Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 59636-59639 [2014-23139]
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59636
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 192 / Friday, October 3, 2014 / Rules and Regulations
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0058; Directorate
Identifier 2013–NM–116–AD; Amendment
39–17977; AD 2014–20–04]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94–12–03
for certain Airbus Model A320 series
airplanes. AD 94–12–03 required
modification of the belly fairing
structure. This new AD requires
repetitive inspections for cracking of the
four titanium angles between the belly
fairing and the keel beam side panel, an
inspection for cracking of the open
holes if any cracking is found in the
titanium angles, and repair or
replacement if necessary; this new AD
also expands the applicability of AD 94–
12–03. This AD was prompted by
reports of cracks at the lower riveting of
the four titanium angles that connect the
belly fairing to the keel beam side
panels on both sides of the fuselage. We
are issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracking of the titanium angles that
connect the belly fairing to the keel
beam side panels on both sides of the
fuselage, which could affect the
structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
November 7, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of November 7, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain other publications listed in
this AD as of January 10, 1994 (59 FR
64875, December 10, 1993).
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0058; or in
person at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC.
For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
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SUMMARY:
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telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 44 51; email account.airwortheas@airbus.com; Internet https://
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.
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
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 94–12–03,
Amendment 39–8930 (59 FR 28763,
June 3, 1994). AD 94–12–03 applied to
Model A320 series airplanes having
serial numbers (S/Ns) 003 through 092
inclusive. These serial numbers apply to
Model A320–111, –211, and –231 series
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on February 26, 2014
(79 FR 10707).
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013–0122,
dated June 5, 2013 (referred to after this
as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for the specified products. The MCAI
states:
During the fatigue test campaign of the
A320 family type design, cracks have been
found at the lower riveting of the four
titanium angles which connect the belly
fairing to the keel beam side panels between
frames FR40 and FR42, on both sides of the
fuselage.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could affect the structural integrity
of the aeroplane.
´ ´
In 1992, [Direction Generale de l’Aviation
Civile] DGAC France issued AD 92–201–030
(https://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/19922010tb_
superseded.pdf/AD_F-1992-201-030_1)
(which corresponds to FAA AD 94–12–03,
Amendment 39–8930 (59 FR 28763, June 3,
1994)) to require reinforcement of the belly
fairing structure, which addressed part of the
unsafe condition.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of DGAC
France AD 92–201–030, which is superseded,
and requires repetitive detailed inspections
[for cracking] of the affected titanium angles
and, depending on findings, repair or
replacement of parts.
As an option to extend the repetitive
inspection interval, after the first
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detailed inspection is accomplished and
on condition of no crack findings, this
AD allows operators to remove the four
titanium angles, perform a rototest for
cracking on the open holes and,
provided no cracks are found on the
open holes, install new titanium angles,
followed by post-modification detailed
inspections of the new titanium angles.
For any titanium angle crack findings,
this AD requires removing any cracked
angle, performing a rototest for cracking
on the open holes and, provided no
cracks are found, installing a new
titanium angle, followed by detailed
inspections of the new titanium angles.
For any open hole cracking found
during any rototest required by this AD,
this AD requires repairing any cracking
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).
This AD expands the applicability of
AD 94–12–03, Amendment 39–8930 (59
FR 28763, June 3, 1994), to include all
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and
A321 series airplanes.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-00580002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM (79 FR 10707,
February 26, 2014) and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
Request To Extend Proposed
Compliance Time for Inspection of
Titanium Angles
Delta Airlines (DAL) requested that
we extend the compliance time for the
inspection of the titanium angles
specified in paragraph (h)(3) of the
proposed AD (79 FR 10707, February
26, 2014). DAL stated that extending
this compliance time from 3,000 flight
cycles or 6,000 flight hours after the
effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, to 5,000 flight cycles or
10,000 flight hours, whichever occurs
first, would match the repetitive interval
for the detailed inspection on those
airplanes that have not had the
modification accomplished, and it
would give DAL and other operators the
opportunity to schedule these
inspections in a hangar environment.
