
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 248 (Friday, December 28, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67049-67053]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-26533]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0641; Product Identifier 2018-NM-032-AD; Amendment 
39-19519; AD 2018-25-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-22-07, 
which applied to certain Airbus SAS Model A319 series airplanes; Model 
A320-211,-212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. AD 2017-
22-07 required repetitive inspections of the frame forks, and 
corrective actions if necessary. AD 2017-22-07 also included optional 
modifications that constituted terminating action. This AD requires 
modifying certain forward and aft cargo compartment doors, and related 
investigative and corrective actions. This AD was prompted by an 
evaluation done by the design approval holder indicating that certain 
areas of certain cargo compartment doors are subject to widespread 
fatigue damage, and a determination was made that a modification of the 
frame forks must be done. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective February 1, 2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 1, 
2019.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain other publications listed in this AD as of January 
2, 2018 (82 FR 56158, November 28, 2017).

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 2 Rond Point Emile 
Dewoitine, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; 
fax: +33 5 61 93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; 
internet: http://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service 
information at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th 
St., Des Moines, WA. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call 206-231-3195. It is also available on the 
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating 
Docket No. FAA-2018-0641.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0641; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, 
West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to supersede AD 2017-22-07, Amendment 39-19087 (82 FR 56158, 
November 28, 2017) (``AD 2017-22-07''). AD 2017-22-07 applied to 
certain Airbus SAS Model A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -
214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -
211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on August 3, 2018 (83 FR 38091). The NPRM was prompted 
by an evaluation done by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating 
that the frame forks and outer skin on the forward and aft cargo 
compartment doors are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD), and a 
determination was made that a modification of the frame forks must be 
accomplished. The NPRM proposed to continue to require repetitive 
inspections of the frame forks, and corrective actions if necessary, 
and to include optional modifications that constitute terminating 
action. The NPRM also proposed to require modifying certain forward and 
aft cargo compartment doors, and related investigative and corrective 
actions. We are issuing this AD to address cracks on the frame forks 
and outer skin on the forward and aft cargo compartment doors, which 
could lead to reduced structural integrity and failure of the cargo 
compartment door, possible decompression of the airplane, and injury to 
occupants.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2018-0024, dated January 29, 2018 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus SAS 
Model A319 series airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -
213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During full scale fatigue test, cracks were found on frame forks 
and outer skin on forward and aft cargo doors. To improve the 
fatigue behaviour of the frame forks, Airbus introduced modification 
(mod) 22948 in production, and issued inspection Service Bulletin 
(SB) A320-52-1032 and mod SB A320-52-1042, both recommended. Since 
those actions were taken, further improved cargo compartment doors 
were introduced in production through Airbus mod 26213, on 
aeroplanes having [manufacturer serial number] MSN 0759 and up.
    In the frame of the Widespread Fatigue Damage (WFD) study, it 
was determined that repetitive inspection are necessary for aft and 
forward cargo compartment doors on aeroplanes that are in pre-mod 
26213 configuration. Failure to detect cracks would reduce the cargo 
door structural integrity.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
cargo door failure, possibly resulting in decompression of the 
aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus issued SB A320-52-1171 
to provide instructions for repetitive special detailed inspections 
(SDI). This SB was later revised to correct the list of affected 
cargo doors. Airbus also issued SB A320-52-1170, introducing a door 
modification which would allow terminating the repetitive SDI[s].
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2016-0187 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2017-22-07] to require repetitive SDI[s] of the affected cargo 
doors and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of applicable 
repairs. That [EASA] AD also included reference to SB A320-52-1170 
as optional terminating action.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, further investigations linked 
to the WFD analysis highlighted that, to meet the WFD requirements, 
it is necessary to require

[[Page 67050]]

embodiment of the terminating action modification.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0187, which is superseded, and requires 
modification of all affected cargo doors, which constitutes 
terminating action for the repetitive SDI[s] required by this [EASA] 
AD.

