[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 239 (Thursday, December 11, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 75316-75319]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-29182]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2008-1274; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-197-AD;
Amendment 39-15764; AD 2008-25-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321
Series Airplanes Equipped With International Aero Engines (IAE) Model
V2500-A1 Engines or Model V25xx-A5 Series Engines
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the
products listed above. This 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:
* * * Airbus has advised that an incorrect part number has been
introduced in the IPC (illustrated parts catalog) * * * for the rear
engine mount barrel nut. This problem affects Airbus A319, A320 and
A321 models with IAE (International Aero Engine) V2500-A5 engines.
The part number introduced in error is not certificated for the
IAE V2500-A5 engine installation and, if installed, may fail in
service.
* * * * *
Failure of the rear engine mount barrel nut could result in reduced
structural integrity of the rear engine mount and possible separation
of the engine from the airplane, and a consequent hazard to the
airplane and persons and property on the ground. This AD requires
actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in
the MCAI.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 26, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of December 26,
2008.
We must receive comments on this AD by January 12, 2009.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
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: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2008-0191-E, dated October 20, 2008
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:
DGAC-France AD 90-079-009(B) R1 [and corresponding FAA AD 90-22-
08, amendment 39-6781 (corrected on November 8, 1990, 55 FR 47028)]
introduced an inspection and daily rectification action on Airbus
A320-231 aircraft in order to prevent failure of one or more of the
engine rear mount barrel nuts.
Subsequent to the above problem, Airbus has advised that an
incorrect part number has been introduced in the IPC (illustrated
parts catalog) (reference 71-22-11 Figure 80B item 180) for the rear
engine mount barrel nut. This problem affects Airbus A319, A320 and
A321 models with IAE (International Aero Engine) V2500-A5 engines.
[[Page 75317]]
The part number introduced in error is not certificated for the
IAE V2500-A5 engine installation and, if installed, may fail in
service.
This Airworthiness Directive (AD), which supersedes DGAC-France
AD 90-079-009(B) R1, mandates the inspections required to determine
the standard of barrel nut installed and the corrective actions, as
necessary, for the aircraft with V2500-A1 or -A5 engines installed.
Failure of the rear engine mount barrel nut could result in reduced
structural integrity of the rear engine mount and possible separation
of the engine from the airplane, and a consequent hazard to the
airplane and persons and property on the ground. Required actions
include inspecting for broken barrel nuts. The corrective actions
include replacing the barrel nut with a different barrel nut and
replacing the associated bolts, washers, and retainers; and contacting
Airbus for corrective action if any affected barrel nut is found broken
and doing that corrective action. You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued All Operator Telex A320-71A1045, dated October
17, 2008. 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 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 issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Differences Between the 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 required 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 AD.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because of
the possible failure of the rear engine mount on airplanes equipped
with the incorrect barrel nuts, which could result in separation of the
engine from the airplane and a consequent hazard to the airplane and
persons and property on the ground. These incorrect rear engine mount
barrel nuts may have been installed during maintenance on IAE Model
V25xx-A5 series engines due to an error in the illustrated parts
catalog. These incorrect barrel nuts cannot withstand the engine loads
and must be replaced as soon as possible. Therefore, we determined that
notice and opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are
impracticable and that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-1274; Directorate
Identifier 2008-NM-197-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD because of
those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this AD.
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 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 this AD:
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.
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 AD:
2008-25-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-15764. Docket No. FAA-2008-1274;
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-197-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December
26, 2008.
[[Page 75318]]
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to all Airbus Model A319-131, A319-132,
A319-133, A320-231, A320-232, A320-233, A321-131, A321-231, and
A321-232 series airplanes, certificated in any category; all serial
numbers equipped with International Aero Engine (IAE) Model V2500-A1
engines or Model V25xx-A5 series engines. (The ``xx'' is used in the
series engine reference to indicate various numbers listed in the
type certificate data sheet.)
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71:
Powerplant.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI)
states:
DGAC-France AD 90-079-009(B) R1 [and corresponding FAA AD 90-22-
08, amendment 39-6781 (corrected on November 8, 1990, 55 FR 47028)]
introduced an inspection and daily rectification action on Airbus
A320-231 aircraft in order to prevent failure of one or more of the
engine rear mount barrel nuts.
Subsequent to the above problem, Airbus has advised that an
incorrect part number has been introduced in the IPC (illustrated
parts catalog) (reference 71-22-11 Figure 80B item 180) for the rear
engine mount barrel nut. This problem affects Airbus A319, A320 and
A321 models with IAE V2500-A5 engines.