We do not agree with the commenter’s
request to extend the compliance time
specified in paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.
DAL has not provided data to
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substantiate that extending this
compliance time would provide an
acceptable level of safety. This
compliance time was developed after
analyzing risk to the fleet, availability of
in-service information and feasibility of
performing inspection. We consider the
overall risk to the fleet, including the
severity of the failure and the likelihood
of the failure’s occurrence, to calculate
appropriate compliance times. However,
under the provisions of paragraph (o)(1)
of this AD, we will consider requests for
approval of an extension of the
compliance time if sufficient data are
submitted to substantiate that the
extension would provide an acceptable
level of safety. We have not changed
this final rule in this regard.
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Request To Allow Special Flight Permit
When Cracking Is Found
DAL requested that we add a
provision in the NPRM (79 FR 10707,
February 26, 2014) to allow operators to
ferry airplanes with cracking found
during the inspection specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD. DAL stated
that a ferry flight would allow an
airplane to be moved to a more suitable
location for maintenance in the event
damage is found. DAL also stated that
the ferry flight is necessary due to the
extensive level of access and
disassembly.
We agree with the intent behind the
commenter’s request, but find it
unnecessary to include a special flight
provision in this AD. Special flight
permits are currently allowed under
Section 39.23 of the Federal Aviation
Regulations (14 CFR 39.23), unless
specifically prohibited or limited by an
AD. No change is necessary to this final
rule in this regard.
‘‘Contacting the Manufacturer’’
Paragraph in This AD
Since late 2006, we have included a
standard paragraph titled ‘‘Airworthy
Product’’ in all MCAI ADs in which the
FAA develops an AD based on a foreign
authority’s AD.
The MCAI or referenced service
information in an FAA AD often directs
the owner/operator to contact the
manufacturer for corrective actions,
such as a repair. Briefly, the Airworthy
Product paragraph allowed owners/
operators to use corrective actions
provided by the manufacturer if those
actions were FAA-approved. In
addition, the paragraph stated that any
actions approved by the State of Design
Authority (or its delegated agent) are
considered to be FAA-approved.
In the NPRM (79 FR 10707, February
26, 2014), we proposed to prevent the
use of repairs that were not specifically
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developed to correct the unsafe
condition, by requiring that the repair
approval provided by the State of
Design Authority or its delegated agent
specifically refer to this FAA AD. This
change was intended to clarify the
method of compliance and to provide
operators with better visibility of repairs
that are specifically developed and
approved to correct the unsafe
condition. In addition, we proposed to
change the phrase ‘‘its delegated agent’’
to include a design approval holder
(DAH) with State of Design Authority
design organization approval (DOA), as
applicable, to refer to a DAH authorized
to approve required repairs for the
proposed AD.
No comments were provided to the
NPRM (79 FR 10707, February 26, 2014)
about these proposed changes. However,
a comment was provided for an NPRM
having Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–
101–AD (78 FR 78285, December 26,
2013). The commenter stated the
following: ‘‘The proposed wording,
being specific to repairs, eliminates the
interpretation that Airbus messages are
acceptable for approving minor
deviations (corrective actions) needed
during accomplishment of an AD
mandated Airbus service bulletin.’’
This comment has made the FAA
aware that some operators have
misunderstood or misinterpreted the
Airworthy Product paragraph to allow
the owner/operator to use messages
provided by the manufacturer as
approval of deviations during the
accomplishment of an AD-mandated
action. The Airworthy Product
paragraph does not approve messages or
other information provided by the
manufacturer for deviations to the
requirements of the AD-mandated
actions. The Airworthy Product
paragraph only addresses the
requirement to contact the manufacturer
for corrective actions for the identified
unsafe condition and does not cover
deviations from other AD requirements.
However, deviations to AD-required
actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17,
and anyone may request the approval
for an alternative method of compliance
to the AD-required actions using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
To address this misunderstanding and
misinterpretation of the Airworthy
Product paragraph, we have changed the
paragraph and retitled it ‘‘Contacting the
Manufacturer.’’ This paragraph now
clarifies that for any requirement in this
AD to obtain corrective actions from a
manufacturer, the actions must be
accomplished using a method approved
by the FAA, the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA), or Airbus’s
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EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA).
