Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 38850-38853 [2019-16898]
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38850
Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 153 / Thursday, August 8, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
Security Management, Credit Union
Resources and Expansion, Examination
and Insurance, Human Resources,
Minority and Women Inclusion,
National Examinations and Supervision,
and External Affairs and
Communications. Because of the nature
of the attorney/client relationship
between the Board and General Counsel,
the General Counsel may be directed by
the Board not to disclose discussions
and/or assignments with anyone,
including the Executive Director. The
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privy to all matters within senior
executive staff’s responsibility. The
Office of the Executive Director also
supervises the agency’s ombudsman.
The ombudsman investigates
complaints and recommends solutions
on regulatory issues that cannot be
resolved at the regional level.
*
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*
(11) Office of External Affairs and
Communications. The Director of the
Office of External Affairs and
Communications is responsible for
maintaining NCUA’s relationship with
the public and the media; for liaison
with the U.S. Congress, and with other
Executive Branch agencies concerning
legislative matters; and for the analysis
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§ 790.3
[Amended]
3. Amend § 790.3 by removing the
words ‘‘Office of Public and
Congressional Affairs’’ and adding in
their place ‘‘Office of External Affairs
and Communications’’.
■
[FR Doc. 2019–17009 Filed 8–7–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7535–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0527; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–112–AD; Amendment
39–19684; AD 2019–14–06]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
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AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus SAS Model A319–111, –112,
–115, and –131 airplanes, and Model
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:42 Aug 07, 2019
Jkt 247001
A320–214 and –232 airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a report of the fracture
of a main landing gear (MLG) sliding
tube axle, and an investigation that
determined the cause to be an incorrect
repair. This AD requires a repetitive
magnetic particle inspection (MPI) of
affected MLG sliding tubes for
discrepancies; a one-time Barkhausen
noise inspection (BNI) or alternative
non-destructive test (NDT) inspection,
and a detailed visual inspection of
affected MLG sliding tube axles for
discrepancies; and corrective actions if
necessary, as specified in a European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
AD, which is incorporated by reference.
Accomplishing the BNI and applicable
corrective actions, or replacing the
affected parts, constitutes terminating
action for the repetitive MPI. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
August 23, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of August 23, 2019.
We must receive comments on this
AD by September 23, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
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 20590, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
For the material incorporated by
reference (IBR) in this AD, contact the
EASA, at Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49
221 89990 1000; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
IBR material on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may
view this IBR material at the FAA,
Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0527.
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–2019–
0527; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this AD, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is
listed above. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3223.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA
Emergency AD 2019–0151–E, dated
June 28, 2019 (‘‘EASA Emergency AD
2019–0151–E’’) (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
SAS Model A319–111, –112, –115, and
–131 airplanes, and Model A320–214
and –232 airplanes. The MCAI states:
An occurrence was reported where, during
pushback of an aeroplane, a MLG sliding
tube axle fractured. Investigation results
revealed an incorrect accomplishment of a
repair at the previous overhaul of the
chromium plated axle diameters, which
resulted in the overheat damage to the sliding
tube axle journal(s). This initiated a crack
which, under fatigue effects, led to fracture
of the MLG sliding tube axle. A limited
number of MLG sliding tubes has been
identified that may have been subject to the
same incorrect repair.
This condition, if not detected, could lead
to MLG sliding tube axle fracture, possibly
resulting in MLG collapse, damage to the
aeroplane, and injury to occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
SAFRAN Landing Systems issued the SB
[service bulletin] (later revised), providing
the list of affected parts and inspection
instructions. Consequently, EASA issued AD
2019–0147 to require a one-time inspection
of affected parts and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of applicable corrective
action(s).
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, after
chrome removal on one affected part, a crack
was found on the inner chromed land area.