    The related investigative action is a high frequency eddy current 
(HFEC) rotating probe inspection for cracks. Corrective actions 
include, among other things, oversizing and cold-expanding any affected 
holes and repair.
    The Airbus SAS Model A320-216 was U.S. type certificated on 
December 19, 2016. Before that date, any EASA ADs that affected Model 
A320-216 airplanes were included on the Required Airworthiness Actions 
List (RAAL). One or more Model A320-216 airplanes have subsequently 
been placed on the U.S. Register, and will now be included in FAA AD 
actions. For Model A320-216 airplanes, the requirements that correspond 
to AD 2017-22-07 were mandated by the MCAI via the RAAL. Although that 
RAAL requirement is still in effect, for continuity and clarity we have 
identified Model A320-216 airplanes in paragraph (c) of this AD.
    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0641.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. The following presents the comments received on the 
NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment.

Support for the NPRM

    United Airlines (UA) stated its agreement with the intent of the 
NPRM.

Request To Refer to Revised Service Information

    UA asked that the NPRM reference Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-
1170, Revision 01, dated June 14, 2018. UA stated that this latest 
revision only includes various updates and clarifications. Further, UA 
pointed out that an existing alternative method of compliance (AMOC) 
already allows this revision. UA also asked that we include credit for 
doing previous actions using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1170, 
dated September 5, 2016.
    We agree with the commenter's request. For the reasons provided by 
the commenter, and because the revised service information does not 
include any additional actions, we have updated the preamble and 
paragraphs (j) and (k)(2) of this AD to refer to the revised service 
information. We have also added paragraph (o)(1) to this AD to provide 
credit for actions accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD 
using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1170, dated September 5, 2016. We 
have redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.

Request To Reference Later Revisions of Service Information

    UA asked that we change paragraph (h) of the proposed AD to allow 
use of later EASA-approved service bulletins. UA stated that EASA AD 
2018-0024, dated January 29, 2018, allows the use of later-approved 
revisions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1170, dated September 5, 
2016. UA added that it has an approved AMOC that allows for the use of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1170, Revision 01, dated June 14, 2018, 
as well as ``all corresponding later EASA-approved service 
information'' for accomplishing the requirements in the proposed AD.
    We do not agree with the commenter's request. We may not refer to 
any document that does not yet exist. In general terms, we are required 
by Office of the Federal Register (OFR) regulations to either publish 
the service document contents as part of the actual AD language; or 
submit the service document to the OFR for approval as referenced 
material, in which case we may only refer to such material in the text 
of an AD. The AD may refer to the service document only if the OFR 
approved it for incorporation by reference. See 1 CFR part 51. To allow 
operators to use later revisions of the referenced document (issued 
after publication of the AD), either we must revise the AD to reference 
specific later revisions, or operators must request approval to use 
later revisions as an AMOC with this AD under the provisions of 
paragraph (q)(1) of this AD. Therefore, we made no change to this AD in 
this regard.

Request for Correction to Service Information

    UA asked for approval for a correction to Appendix 02, page 1, of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1170, Revision 01, dated June 14, 2018. 
UA asked that the following sentence ``For the alternate fasteners for 
ASNA2657K3 series, refer to the next page'' be changed to ``For the 
alternate fasteners for ASNA2657K3 series, refer to table in page 1.''
    We acknowledge the commenter's concern. However, page 2 of Appendix 
02, does contain a table referencing alternative fasteners; there is no 
table on page 1 of Appendix 02. Therefore, the service information is 
correct regarding this issue. Further, only the manufacturer may revise 
its service information. Therefore, we have made no change to this AD 
in this regard.

Additional Change Made to This AD

    We have added paragraph (o)(2) to this AD to provide credit for 
actions accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD using 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1042, Revision 2, dated January 14, 
1997. As explained previously, we have redesignated subsequent 
paragraphs accordingly.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this final rule with the changes described previously and minor 
editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS has issued Service Bulletin A320-52-1170, Revision 01, 
dated June 14, 2018, which describes procedures for modifying all 
affected forward and aft cargo compartment doors, including oversizing 
and cold working of riveting for all frame forks.
    Airbus SAS has also issued Service Bulletin A320-52-1171, Revision 
02, dated April 10, 2017, which the Director of the Federal Register 
approved for incorporation by reference as of January 2, 2018 (82 FR 
56158, November 28, 2017).
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 88 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 67051]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  Cost on U.S.
             Action                    Labor cost            Parts cost      Cost per product      operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Modification...................  24 work-hours x $85     Up to $240.......  Up to $2,280.....  Up to $200,640.
                                  per hour = $2,040.
Inspection.....................  25 work-hours x $85     $0...............  $2,125 per         $187,000 per
                                  per hour = $2,125 per                      inspection cycle.  inspection
                                  inspection cycle.                                             cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition repairs and replacements specified 
in 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.
    This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the 
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by 
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is 
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but 
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the 
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