The Contacting the Manufacturer
paragraph also clarifies that, if approved
by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature. The DOA
signature indicates that the data and
information contained in the document
are EASA-approved, which is also FAAapproved. Messages and other
information provided by the
manufacturer that do not contain the
DOA-authorized signature approval are
not EASA-approved, unless EASA
directly approves the manufacturer’s
message or other information.
This clarification does not remove
flexibility previously afforded by the
Airworthy Product paragraph.
Consistent with long-standing FAA
policy, such flexibility was never
intended for required actions. This is
also consistent with the
recommendation of the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation
Rulemaking Committee to increase
flexibility in complying with ADs by
identifying those actions in
manufacturers’ service instructions that
are ‘‘Required for Compliance’’ with
ADs. We continue to work with
manufacturers to implement this
recommendation. But once we
determine that an action is required, any
deviation from the requirement must be
approved as an alternative method of
compliance.
Other commenters to the NPRM
having Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–
101–AD (78 FR 78285, December 26,
2013) pointed out that in many cases the
foreign manufacturer’s service bulletin
and the foreign authority’s MCAI might
have been issued some time before the
FAA AD. Therefore, the DOA might
have provided U.S. operators with an
approved repair, developed with full
awareness of the unsafe condition,
before the FAA AD is issued. Under
these circumstances, to comply with the
FAA AD, the operator would be
required to go back to the
manufacturer’s DOA and obtain a new
approval document, adding time and
expense to the compliance process with
no safety benefit.
Based on these comments, we
removed the requirement that the DAHprovided repair specifically refer to this
AD. Before adopting such a
requirement, the FAA will coordinate
with affected DAHs and verify they are
prepared to implement means to ensure
that their repair approvals consider the
unsafe condition addressed in this AD.
Any such requirements will be adopted
through the normal AD rulemaking
process, including notice-and-comment
procedures, when appropriate.
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We also have decided not to include
a generic reference to either the
‘‘delegated agent’’ or ‘‘DAH with State of
Design Authority design organization
approval,’’ but instead we have
provided the specific delegation
approval granted by the State of Design
Authority for the DAH throughout this
AD.
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.
§ 39.13
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data,
including the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this
final rule with the changes described
previously and minor editorial changes.
We have determined that these minor
changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM (79 FR
10707, February 26, 2014) for correcting
the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 10707,
February 26, 2014).
Regulatory Findings
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective November 7,
2014
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Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 851
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions that were required by AD
94–12–03, Amendment 39–8930 (59 FR
28763, June 3, 1994), and retained in
this AD take about 288 work-hours per
product, at an average labor rate of $85
per work-hour. Required parts cost
about $1,045 per product. Based on
these figures, the estimated cost of the
actions that were required by AD 94–
12–03 is $25,525 per product.
We also estimate that it will take
about 7 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic new
requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based
on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD on U.S. operators to be
$506,345, or $595 per product.
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the on-condition and
optional 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
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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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0058; 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
AD, the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for the
Docket Operations office (telephone
800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section.
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
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
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[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
94–12–03, Amendment 39–8930 (59 FR
28763, June 3, 1994), and adding the
following new AD:
■
2014–20–04 Airbus: Amendment 39–17977.
Docket No. FAA–2014–0058; Directorate
Identifier 2013–NM–116–AD.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 94–12–03,
Amendment 39–8930 (59 FR 28763, June 3,
1994).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes
specified 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 A320–111, –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 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks
at the lower riveting of the four titanium
angles that connect the belly fairing to the
keel beam side panels on both sides of the
fuselage. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracking of the titanium angles that
connect the belly fairing to the keel beam
side panels on both sides of the fuselage,
which could affect the structural integrity of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Retained Modification
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (a) of AD 94–12–03, Amendment
39–8930 (59 FR 28763, June 3, 1994), with
new service information. For Model A320–
111, –211, and –231 series airplanes,
manufacturer serial numbers 003 through 092
inclusive: Prior to the accumulation of 12,000
total landings on the airplane, or within 300
days after January 10, 1994 (the effective date
of AD 93–24–11, Amendment 39–8760 (58
FR 64875, December 10, 1993)), whichever
occurs later, modify the belly fairing
structure, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of an Airbus
service bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1),
(g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD. As of the effective
date of this AD, use only the Airbus service
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(3) of this
AD.
