[Federal Register: August 9, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 153)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 44750-44753]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09au07-10]
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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;
Amendment 39-15143; AD 2007-16-04]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200
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
certain Airbus Model A319-100 and A320-200 series airplanes. This AD
requires repetitive inspections of the wing-tank fuel pumps, canisters,
and wing fuel tanks for detached identification labels, and corrective
action if necessary. This AD also requires modification of the fuel
strainers at the fuel pump and suction bypass intakes, which would end
the repetitive inspections. 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.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 13, 2007.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in the AD as of September 13,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.
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,
[[Page 44751]]
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the airworthiness directive (AD) docket on the
Internet at http://dms.dot.gov or in person at the Docket Operations
office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. The Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is
located on the ground floor of the West Building at the street address
stated in the ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain
Airbus Model A319-100 and Model A320-200 series airplanes. That
supplemental NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 29,
2007 (72 FR 14715). That supplemental NPRM proposed to require
repetitive inspections of the wing-tank fuel pumps, canisters, and wing
fuel tanks for detached identification labels, and corrective action if
necessary. That supplemental NPRM also proposed to mandate modification
of the fuel strainers at the fuel pump and suction bypass intakes.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Request To Add Revised Service Information
Air Transport Association (ATA), on behalf of US Airways, asks that
we update the service bulletin reference for the modification specified
in paragraph (j) of the supplemental NPRM to Revision 01 of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-28-1149, dated October 9, 2006.
We agree with the request. Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-
28-1149, Revision 01, dated October 9, 2006. We referred to the
original issue of the service bulletin, dated June 14, 2006, as the
appropriate source of service information for accomplishing the
modification. The procedures in Revision 01 are essentially the same as
those in the original issue; however, the procedures in Revision 01 add
certain clarifications, and the work hours for accomplishing the
modification have been increased. We have changed paragraph (j) of this
AD to refer to Revision 01 of the service bulletin, added a new
paragraph (k) to this AD to give credit for the original issue of the
service bulletin, and re-identified subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
Request To Change Applicability/Add Revised Service Information
Airbus asks that we change the applicability specified in paragraph
(c) of the supplemental NPRM. Airbus states that the applicability
refers to Airbus Service Bulletins A320-28-1102, Revision 02, dated
July 10, 2006; and A320-57-1117, Revision 02, dated March 13, 2006.
Airbus notes that the service bulletins are being revised to remove
manufacturer's serial numbers (MSNs) 1083, 1310, 1314, and 1360,
because Airbus has confirmed that labels were never installed on these
airplanes. Airbus also notes that European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) airworthiness directive 2006-0236, also referred to in the
supplemental NPRM, has been revised to remove the MSNs; however, due to
an administrative error, MSN 1083 remains in the compliance section of
the EASA airworthiness directive. In conclusion, Airbus asks that the
applicability section be updated to reflect these changes.
We agree to change the applicability specified in paragraph (c) of
this AD to exclude airplanes having MSNs 1083, 1310, 1314, and 1360.
However, since the referenced service bulletins have not yet been
revised to remove these airplanes, we will retain the reference to
Revision 2 of the service bulletin in paragraph (c) as well as
paragraph (f) of this AD, which is repetitive inspections and
corrective actions of the four wing-tank fuel pumps and canisters.
Request To Change Costs of Compliance Section
Northwest Airlines (NWA) states that it is in the process of
implementing the modification of the fuel pump strainers specified in
Service Bulletin A320-28-1149. NWA adds that its work-hour estimate is
54 hours for implementation, after access to the tanks is gained. NWA
does not provide a specific request.
We infer that NWA is asking that we increase the number of work
hours for accomplishing the modification, as specified in the Costs of
Compliance section of the supplemental NPRM. Revision 01 of Service
Bulletin A320-28-1149 specifies an increase in the work hours for
accomplishing the modification from 20 to 36; therefore, we have
changed the work hours in the Costs of Compliance section of this AD to
match the work hours specified in the subject service bulletin.
However, modification costs will likely vary depending on the operator
and the airplane configuration.
Request To Change Repetitive Inspection Requirement
NWA agrees with the 3,000-flight-hour repetitive inspection
interval after the initial label removal has been completed. However,
NWA has not found any labels in the wing pumps on affected airplanes
after the removal procedure has been done. NWA would like the exception
``following any wing-tank fuel pump failure'' removed from the
repetitive inspection requirement specified in paragraph (g)(2) of the
supplemental NPRM to simplify the continued inspections.
