[Federal Register: December 10, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 236)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 69593-69595]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr10de07-11]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2007-29249; Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-112-AD;
Amendment 39-15294; AD 2007-25-12]
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: 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:
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.
We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective January 14, 2008.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 14,
2008.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.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.
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:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 20, 2007
(72 FR 53699). That NPRM proposed 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.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Editorial Change
We have revised paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD by
removing the phrase ``if necessary'' and adding the phrase ``as
applicable,'' in order to clarify that the replacement must be done if
leaking is found.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting the AD with the changes described
previously.
[[Page 69594]]
We determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden
on any operator or increase the scope of the AD.
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 required different actions in this AD from those
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences
are highlighted in a NOTE within the AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect about 653 products of U.S.
registry. We also estimate that it will take about 7 work-hours per
product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average
labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this AD to the 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 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.
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 the NPRM, 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.
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:
2007-25-12 Airbus: Amendment 39-15294. Docket No. FAA-2007-29249;
Directorate Identifier 2007-NM-112-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This Airworthiness Directive (AD) becomes effective January
14, 2008.
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 an 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, as applicable, replace 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
[[Page 69595]]
40GA and the LG door selector valve 41GA and, as applicable, replace
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, as applicable, (i.e., if any leakage is
found) replace 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.
(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, 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, 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.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(i) You must use Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1290, Revision
01, excluding Appendix 01, dated November 10, 2006, 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, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France.
(3) 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
.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 21, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-23682 Filed 12-7-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P