[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 114 (Tuesday, June 13, 2000)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37017-37019]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-14311]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 99-NM-331-AD; Amendment 39-11769; AD 2000-11-21]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321
Series Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series
airplanes, that requires a one-time general visual inspection to
determine the part number and serial number of the spoiler
servocontrol, and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is
prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information
by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by
this AD are intended to prevent failure of the spoiler servocontrol
piston rod, which could result in reduced controllability of the
airplane.
DATES: Effective July 18, 2000.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director
[[Page 37018]]
of the Federal Register as of July 18, 2000.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France. This information may be examined at the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules
Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at or at the
Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite
700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Norman B. Martenson, Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2110; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain Airbus Model A319, A320,
and A321 series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on
December 22, 1999 (64 FR 71696). That action proposed to require a one-
time general visual inspection to determine the part number and serial
number of the spoiler servocontrol, and corrective action, if
necessary.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the comments received.
The Air Transport Association (ATA) of America, on behalf of two of
its members, states that both members support the intent of the
proposed AD. One member is already accomplishing the relevant service
bulletin. The other member is carrying out the one-time inspection of
the affected aircraft to ensure the correct spoiler servocontrols are
installed on their aircraft.
Request to Revise the Compliance Time for the Corrective Actions
One commenter requests that the proposed AD be revised to allow
more flexibility in accomplishing the corrective actions specified in
the proposal. The commenter states that there will be times when
replacement spoiler servos are unavailable due to the large number of
spoiler servocontrol units that are affected in the Airbus fleet. With
this in mind, the commenter suggests revising paragraph (a) of the
proposed AD to read as follows:
``At the time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2),
accomplish the inspection and corrective action per SB A320-27-1127
or A320-27-1126 as applicable.''
The FAA does not concur. Discussions with the manufacturer have not
identified a supply problem with the spoiler servocontrols.
Additionally, sufficient time has elapsed since the issuance of the
service bulletins and notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for
operators to make the necessary planning and logistical supply
arrangements in advance in order to comply with this amendment.
Therefore, no change has been made to the final rule.
Request to Revise the Compliance Time for the Inspection
One commenter requests that the proposed AD be revised to require
the one-time general visual inspection to determine the part number and
serial number of the spoiler servocontrol to be accomplished within 18
months for Airbus Model A319 series airplanes. The commenter states
that, the proposed AD specifies a fourteen times differential in the
required compliance threshold (i.e., 2 months versus 28 months) between
Airbus Model A320 and A319 series airplanes. The commenter questions
this differential because Model A320 series airplanes have been in
service longer with an accumulated average of 17,306 total flight hours
than the Model A319 series airplanes, which have an accumulated average
of approximately 4,014 total flight hours. Furthermore, the commenter
states that there are approximately 2.3 times more Model A320 series
airplanes in service as Model A319 and A321 series airplanes.
The FAA does not concur. Data provided by the manufacturer
indicates that an autoland failure of a servocontrol on a Model A319 or
A321 series airplane would result in a greater maximum transient
deviation from the runway centerline and maximum transient bank angle
without triggering the excessive deviation warning. Considering this
factor, the FAA has determined that the compliance times specified in
paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of the proposed AD represent the maximum
time in which the affected airplanes could continue to operate without
compromising safety. Therefore, no change has been made to the final
rule.
Explanation of Change to the Proposal
The FAA notes that it is necessary to clarify that the general
visual inspection required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD may be
accomplished in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1126,
dated April 26, 1999, or Revision 01, dated October 6, 1999. This
clarification provides credit for those operators that may have
previously accomplished the required action in accordance with that
service bulletin.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comments
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule with the changes described
previously. The FAA has determined that these changes will neither
increase the economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of
the AD.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 210 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 2 work hours per
airplane to accomplish the inspection, at an average labor rate of $60
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD on
U.S. operators is estimated to be $25,200, or $120 per airplane.
Should an operator be required to accomplish the modification, it
will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane, at an average labor
rate of $60 per work hour. The cost of required parts would be free of
charge. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the modification is
estimated to be $240 per airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is
[[Page 37019]]
contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the
Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
2000-11-21 Airbus Industrie: Amendment 39-11769. Docket 99-NM-331-
AD.
Applicability: The following models, certificated in any
category, excluding those on which Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-
1126, dated April 26, 1999 (for Model A319 and 321 series
airplanes); or A320-27-1127, dated April 26, 1999, or Revision 01,
dated October 6, 1999 (for Model A320 series airplanes); has been
accomplished:
Model A319 series airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 0546
through 0972 inclusive;
Model A320 series airplanes, S/N 0002 through 0842
inclusive, 0846 through 0859 inclusive, 0865, 0866, and 0872 through
0960 inclusive; and
Model A321 series airplanes, S/N 0364 through 0974
inclusive.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To prevent failure of the servocontrol piston rod, which could
result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the
following:
Inspection
(a) At the applicable time specified by paragraph (a)(1) or
(a)(2) of this AD: Perform a general visual inspection to determine
the part number and serial number for the spoiler servocontrols, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1126, April 26,
1999, or Revision 01, dated October 6, 1999 (for Model A319 and A321
series airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1127, dated
April 26, 1999, or Revision 01, dated October 6, 1999 (for Model
A320 series airplanes); as applicable. If the part number and serial
number are identified in paragraph 2.B.(1)(b) of the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin, prior to further
flight, perform applicable corrective actions (including removal,
reidentification of the servocontrol, and replacement of the
servocontrol with a modified part) as specified in the applicable
service bulletin.
(1) For Model A319 and A321 series airplanes: Inspect within 2
months after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For Model A320 series airplanes: Inspect within 28 months
after the effective date of this AD.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection
is defined as: ``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 under normally
available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting,
flashlight, or drop-light, 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.''
Spares
(b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install
on any airplane a spoiler servocontrol having part number 31077-050,
31077-060, or 31077-110; and S/N 0001 to 3499, except those serial
numbers excluded in paragraph 2.B.(1)(b)1 of the Accomplishment
Instructions in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1126, dated April
26, 1999, or Revision 01, dated October 6, 1999; unless that
servocontrol has been inspected, and corrective actions have been
performed, in accordance with the requirements of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their
requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector,
who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Airbus Service
Bulletin
A320-27-1126, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated April 26,
1999; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1126, Revision 01 including
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 6, 1999; Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-27-1127, including Appendices 01 and 02, dated April 26, 1999;
or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1127, Revision 01 including
Appendices 01 and 02, dated October 6, 1999; as applicable. This
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from Airbus Industrie, 1 Rond Point
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France. Copies may be
inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in French
airworthiness directive 1999-362-139(B), dated September 8, 1999.
(f) This amendment becomes effective on July 18, 2000.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 1, 2000.
Donald L. Riggin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 00-14311 Filed 6-12-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P