Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 62035-62037 [2016-21282]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 174 / Thursday, September 8, 2016 / Proposed Rules
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
24, 2016.
John P. Piccola, Jr.,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–21147 Filed 9–7–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9071; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–019–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and
A321 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by an evaluation by
the design approval holder (DAH)
which indicates that the main landing
gear (MLG) does not comply with
certification specifications, which could
result in a locking failure of the MLG
side stay. This proposed AD would
require modification or replacement of
certain MLG side stay assemblies. We
are proposing this AD to prevent
possible collapse of the MLG during
takeoff and landing.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 24, 2016.
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.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, 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:
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:36 Sep 07, 2016
Jkt 238001
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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9071; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone: 800–647–5527) is in
the ADDRESSES section. Comments will
be available in the AD docket shortly
after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone: 425–227–1405;
fax: 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2016–9071; Directorate Identifier
2016–NM–019–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to 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 proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2016–0018,
dated January 19, 2016 (referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus Model A318, A319,
PO 00000
Frm 00014
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
62035
A320, and A321 series airplanes. The
MCAI states:
During studies for a new landing gear
design, it was discovered that the singlelocked upper and lower cardan joints of the
MLG do not comply with the certification
specifications of (CS), (formerly Joint
Aviation Requirements (JAR)) Part 25.607.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to MLG side stay locking failure that, during
take-off and landing, may result in damage to
the aeroplane and detrimental effect on safe
flight.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
the MLG manufacturer developed a
modification to change the single-locked
MLG joint into a double-locked one. This
modification is available for in-service
application through Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
(MBD) Service Bulletin (SB) 200–32–315 or
SB 201–32–63, or Airbus SB A320–32–1429.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires modification or
replacement of the MLG side stay assemblies
to introduce the double locking of the MLG
upper and lower cardan joints.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9071.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We have reviewed the following
service information. The service
information describes procedures for
modifying the MLG side stay assembly.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A320–32–
1429, dated September 10, 2015.
• Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service
Bulletin 200–32–315, dated April 24,
2015.
• Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service
Bulletin 201–32–63, dated April 24,
2015.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
E:\FR\FM\08SEP1.SGM
08SEP1
62036
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 174 / Thursday, September 8, 2016 / Proposed Rules
Differences Between This Proposed AD
and the MCAI or Service Information
The MCAI allows modification to the
MLG in accordance with the following
Airbus service information or the
applicable Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
service information:
• Airbus Service Bulletin A320–32–
1429, dated September 10, 2015;
• Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service
Bulletin 200–32–315, dated April 24,
2015;
• Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service
Bulletin 201–32–63, dated April 24,
2015.
This proposed AD would require that
the MLG be modified in accordance
with the Airbus service information and
the applicable Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
service information.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 959 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on
U.S. operators
Replacement or Modification ..........................
9 work-hour × $85 per hour = $765 ...............
$14,104
$14,869
$14,259,371
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.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:36 Sep 07, 2016
Jkt 238001
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
does not comply with certification
specifications, which could result in a
locking failure of the MLG side stay. We are
issuing this AD to prevent possible collapse
of the MLG during takeoff and landing.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
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.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new Airworthiness
Directive (AD):
■
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2016–9071;
Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–019–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 24,
2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified
in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4)
of this AD, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A318–111, –112, –121,
and –122 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A319–111, –112, –113,
–114, –115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A320–211, –212, –214,
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A321–111, –112, –131,
–211, –212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32, Landing Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by an evaluation by
the design approval holder (DAH) which
indicates that the main landing gear (MLG)
PO 00000
Frm 00015
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
(g) Modification or Replacement
Within 66 months after the effective date
of this AD, accomplish the action specified
in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Modify each MLG side stay assembly
having a part number listed in figure 1 to
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
32–1429, dated September 10, 2015, and the
service information specified in paragraph
(g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, as applicable.
(i) For Model A318 series airplanes; Model
A319 series airplanes; Model A320–211,
–212, –214, –231, –232, and –233 airplanes:
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 200–
32–315, dated April 24, 2015.
(ii) For Model A321 series airplanes:
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 201–
32–63, dated April 24, 2015.
