[Federal Register: January 5, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 3)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 685-687]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr05ja05-8]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2003-NM-135-AD; Amendment 39-13925; AD 2005-01-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319 and A320-200 Series
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive
(AD), applicable to certain Airbus Model A319 and A320-200 series
airplanes, that currently requires repetitive inspections to detect
loose, missing, or discrepant rivets in specified areas of the door
frames of the overwing emergency exits; measurement of the grip length
of all rivets in the specified areas; and corrective action if
necessary, which terminates the repetitive inspections. This new
amendment also requires an inspection for correct dimensions of the
interior countersinks of the rivet holes, and related corrective
action. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loose,
missing, or discrepant rivets, which could lead to reduced structural
integrity of the door frames of the overwing emergency exits. This
action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective February 9, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of certain service information, as
listed in the regulations, is approved by the Director of the Federal
Register as of February 9, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of certain other service
information, as listed in the regulations, was approved previously by
the Director of the Federal Register as of April 5, 2002 (67 FR 9392,
March 1, 2002).
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
[[Page 686]]
Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by superseding AD 2002-04-10,
amendment 39-12667 (67 FR 9392, March 1, 2002), which is applicable to
certain Airbus Model A319 and A320-200 series airplanes, was published
in the Federal Register on April 7, 2004 (69 FR 18304). The action
proposed to retain the existing requirements for repetitive inspections
for loose, missing, or discrepant rivets in specified areas of the door
frames of the overwing emergency exits; and measurement of the grip
length of all rivets in the specified areas; and corrective action if
necessary, which terminates the repetitive inspections. The proposed AD
also proposed to add an inspection for correct dimensions of the
interior countersinks of the rivet holes, and related corrective
action.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments that have been
submitted on the proposed AD. The commenters support the proposed AD.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments that have been submitted, and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.
Cost Impact
This AD affects about 168 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The inspections required by AD 2002-04-10 take about 1 work hour
per airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on
these figures, the cost impact of those inspections is estimated to be
$65 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The new inspection required by this AD takes about 1 work hour per
airplane, at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these
figures, the cost impact of the new inspection on U.S. operators is
estimated to be $10,920, or $65 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future
if this AD were not adopted. The cost impact figures discussed in AD
rulemaking actions represent only the time necessary to perform the
specific actions actually required by the AD. These figures typically
do not include incidental costs, such as the time required to gain
access and close up, planning time, or time necessitated by other
administrative actions.
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 Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-12667 (67 FR 9392,
March 1, 2002), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD),
amendment 39-13925, to read as follows:
2005-01-01 Airbus: Amendment 39-13925. Docket 2003-NM-135-AD.
Supersedes AD 2002-04-10, Amendment 39-12667.
Applicability: Model A319 series airplanes and A320-200 series
airplanes; certificated in any category; as listed in Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated September 22, 2000; Revision 02, dated
December 3, 2002; or Revision 03, dated August 5, 2003.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent loose, missing, or discrepant rivets in specified
areas of the door frames of the overwing emergency exits, which
could lead to reduced structural integrity of the door frames,
accomplish the following:
Restatement of Requirements of AD 2002-04-10
Repetitive Inspections
(a) Within 3,500 flight cycles after April 5, 2002 (the
effective date of AD 2002-04-10, amendment 39-12667): Conduct a
detailed inspection of the specified areas of the door frames of the
overwing emergency exits for loose, missing, or discrepant rivets,
in accordance with Part B and Figure 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated
September 22, 2000; Revision 02, dated December 3, 2002; or Revision
03, dated August 5, 2003. If no loose, missing, or discrepant rivets
are found, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 3,500
flight cycles until the requirements of paragraph (d) have been
accomplished. As of the effective date of this AD, only Revision 02
or Revision 03 of the service bulletin may be used.
[[Page 687]]
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
Corrective Action
(b) If the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD
reveals that there are loose, missing, or discrepant rivets: Prior
to further flight, accomplish the requirements of either paragraph
(b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD, in accordance with Part C and Figure 5
of the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
53-1147, dated September 22, 2000; Revision 02, dated December 3,
2002; or Revision 03, dated August 5, 2003. As of the effective date
of this AD, only Revision 02 or Revision 03 of the service bulletin
may be used.
(1) Measure the grip length of all rivets in the specified areas
in which the loose, missing, or discrepant rivets were detected and
perform corrective action (e.g., inspecting rivet holes for cracks,
opening up rivet holes, repairing cracks at rivet holes, and
installing new rivets) as applicable, per the service bulletin;
except as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD. Repeat the detailed
visual inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD at intervals
not to exceed 3,500 flight cycles until the requirements of
paragraph (d) of this AD have been accomplished.
(2) Measure the grip length of all rivets in all specified areas
and perform corrective action (e.g., inspecting rivet holes for
cracks, opening up rivet holes, repairing cracks at rivet holes, and
installing new rivets) as applicable, per the service bulletin;
except as specified in paragraph (c) of this AD.
(c) If Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated September 22,
2000; Revision 02, dated December 3, 2002; or Revision 03, dated
August 5, 2003; recommends contacting the manufacturer for
instructions concerning certain repairs, perform those repairs in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, or by the
Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile or its
delegated agent.
Terminating Action
(d) Prior to the accumulation of 24,000 total flight cycles or
within 3,500 flight cycles after April 5, 2002, whichever occurs
later: Accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this AD,
which constitutes terminating action for the requirements specified
in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.
New Requirements of This AD
Inspection of Interior Countersinks/Corrective Action
(e) Prior to the accumulation of 24,000 total flight cycles or
within 3,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
whichever occurs later: Do a detailed inspection for correct
dimensions of the interior countersinks of the rivet holes of the
door frames of the overwing emergency exits; and any related
corrective action; per the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, Revision 02, including Appendix 01,
dated December 3, 2002; or Revision 03, including Appendix 01, dated
August 5, 2003. Do any related corrective action within 1,000 flight
cycles after doing the inspection.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(f)(1) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative
methods of compliance for this AD.
(2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously per
AD 2002-04-10, amendment 39-12667, are approved as alternative
methods of compliance with paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.
Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 2003-147(B) R1, dated May 14, 2003.
Incorporation by Reference
(g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be
done in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, dated
September 22, 2000; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, Revision
02, including Appendix 01, dated December 3, 2002; or Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-53-1147, Revision 03, including Appendix 01, dated
August 5, 2003.
(1) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-53-1147, Revision 02, including Appendix 01, dated December 3,
2002; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1147, Revision 03,
including Appendix 01, dated August 5, 2003, is approved by the
Director of the Federal Register, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-53-1147, dated September 22, 2000, was approved previously by
the Director of the Federal Register as of April 5, 2002 (67 FR
9392, March 1, 2002).
(3) Copies may be obtained from Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be inspected at
the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Effective Date
(h) This amendment becomes effective on February 9, 2005.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 27, 2004.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-103 Filed 1-4-05; 8:45 am]
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