(1) Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320–
53–1014, dated June 25, 1992.
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(2) Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320–
53–1014, Revision 1, dated May 26, 1993.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1014,
Revision 2, dated September 1, 1994.
(h) New Requirement of This AD: Repetitive
Inspection
At the latest of the compliance times
specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and
(h)(3) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for
cracking of the four titanium angles between
the belly fairing and the keel beam side
panel, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–53–1259, dated
November 6, 2012.
(1) Before the accumulation of 30,000 total
flight cycles or 60,000 total flight hours,
whichever occurs first after first flight of the
airplane.
(2) Within 30,000 flight cycles or 60,000
flight hours, whichever occurs first after
modification of the airplane as required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, or after installation
of new titanium angles, provided that, prior
to installation, a rototest for cracking on the
open holes has been accomplished with no
crack findings, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–53–1259, dated
November 6, 2012.
(3) Within 3,000 flight cycles or 6,000
flight hours, whichever occurs first after the
effective date of this AD.
(i) New Requirement of This AD: PostInspection Actions for No Crack Findings
If, during any inspection required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, there is no crack
finding: Accomplish the actions specified in
either paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD.
(1) Repeat the inspection required by
paragraph (h) of this AD at intervals not to
exceed 5,000 flight cycles or 10,000 flight
hours, whichever occurs first
(2) Before further flight after the inspection
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, remove
all inspected titanium angles, accomplish a
rototest for cracking on the open holes and,
provided no cracks are found, install new
titanium angles, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–53–1259, dated
November 6, 2012.
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(j) New Requirement of This AD: PostInspection Actions for Any Crack Findings
If, during any inspection required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, there is any crack
finding: Before further flight, remove the
affected titanium angle(s), accomplish a
rototest for cracking on the open holes, and,
provided no cracks are found, install new
titanium angles, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–53–1259, dated
November 6, 2012.
(k) New Requirement of This AD: PostInstallation Repetitive Inspections
For airplanes on which new titanium
angles were installed as specified in
paragraph (i)(2) or (j) of this AD: Within
30,000 flight cycles or 60,000 flight hours,
whichever occurs first after the installation,
accomplish a detailed inspection for cracking
of the four titanium angles between the belly
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fairing and the keel beam side panel, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
53–1259, dated November 6, 2012. Repeat the
inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 5,000 flight cycles or 10,000 flight
hours, whichever occurs first.
(l) New Requirement of This AD: Post
Inspection Actions for Any Crack Findings
During Post-Installation Inspections
If, during any inspection as required by
paragraph (k) of this AD, there is any crack
finding: Before further flight, remove the
affected titanium angles, accomplish a
rototest for cracking on the open holes, and,
provided no cracks are found, install new
titanium angles, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–53–1259, dated
November 6, 2012.
(m) New Requirement of This AD: Corrective
Action for Rototest Crack Finding
If, during any rototest as required by
paragraph (i), (j), or (l) of this AD, any crack
is found: Before further flight, repair using a
method approved by the Manager,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
(n) New Provision of This AD: No
Termination Action for Repetitive
Inspections
Repair or replacement of parts as specified
in this AD does not terminate the repetitive
inspections required by this AD.
(o) 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-116AMOC-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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the
effective date of this AD, 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
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the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(p) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European
Aviation Safety Agency, Airworthiness
Directive 2013–0122, dated June 5, 2013, for
related information. You may examine the
MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov/
#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0058-0002.
