[Federal Register: December 27, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 247)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 76378-76381]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr27de05-2]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2005-23382; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-221-AD;
Amendment 39-14428; AD 2005-26-07]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-
200, A321-100, and A321-200 Series Airplanes; and Model A320-111
Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200
series airplanes; and Model A320-111 airplanes. This AD requires
revising the airplane flight manual by incorporating new procedures to
follow in the event of a fuel leak. This AD results from a
determination that, once a fuel leak is detected, fuel management
procedures are a critical factor in limiting the consequences of the
leak. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is advised
of appropriate procedures to follow in the event of a fuel leak, such
as isolating the fuel tanks, stopping any fuel transfers, and landing
as soon as possible. Failure to follow these procedures could result in
excessive fuel loss that could cause the engines to shut down during
flight.
DATES: This AD becomes effective January 11, 2006.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of January 11,
2006.
We must receive comments on this AD by February 27, 2006.
ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on
this AD.
DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
[[Page 76379]]
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 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:
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,
A320-200, A321-100, and A321-200 series airplanes; and Model A320-111
airplanes. The DGAC advises of an incident in which an Airbus A330-200
series airplane was diverted due to an extensive fuel leak. During the
diversion, both engines shut down due to lack of fuel. The airplane
made a successful emergency landing. This event and a subsequent review
of major fuel leaks demonstrated that, after a fuel leak is detected,
the flightcrew's fuel management procedures are a critical factor in
limiting the consequences of a fuel leak. Failure to follow proper
procedures in the event of a fuel leak could result in excessive fuel
loss that could cause the engines to shut down during flight.
The fuel systems on Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-200,
A321-100, and A321-200 series airplanes; and Model A320-111 airplanes;
is similar to that on the affected Model A330-200 series airplane.
Therefore, Airbus Model A318-100, A319-100, A320-200, A321-100, and
A321-200 series airplanes; and Model A320-111 airplanes; may be subject
to the unsafe condition revealed on the Model A330-200 series airplane.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the temporary revisions (TRs) to the Limitations
section of the A318/A319/A320/A321 Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) listed
in the table below.
Airbus AFM TRs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Affected Airbus Airplane Models/Series AFM TR Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A320-111 airplanes and A320-200 series airplanes 4.02.00/28 February 21, 2005.
on which Airbus Modification 20024 has not been
done.
A320-111 airplanes; and A318-100, A319-100, and 4.02.00/29 February 22, 2005.
A320-200 series airplanes; on which Airbus
Modification 20024 has been done.
A321-100 and A321-200 series airplanes........... 4.02.00/30 February 23, 2005.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The TRs describe new procedures to follow in the event of a fuel
leak. These procedures involve isolating the fuel tanks and stopping
any fuel transfers in order to determine the location of a fuel leak,
and landing as soon as possible. The DGAC mandated the TRs and issued
French airworthiness directive F-2005-165, dated September 28, 2005, to
ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 products of this type design that are certificated for
operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is
advised of appropriate procedures to follow in the event of a fuel
leak. Failure to follow these procedures could result in excessive fuel
loss that could cause the engines to shut down during flight. This AD
requires revising the AFM to include the TRs described previously.
Differences Between the AD and French Airworthiness Directive
The French airworthiness directive requires revising the AFM before
further flight. This AD requires revising the AFM within 15 days after
the effective date of the AD. In developing an appropriate compliance
time for this AD, we considered the DGAC's recommendation in the French
airworthiness directive and the degree of urgency associated with the
subject unsafe condition. In light of all of these factors, we find
that a 15-day compliance time represents an appropriate interval of
time for affected airplanes to continue to operate without compromising
safety.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make
this AD effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2005-
23382; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-221-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD that might
suggest a need to modify it.
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 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.).
[[Page 76380]]
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.
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 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 the 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 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, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
0
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13 by
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2005-26-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-14428. Docket No. FAA-2005-23382;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-221-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective January 11, 2006.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111, A318-112,
A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319-114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-
132, A319-133, A320-111, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-231,
A320-232, A320-233, A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, and
A321-231 airplanes; certificated in any category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD results from a determination that, once a fuel leak
is detected, fuel management procedures are a critical factor in
limiting the consequences of the leak. We are issuing this AD to
ensure that the flightcrew is advised of appropriate procedures to
follow in the event of a fuel leak, such as isolating the fuel
tanks, stopping any fuel transfers, and landing as soon as possible.
Failure to follow these procedures could result in excessive fuel
loss that could cause the engines to shut down during flight.
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.
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(f) Within 15 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the Limitations section of the A318/A319/A320/A321 AFM to include
the information in the applicable temporary revision (TR) listed in
Table 1 of this AD. Thereafter, operate the airplane according to
the limitations and procedures in the applicable TR.
Table 1.--Airbus AFM TRs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus models AFM TR Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A320-111, A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-231, A320- 4.02.00/28 February 21, 2005.
232, and A320-233 airplanes; on which Airbus
Modification 20024 has not been done.
A318-111, A318-112, A319-111, A319-112, A319-113, A319- 4.02.00/29 February 22, 2005.
114, A319-115, A319-131, A319-132, A319-133, A320-111,
A320-211, A320-212, A320-214, A320-231, A320-232, and
A320-233 airplanes; on which Airbus Modification 20024
has been done.
A321-111, A321-112, A321-131, A321-211, and A321-231 4.02.00/30 February 23, 2005.
airplanes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note 1:
The action required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be done by
inserting in the AFM a copy of the applicable TR listed in Table 1
of this AD. When this TR has been included in general revisions of
the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, provided
the relevant information in the general revision is identical to
that in the applicable TR listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Special Flight Permits
(g) Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197
(``Special flight permits'') and Section 21.199 (``Issue of special
flight permits'') of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(h)(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.
[[Page 76381]]
(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
(i) French airworthiness directive F-2005-165, dated September
28, 2005, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(j) You must use the documents listed in Table 2 of this AD to
perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved
the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Airbus, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France, for a copy of this
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW.,
Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Airbus Temporary Revision to the
A318/A319/A320/A321 Airplane Flight Date
Manual
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.02.00/28.......................... February 21, 2005.
4.02.00/29.......................... February 22, 2005.
4.02.00/30.......................... February 23, 2005.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 14, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-24344 Filed 12-23-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P