2015-18533. Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

SUMMARY:

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A319-131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-232 and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-131, -231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of forward engine mount attachment pins that were manufactured from discrepant raw material. This proposed AD would require identification and replacement of affected forward engine mount attachment pins. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of a forward engine mount attachment pin, possible loss of an engine in-flight, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

DATES:

We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 14, 2015.

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: [phone].
• 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 W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

For Airbus service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. For Goodrich Aerostructures service information identified in this proposed AD, contact UTC Aerospace Systems, ATTN: Christopher Newth—V2500 A1/A5 Project Engineer, Aftermarket—Aerostructures; 850 Lagoon Drive, Chula Vista, CA; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

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-2015-2963; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone [phone]) 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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include “Docket No. FAA-2015-2963; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-016-AD” at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0004, dated January 13, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or “the MCAI”), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A319-131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-232 and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-131, -231, and -232 airplanes. The MCAI states:

A number of forward engine mount pins, Part Number (P/N) 740-2022-501, intended for IAE V2500 series engines, have been reported as non-compliant with the current certification requirements, due to a quality issue during manufacturing of the raw material. It was also determined that a batch of 88 affected pins are installed on in-service aeroplanes fitted with forward engine mount P/N 745-2010-503 and the serial numbers (s/n) of the affected pins and the [manufacturer serial number] MSN of the related aeroplanes have been identified.

This condition, if not corrected, could lead to forward engine mount pin failure, possibly resulting in in-flight loss of an engine and consequent reduced control of the aeroplane.

For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires identification of the affected forward engine mount pins and removal from service [replacement] of those pins.

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-2015-2963.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-71-1064, dated November 5, 2014; and Goodrich Aerostructures has issued Service Bulletin V2500-NAC-71-0323, dated September 18, 2014. The service information describes procedures for an inspection to determine the serial number of the attachment pins for the forward engine mount crossbeam to main beam for each engine, and replacement of affected pins. 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 of this NPRM.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed 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 proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs.

Explanation of “RC” Procedures and Tests in Service Information

The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for annotating which procedures and tests in the service information are required for compliance with an AD. Differentiating these procedures and tests from other tasks in the service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's understanding of crucial AD requirements and help provide consistent judgment in AD compliance. The procedures and tests identified as RC (required for compliance) in any service information have a direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating an identified unsafe condition.

As specified in a NOTE under the Accomplishment Instructions of the specified Airbus service information, procedures and tests identified as RC must be done to comply with the proposed AD. However, procedures and 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 alternative method of compliance (AMOC), provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC will require approval of an AMOC.

Costs of Compliance

We estimate that this proposed AD affects 922 airplanes of U.S. registry.

We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $0 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $156,740, or $170 per product.

In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 4 work-hours and require parts costing $1,724, for a cost of $2,064 per attachment pin replacement. We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this action.

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 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

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

§ 39.13

[Amended]

2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2015-2963; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-016-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

We must receive comments by September 14, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

None.

(c) Applicability

This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.

(1) Model A319-131, -132, and -133 airplanes.

(2) Model A320-232 and -233 airplanes.

(3) Model A321-131, -231, and -232 airplanes.

(d) Subject

Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Power Plant.

(e) Reason

This AD was prompted by reports of forward engine mount attachment pins that were manufactured from discrepant raw material. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of a forward engine mount attachment pin, possible loss of an engine in-flight, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Identification of Part Numbers for Forward Engine Mount and Attachment Pins

Except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD, at the earliest of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD: For each engine, identify the part number of the forward engine mount, and the part number and serial number of the attachment pin for that forward engine mount, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1064, dated November 5, 2014; and Goodrich Aerostructures Service Bulletin V2500-NAC-71-0323, dated September 18, 2014. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this identification if the part number of the forward engine mount, and the part number and serial number of the attachment pin for that forward engine mount can be conclusively determined from that review. If any part number of the forward engine mount, or part number or serial number of the attachment pins for the forward engine mount, cannot be identified: At the earliest of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD, contact the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA), for identification information.

(1) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.

(2) At the next engine removal after the effective date of this AD.

