accordingly,
AMS has prepared this final regulatory
flexibility analysis.
The purpose of the RFA is to fit
regulatory actions to the scale of
businesses subject to such actions in
order that small businesses will not be
unduly or disproportionately burdened.
Marketing orders issued pursuant to the
Act, and the rules issued thereunder, are
unique in that they are brought about
through group action of essentially
small entities acting on their own
behalf.
There are 43 handlers of Washington
potatoes subject to regulation under the
order and approximately 267 producers
in the regulated production area. Small
agricultural service firms are defined by
the Small Business Administration as
those having annual receipts of less than
$7,000,000, and small agricultural
producers are defined as those having
annual receipts of less than $750,000.
(13 CFR 121.201)
During the 2011–2012 marketing year,
the Committee reports that 11,018,670
hundredweight of Washington potatoes
were shipped into the fresh market.
Based on average f.o.b. prices estimated
by the USDA’s Economic Research
Service and Committee data on
individual handler shipments, the
Committee estimates that 42, or
approximately 98 percent, of the
handlers had annual receipts of less
than $7,000,000.
In addition, based on information
provided by the National Agricultural
Statistics Service, the average producer
price for Washington potatoes for 2011
was $7.90 per hundredweight. The
average gross annual revenue for the 267
Washington potato producers is
therefore calculated to be approximately
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$326,021. In view of the foregoing, the
majority of Washington potato
producers and handlers may be
classified as small entities.
This rule continues in effect the
action that decreased the assessment
rate established for the Committee and
collected from handlers for the 2013–
2014 fiscal year and all subsequent
fiscal periods from $0.003 to $0.0025
per hundredweight of potatoes. The
Committee also unanimously
recommended 2013–2014 expenditures
of $37,400. This action will allow the
Committee to reduce its financial
reserve while still providing adequate
funding to meet program expenses.
The quantity of assessable potatoes for
the 2013–2014 fiscal period is estimated
at 10,000,000 hundredweight. Thus, the
$0.0025 rate should provide $25,000 in
assessment income. Income derived
from handler assessments, along with
interest income and funds from the
Committee’s authorized reserve, will be
adequate to cover budgeted expenses.
This rule continues in effect the
action that decreased the assessment
obligation imposed on handlers.
Assessments are applied uniformly on
all handlers, and some of the costs may
be passed on to producers. However,
decreasing the assessment rate reduces
the burden on handlers and may reduce
the burden on producers.
In addition, the Committee’s meeting
was widely publicized throughout the
Washington potato industry. All
interested persons were invited to
attend the meeting and participate in
Committee deliberations on all issues.
Like all Committee meetings, the
January 30, 2013, meeting was a public
meeting. All entities, both large and
small, were able to express their views
on this issue.
In accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, (44 U.S.C.
Chapter 35), the order’s information
collection requirements have been
previously approved by the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) and
assigned OMB No. 0581–0178,
Vegetable and Specialty Crops Generic
Package. No changes in those
requirements as a result of this action
are necessary. Should any changes
become necessary, they would be
submitted to OMB for approval.
This action imposes no additional
reporting or recordkeeping requirements
on either small or large Washington
potato handlers. As with all Federal
marketing order programs, reports and
forms are periodically reviewed to
reduce information requirements and
duplication by industry and public
sector agencies.
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USDA has not identified any relevant
Federal rules that duplicate, overlap, or
conflict with this rule.
Comments on the interim rule were
required to be received on or before June
28, 2013. No comments were received.
Therefore, for reasons given in the
interim rule, we are adopting the
interim rule as a final rule, without
change.
To view the interim rule, go to: https://
www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;
D=AMS-FV-13-0010-0001.
This action also affirms information
contained in the interim rule concerning
Executive Orders 12866 and 12988, and
the E-Gov Act (44 U.S.C. 101).
After consideration of all relevant
material presented, it is found that
finalizing the interim rule, without
change, as published in the Federal
Register (78 FR 24981, April 29, 2013)
will tend to effectuate the declared
policy of the Act.
List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 946
Marketing agreements, Potatoes,
Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
PART 946—IRISH POTATOES GROWN
IN WASHINGTON
Accordingly, the interim rule
amending 7 CFR part 946, which was
published at 78 FR 24981 on April 29,
2013, is adopted as a final rule, without
change.
Dated: August 1, 2013.
Rex A. Barnes,
Associate Administrator, Agricultural
Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–19011 Filed 8–7–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0671; Directorate
Identifier 2013–NM–124–AD; Amendment
39–17547; AD 2013–16–09]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and
SUMMARY:
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A321 series airplanes. This AD requires
an inspection to determine airplane
configuration and part numbers of the
landing gear control interface unit and
main landing gear (MLG) door actuators;
and, for affected airplanes, repetitive
inspections of the opening sequence of
the MLG door actuator, and replacement
of the MLG door actuator if necessary.
