FR Doc 05-6685

[Federal Register: April 7, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 66)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 17591-17594]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr07ap05-4]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-19762; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-168-AD;
Amendment 39-14038; AD 2005-07-14]
RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321
Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD
requires an inspection of the spoiler servo control for certain part
numbers, and corrective action if necessary. This AD is prompted by a
report of a broken piston rod bearing of the spoiler servo control. We
are issuing this AD to prevent breakage of the piston rod bearing,
which could cause loss of the associated hydraulic system and spoiler
extension, and could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective May 12, 2005.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the AD is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of May
12, 2005.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
Docket: The AD docket contains the proposed AD, comments, and any
final disposition. You can 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 U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401,

[[Page 17592]]

Washington, DC. This docket number is FAA-2004-19762; the directorate
identifier for this docket is 2004-NM-168-AD.

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: The FAA proposed to amend 14 CFR Part 39
with an AD for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes. That action, published in the Federal Register on December
7, 2004 (69 FR 70568), proposed to require an inspection of the spoiler
servo control for certain part numbers and corrective action if
necessary.

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.

Request To Change Applicability

One commenter asks that the applicability statement in the proposed
AD be changed. The commenter states that, as written, the applicability
does not limit the effectivity, but instead applies to every Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplane previously delivered or that
is yet to be delivered. The commenter adds that the proposed visual
inspection would have to be done regardless of the documented status of
the spoiler servo controls, which introduces unnecessary maintenance
activity. The commenter notes that paragraph (j) of the proposed AD
prohibits installation of an affected spoiler servo control on any
airplane; therefore, the applicability statement could be altered to
limit the effectivity to those airplanes affected by the service
bulletins referenced therein. The commenter states that limiting the
applicability would apply if supporting documentation is provided which
verifies that no spoiler servo control has been changed before the
effective date of the AD. The commenter adds that this change would
provide assurance that all affected spoiler servo controls are removed
from service and would also eliminate unnecessary maintenance activity.
The commenter operates 148 Model A319 and A320 series airplanes, but of
those airplanes, only one spoiler servo control is affected. The
commenter states that the applicability statement, as written, would
require that the general visual inspection be done on all 148
airplanes. In conclusion, the commenter states that the applicability
should be limited to Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes,
all certified models, all serial numbers, on which Goodrich spoiler
actuators with part number (P/N) 31077-050, -060, -070, -110, or -112
are installed.
We do not agree to change the applicability identified in the
proposed AD. As specified in the Differences section of the proposed
AD, ``French airworthiness directive F-2004-122, dated July 21, 2004,
has an effectivity of `AIRBUS A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft, all
certified models, all serials numbers, fitted with GOODRICH spoiler
actuators P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110 or -112.' However, because
spoiler actuators are interchangeable on Airbus Model A318, A319, A320,
and A321 series airplanes, airplanes not fitted with the spoiler
actuators P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110 or -112 may have a spoiler
actuator P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110 or -112 installed in the
future by operators during normal maintenance. Therefore, the
applicability of this proposed AD includes all Airbus Model A318, A319,
A320, and A321 series airplanes. Both the proposed AD and French
airworthiness directive require an inspection for the part number of
the spoiler actuator (spoiler servo control).''
We do agree to allow a review of the airplane maintenance records
instead of accomplishing the Phase 1 or Phase 2 inspection. We have
changed paragraphs (f) and (g) of this final rule to allow a review of
the airplane maintenance records to determine the part number of the
spoiler servo controls. However, if the part number cannot be
positively identified from the records review, the inspection will need
to be done.

Request To Reference New Service Information

One commenter asks that Airbus Service Bulletins A320-27-1158 and
A320-27-1159; both Revision 01; both dated September 3, 2004; be
included as the sources of service information for accomplishing the
inspections in the proposed AD. The original issues of those service
bulletins were referenced as the appropriate sources of service
information for accomplishing the actions specified in the proposed AD.
We agree with the commenter's request. We have added Revision 01,
which is the most current source of service information for the actions
in this AD, to this final rule as the source of service information for
accomplishing those actions. Revision 01 adds no further work to the
original issues of the service bulletin; operators are merely informed
that the revised service bulletins are mandatory. We have also added a
new paragraph (i) to this final rule which allows credit for actions
done in accordance with the original issue of the service bulletins. We
have re-identified subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

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 with the changes described
previously. We have determined that these changes will neither increase
the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.

Costs of Compliance

The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this AD.