(q) 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.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on November 7, 2014.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1014,
Revision 2, dated September 1, 1994,
including supplementary page 7A. Pages 1–
3, 15, 19, 20, and 25 of this document are
identified as Revision 2, dated September 1,
1994; pages 4–8, 10, 12, 16–18, and 21–24 are
identified as Revision 1, dated May 26, 1993;
and pages 9, 11, 13, 14, and 26 are identified
as the original, dated June 25, 1992.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1259,
dated November 6, 2012.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on January 10, 1994 (59 FR
64875, December 10, 1993).
(i) Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320–
53–1014, dated June 25, 1992.
(ii) Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin
A320–53–1014, Revision 1, dated May 26,
1993.
(5) 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.
(6) 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.
(7) 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
September 19, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–23139 Filed 10–2–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
E:\FR\FM\03OCR1.SGM
03OCR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 192 (Friday, October 3, 2014)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59636-59639]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-23139]
[[Page 59636]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0058; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-116-AD;
Amendment 39-17977; AD 2014-20-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 94-12-03 for
certain Airbus Model A320 series airplanes. AD 94-12-03 required
modification of the belly fairing structure. This new AD requires
repetitive inspections for cracking of the four titanium angles between
the belly fairing and the keel beam side panel, an inspection for
cracking of the open holes if any cracking is found in the titanium
angles, and repair or replacement if necessary; this new AD also
expands the applicability of AD 94-12-03. This AD was prompted by
reports of cracks at the lower riveting of the four titanium angles
that connect the belly fairing to the keel beam side panels on both
sides of the fuselage. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
cracking of the titanium angles that connect the belly fairing to the
keel beam side panels on both sides of the fuselage, which could affect
the structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective November 7, 2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of November 7,
2014.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of January
10, 1994 (59 FR 64875, December 10, 1993).
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0058; or in person at the
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
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. 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.
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
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 94-12-03, Amendment 39-8930 (59 FR 28763, June
3, 1994). AD 94-12-03 applied to Model A320 series airplanes having
serial numbers (S/Ns) 003 through 092 inclusive. These serial numbers
apply to Model A320-111, -211, and -231 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2014 (79 FR 10707).
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0122, dated June 5, 2013 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
During the fatigue test campaign of the A320 family type design,
cracks have been found at the lower riveting of the four titanium
angles which connect the belly fairing to the keel beam side panels
between frames FR40 and FR42, on both sides of the fuselage.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could affect the
structural integrity of the aeroplane.
In 1992, [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile]
DGAC France issued AD 92-201-030 (https://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/19922010tb_superseded.pdf/AD_F-1992-201-030_1) (which corresponds to
FAA AD 94-12-03, Amendment 39-8930 (59 FR 28763, June 3, 1994)) to
require reinforcement of the belly fairing structure, which
addressed part of the unsafe condition.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of DGAC France AD 92-201-030, which is superseded, and
requires repetitive detailed inspections [for cracking] of the
affected titanium angles and, depending on findings, repair or
replacement of parts.
As an option to extend the repetitive inspection interval, after
the first detailed inspection is accomplished and on condition of no
crack findings, this AD allows operators to remove the four titanium
angles, perform a rototest for cracking on the open holes and, provided
no cracks are found on the open holes, install new titanium angles,
followed by post-modification detailed inspections of the new titanium
angles.
For any titanium angle crack findings, this AD requires removing
any cracked angle, performing a rototest for cracking on the open holes
and, provided no cracks are found, installing a new titanium angle,
followed by detailed inspections of the new titanium angles.
For any open hole cracking found during any rototest required by
this AD, this AD requires repairing any cracking 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).
This AD expands the applicability of AD 94-12-03, Amendment 39-8930
(59 FR 28763, June 3, 1994), to include all Airbus Model A318, A319,
A320, and A321 series airplanes.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0058-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM (79
FR 10707, February 26, 2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.