This AD also provides optional
terminating action for the repetitive
inspections. This AD was prompted by
a report of a MLG failing to extend
during landing, and a determination
that a certain configuration of landing
gear control interface unit and actuators
may result in masking of centralized
fault display system messages that are
necessary to mitigate risks associated
with failure of MLG extension or downlocking. We are issuing this AD to detect
and correct such a configuration, which
could prevent the full extension or
down-locking of the MLG, possibly
resulting in MLG collapse during
landing and consequent damage to the
airplane and injury to occupants.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
August 23, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of August 23, 2013.
We must receive comments on this
AD by September 23, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://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.
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Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
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 AD, the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI), 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
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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:
establish the configuration and, for those
aeroplanes, repetitive inspections of the
opening sequence of the MLG door actuator
and, depending on findings, replacement of
the MLG door actuator.
This [EASA] AD also provides optional
terminating action by disconnection of the
interlink for certain LGCIUs, or in-service
modification of the aeroplane by installation
of MLG actuator Part Number (P/N)
114122014 through Airbus SB A320–32–1407
(Airbus production mod. 153655).
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Emergency Airworthiness Directive
2013–0132–E, dated June 25, 2013
(referred to after this as the ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
Doing an inspection of the door
opening sequence of the left-hand and
right-hand doors of the MLG of an
airplane, as required by paragraph (h) of
this AD, is an acceptable alternative
method to comply with the
requirements of paragraphs (j) and (l) of
AD 2011–13–11, Amendment 39–16734
(76 FR 37241, June 27, 2011), for that
airplane.
You may obtain further information
by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Some operators reported slow operation of
the main landing gear (MLG) door opening/
closing sequence, leading to the generation of
Centralized Fault Display System (CFDS)
messages/ECAM [electronic centralized
aircraft monitor] warnings during the landing
gear retraction or extension sequence.
Investigations showed that the damping ring
and associated retaining ring of the MLG
door actuator deteriorate. The resultant
debris increases the friction inside the
actuator which can be sufficiently high to
restrict opening of the MLG door by gravity,
during operation of the landing gear alternate
(free-fall) extension system.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could prevent the full extension
and/or down-locking of the MLG, possibly
resulting in MLG collapse during landing and
consequent damage to the aeroplane and
injury to occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
EASA issued [EASA] AD 2011–0069
(currently at R1) [https://ad.easa.europa.eu/
blob/easa_ad_2011_0069_R1.pdf/AD_20110069R1_1] [which corresponds to FAA AD
2011–13–11, Amendment 39–16734 (76 FR
37241, June 27, 2011)] to require an
amendment of the applicable Airplane Flight
Manual (AFM), repetitive checks of specific
CFDS messages, and repetitive inspections of
the opening sequence of the MLG door
actuator and, depending on findings,
corrective action.
Since that AD [EASA AD 2011–0069R1]
was issued, following a recent occurrence
with a gear extension problem, additional
analyses by Airbus have revealed that the
CFDS expected specific messages may be not
generated and as a result, repetitive checks of
messages are not effective for aeroplanes
fitted with landing gear control interface unit
(LGCIU) interlink communication ARINC 429
(applied in production through Airbus
Modification (mod.) 39303, or in service
through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A320–
32–1409), in combination with certain
LGCIUs and MLG door actuators installed.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] Emergency AD requires
identification of the affected aeroplanes to
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Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT) A32N001–13,
dated June 24, 2013; and Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–32–1407, dated May 14,
2013. 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 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 issuing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule. Since the issuance of FAA AD
2011–13–11, Amendment 39–16734 (76
FR 37241, June 27, 2011), we have
received a report of a MLG failing to
extend during landing. We have also
been notified that a certain
configuration of LGCIU and actuators
may result in masking of CFDS
messages that are necessary to mitigate
risks associated with failure of MLG
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 153 / Thursday, August 8, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
extension or down-locking. This
condition could possibly result in MLG
collapse during landing and consequent
damage to the airplane and injury to
occupants. Therefore, we determined
that notice and opportunity for public
comment before issuing this AD are
impracticable and that good cause exists
for making this amendment effective in
fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not precede it by notice and
opportunity for public comment. We
invite you to send any written relevant
data, views, or arguments about this AD.
Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2013–0671;
Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–124–
AD’’ at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this AD. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend this AD because of those
comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 851
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Configuration and part number
determination.
MLG door repetitive inspection
1 work-hour × $85 per hour =
$85.
