[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 217 (Thursday, November 8, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55833-55837]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24390]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0957; Product Identifier 2018-NM-102-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS 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 all 
Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes; Model A319-
111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; and Model 
A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks that were found after 
improperly performed magnetic particle inspections of the main landing 
gear (MLG) sliding tubes were done. This proposed AD would require 
instructions for repetitive general visual inspections of the affected 
parts for cracks and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 24, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, 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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Airbus, 
Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 
51; email [email protected]; internet http://www.airbus.com. 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.

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-
0957; 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 NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other 
information. The street address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD 
docket shortly after receipt.

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.

[[Page 55834]]


SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0957; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-102-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2018-0136, dated June 26, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and 
-133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During a walk-around inspection, prior to aeroplane dispatch, an 
A320 MLG was found collapsed. Investigation revealed that, following 
a magnetic particle inspection of the MLG sliding tube, performed 
improperly during overhaul, cracks were initiated, eventually 
leading to fatigue fracture. A limited number of MLG sliding tubes 
have been identified that may have been subject to the same improper 
inspection during the last overhaul.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to MLG 
sliding tube fracture, possibly resulting in MLG collapse, damage to 
the aeroplane, and injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the SB 
[Service Bulletin A320-32-1461], providing instructions for 
repetitive general visual inspections (GVI) of the affected parts 
until next overhaul.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
repetitive GVI of the affected parts [for cracks] and, depending on 
findings, replacement.

    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-
0957.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 11, 
2018. This service information describes procedures for repetitive 
general visual inspections of MLG sliding tubes for cracks and 
replacement of affected sliding tubes. 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.

FAA's Determination

    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 the relevant information and determined the unsafe 
condition described previously is likely to exist or develop on other 
products of the same type design.

Proposed Requirements of This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified 
in the service information described previously.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 817 airplanes of U.S. 
registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed 
AD:

                                    Estimated Costs for Required Actions [*]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Labor cost                   Parts cost         Cost per product         Cost on U.S.  operators
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Up to 2 work-hours x $85 per hour = $170              $0  Up to $170................  Up to $138,890.
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* Table does not include estimated costs for reporting.

    We estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the proposed reporting requirement in this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be 
$9,945, or $85 per product.
    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary on-condition 
actions that would be required based on the results of any required 
actions. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that 
might need these on-condition actions:

                 Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
------------------------------------------------------------------------
19 work-hours x $85 per hour = $1,615.            $185           $1,800
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    We estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the proposed reporting requirement in this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $85 per hour. Based on these figures, we estimate 
the cost of reporting the inspection results on U.S. operators to be 
$85 per product.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this NPRM is 2120-
0056.

[[Page 55835]]

The paperwork cost associated with this NPRM has been detailed in the 
Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this NPRM is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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 proposed 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 to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

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);
    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.

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

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus SAS: Docket No. FAA-2018-0957; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
102-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 24, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks that were found after 
improperly performed magnetic particle inspections of the main 
landing gear (MLG) sliding tubes were done. We are issuing this AD 
to address this condition, which could result in fracture of the MLG 
sliding tube, possibly resulting in MLG collapse, damage to the 
airplane, and injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definitions

    For the purposes of this AD, the definitions specified in 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD apply.
    (1) An affected part is any MLG sliding tube, having a part 
number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) listed in Figure 1 to paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, that has been last overhauled between October 27, 
2003, and September 21, 2009, inclusive.

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[[Page 55836]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP08NO18.011

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    (2) Group 1 airplanes are those that have an affected part 
installed. Group 2 airplanes are those that do not have an affected 
part installed.

(h) Repetitive Inspections

    For Group 1 airplanes: Within 500 flight cycles after the 
effective date of this AD, and, thereafter, at intervals not to 
exceed 500 flight cycles, accomplish a general visual inspection for 
cracks of each affected part, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 
11, 2018.

(i) Corrective Action

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the 
affected part, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 11, 2018.

(j) Terminating Action for Certain Actions Required by Paragraph (h) of 
This AD

    Accomplishment of an overhaul of an affected part after 
September 21, 2009, constitutes terminating action for the 
repetitive general visual inspections required by paragraph (h) of 
this AD for that affected part.

(k) Reporting

    Submit a report of findings (both positive and negative) of the 
inspections specified in paragraph (h) of this AD to Airbus, in 
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1461, dated April 
11, 2018, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or 
(k)(2) of this AD. If operators have reported findings as part of 
obtaining any corrective actions approved by Airbus SAS's European 
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Design Organization Approval (DOA), 
operators are not required to report those findings as specified in 
this paragraph.
    (1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of 
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this 
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD.

(l) Exception to Paragraphs (h) and (i) of This AD

    An airplane embodying Airbus Modification 161202 (Evolution (EV) 
MLG) is not affected by the requirements of paragraphs (h) and (i) 
of this AD, provided it is determined that no affected parts are 
installed on that airplane. A review of airplane delivery and/or 
maintenance records is acceptable to make this determination, 
provided those records can be relied upon for that purpose and the 
part number and serial

[[Page 55837]]

number of the MLG sliding tube can be positively identified from 
that review.

(m) Parts Installation

    (1) For Group 1 airplanes: From the effective date of this AD, 
it is allowed to install on any airplane an affected part, or an MLG 
equipped with an affected part, provided that, within the last 500 
flight cycles before installation, the part passed an inspection 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, and that, following 
installation, the part is inspected as required by this AD.
    (2) For Group 2 airplanes: From the effective date of this AD, 
do not install on any airplane an affected part.

(n) 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 (o)(2) of this AD. Information 
may be emailed to: [email protected]. 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 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): 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.
    (4) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or 
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a 
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a 
collection of information subject to the requirements of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information 
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number 
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for 
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 1 
hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, 
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All 
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments 
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing 
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. 
SW, Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance 
Officer, AES 200.

(o) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0136, dated June 26, 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-2018-0957.
    (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) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 
61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; internet http://www.airbus.com. 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.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on October 26, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-24390 Filed 11-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P