Airbus issued the AOT [Alert Operators
Transmission] to provide instructions for
repetitive magnetic particle inspections
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 153 / Thursday, August 8, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
(MPI), pending accomplishment of the SB. In
addition, further investigation identified that
a limited number of MLG sliding tubes were
incorrectly repaired, thereby reducing the
number of affected aeroplanes.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA Emergency] AD retains part of the
requirements of EASA AD 2019–0147, which
is superseded, amends the Applicability, and
requires additional repetitive inspections,
and, depending on findings, accomplishment
of applicable corrective action(s).
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA Emergency AD 2019–0151–E
describes procedures for a repetitive
MPI of affected MLG sliding tubes for
discrepancies (e.g., cracks or damage), a
one-time BNI of affected MLG sliding
tube axles for discrepancies (e.g., cracks
or damage), and corrective actions, i.e.,
repair, if necessary. Corrective actions
include repair or replacement of
affected parts. EASA Emergency AD
2019–0151–E also describes an optional
method of compliance for
accomplishing corrective actions by
replacing affected parts with serviceable
parts, and terminating actions for the
repetitive MPI, which consist of
accomplishing the BNI and applicable
corrective actions, or replacing the
affected parts.
This material 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
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to a
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, the FAA has been
notified of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced
above. The FAA is issuing this AD
because the agency evaluated all
pertinent information and determined
the unsafe condition exists and is likely
to exist or develop on other products of
the same type design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the
actions specified in EASA Emergency
AD 2019–0151–E described previously,
as incorporated by reference, except for
any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this AD. This
AD also requires sending the inspection
results to Safran Landing Systems.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA worked with Airbus
and EASA to develop a process to use
certain EASA ADs as the primary source
of information for compliance with
requirements for corresponding FAA
ADs. As a result, EASA Emergency AD
2019–0151–E is incorporated by
reference in the FAA final rule. This
AD, therefore, requires compliance with
the provisions specified in EASA
Emergency AD 2019–0151–E, except for
any differences identified as exceptions
in the regulatory text of this AD. Using
common terms that are the same as the
heading of a particular section in the
EASA Emergency AD does not mean
that operators need comply only with
that section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in the EASA Emergency AD.
Service information specified in EASA
Emergency AD 2019–0151–E that is
required for compliance with EASA
Emergency AD 2019–0151–E is
available on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0527.
38851
The FAA has found that the risk to the
flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because failure to detect and correct
cracks or damage in the MLG sliding
tube axle could lead to MLG sliding
tube axle fracture, possibly resulting in
MLG collapse. Therefore, the FAA finds
good cause that notice and opportunity
for prior public comment are
impracticable. In addition, for the
reasons stated above, the FAA finds that
good cause exists for making this
amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
the FAA did not precede it by notice
and opportunity for public comment.
The FAA invites you to send any
written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your
comments to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2019–0527; Product Identifier
2019–NM–112–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. The FAA specifically
invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental,
and energy aspects of this AD. The FAA
will consider all comments received by
the closing date and may amend this AD
based on those comments.
The FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD
affects 1 airplane of U.S. registry. The
FAA estimates the following costs to
comply with this AD:
FAA’s Justification and Determination
of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD without providing an opportunity
for public comments prior to adoption.
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS *
Labor cost
Cost per
product
Parts cost
Up to 14 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $1,190 ............................................
$0
$1,190
Cost on U.S. operators
Up to $1,190
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* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
The FAA estimates that it takes about
1 work-hour per product to comply with
the reporting requirement in this AD.
The average labor rate is $85 per hour.
Based on these figures, the FAA
estimates the cost of reporting the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:42 Aug 07, 2019
Jkt 247001
inspection results on U.S. operators to
be $85 per product.
The FAA has received no definitive
data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the optional actions
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
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and on-condition actions specified in
this AD.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
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08AUR1
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 153 / Thursday, August 8, 2019 / Rules and Regulations
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid
OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information
required by this AD is 2120–0056. The
paperwork cost associated with this AD
has been detailed in the Costs of
Compliance section of this document
and includes time for reviewing
instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information.
Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden
should be directed to the FAA at 800
Independence Ave. SW, Washington,
DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200.
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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.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking
under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section
44701: ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under
that section, Congress charges the FAA
with promoting safe flight of civil
aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and
procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce.
This regulation is within the scope of
that authority because it addresses an
unsafe condition that is likely to exist or
develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This AD is issued in accordance with
authority delegated by the Executive
Director, Aircraft Certification Service,
as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.
In accordance with that order, issuance
of ADs is normally a function of the
Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, but during this transition
period, the Executive Director has
delegated the authority to issue ADs
applicable to transport category
airplanes and associated appliances to
the Director of the System Oversight
Division.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:42 Aug 07, 2019
Jkt 247001
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
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):
■
2019–14–06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39–
19684; Docket No. FAA–2019–0527;
Product Identifier 2019–NM–112–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 23,
2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model
A319–111, –112, –115, and –131 airplanes,
and Airbus SAS Model A320–214 and –232
airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety
Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2019–0151–E,
dated June 28, 2019 (‘‘EASA Emergency AD
2019–0151–E’’).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 32, Landing gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of the
fracture of a main landing gear (MLG) sliding
tube axle, and an investigation that
determined the cause to be an incorrect
repair. The FAA is issuing this AD to address
cracks and damage in the MLG sliding tube
axle, which if not detected and corrected,
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
could lead to MLG sliding tube axle fracture,
possibly resulting in MLG collapse.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA Emergency AD
2019–0151–E.
(h) Exceptions to EASA Emergency AD 2019–
0151–E
(1) For purposes of determining
compliance with the requirements of this AD:
Where EASA Emergency AD 2019–0151–E
refers to its effective date, this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA
Emergency AD 2019–0151–E does not apply
to this AD.
(3) For purposes of determining
compliance with the requirements of this AD:
Where paragraph (2) of EASA Emergency AD
2019–0151–E refers to ‘‘28 June, 2019,’’ this
AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(4) Where paragraph (6) of EASA
Emergency AD 2019–0151–E specifies to
report the inspection results, this AD requires
reporting the inspection results at the
applicable time specified in paragraph
(h)(4)(i) or (h)(4)(ii) of this AD. If operators
have reported findings as part of obtaining
any corrective actions approved by Airbus
SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA), operators are not required to report
those findings as specified in this paragraph.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the
report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199, are not allowed
except as specified in Note 1 of EASA
Emergency AD 2019–0151–E.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (k) of this AD. 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.
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(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA;
or Airbus SAS’s EASA DOA. If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA
Emergency AD 2019–0151–E that contains
RC procedures and tests: Except as required
by paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, RC procedures
and tests must be done to comply with this
AD; any procedures or tests that are not
identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(4) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden
Statement: A federal agency may not conduct
or sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject to
a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction
Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control
Number. The OMB Control Number for this
information collection is 2120–0056. Public
reporting for this collection of information is
estimated to be approximately 1 hour per
response, including the time for reviewing
instructions, completing and reviewing the
collection of information. All responses to
this collection of information are mandatory.
Comments concerning the accuracy of this
burden and suggestions for reducing the
burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800
Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC
20591, Attn: Information Collection
Clearance Officer, AES–200.
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(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
231–3223.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) Emergency AD 2019–0151–E, dated
June 28, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA Emergency AD 2019–0151–
E, contact the EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer
3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49
221 89990 6017; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:42 Aug 07, 2019
Jkt 247001
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may find
this EASA Emergency AD on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this EASA Emergency
AD at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
EASA Emergency AD 2019–0151–E may be
found in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0527.
(5) You may view this material 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/federalregister/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on July
16, 2019.
