[Federal Register: November 10, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 217)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 68379-68381]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10no05-22]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-22918; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-172-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for certain Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200 series airplanes. This
proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the wing-tank fuel
pumps, canisters, and wing fuel tanks for detached identification
labels, and corrective action if necessary. This proposed AD results
from several incidents of detached plastic identification labels found
floating in the wing fuel tanks. We are proposing this AD to prevent
plastic identification labels being ingested into the fuel pumps and
consequently entering the engine fuel feed system, which could result
in an engine shutdown.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 12,
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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2005-
22918; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-172-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
[[Page 68380]]
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 Generale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the
airworthiness authority for France, notified us that an unsafe
condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200
series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, in several incidents, plastic
identification labels have been found floating in the fuel tanks. There
are two types of labels and the information on the labels identifies
each rib number in the vent box and the manhole door fasteners in the
wing fuel tank, for inspection purposes. Inspection of the airplanes
revealed that the varnish coating and adhesive on the labels had
deteriorated and the labels detached from the wing structure. Detached
labels floating in the fuel tank could be ingested into the fuel pumps
and consequently enter into the engine fuel feed system. These
conditions, if not corrected, could result in an engine shutdown.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1102, Revision 01, dated
February 11, 2005. The service bulletin describes procedures for
repetitive detailed visual inspections of the four wing-tank fuel pumps
and canisters for detached identification labels, and corrective action
if necessary. The corrective action involves removing any label debris
that is found, performing a detailed visual inspection for debris of
the fuel filters and replacing the filters if necessary, and replacing
the fuel pump if the inlet and outlet ports are blocked. The service
bulletin also recommends sending an inspection report to Airbus.
Airbus has also issued Service Bulletin A320-57-1117, dated July
16, 2002. The service bulletin describes procedures for repetitive
detailed visual inspections for detached identification labels in the
collector cells between ribs 1 and 2, the surge tank between ribs 22
and 26, and the wing fuel tank and vent box, and corrective action if
necessary. The corrective action involves removing any label debris
that is found, removing any partially detached labels, and re-
identifying certain fasteners and ribs.
The DGAC mandated the service information and issued French
airworthiness directive F-2005-121, dated July 20, 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. For any wing-tank fuel pump failure that occurs,
this proposed AD would also require performing a detailed inspection of
the failed pump, the pump located in the same half wing, and the
associated canister, and accomplishing any applicable corrective
action, including replacing the pump.
Difference Between the Proposed AD and French Airworthiness Directive
The French airworthiness directive mandates changes to the master
minimum equipment list (MMEL). This proposed AD will not mandate those
MMEL changes because the limits imposed by the FAA-approved MMEL meet
or exceed those mandated by the French airworthiness directive. We have
coordinated this issue with the DGAC.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
In this proposed AD, the ``detailed visual inspections'' specified
in the service bulletins are referred to as ``detailed inspections.''
We have included the definition for a detailed inspection in a note in
the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
This proposed AD would affect about 74 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The inspection specified in Service Bulletin A320-28-1102 would
take about 3 work hours (including an operational test) per airplane,
at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures,
the estimated cost of this proposed inspection for U.S. operators is
$14,430, or $195 per airplane, per inspection cycle.
The inspection specified in Service Bulletin A320-57-1117 would
take about 6 work hours (including an operational test) per airplane,
at an average labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures,
the estimated cost of this proposed inspection for U.S. operators is
$28,860, or $390 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.
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
[[Page 68381]]
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-2005-22918; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-
172-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by December
12, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114,
-115, -131, -132, and -133, and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes; certificated in any category; as identified
in Airbus Service Bulletins A320-57-1117, dated July 16, 2002, and
A320-28-1102, Revision 01, dated February 11, 2005.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from several incidents of detached plastic
identification labels found floating in the wing fuel tanks. We are
issuing this AD to prevent plastic identification labels being
ingested into the fuel pumps and consequently entering the engine
fuel feed system, which could result in an engine shutdown.
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/Corrective Actions of Four Wing-Tank Fuel Pumps
and Canisters
(f) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Perform a detailed inspection for detached identification labels in
the four wing-tank fuel pumps and canisters, and do any applicable
corrective actions, by doing all the actions in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1102,
Revision 01, dated February 11, 2005; except as provided by
paragraph (j) of this AD. Do any applicable corrective action before
further flight. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 600 flight hours.
(g) For any wing-tank fuel pump failure that occurs after the
effective date of this AD: Before further flight, perform a detailed
inspection of the failed pump, the pump located in the same half
wing, and the associated canister, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1102,
Revision 01, dated February 11, 2005. Do any applicable corrective
action, including replacing the failed pump, before further flight.
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.''
Inspections and Corrective Actions Accomplished According to Previous
Issue of Service Bulletin
(h) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD according to Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
28-1102, dated August 20, 2002; are considered acceptable for
compliance with the corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f)
of this AD.
Repetitive Inspections/Corrective Actions of the Collector Cells, Wing
Fuel Tank and Vent Box
(i) Within 72 months after the effective date of this AD:
Perform a detailed inspection for detached identification labels in
the collector cells between ribs 1 and 2, the surge tank between
ribs 22 and 26, and the wing fuel tank and vent box, and do any
applicable corrective actions, by doing all the applicable actions
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-57-1117, dated July 16, 2002. Do any applicable
corrective action before further flight. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 72 months.
No Reporting Required
(j) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1102, Revision 01,
dated February 11, 2005, specifies submitting an inspection report
to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(k)(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
(l) French airworthiness directive F-2005-121, dated July 20,
2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 31, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-22444 Filed 11-9-05; 8:45 am]
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