2 work-hours × $85 per hour =
$170 per inspection cycle.
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the on-condition actions
specified in this AD.
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.
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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:
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Parts cost
Cost on U.S.
operators
Cost per product
$0
$85 .......................................
$72,335.
$0
$170 per inspection cycle ....
$144,670 per inspection
cycle.
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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective August 23, 2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2011–13–11,
Amendment 39–16734 (76 FR 37241, June
27, 2011), by providing an alternative method
to comply with the requirements of
paragraphs (j) and (l) of AD 2011–13–11.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes,
certificated in any category, identified in
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of
this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122
airplanes.
(2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114,
–115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes.
(3) Model A320–111, –211, –212, –214,
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes.
(4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
(d) Subject
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
This AD was prompted by a report of a
main landing gear (MLG) failing to extend
during landing, and a determination that a
certain configuration of landing gear control
interface unit (LGCIU) and actuators may
result in masking of centralized fault display
system messages that are necessary to
mitigate risks associated with failure of MLG
extension or down-locking. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct such a
configuration, which could prevent the full
extension or down-locking of the MLG,
possibly resulting in MLG collapse during
landing and consequent damage to the
airplane and injury to occupants.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new AD:
■
2013–16–09 Airbus: Amendment 39–17547.
Docket No. FAA–2013–0671; Directorate
Identifier 2013–NM–124–AD.
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Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32, Landing gear.
(e) Reason
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(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) Configuration and Part Number
(P/N) Determination
At the later of the compliance times
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of
this AD: Do an inspection to determine the
configuration (modification status) of the
airplane and identify the part number of the
left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) LGCIU
and MLG door actuators. A review of the
airplane delivery or maintenance records is
acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of this paragraph provided the
airplane configuration and installed
components can be conclusively determined
from that review.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 800 total
flight cycles since first flight of the airplane.
(2) Within 14 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(h) MLG Door Opening Sequence Repetitive
Inspections
If, during the determination and
identification required by paragraph (g) of
this AD, the configuration of the airplane is
determined to be Airbus post-modification
39303 or post-Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
32–1409 (Interlink Communication ARINC
429 installed), and both an LGCIU and a MLG
door actuator are installed with a part
number listed in table 1 to paragraph (h) of
this AD: Except as provided by paragraph (k)
of this AD, at the later of the compliance
times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2)
of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 8 days or 5 flight cycles, whichever
occurs later, do an inspection of the door
opening sequence of the LH and RH MLG
doors, in accordance with the instructions of
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT)
A32N001–13, dated June 24, 2013.
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (H) OF THIS
AD
Part No.
LGCIU (LH and RH) .......
LGCIU (LH and RH) .......
MLG door actuator .........
MLG door actuator .........
MLG door actuator .........
MLG door actuator .........
MLG door actuator .........
MLG door actuator .........
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Component name
80–178–02–88012
80–178–03–88013
114122006
114122007
114122009
114122010
114122011
114122012
(i) MLG Door Opening Sequence Corrective
Action
If a slow door operation or restricted
extension is found during any inspection
required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before
further flight, replace the affected MLG door
actuator with a new or serviceable actuator,
in accordance with the instructions of Airbus
AOT A32N001–13, dated June 24, 2013.
(j) Repetitive Inspection—Terminating
Action
Replacement of a MLG door actuator, as
required by paragraph (i) of this AD, does not
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constitute terminating action for the
repetitive inspections required by paragraph
(h) of this AD, unless MLG door actuators
having P/N 114122014 are installed on both
LH and RH sides, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–32–1407, dated May
14, 2013.
(k) Repetitive Inspection Exception
Airplanes on which the LGCIU interlink is
disconnected (Airbus modification 155522
applied in production, or modified in-service
in accordance with the instructions of Airbus
AOT A32N001–13, dated June 24, 2013), or
on which MLG door actuators having P/N
114122014 are installed on both LH and RH
sides (Airbus modification 153655 applied in
production, or modified in-service in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
32–1407, dated May 14, 2013), are not
required to do the actions required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, provided that the
airplane is not modified to a configuration as
defined in paragraph (h) of this AD.
(l) Alternative Action for AD 2011–13–11,
Amendment 39–16734 (76 FR 37241, June
27, 2011)
Doing an inspection of the door opening
sequence of the LH and RH doors of the MLG
of an airplane, as required by paragraph (h)
of this AD, is an acceptable alternative
method to comply with the requirements of
paragraphs (j) and (l) of AD 2011–13–11,
Amendment 39–16734 (76 FR 37241, June
27, 2011), for that airplane.
(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: 9ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
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.