(2) Replace the MLG side stay assembly
with a side stay assembly that has been
modified in accordance with paragraph (g)(1)
of this AD. Do the replacement 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).
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD:
Additional guidance for the replacement can
be found in Chapter 32 of the Airbus A318/
A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance
Manual.
(h) Unaffected Airplanes
An airplane on which Airbus modification
(mod) 156646, Airbus mod 161202, or Airbus
mod 161346 has been embodied in
production is not affected by the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD,
provided it is determined that no part having
a part number identified as listed in figure 1
to paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, has
been installed on that airplane since the date
E:\FR\FM\08SEP1.SGM
08SEP1
62037
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 174 / Thursday, September 8, 2016 / Proposed Rules
of issuance of the original certificate of
airworthiness or the original export
certificate of airworthiness. A review of
maintenance records is acceptable to make
this determination, provided that these
records are accurate and can be relied upon
to conclusively make that determination.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not
install on any airplane, an MLG side stay
assembly having a part number, with the
strike number not cancelled, as identified in
figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this
AD, unless it has been modified in
accordance with the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD.
FIGURE 1 TO PARAGRAPHS (g), (h), AND (i) OF THIS AD—AFFECTED MLG SIDE STAY ASSEMBLIES
Affected part numbers (the ‘xxx’ used in this figure can be any
3-digit combination)
Models
Strike
number not
cancelled
A318–111, –112, –121, and –122 airplanes; A319–111, –112,
–113, –114, –115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes; A320–
211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and –233 airplanes.
201166001–xxx
201166002–xxx
201166003–xxx
201166004–xxx
201166005–xxx
201166006–xxx
201166007–xxx
201166008–xxx
201166009–xxx
201166010–xxx
201166011–xxx
201166012–xxx
201166013–000
201166014–000
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
..........................................................................
through 201166013–030 inclusive ..................
through 201166014–030 inclusive ..................
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
A321–111, –112, and –131 airplanes ........................................
201390001–000
201390002–000
201527001–000
201527002–000
through
through
through
through
201390001–040
201390002–040
201527001–025
201527002–025
inclusive
inclusive
inclusive
inclusive
..................
..................
..................
..................
15
15
15
15
A321–211, –212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes ....................
201524001–000
201524002–000
201660001–000
201660002–000
through
through
through
through
201524001–035
201524002–035
201660001–030
201660002–030
inclusive
inclusive
inclusive
inclusive
..................
..................
..................
..................
15
15
15
15
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
(j) 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:36 Sep 07, 2016
Jkt 238001
by the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any
service information contains procedures or
tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD
2016–0018, dated January 19, 2016, for
related information. You may examine the
MCAI on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2016–9071.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 5 61
93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@
airbus.com; Internet: https://www.airbus.com.
You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9000; Directorate
Identifier 2016–CE–027–AD]
PO 00000
Frm 00016
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
19, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–21282 Filed 9–7–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Various
Aircraft Equipped With BRPPowertrain GmbH & Co KG 912 A
Series Engine
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for various
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\08SEP1.SGM
08SEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 174 (Thursday, September 8, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62035-62037]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-21282]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9071; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-019-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder
(DAH) which indicates that the main landing gear (MLG) does not comply
with certification specifications, which could result in a locking
failure of the MLG side stay. This proposed AD would require
modification or replacement of certain MLG side stay assemblies. We are
proposing this AD to prevent possible collapse of the MLG during
takeoff and landing.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 24,
2016.
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.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9071; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Operations office (telephone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-1405;
fax: 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9071;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-019-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to 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 proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2016-0018, dated January 19, 2016 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320,
and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
During studies for a new landing gear design, it was discovered
that the single-locked upper and lower cardan joints of the MLG do
not comply with the certification specifications of (CS), (formerly
Joint Aviation Requirements (JAR)) Part 25.607.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to MLG side stay
locking failure that, during take-off and landing, may result in
damage to the aeroplane and detrimental effect on safe flight.
To address this potential unsafe condition, the MLG manufacturer
developed a modification to change the single-locked MLG joint into
a double-locked one. This modification is available for in-service
application through Messier-Bugatti-Dowty (MBD) Service Bulletin
(SB) 200-32-315 or SB 201-32-63, or Airbus SB A320-32-1429.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
modification or replacement of the MLG side stay assemblies to
introduce the double locking of the MLG upper and lower cardan
joints.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9071.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We have reviewed the following service information. The service
information describes procedures for modifying the MLG side stay
assembly.
