[Federal Register: October 27, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 207)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 61922-61924]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27oc05-12]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22794; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-097-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318-100 and A319-100
Series Airplanes; Model A320-111 Airplanes; and Model A320-200, A321-
100, and A321-200 Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Model A318-100 and A319-100 series airplanes; Model
A320-111 airplanes; and Model A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200 series
airplanes. This proposed AD would require repetitive detailed
inspections of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA)
attachments for proper clearances, and any crack, damage, or metallic
particles; related corrective actions if necessary; and a report of the
inspection results to the manufacturer. This proposed AD results from a
report that during lab testing to verify the performance of the THSA's
secondary load path with a simulated failure of the THSA's primary load
path, the secondary load path's nut did not jam (as it was supposed to
do.) We are proposing this AD to ensure the integrity of the THSA's
primary load path, which if failed, could result in latent (undetected)
loading and eventual failure of the THSA's secondary load path and
consequent uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer and loss
of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 28,
2005.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this proposed AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov
and follow the instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401,
Washington, DC 20590.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex,
France, for service information identified in this proposed AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
[[Page 61923]]
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Include the docket number ``FAA-
2005-22794; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-097-AD'' at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall
regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed
AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may
amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov
, including any personal information you provide. We will
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union,
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System
receives them.
Discussion
The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC),
which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an
unsafe condition may exist on all Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100,
A320, and A321 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during lab
testing to verify the performance of the secondary load path of the
trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA) with a simulated loss
of the THSA's primary load path, the secondary load path's nut did not
jam the THSA (as it was supposed to do). The THSA was designed to jam
in the event of a primary load path failure, to indicate to the
flightcrew that a component of the THSA (the primary load path) had
failed and would need repair. Without the jamming of the secondary load
path's nut, there would be no indications of failure of the THSA
primary load path, and it is possible that the airplane would continue
to be unknowingly operated with a failed component and continuous
loading of the secondary load path. The secondary load path is not
designed to tolerate continued loading during multiple flights. In the
event of a secondary load path failure in addition to a primary load
path failure, the flightcrew would not be able to control the position
of the THSA. This condition, if not corrected, could result in
uncontrolled movement of the horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss
of control of the airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-27-1164, Revision 02, dated
March 30, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for
repetitive detailed inspections of the THSA attachments for proper
clearances, and for any crack, damage, or metallic particles; related
corrective actions if necessary; and a report of the inspection results
to the manufacturer. The detailed inspections involve doing a check for
the clearances between the secondary nut trunnions and junction plates
at the lower THSA attachment; and doing a visual inspection of the
upper THSA attachment structure/area for any crack, damage, or metallic
particles. The corrective actions involve replacing the THSA if any
clearance is not correct, or if any crack or damage is found; and
contacting the manufacturer for further instructions if any metallic
particles are found. The DGAC mandated the service information and
issued French airworthiness directive F-2005-051, dated March 30, 2005,
to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings,
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to
issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require
accomplishing the actions specified in the service information
described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences Between
the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin.''
Differences Between the Proposed AD and the Service Bulletin
The service bulletin specifies that you may contact the
manufacturer for instructions if any metallic particles are found, but
this proposed AD would require you to repair the THSA using a method
that we or the DGAC (or its delegated agent) approve. In light of the
type of repair that would be required to address the unsafe condition,
and consistent with existing bilateral airworthiness agreements, we
have determined that, for this proposed AD, a repair we or the DGAC
approve would be acceptable for compliance with this proposed AD.
The service bulletin refers only to a ``check'' and a ``visual
inspection'' for inspections of the THSA attachments for proper
clearances; and for any crack, damage, or metal particles. We have
determined that the procedures for both actions in the service bulletin
should be described as ``detailed inspections.'' Note 1 has been
included in this proposed AD to define this type of inspection.
Interim Action
This is considered to be interim action. The inspection reports
that are required by this AD will enable the manufacturer to obtain
better insight into the nature, cause, and extent of the problem, and
eventually to develop final action to address the unsafe condition.
Once final action has been identified, the FAA may consider further
rulemaking.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 700 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The proposed actions would take about 1 work hour per airplane, at an
average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the proposed AD for U.S. operators is $45,500, or $65
per airplane, per inspection cycle.
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.
[[Page 61924]]
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 have 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 that the 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); 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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, 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
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]
2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2005-22794; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
097-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by November
28, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111 and -112
airplanes, Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -
133 airplanes, Model A320-111 airplanes, Model A320-211, -212, -214,
-231, -232, and -233 airplanes, Model A321-111, -112, and -131
airplanes, and Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes, certificated in
any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a report that during lab testing to
verify the performance of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer
actuator's (THSA's) secondary load path with a simulated failure of
the THSA's primary load path, the secondary load path's nut did not
jam (as it was supposed to do.) We are issuing this AD to ensure the
integrity of the THSA's primary load path, which if failed, could
result in latent (undetected) loading and eventual failure of the
THSA's secondary load path and consequent uncontrolled movement of
the horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Action
(f) Within 20 months since first flight, or within 600 flight
hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later,
do detailed inspections of the THSA attachments for proper
clearances and any crack, damage, or metallic particles, and do
related corrective actions as applicable, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1164,
Revision 02, dated March 30, 2005, except as described in paragraph
(g) of this AD. Do corrective actions before further flight.
Thereafter, repeat the inspections at intervals not to exceed 20
months.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is:
``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as
mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning
and elaborate procedures may be required.''
(g) If any metallic particles are detected during the inspection
required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, repair
the damage according to a method approved by either the Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate;
or the Direction Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) (or its
delegated agent).
Inspection Reports
(h) Submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative)
of the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD to Airbus, 1
Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, at the
applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
The report must include the inspection results, a description of any
discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of
landings and flight hours on the airplane. Under the provisions of
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB
Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If any inspection was accomplished prior to the effective
date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(j) French airworthiness directive F-2005-051, dated March 30,
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 18, 2005.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-21434 Filed 10-26-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P