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(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 and
locked, and that no MLG recycle is done.
(o) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information European
Aviation Safety Agency Emergency
Airworthiness Directive 2013–0132–E, dated
June 25, 2013, for related information, which
can be found in the AD docket on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission
A32N001–13, dated June 24, 2013.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–32–1407,
dated May 14, 2013.
(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 account.airwortheas@airbus.com; Internet https://
www.airbus.com.
(4) You may review copies of the 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.
(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: https://www.
archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 26,
2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–19023 Filed 8–7–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
E:\FR\FM\08AUR1.SGM
08AUR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 153 (Thursday, August 8, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 48286-48289]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-19023]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0671; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-124-AD;
Amendment 39-17547; AD 2013-16-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and
[[Page 48287]]
A321 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to determine
airplane configuration and part numbers of the landing gear control
interface unit and main landing gear (MLG) door actuators; and, for
affected airplanes, repetitive inspections of the opening sequence of
the MLG door actuator, and replacement of the MLG door actuator if
necessary. This AD also provides optional terminating action for the
repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted by a report of a MLG
failing to extend during landing, and a determination that a certain
configuration of landing gear control interface unit and actuators may
result in masking of centralized fault display system messages that are
necessary to mitigate risks associated with failure of MLG extension or
down-locking. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such a
configuration, which could prevent the full extension or down-locking
of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG collapse during landing and
consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 23, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 23,
2013.
We must receive comments on this AD by September 23, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://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 AD, the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI), 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:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2013-0132-E, dated June 25, 2013
(referred to after this as the ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
Some operators reported slow operation of the main landing gear
(MLG) door opening/closing sequence, leading to the generation of
Centralized Fault Display System (CFDS) messages/ECAM [electronic
centralized aircraft monitor] warnings during the landing gear
retraction or extension sequence. Investigations showed that the
damping ring and associated retaining ring of the MLG door actuator
deteriorate. The resultant debris increases the friction inside the
actuator which can be sufficiently high to restrict opening of the
MLG door by gravity, during operation of the landing gear alternate
(free-fall) extension system.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could prevent the
full extension and/or down-locking of the MLG, possibly resulting in
MLG collapse during landing and consequent damage to the aeroplane
and injury to occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition, EASA issued [EASA]
AD 2011-0069 (currently at R1) [https://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/easa_ad_2011_0069_R1.pdf/AD_2011-0069R1_1] [which corresponds to FAA
AD 2011-13-11, Amendment 39-16734 (76 FR 37241, June 27, 2011)] to
require an amendment of the applicable Airplane Flight Manual (AFM),
repetitive checks of specific CFDS messages, and repetitive
inspections of the opening sequence of the MLG door actuator and,
depending on findings, corrective action.
Since that AD [EASA AD 2011-0069R1] was issued, following a
recent occurrence with a gear extension problem, additional analyses
by Airbus have revealed that the CFDS expected specific messages may
be not generated and as a result, repetitive checks of messages are
not effective for aeroplanes fitted with landing gear control
interface unit (LGCIU) interlink communication ARINC 429 (applied in
production through Airbus Modification (mod.) 39303, or in service
through Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A320-32-1409), in combination
with certain LGCIUs and MLG door actuators installed.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] Emergency AD
requires identification of the affected aeroplanes to establish the
configuration and, for those aeroplanes, repetitive inspections of
the opening sequence of the MLG door actuator and, depending on
findings, replacement of the MLG door actuator.
This [EASA] AD also provides optional terminating action by
disconnection of the interlink for certain LGCIUs, or in-service
modification of the aeroplane by installation of MLG actuator Part
Number (P/N) 114122014 through Airbus SB A320-32-1407 (Airbus
production mod. 153655).
Doing an inspection of the door opening sequence of the left-hand
and right-hand doors of the MLG of an airplane, as required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, is an acceptable alternative method to comply
with the requirements of paragraphs (j) and (l) of AD 2011-13-11,
Amendment 39-16734 (76 FR 37241, June 27, 2011), for that airplane.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A32N001-13,
dated June 24, 2013; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1407, dated
May 14, 2013. 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 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 issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule. Since the
issuance of FAA AD 2011-13-11, Amendment 39-16734 (76 FR 37241, June
27, 2011), we have received a report of a MLG failing to extend during
landing. We have also been notified that a certain configuration of
LGCIU and actuators may result in masking of CFDS messages that are
necessary to mitigate risks associated with failure of MLG
[[Page 48288]]
extension or down-locking. This condition could possibly result in MLG
collapse during landing and consequent damage to the airplane and
injury to occupants. Therefore, we determined that notice and
opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable
and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer
than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0671; Directorate
Identifier 2013-NM-124-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 851 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Configuration and part number 1 work-hour x $85 $0 $85................. $72,335.
determination. per hour = $85.