Request To Extend Proposed Compliance Time for Inspection of Titanium
Angles
Delta Airlines (DAL) requested that we extend the compliance time
for the inspection of the titanium angles specified in paragraph (h)(3)
of the proposed AD (79 FR 10707, February 26, 2014). DAL stated that
extending this compliance time from 3,000 flight cycles or 6,000 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, to
5,000 flight cycles or 10,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first,
would match the repetitive interval for the detailed inspection on
those airplanes that have not had the modification accomplished, and it
would give DAL and other operators the opportunity to schedule these
inspections in a hangar environment.
We do not agree with the commenter's request to extend the
compliance time specified in paragraph (h)(3) of this AD. DAL has not
provided data to
[[Page 59637]]
substantiate that extending this compliance time would provide an
acceptable level of safety. This compliance time was developed after
analyzing risk to the fleet, availability of in-service information and
feasibility of performing inspection. We consider the overall risk to
the fleet, including the severity of the failure and the likelihood of
the failure's occurrence, to calculate appropriate compliance times.
However, under the provisions of paragraph (o)(1) of this AD, we will
consider requests for approval of an extension of the compliance time
if sufficient data are submitted to substantiate that the extension
would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed this
final rule in this regard.
Request To Allow Special Flight Permit When Cracking Is Found
DAL requested that we add a provision in the NPRM (79 FR 10707,
February 26, 2014) to allow operators to ferry airplanes with cracking
found during the inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. DAL
stated that a ferry flight would allow an airplane to be moved to a
more suitable location for maintenance in the event damage is found.
DAL also stated that the ferry flight is necessary due to the extensive
level of access and disassembly.
We agree with the intent behind the commenter's request, but find
it unnecessary to include a special flight provision in this AD.
Special flight permits are currently allowed under Section 39.23 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.23), unless specifically
prohibited or limited by an AD. No change is necessary to this final
rule in this regard.
``Contacting the Manufacturer'' Paragraph in This AD
Since late 2006, we have included a standard paragraph titled
``Airworthy Product'' in all MCAI ADs in which the FAA develops an AD
based on a foreign authority's AD.
The MCAI or referenced service information in an FAA AD often
directs the owner/operator to contact the manufacturer for corrective
actions, such as a repair. Briefly, the Airworthy Product paragraph
allowed owners/operators to use corrective actions provided by the
manufacturer if those actions were FAA-approved. In addition, the
paragraph stated that any actions approved by the State of Design
Authority (or its delegated agent) are considered to be FAA-approved.
In the NPRM (79 FR 10707, February 26, 2014), we proposed to
prevent the use of repairs that were not specifically developed to
correct the unsafe condition, by requiring that the repair approval
provided by the State of Design Authority or its delegated agent
specifically refer to this FAA AD. This change was intended to clarify
the method of compliance and to provide operators with better
visibility of repairs that are specifically developed and approved to
correct the unsafe condition. In addition, we proposed to change the
phrase ``its delegated agent'' to include a design approval holder
(DAH) with State of Design Authority design organization approval
(DOA), as applicable, to refer to a DAH authorized to approve required
repairs for the proposed AD.
No comments were provided to the NPRM (79 FR 10707, February 26,
2014) about these proposed changes. However, a comment was provided for
an NPRM having Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-101-AD (78 FR 78285,
December 26, 2013). The commenter stated the following: ``The proposed
wording, being specific to repairs, eliminates the interpretation that
Airbus messages are acceptable for approving minor deviations
(corrective actions) needed during accomplishment of an AD mandated
Airbus service bulletin.''
This comment has made the FAA aware that some operators have
misunderstood or misinterpreted the Airworthy Product paragraph to
allow the owner/operator to use messages provided by the manufacturer
as approval of deviations during the accomplishment of an AD-mandated
action. The Airworthy Product paragraph does not approve messages or
other information provided by the manufacturer for deviations to the
requirements of the AD-mandated actions. The Airworthy Product
paragraph only addresses the requirement to contact the manufacturer
for corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition and does not
cover deviations from other AD requirements. However, deviations to AD-
required actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17, and anyone may request
the approval for an alternative method of compliance to the AD-required
actions using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
To address this misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the
Airworthy Product paragraph, we have changed the paragraph and retitled
it ``Contacting the Manufacturer.'' This paragraph now clarifies that
for any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a
manufacturer, the actions must be accomplished using a method approved
by the FAA, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), or Airbus's
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA).