We do not agree with the NWA request. Accomplishment of the label
removal procedure does not completely remove the risk of detached
labels getting into the fuel system, since some of the labels are not
accessible during the label removal procedure. The FAA-approved Master
Minimum Equipment List prohibits dispatch with one wing-tank fuel pump
inoperative on the airplanes affected by the requirements in this AD.
Therefore, the fuel pump would have to be repaired before further
flight, and inspecting for labels would not impose any additional
burden. We have made no change to the AD in this regard.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, 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.
[[Page 44752]]
Estimated Costs
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Number of U.S.-
Action Work hours Average labor Parts Cost per airplane registered Fleet cost
rate per hour airplanes
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Inspection specified in Service 3 $80 $0 $240, per inspection 70 $16,800, per inspection
Bulletin A320-28-1102. cycle. cycle.
Inspection specified in Service 20 80 0 $1,600, per inspection 70 $112,000, per inspection
Bulletin A320-57-1117. cycle. cycle.
Modification specified in Service 36 80 0 $2,880................... 70 $201,600.
Bulletin A320-28-1149, Revision 01.
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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.
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 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):
2007-16-04 Airbus: Amendment 39-15143. Docket No. FAA-2005-22918;
Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-172-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective September 13, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-100 and Model A320-200
series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in
Airbus Service Bulletins A320-28-1102, Revision 02, dated July 10,
2006; and A320-57-1117, Revision 02, dated March 13, 2006; except
airplanes having manufacturer's serial numbers 1083, 1310, 1314, and
1360.
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) Perform a detailed inspection for detached identification
labels in the four wing-tank fuel pumps and canisters, and do all
applicable corrective actions, by doing all the actions in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-28-1102, Revision 02, dated July 10, 2006; except as
provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. Do all applicable corrective
actions before further flight. Inspect at the earlier of the
compliance times specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this
AD.
(1) Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.
(2) Before the next flight following any wing-tank fuel pump
failure.
(g) Repeat the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD
thereafter at the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or
(g)(2) of this AD, until accomplishment of paragraph (j) of this AD.
(1) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph
(i) of this AD has not been done: Repeat the inspection at intervals
not to exceed the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs
(g)(1)(i) and (g)(1)(ii) of this AD.
(i) 600 flight hours.
(ii) Before the next flight following any wing-tank fuel pump
failure.
(2) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph
(i) of this AD has been done: Repeat the inspection at intervals not
to exceed the earlier of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(2)(i)
and (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.
(i) 3,000 flight hours.
(ii) Before the next flight following any wing-tank fuel pump
failure.
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.''
[[Page 44753]]
Credit for Actions Accomplished Using Previous Service Information
(h) Inspections and corrective actions accomplished before the
effective date of this AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-28-1102, dated August 20, 2002; or Revision 01, dated February
11, 2005; are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions specified in paragraph (f) of this AD.
Inspection/Corrective Actions of the Collector Cells, Surge Tank, Wing
Fuel Tank and Vent Box
(i) Within 60 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, Revision 02, including Appendix 01, dated
March 13, 2006. Do any applicable corrective action before further
flight.
Modification
(j) Before the accumulation of 162 months since first flight of
the airplane, or within 6 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever is later: Modify the fuel strainers at the fuel pump
and suction bypass intakes by doing all the actions in accordance
with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1149, Revision 01, dated
October 9, 2006. Accomplishment of the modification in this
paragraph ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g)
of this AD.
Credit for Actions Accomplished Using Previous Service Information
(k) Modifications accomplished before the effective date of this
AD in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1149, dated
June 14, 2006, are considered acceptable for compliance with the
corresponding actions specified in paragraph (j) of this AD.
No Reporting Required
(l) Although Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1102, Revision 02,
dated July 10, 2006, specifies submitting an inspection report to
the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(m)(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 your
appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards
District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO.
Related Information
(n) European Aviation Safety Agency airworthiness directive
2006-0236R1, dated March 9, 2007, also addresses the subject of this
AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(o) You must use the Airbus service bulletins specified in Table
1 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
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/cfr/ibr-locations.html
.
Table 1.--Material Incorporated by Reference
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Airbus Service Bulletin Revision level Date
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A320-28-1102, excluding 02 July 10, 2006.
Appendix 01.
A320-57-1117, including 02 March 13, 2006.
Appendix 01.
A320-28-1149................ 01 October 9, 2006.
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Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 30, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-15225 Filed 8-8-07; 8:45 am]
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