MLG door repetitive inspection... 2 work-hours x $85 $0 $170 per inspection $144,670 per
per hour = $170 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this AD.
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.
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:
2013-16-09 Airbus: Amendment 39-17547. Docket No. FAA-2013-0671;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-124-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 23,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2011-13-11, Amendment 39-16734 (76 FR 37241,
June 27, 2011), by providing an alternative method to comply with
the requirements of paragraphs (j) and (l) of AD 2011-13-11.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and
(c)(4) of this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(3) Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(4) 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 main landing gear (MLG)
failing to extend during landing, and a determination that a certain
configuration of landing gear control interface unit (LGCIU) and
actuators may result in masking of centralized fault display system
messages that are necessary to mitigate risks associated with
failure of MLG extension or down-locking. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct such a configuration, which could prevent the
full extension or down-locking of the MLG, possibly resulting in MLG
collapse during landing and consequent damage to the airplane and
injury to occupants.
[[Page 48289]]
(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) Configuration and Part Number (P/N) Determination
At the later of the compliance times specified in paragraphs
(g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD: Do an inspection to determine the
configuration (modification status) of the airplane and identify the
part number of the left-hand (LH) and right-hand (RH) LGCIU and MLG
door actuators. A review of the airplane delivery or maintenance
records is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this
paragraph provided the airplane configuration and installed
components can be conclusively determined from that review.
(1) Prior to the accumulation of 800 total flight cycles since
first flight of the airplane.
(2) Within 14 days after the effective date of this AD.
(h) MLG Door Opening Sequence Repetitive Inspections
If, during the determination and identification required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, the configuration of the airplane is
determined to be Airbus post-modification 39303 or post-Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-32-1409 (Interlink Communication ARINC 429
installed), and both an LGCIU and a MLG door actuator are installed
with a part number listed in table 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD:
Except as provided by paragraph (k) of this AD, at the later of the
compliance times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this
AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 8 days or 5 flight
cycles, whichever occurs later, do an inspection of the door opening
sequence of the LH and RH MLG doors, in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A32N001-
13, dated June 24, 2013.
Table 1 to Paragraph (h) of This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Component name Part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LGCIU (LH and RH).................................... 80-178-02-88012
LGCIU (LH and RH).................................... 80-178-03-88013
MLG door actuator.................................... 114122006
MLG door actuator.................................... 114122007
MLG door actuator.................................... 114122009
MLG door actuator.................................... 114122010
MLG door actuator.................................... 114122011
MLG door actuator.................................... 114122012
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(i) MLG Door Opening Sequence Corrective Action
If a slow door operation or restricted extension is found during
any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further
flight, replace the affected MLG door actuator with a new or
serviceable actuator, in accordance with the instructions of Airbus
AOT A32N001-13, dated June 24, 2013.
(j) Repetitive Inspection--Terminating Action
Replacement of a MLG door actuator, as required by paragraph (i)
of this AD, does not constitute terminating action for the
repetitive inspections required by paragraph (h) of this AD, unless
MLG door actuators having P/N 114122014 are installed on both LH and
RH sides, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1407, dated May 14, 2013.
(k) Repetitive Inspection Exception
Airplanes on which the LGCIU interlink is disconnected (Airbus
modification 155522 applied in production, or modified in-service in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus AOT A32N001-13, dated
June 24, 2013), or on which MLG door actuators having P/N 114122014
are installed on both LH and RH sides (Airbus modification 153655
applied in production, or modified in-service in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1407,
dated May 14, 2013), are not required to do the actions required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, provided that the airplane is not modified
to a configuration as defined in paragraph (h) of this AD.
(l) Alternative Action for AD 2011-13-11, Amendment 39-16734 (76 FR
37241, June 27, 2011)
Doing an inspection of the door opening sequence of the LH and
RH doors of the MLG of an airplane, as required by paragraph (h) of
this AD, is an acceptable alternative method to comply with the
requirements of paragraphs (j) and (l) of AD 2011-13-11, Amendment
39-16734 (76 FR 37241, June 27, 2011), for that airplane.
(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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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.
(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 and locked, and that no MLG recycle is done.
(o) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information European
Aviation Safety Agency Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2013-0132-
E, dated June 25, 2013, for related information, which can be found
in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
(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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission A32N001-13, dated June
24, 2013.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1407, dated May 14, 2013.
(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 account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may review copies of the 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.
(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: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 26, 2013.
Stephen P. Boyd,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-19023 Filed 8-7-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P