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 that 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);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. 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.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

    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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-22-07, Amendment 39-19087 (82 FR 56158, November 28, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

2018-25-08 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19519; Docket No. FAA-2018-0641; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-032-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective February 1, 2019.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2017-22-07, Amendment 39-19087 (82 FR 56158, 
November 28, 2017) (``AD 2017-22-07'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, 
-115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -
216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, 
-211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any 
category; manufacturer serial numbers through 0758 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 52, Doors.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval 
holder (DAH) indicating that the frame forks and outer skin on the 
forward and aft cargo compartment doors are subject to widespread 
fatigue damage (WFD), and a determination that a modification of the 
frame forks must be accomplished. We are issuing this AD to address 
cracks on the frame forks and outer skin on the forward and aft 
cargo compartment doors, which could lead to reduced structural 
integrity and failure of the cargo compartment door, possible 
decompression of the airplane, and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Retained Definition of Affected Door, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the definition in paragraph (g) of AD 
2017-22-07, with no changes. For the purpose of this AD, an 
``affected door'' is a forward or aft cargo compartment door, having 
any part number listed in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, 
except a cargo compartment door on which Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-52-1042 or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1170 is embodied.

[[Page 67052]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR28DE18.008

(h) Retained Repetitive Special Detailed Inspection of Frame Forks, 
With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2017-22-07, with no changes. At the latest of the compliance times 
listed in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD: Do a special 
detailed inspection of all frame forks in the beam 4 area of any 
affected door as defined in paragraph (g) of this AD, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-52-1171, Revision 02, dated April 10, 2017, except as specified 
in paragraphs (l) and (m) of this AD. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,000 flight cycles. A review 
of the airplane delivery or maintenance records is acceptable to 
identify any affected door installed on the airplane, provided that 
the cargo compartment door part number can be conclusively 
determined from that review.
    (1) Before exceeding 37,500 flight cycles since first 
installation of the door on an airplane.
    (2) Within 900 flight cycles after January 2, 2018 (the 
effective date of AD 2017-22-07), without exceeding 41,950 flight 
cycles since first installation of the door on an airplane.
    (3) Within 50 flight cycles after January 2, 2018 (the effective 
date of AD 2017-22-07), for a door having reached or exceeded 41,900 
flight cycles since first installation on an airplane.
    (4) Within 3,000 flight cycles since the last inspection of the 
door as specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1032.

(i) Retained Corrective Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2017-22-07, with no changes. If any crack is found during any 
inspection required by paragraph (h) of this AD, before further 
flight, do all applicable corrective actions in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1171, 
Revision 02, dated April 10, 2017, except as specified in paragraphs 
(l) and (m) of this AD. Accomplishment of applicable corrective 
actions does not constitute terminating action for the repetitive 
inspections.

(j) Terminating Modification for Repetitive Inspections

    Before the accumulation of 56,300 flight cycles, but not before 
the accumulation of 21,700 flight cycles since first installation of 
the affected door on an airplane: Modify all affected doors of an 
airplane, including accomplishment of all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1170, 
Revision 01, dated June 14, 2018. Accomplishing this modification 
constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD for that airplane, provided 
that, after modification, no affected door is re-installed on that 
airplane.