The part number introduced in error is not certificated for the
IAE V2500-A5 engine installation and, if installed, may fail in
service.
This Airworthiness Directive (AD) * * * mandates the inspections
required to determine the standard of barrel nut installed and the
corrective actions, as necessary, for the aircraft with V2500-A1 or
-A5 engines installed.
Failure of the rear engine mount barrel nut could result in reduced
structural integrity of the rear engine mount and possible
separation of the engine from the airplane, and a consequent hazard
to the airplane and persons and property on the ground. Required
actions include inspecting for broken barrel nuts. The corrective
actions include replacing the barrel nut with a different barrel nut
and replacing the associated bolts, washers, and retainers; and
contacting Airbus for corrective action if any affected barrel nut
is found broken and doing that corrective action.
Actions and Compliance
(f) Unless already done, do the following actions for airplanes
equipped with IAE model V2500-A1 engines: Within 7 days after the
effective date of this AD, conduct a records review to determine if
barrel nut part number (P/N) 83644-1612 is installed, in accordance
with paragraph 5.1 of Airbus All Operator Telex (AOT) A320-71A1045,
dated October 17, 2008.
(1) For airplanes on which it can be positively determined from
a records review that P/N 83644-1612 is not installed, no further
action is required by this paragraph.
(2) For airplanes on which it cannot be positively determined
from a records review that P/N 83644-1612 is not installed: Within 7
days after the effective date of this AD, do the visual inspections
of the barrel nut for part numbers and for broken nuts in accordance
with paragraph 5.2 of Airbus AOT A320-71A1045, dated October 17,
2008.
(i) If one or more barrel nuts are found broken, before further
flight contact Airbus for corrective actions and do the corrective
actions.
(ii) If two or more barrel nuts having P/N 83644-1612 are found
installed, before further flight correct the installation in
accordance with paragraph 5.2 of Airbus AOT A320-71A1045, dated
October 17, 2008.
(iii) If only one barrel nut having P/N 83644-1612 is found
installed: At the later of the times specified in paragraphs
(f)(1)(iii)(A) and (f)(2)(iii)(B) of this AD, correct the
installation in accordance with paragraph 5.2 of Airbus AOT A320-
71A1045, dated October 17, 2008.
(A) Within 1,200 flight hours or 960 flight cycles since
installation of the part, whichever occurs first.
(B) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD.
(g) Unless already done, do the following actions for airplanes
equipped with IAE Model V25xx-A5 series engines: Within 7 days after
the effective date of this AD, conduct a records review to determine
if barrel nut P/N 83644-1612 is installed, in accordance with
paragraph 4.1 of Airbus AOT A320-71A1045, dated October 17, 2008.
(1) For airplanes for which it can be positively determined from
a records review that P/N 83644-1612 is not installed, no further
action is required by this paragraph.
(2) For airplanes on which it cannot be positively determined
that P/N 83644-1612 is not installed: Within 7 days after the
effective date of this AD, do the visual inspections of the barrel
nut for part numbers and for broken nuts, in accordance with
paragraph 4.2 of Airbus AOT A320-71A1045, dated October 17, 2008.
(i) If one or more barrel nuts are found broken, before further
flight contact Airbus for corrective actions and do the corrective
actions.
(ii) If two or more barrel nuts having P/N 83644-1612 are found
installed, before further flight correct the installation in
accordance with paragraph 4.2 of Airbus AOT A320-71A1045, dated
October 17, 2008.
(iii) If only one barrel nut having P/N 83644-1612 is found
installed: At the later of the time specified in paragraphs
(g)(2)(iii)(A) and (g)(2)(iii)(B) of this AD, correct the
installation in accordance with paragraph 4.2 of Airbus AOT A320-
71A1045, dated October 17, 2008.
(A) Within 1,200 flight hours or 960 flight cycles since
installation of the part, whichever occurs first.
(B) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD.
(h) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install
an engine mount barrel nut, part number 83644-1612, on any affected
airplane.
(i) Accomplishment of the corrective actions specified in
paragraph (f) of this AD terminates the requirements of AD 90-22-08,
amendment 39-6781.
FAA AD Differences
Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information
as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(j) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 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
(k) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency
Airworthiness Directive 2008-0191-E, dated October 20, 2008; and
Airbus AOT A320-71A1045, dated October 17, 2008; for related
information.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(l) You must use Airbus All Operator Telex A320-71A1045, dated
October 17, 2008, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the
AD specifies otherwise.
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; e-mail:
[email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information that is
incorporated by reference
[[Page 75319]]
at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152.
(4) You may also review copies of the service information 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 26, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E8-29182 Filed 12-10-08; 8:45 am]
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