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1429, dated September 10,
2015.
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 200-32-315, dated
April 24, 2015.
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 201-32-63, dated
April 24, 2015.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
[[Page 62036]]
Differences Between This Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service
Information
The MCAI allows modification to the MLG in accordance with the
following Airbus service information or the applicable Messier-Bugatti-
Dowty service information:
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1429, dated September 10,
2015;
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 200-32-315, dated
April 24, 2015;
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 201-32-63, dated
April 24, 2015.
This proposed AD would require that the MLG be modified in
accordance with the Airbus service information and the applicable
Messier-Bugatti-Dowty service information.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 959 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement or Modification......... 9 work-hour x $85 per $14,104 $14,869 $14,259,371
hour = $765.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new Airworthiness
Directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2016-9071; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-
019-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 24, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any
category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
Gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval
holder (DAH) which indicates that the main landing gear (MLG) does
not comply with certification specifications, which could result in
a locking failure of the MLG side stay. We are issuing this AD to
prevent possible collapse of the MLG during takeoff and landing.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Modification or Replacement
Within 66 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish
the action specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Modify each MLG side stay assembly having a part number
listed in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-32-1429, dated September 10, 2015, and the service
information specified in paragraph (g)(1)(i) or (g)(1)(ii) of this
AD, as applicable.
(i) For Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319 series
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty Service Bulletin 200-32-315, dated
April 24, 2015.
(ii) For Model A321 series airplanes: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
Service Bulletin 201-32-63, dated April 24, 2015.
(2) Replace the MLG side stay assembly with a side stay assembly
that has been modified in accordance with paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD. Do the replacement 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).
Note 1 to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD: Additional guidance for
the replacement can be found in Chapter 32 of the Airbus A318/A319/
A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
(h) Unaffected Airplanes
An airplane on which Airbus modification (mod) 156646, Airbus
mod 161202, or Airbus mod 161346 has been embodied in production is
not affected by the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD,
provided it is determined that no part having a part number
identified as listed in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of
this AD, has been installed on that airplane since the date
[[Page 62037]]
of issuance of the original certificate of airworthiness or the
original export certificate of airworthiness. A review of
maintenance records is acceptable to make this determination,
provided that these records are accurate and can be relied upon to
conclusively make that determination.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any
airplane, an MLG side stay assembly having a part number, with the
strike number not cancelled, as identified in figure 1 to paragraphs
(g), (h), and (i) of this AD, unless it has been modified in
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
Figure 1 to Paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of This AD--Affected MLG Side
Stay Assemblies
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Affected part
numbers (the `xxx'
Models used in this figure Strike number
can be any 3-digit not cancelled
combination)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 201166001-xxx....... 12
airplanes; A319-111, -112, -113, - 201166002-xxx....... 12
114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 201166003-xxx....... 12
airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214, - 201166004-xxx....... 12
231, -232, and -233 airplanes. 201166005-xxx....... 12
201166006-xxx....... 12
201166007-xxx....... 12
201166008-xxx....... 12
201166009-xxx....... 12
201166010-xxx....... 12
201166011-xxx....... 12
201166012-xxx....... 12
201166013-000 12
through 201166013-
030 inclusive.
201166014-000 12
through 201166014-
030 inclusive.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A321-111, -112, and -131 airplanes 201390001-000 15
through 201390001-
040 inclusive.
201390002-000 15
through 201390002-
040 inclusive.
201527001-000 15
through 201527001-
025 inclusive.
201527002-000 15
through 201527002-
025 inclusive.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A321-211, -212, -213, -231, and - 201524001-000 15
232 airplanes. through 201524001-
035 inclusive.
201524002-000 15
through 201524002-
035 inclusive.
201660001-000 15
through 201660001-
030 inclusive.
201660002-000 15
through 201660002-
030 inclusive.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(j) 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) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or The
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA DOA. If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0018, dated January 19, 2016, for related
information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2016-9071.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33
5 61 93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet:
https://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 19, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-21282 Filed 9-7-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