Estimated Costs
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Number of
Work Average Cost per U.S.-
Action hours labor rate airplane registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
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Inspection......................... 3-5 $65 $195-$325 648 $126,360-$210,600
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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.

[[Page 17593]]

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 this AD:
(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.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD. 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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):

2005-07-14 Airbus: Amendment 39-14038. Docket No. FAA-2004-19762;
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-168-AD.

Effective Date

(a) This AD becomes effective May 12, 2005.

Affected ADs

(b) None.

Applicability

Unsafe Condition

(d) This AD was prompted by a report of a broken piston rod
bearing of the spoiler servo control. We are issuing this AD to
prevent breakage of the piston rod bearing, which could cause loss
of the associated hydraulic system and spoiler extension, and could
result in reduced controllability 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.

Phase 1 Inspection or Review of Maintenance Records

(f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection for the part number (P/N) of the spoiler
servo control at the applicable locations specified in Table 1 of
this AD, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158,
Revision 01, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3,
2004. Instead of inspecting the spoiler servo control, a review of
the airplane maintenance records is acceptable if the P/N of the
spoiler servo control can be conclusively determined from that
review.

Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area,
installation or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure or
irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching
distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to
ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This
level of inspection is made under normal available lighting
conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight or
droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or
doors. Stands, ladders or platforms may be required to gain
proximity to the area being checked.''

Table 1.--Phase 1 Spoiler Servo Control Inspection
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Inspect spoiler servo controls
For airbus model-- at--
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A318 and A319 series airplanes......... Positions 2, 3, 4, and 5.
A320 series airplanes.................. Position 2.
A321 series airplanes.................. Positions 2, 3, and 4.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Phase 2 Inspection or Review of Maintenance Records

(g) Within 30 months after the effective date of this AD, do a
general visual inspection for the P/N of the spoiler servo control
at the applicable locations specified in Table 2 of this AD, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1159, Revision 01,
excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 2004. Instead of
inspecting the spoiler servo control, a review of the airplane
maintenance records is acceptable if the P/N of the spoiler servo
control can be conclusively determined from that review.

Table 2.--Phase 2 Spoiler Servo Control Inspection
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Inspect spoiler servo controls
For airbus model-- at--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A318 and A319 series airplanes......... Position 1.
A320 series airplanes on which Airbus Positions 1 and 3.
modification 26335 and Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-27-1115, dated October
27, 1997; and Revision 01, dated June
22, 1999; has not been done.
A320 series airplanes on which Airbus Positions 1, 3, 4, and 5.
modification 26335 or Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-27-1115, dated October
27, 1997; or Revision 01, dated June
22, 1999; has been done.
A321 series airplanes.................. Positions 1 and 5.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 17594]]

Corrective Action

(h) If, during any inspection specified in paragraph (f) or (g)
of this AD, P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110, or -112 is found or if
unable to determine the P/N, before further flight, replace the
spoiler servo control with a new or modified spoiler servo control,
in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158 or A320-27-
1159; both Revision 01; both excluding Appendices 01 and 02; both
dated September 3, 2004; as applicable.

Note 2: Airbus Service Bulletins A320-27-1158, Revision 01; and
A320-27-1159, Revision 01; refer to Goodrich Service Bulletin 31077-
27-14, dated May 24, 2004; as an additional source of service
information for modifying the spoiler servo control.

Actions Accomplished Per Previous Issues of Service Information

(i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-27-1159; both excluding Appendices 01 and 02;
both dated May 26, 2004; are considered acceptable for compliance
with the corresponding actions required by this AD.

Reporting Not Required

(j) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158, Revision 01,
dated September 3, 2004; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1159,
Revision 01, dated September 3, 2004; specify to submit certain
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.

Parts Installation

(k) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
spoiler servo control, P/N 31077-050, -060, -070, -110, or -112, on
any airplane, unless it has been modified according to Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-27-1158 or A320-27-1159; both Revision 01;
both excluding Appendices 01 and 02; both dated September 3, 2004.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

(l) 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.

Related Information

(m) French airworthiness directive F-2004-122, dated July 21,
2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

(n) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1158, Revision
01, excluding Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 2004; and
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1159, Revision 01, excluding
Appendices 01 and 02, dated September 3, 2004; as applicable; to
perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD
specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approves
the incorporation by reference of these documents in accordance with
5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To get copies of the service
information, go to Airbus, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France. To view the AD docket go to the Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh
Street SW, room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC. To review
copies of the service information, go to the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 24, 2005.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-6685 Filed 4-6-05; 8:45 am]

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