The Contacting the Manufacturer paragraph also clarifies that, if
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature. The DOA signature indicates that the data and information
contained in the document are EASA-approved, which is also FAA-
approved. Messages and other information provided by the manufacturer
that do not contain the DOA-authorized signature approval are not EASA-
approved, unless EASA directly approves the manufacturer's message or
other information.
This clarification does not remove flexibility previously afforded
by the Airworthy Product paragraph. Consistent with long-standing FAA
policy, such flexibility was never intended for required actions. This
is also consistent with the recommendation of the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee to increase
flexibility in complying with ADs by identifying those actions in
manufacturers' service instructions that are ``Required for
Compliance'' with ADs. We continue to work with manufacturers to
implement this recommendation. But once we determine that an action is
required, any deviation from the requirement must be approved as an
alternative method of compliance.
Other commenters to the NPRM having Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
101-AD (78 FR 78285, December 26, 2013) pointed out that in many cases
the foreign manufacturer's service bulletin and the foreign authority's
MCAI might have been issued some time before the FAA AD. Therefore, the
DOA might have provided U.S. operators with an approved repair,
developed with full awareness of the unsafe condition, before the FAA
AD is issued. Under these circumstances, to comply with the FAA AD, the
operator would be required to go back to the manufacturer's DOA and
obtain a new approval document, adding time and expense to the
compliance process with no safety benefit.
Based on these comments, we removed the requirement that the DAH-
provided repair specifically refer to this AD. Before adopting such a
requirement, the FAA will coordinate with affected DAHs and verify they
are prepared to implement means to ensure that their repair approvals
consider the unsafe condition addressed in this AD. Any such
requirements will be adopted through the normal AD rulemaking process,
including notice-and-comment procedures, when appropriate.
[[Page 59638]]
We also have decided not to include a generic reference to either
the ``delegated agent'' or ``DAH with State of Design Authority design
organization approval,'' but instead we have provided the specific
delegation approval granted by the State of Design Authority for the
DAH throughout this AD.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
this final rule with the changes described previously and minor
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (79 FR 10707, February 26, 2014) for correcting the unsafe
condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 10707, February 26, 2014).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 851 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions that were required by AD 94-12-03, Amendment 39-8930
(59 FR 28763, June 3, 1994), and retained in this AD take about 288
work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour.
Required parts cost about $1,045 per product. Based on these figures,
the estimated cost of the actions that were required by AD 94-12-03 is
$25,525 per product.
We also estimate that it will take about 7 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic new requirements of this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $506,345, or $595 per product.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition and optional 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0058; 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 AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information.
The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
94-12-03, Amendment 39-8930 (59 FR 28763, June 3, 1994), and adding the
following new AD:
2014-20-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-17977. Docket No. FAA-2014-0058;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-116-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective November 7, 2014
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 94-12-03, Amendment 39-8930 (59 FR 28763,
June 3, 1994).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes specified 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 A320-111, -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 53, Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks at the lower riveting
of the four titanium angles that connect the belly fairing to the
keel beam side panels on both sides of the fuselage. We are issuing
this AD to detect and correct cracking of the titanium angles that
connect the belly fairing to the keel beam side panels on both sides
of the fuselage, which could affect the structural integrity of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Modification
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (a) of AD
94-12-03, Amendment 39-8930 (59 FR 28763, June 3, 1994), with new
service information. For Model A320-111, -211, and -231 series
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers 003 through 092 inclusive:
Prior to the accumulation of 12,000 total landings on the airplane,
or within 300 days after January 10, 1994 (the effective date of AD
93-24-11, Amendment 39-8760 (58 FR 64875, December 10, 1993)),
whichever occurs later, modify the belly fairing structure, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of an Airbus service
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this
AD. As of the effective date of this AD, use only the Airbus service
bulletin specified in paragraph (g)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-53-1014, dated June
25, 1992.