Suzanne Masterson,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–16898 Filed 8–7–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0251; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–057–AD; Amendment
39–19685; AD 2019–14–07]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
The FAA is adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus SAS Model A320–251N and
–271N airplanes; and Model A321–
251N, –253N, –271N, and –272N
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a
report that during a calibration check,
some torqueing tools used on the final
assembly line have been found out of
tolerance. This AD requires retorqueing
each affected connection of sense and
fire extinguishing lines within the pylon
area to a correct torque value, as
specified in an European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD,
which is incorporated by reference. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective September
12, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 12, 2019.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
38853
For the material
incorporated by reference (IBR) in this
AD, contact the EASA, at KonradAdenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne,
Germany; telephone +49 221 89990
1000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this IBR material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
It is also available in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0251.
ADDRESSES:
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–2019–
0251; or in person at Docket Operations
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
The AD docket contains this final rule,
the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for Docket
Operations is U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3223.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The FAA issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain Airbus SAS Model
A320–251N and –271N airplanes; and
Model A321–251N, –253N, –271N, and
–272N airplanes. The NPRM published
in the Federal Register on May 7, 2019
(84 FR 19879). The NPRM was
prompted by a report that during a
calibration check, some torqueing tools
used on the final assembly line have
been found out of tolerance. The NPRM
proposed to require retorqueing each
affected connection of sense and fire
extinguishing lines within the pylon
area to a correct torque value.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address
connections of sense and fire
extinguishing lines within the pylon
area that have been under-torqued,
which could lead to leaks or
E:\FR\FM\08AUR1.SGM
08AUR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 153 (Thursday, August 8, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38850-38853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-16898]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0527; Product Identifier 2019-NM-112-AD; Amendment
39-19684; AD 2019-14-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -115, and -131 airplanes, and
Model A320-214 and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of
the fracture of a main landing gear (MLG) sliding tube axle, and an
investigation that determined the cause to be an incorrect repair. This
AD requires a repetitive magnetic particle inspection (MPI) of affected
MLG sliding tubes for discrepancies; a one-time Barkhausen noise
inspection (BNI) or alternative non-destructive test (NDT) inspection,
and a detailed visual inspection of affected MLG sliding tube axles for
discrepancies; and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a
European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated
by reference. Accomplishing the BNI and applicable corrective actions,
or replacing the affected parts, constitutes terminating action for the
repetitive MPI. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 23, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 23,
2019.
We must receive comments on this AD by September 23, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, at Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email [email protected]; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195. It is also available in the AD docket on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-0527.
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-2019-
0527; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E, dated June
28, 2019 (``EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E'') (also referred to as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -
112, -115, and -131 airplanes, and Model A320-214 and -232 airplanes.
The MCAI states:
An occurrence was reported where, during pushback of an
aeroplane, a MLG sliding tube axle fractured. Investigation results
revealed an incorrect accomplishment of a repair at the previous
overhaul of the chromium plated axle diameters, which resulted in
the overheat damage to the sliding tube axle journal(s). This
initiated a crack which, under fatigue effects, led to fracture of
the MLG sliding tube axle. A limited number of MLG sliding tubes has
been identified that may have been subject to the same incorrect
repair.
This condition, if not detected, could lead to MLG sliding tube
axle fracture, possibly resulting in MLG collapse, damage to the
aeroplane, and injury to occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition, SAFRAN Landing
Systems issued the SB [service bulletin] (later revised), providing
the list of affected parts and inspection instructions.
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2019-0147 to require a one-time
inspection of affected parts and, depending on findings,
accomplishment of applicable corrective action(s).
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, after chrome removal on one
affected part, a crack was found on the inner chromed land area.
Airbus issued the AOT [Alert Operators Transmission] to provide
instructions for repetitive magnetic particle inspections
[[Page 38851]]
(MPI), pending accomplishment of the SB. In addition, further
investigation identified that a limited number of MLG sliding tubes
were incorrectly repaired, thereby reducing the number of affected
aeroplanes.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA Emergency] AD
retains part of the requirements of EASA AD 2019-0147, which is
superseded, amends the Applicability, and requires additional
repetitive inspections, and, depending on findings, accomplishment
of applicable corrective action(s).
