[Federal Register: September 20, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 182)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 53699-53701]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20se07-15]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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[[Page 53699]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-29249; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-112-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe
condition as:
After a push back from the gate, an A320-200 aircraft was
preparing to initiate taxi, when a NLG (nose landing gear)
uncommanded retraction occurred, and then the aircraft abruptly hit
the ground.
* * * Untimely unlocking and/or retraction of the NLG, while on
the ground, could cause injury to ground personnel and significant
structural damage to the airplane.
The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address
the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 22,
2007.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
DOT Docket Web Site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the
West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the 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 AD
docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other information. The street address for the
Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,
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:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2007-
29249; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-112-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on 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 we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2007-0065R1, dated June 12, 2007 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
After push back from the gate, an A320-200 aircraft was
preparing to initiate taxi, when a NLG (nose landing gear)
uncommanded retraction occurred, and then the aircraft abruptly hit
the ground.
Investigations revealed that the retract condition is caused by
a combination of a faulty MLG (main landing gear) proximity switch,
a power interruption to LGCIUs (Landing Gear Control and Interface
Units) and an internal hydraulic leak through the LG (landing gear)
selector valve 40GA. The internal hydraulic leak through the LG
selector valve 40GA was due to a broken seal in one of the end cap
chambers for the valve spool. As a corrective action, a duplicate
inspection (DI or DI-BE) for these valves has been introduced in
production, and the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) has been
revised. Untimely unlocking and/or retraction of the NLG, while on
the ground, could cause injury to ground personnel and significant
structural damage to the aircraft.
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates the inspections of
the LG selector valve 40GA and the LG door selector valve 41GA, to
identify a possible hydraulic leak.
The corrective action includes replacing the LG selector valve 40GA
and/or the LG door selector valve 41GA if necessary. You may obtain
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-32-1290, Revision 01, dated
November 10, 2006. The actions described in this service information
are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
[[Page 53700]]
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD
would affect about 653 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 7 work-hours per product to comply with the basic
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per
work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $365,680, or $560 per product.
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 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 this 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.
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 FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2007-29249; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-
112-AD.
Comments Due Date
(a) We must receive comments by October 22, 2007.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321
series airplanes, certificated in any category, except those
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD.
(1) Manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) 2389, 2392, 2393, 2396,
2398, 2403, 2405, 2407, 2409, 2410, 2411, 2413 through 2439, 2441,
and MSNs above 2441, on which no replacement of the landing gear
(LG) selector valve 40GA or the LG door selector valve 41GA has been
performed since aircraft delivery from Airbus.
(2) Aircraft on which LG selector valve 40GA and LG door
selector valve 41GA have been stamped to indicate that a duplicate
inspection has been done. If the duplicate inspection has been done,
the amendment plates on the valves will be stamped with letters
``DI'' or ``DI-BE.''
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32: Landing
Gear.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
After push back from the gate, an A320-200 aircraft was
preparing to initiate taxi, when a NLG (nose landing gear)
uncommanded retraction occurred, and then the aircraft abruptly hit
the ground.
Investigations revealed that the retract condition is caused by
a combination of a faulty MLG (main landing gear) proximity switch,
a power interruption to LGCIUs (Landing Gear Control and Interface
Units) and an internal hydraulic leak through the LG (landing gear)
selector valve 40GA. The internal hydraulic leak through the LG
selector valve 40GA was due to a broken seal in one of the end cap
chambers for the valve spool. As a corrective action, a duplicate
inspection (DI or DI-BE) for these valves has been introduced in
production, and the Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) has been
revised. Untimely unlocking and/or retraction of the NLG, while on
the ground, could cause injury to ground personnel and significant
structural damage to the aircraft.
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) mandates the inspections of
the LG selector valve 40GA and the LG door selector valve 41GA, to
identify a possible hydraulic leak.
The corrective action includes replacing the LG selector valve 40GA
and/or the LG door selector valve 41GA if necessary.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions.
(1) For aircraft that have accumulated up to and including
20,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD:
Within 4,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, but
not exceeding 20,800 total flight cycles, inspect for hydraulic
leaking of the LG selector valve 40GA and the LG door selector valve
41GA and replace if necessary the LG selector valve 40GA and the LG
door selector valve 41GA before further flight in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-
1290, Revision 01, dated November 10, 2006.
(2) For aircraft that have accumulated over 20,000 total flight
cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Within 800 flight cycles
after the effective date of this AD, inspect for hydraulic leaking
of the LG selector valve 40GA and the LG door selector valve 41GA
and replace if necessary the LG selector valve 40GA and the LG door
selector valve 41GA before further flight in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1290,
Revision 01, dated November 10, 2006.
(3) For all airplanes: Repeat the inspection specified in
paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD, as applicable, thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 20,000 flight cycles, or 89 months,
whichever occurs first, and replace if necessary (i.e., if any
leakage is found) the LG selector valve 40GA and the LG door
selector valve 41GA before further flight, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1290,
Revision 01, dated November 10, 2006.
[[Page 53701]]
(4) For all airplanes: From the effective date of this AD, the
installation of LG selector valve 40GA or LG door selector valve
41GA, that do not have the duplicate inspection ``DI'' or ``DI-BE''
recorded on their amendment plates, is possible provided that it is
inspected within 800 flight cycles after installation, in accordance
with the instructions given in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1290,
Revision 01, dated November 10, 2006. Repeat the inspection
thereafter as given in paragraph (f)(3) of this AD.
(5) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1290, dated May 2,
2006, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions
of this AD.
FAA AD Differences
Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-116, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Tim
Dulin, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.
Before using any approved AMOC 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.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.
Related Information
(h) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2007-0065R1,
dated June 12, 2007, and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1290,
Revision 01, dated November 10, 2006, for related information.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 10, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-18540 Filed 9-19-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P