[[Page 59639]]
(2) Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-53-1014, Revision 1,
dated May 26, 1993.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1014, Revision 2, dated
September 1, 1994.
(h) New Requirement of This AD: Repetitive Inspection
At the latest of the compliance times specified in paragraphs
(h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for
cracking of the four titanium angles between the belly fairing and
the keel beam side panel, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1259, dated November
6, 2012.
(1) Before the accumulation of 30,000 total flight cycles or
60,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first after first flight
of the airplane.
(2) Within 30,000 flight cycles or 60,000 flight hours,
whichever occurs first after modification of the airplane as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, or after installation of new
titanium angles, provided that, prior to installation, a rototest
for cracking on the open holes has been accomplished with no crack
findings, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1259, dated November 6, 2012.
(3) Within 3,000 flight cycles or 6,000 flight hours, whichever
occurs first after the effective date of this AD.
(i) New Requirement of This AD: Post-Inspection Actions for No Crack
Findings
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD,
there is no crack finding: Accomplish the actions specified in
either paragraph (i)(1) or (i)(2) of this AD.
(1) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD
at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight cycles or 10,000 flight
hours, whichever occurs first
(2) Before further flight after the inspection required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, remove all inspected titanium angles,
accomplish a rototest for cracking on the open holes and, provided
no cracks are found, install new titanium angles, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-
1259, dated November 6, 2012.
(j) New Requirement of This AD: Post-Inspection Actions for Any Crack
Findings
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD,
there is any crack finding: Before further flight, remove the
affected titanium angle(s), accomplish a rototest for cracking on
the open holes, and, provided no cracks are found, install new
titanium angles, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1259, dated November 6, 2012.
(k) New Requirement of This AD: Post-Installation Repetitive
Inspections
For airplanes on which new titanium angles were installed as
specified in paragraph (i)(2) or (j) of this AD: Within 30,000
flight cycles or 60,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first after
the installation, accomplish a detailed inspection for cracking of
the four titanium angles between the belly fairing and the keel beam
side panel, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1259, dated November 6, 2012. Repeat
the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,000 flight
cycles or 10,000 flight hours, whichever occurs first.
(l) New Requirement of This AD: Post Inspection Actions for Any Crack
Findings During Post-Installation Inspections
If, during any inspection as required by paragraph (k) of this
AD, there is any crack finding: Before further flight, remove the
affected titanium angles, accomplish a rototest for cracking on the
open holes, and, provided no cracks are found, install new titanium
angles, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-53-1259, dated November 6, 2012.
(m) New Requirement of This AD: Corrective Action for Rototest Crack
Finding
If, during any rototest as required by paragraph (i), (j), or
(l) of this AD, any crack is found: Before further flight, repair
using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA).
(n) New Provision of This AD: No Termination Action for Repetitive
Inspections
Repair or replacement of parts as specified in this AD does not
terminate the repetitive inspections required by this AD.
(o) 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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of
this AD, 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.
(p) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI)
European Aviation Safety Agency, Airworthiness Directive 2013-0122,
dated June 5, 2013, for related information. You may examine the
MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0058-0002.
(q) 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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
November 7, 2014.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1014, Revision 2, dated
September 1, 1994, including supplementary page 7A. Pages 1-3, 15,
19, 20, and 25 of this document are identified as Revision 2, dated
September 1, 1994; pages 4-8, 10, 12, 16-18, and 21-24 are
identified as Revision 1, dated May 26, 1993; and pages 9, 11, 13,
14, and 26 are identified as the original, dated June 25, 1992.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1259, dated November 6,
2012.
(4) The following service information was approved for IBR on
January 10, 1994 (59 FR 64875, December 10, 1993).
(i) Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-53-1014, dated June
25, 1992.
(ii) Airbus Industrie Service Bulletin A320-53-1014, Revision 1,
dated May 26, 1993.
(5) 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.
(6) 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.
(7) 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 September 19, 2014.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-23139 Filed 10-2-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P