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E describes procedures for a repetitive
MPI of affected MLG sliding tubes for discrepancies (e.g., cracks or
damage), a one-time BNI of affected MLG sliding tube axles for
discrepancies (e.g., cracks or damage), and corrective actions, i.e.,
repair, if necessary. Corrective actions include repair or replacement
of affected parts. EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E also describes an
optional method of compliance for accomplishing corrective actions by
replacing affected parts with serviceable parts, and terminating
actions for the repetitive MPI, which consist of accomplishing the BNI
and applicable corrective actions, or replacing the affected parts.
This material 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
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to a bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, the FAA
has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD because the agency
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA
Emergency AD 2019-0151-E described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD. This AD also requires sending the
inspection results to Safran Landing Systems.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a process to
use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information for
compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. As a result,
EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E is incorporated by reference in the FAA
final rule. This AD, therefore, requires compliance with the provisions
specified in EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using
common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular section
in the EASA Emergency AD does not mean that operators need comply only
with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in the EASA Emergency AD. Service information
specified in EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E that is required for
compliance with EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E is available on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2019-0527.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because failure to detect and correct cracks or damage in the MLG
sliding tube axle could lead to MLG sliding tube axle fracture,
possibly resulting in MLG collapse. Therefore, the FAA finds good cause
that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable.
In addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA finds that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and the FAA did not precede it by notice and opportunity for
public comment. The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data,
views, or arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2019-0527;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-112-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
AD based on those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this AD.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1 airplane of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 14 work-hours x $85 per hour = $0 $1,190 Up to $1,190
Up to $1,190.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.
The FAA estimates that it takes about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the reporting requirement in this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, the FAA estimates the
cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be $85
per product.
The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable us to
provide cost estimates for the optional actions and on-condition
actions specified in this AD.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to
[[Page 38852]]
respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for failure to
comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB control number. The control number for the
collection of information required by this AD is 2120-0056. The
paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in the Costs
of Compliance section of this document and includes time for reviewing
instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the collection of
information. Therefore, all reporting associated with this AD is
mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at
800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2019-14-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19684; Docket No. FAA-2019-0527;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-112-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 23, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -115, and -
131 airplanes, and Airbus SAS Model A320-214 and -232 airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in European Union
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2019-0151-E, dated June
28, 2019 (``EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E'').
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing
gear.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of the fracture of a main
landing gear (MLG) sliding tube axle, and an investigation that
determined the cause to be an incorrect repair. The FAA is issuing
this AD to address cracks and damage in the MLG sliding tube axle,
which if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG sliding tube
axle fracture, possibly resulting in MLG collapse.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E.
(h) Exceptions to EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this
AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E
does not apply to this AD.
(3) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where paragraph (2) of EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E
refers to ``28 June, 2019,'' this AD requires using the effective
date of this AD.
(4) Where paragraph (6) of EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E
specifies to report the inspection results, this AD requires
reporting the inspection results at the applicable time specified in
paragraph (h)(4)(i) or (h)(4)(ii) of this AD. If operators have
reported findings as part of obtaining any corrective actions
approved by Airbus SAS's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA),
operators are not required to report those findings as specified in
this paragraph.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits, as described in 14 CFR 21.197 and
21.199, are not allowed except as specified in Note 1 of EASA
Emergency AD 2019-0151-E.
(j) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
[[Page 38853]]
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's
EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any service information
referenced in EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E that contains RC
procedures and tests: Except as required by paragraph (j)(2) of this
AD, RC procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(4) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement: A federal agency
may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond
to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply
with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1
hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW, Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(k) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3223.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD
2019-0151-E, dated June 28, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E, contact the EASA, Konrad-
Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221 89990
6017; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this EASA Emergency AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this EASA Emergency AD at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195. EASA Emergency AD 2019-0151-E may be found in the AD
docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0527.
(5) You may view this material 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 Des Moines, Washington, on July 16, 2019.
Suzanne Masterson,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-16898 Filed 8-7-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P