(k) Retained Optional Terminating Action, With Changes Related to 
Compliance

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2017-22-07, with changes related to compliance.
    (1) Modification of all affected doors of an airplane before the 
effective date of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1042, Revision 2, 
dated January 14, 1997 (which is incorporated by reference in AD 
2017-22-07 and is not incorporated in this AD), constitutes 
terminating action for the repetitive inspections specified in 
paragraph (h) of this AD and a method of compliance for the 
modification required by paragraph (j) of this AD, for that 
airplane, provided that, after modification, no affected door is re-
installed on that airplane. For airplanes not previously modified 
before the effective date of this AD, the modification required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD must be done.
    (2) Modification of all affected doors of an airplane including 
accomplishment of all applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions, if done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-52-1170, Revision 01, dated June 14, 2018, except as 
specified in paragraph (l) of this AD, constitutes terminating 
action for the repetitive inspections specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD and a method of compliance for the modification required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD, for that airplane, provided that, after 
modification, no affected door is re-installed on that airplane. For 
airplanes not previously modified before the effective date of this 
AD, the modification required by paragraph (j) of this AD must be 
done.
    (3) Modification of all affected doors on an airplane, in case 
of finding damaged frame forks, as specified in an Airbus Repair 
Design Approval Sheet (RDAS), if done before the effective date of 
this AD and done in accordance with a method approved by the 
Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or 
the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus SAS's EASA 
Design Organization Approval

[[Page 67053]]

(DOA); constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspection 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD and a method of compliance for 
the modification required by paragraph (j) of this AD, for that 
airplane, provided that, after modification, no affected door is re-
installed on that airplane. For airplanes not previously modified 
before the effective date of this AD, the modification required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD must be done.

(l) Retained Exception to Service Information, With Updated Service 
Information

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2017-22-07, with updated service information. Where Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-52-1170, dated September 5, 2016; Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-52-1170, Revision 01, dated June 14, 2018; or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-52-1171, Revision 02, dated April 10, 2017; 
specifies to contact Airbus for appropriate action, and specifies 
that action as ``RC'' (Required for Compliance): Before further 
flight, accomplish corrective actions in accordance with the 
procedures specified in paragraph (q)(2) of this AD.

(m) Retained Provision: No Reporting Requirement

    This paragraph restates the provision provided in paragraph (l) 
of AD 2017-22-07, with no changes. Although Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-52-1171, Revision 02, dated April 10, 2017, specifies to submit 
certain information to the manufacturer, and specifies that action 
as ``RC,'' this AD does not include that requirement.

(n) Retained Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph restates the provisions specified in paragraph 
(m) of AD 2017-22-07, with no changes.
    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before January 2, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2017-22-07), using 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1171, dated October 29, 2015, 
provided that it can be conclusively determined that any part number 
D52371000018 was also inspected as specified in paragraph (h) of 
this AD.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed 
before January 2, 2018 (the effective date of AD 2017-22-07), using 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1171, Revision 01, dated September 
5, 2016.

(o) New Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by 
paragraphs (j) and (k)(2) of this AD, if those actions were 
performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-52-1170, dated September 5, 2016.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for the optional terminating 
modification specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, if those 
actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1042, Revision 2, dated January 14, 
1997.

(p) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, an affected door specified in paragraph (g) of this 
AD, unless less than 56,300 flight cycles have accumulated since 
first installation of the door on an airplane, and unless the door 
has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 
(h) of this AD and all applicable corrective actions have been done 
in accordance with paragraph (i) of this AD.

(q) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the International Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (r)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any 
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or 
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight 
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the EASA; or Airbus 
SAS's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): Except as specified in 
paragraphs (l) and (m) of this AD: If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be 
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the 
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining 
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(r) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0024, dated January 29, 
2018, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD 
docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching 
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0641.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3223.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (s)(5) and (s)(6) of this AD.

(s) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
February 1, 2019.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1170, Revision 01, dated 
June 14, 2018.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (4) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
January 2, 2018 (82 FR 56158, November 28, 2017).
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-52-1171, Revision 02, dated 
April 10, 2017.
    (ii) [Reserved]
    (5) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 2 Rond Point Emile Dewoitine, 
31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33 
5 61 93 44 51; email: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; internet: 
http://www.airbus.com.
    (6) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
206-231-3195.
    (7) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference 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 Des Moines, Washington, on November 23, 2018.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-26533 Filed 12-27-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