(3) Within 7,500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.

(4) Within 5,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.

(h) Corrective Actions

If, during any identification required by paragraph (g) of this AD, a forward engine mount having part number (P/N) 745-2010-503 is found, and the attachment pin has P/N 740-2022-501 with any serial number that is included in figure 1 to paragraphs (h) and (j) of this AD: At the earliest of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(4) of this AD, replace the affected attachment pin with a serviceable part having a part number other than P/N 740-2022-501, and having a serial number that is not identified in figure 1 to paragraphs (h) and (j) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1064, dated November 5, 2014; and Goodrich Aerostructures Service Bulletin V2500-NAC-71-0323, dated September 18, 2014.

Figure 1 to Paragraphs (h) and (j) of This AD—Part Numbers and Serial Numbers of Affected Forward Engine Mounts and Attachment Pins

Serial Nos.
Attachment Pin (P/N 740-2022-501)	Forward Engine Mount (P/N 745-2010-503)
1396SC	13665001
1391SC	13655001
1412SC	13689001
1402SC	13669001
1409SC	13683001
1416SC	13697001
1418SC	13701001
1417SC	13699001
1414SC	13693001
1415SC	13695001
1420SC	13705001
1421SC	13707001
1422SC	13709001
1436SC	13737001
1438SC	13741001
1452SC	13769001
1456SC	13777001
1397SC	13667001
1432SC	13729001
1405SC	13675001
1411SC	13687001
1389SC	13651001
1392SC	13657001
1382SC	13637001
1384SC	13641001
1407SC	13679001
1408SC	13681001
1395SC	13663001
1406SC	13677001
1383SC	13639001
1404SC	13673001
1393SC	13659001
1413SC	13691001
1386SC	13645001
1388SC	13649001
1390SC	13653001
1410SC	13685001
1423SC	13711001
1424SC	13713001
1403SC	13671001
1419SC	13703001
1385SC	13643001
1387SC	13647001
1431SC	13727001
1433SC	13731001
1425SC	13715001
1428SC	13721001
1429SC	13723001
1430SC	13725001
1427SC	13719001
1434SC	13733001
1442SC	13749001
1394SC	13661001
1441SC	13747001
1426SC	13717001
1437SC	13739001
1439SC	13743001
1443SC	13751001
1448SC	13761001
1435SC	13735001
1440SC	13745001
1454SC	13773001
1455SC	13775001
1451SC	13767001
1453SC	13771001
1444SC	13753001
1450SC	13765001
1461SC	13787001
1469SC	13817001
1480SC	13839001
1481SC	13841001
1446SC	13757001
1449SC	13763001
1467SC	13813001
1445SC	13755001
1462SC	13789001
1464SC	13793001
1466SC	13811001
1470SC	13819001
1459SC	13783001
1463SC	13791001
1475SC	13829001
1458SC	13781001
1477SC	13833001
1474SC	13827001
1478SC	13835001
1479SC	13837001
1472SC	13823001

(i) Exception to Paragraph (g) of This AD

For airplanes with manufacturer serial numbers identified in figure 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD: If it can be conclusively determined that an engine has not been replaced after March 1, 2011 (the date of manufacture of the first airplane with affected engine mounts), the airplane is not affected by the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD.

Airplane manufacturer serial Nos.

4593

4602

4620

4637

4638

4642

4643

4644

4660

4677

4690

4696

4700

4701

4703

4706

4707

4710

4716

4719

4725

4726

4731

4736

4737

4741

4746

4751

4752

4753

4754

4755

4757

4761

4762

4772

4773

4774

4775

4779

4782

4783

4784

4786

4788

4790

4791

4798

4804

4813

(j) Parts Installation Prohibition

As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane any engine mount attachment pin having P/N 740-2022-501 with a serial number identified in figure 1 to paragraphs (h) and (j) of this AD.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

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. 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]. Information may be emailed to: [e-mail]. 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. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.

(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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the EASA; or Airbus'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 a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(l) Special Flight Permits Prohibited

Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), are not allowed.

(m) Related Information

(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0004, dated January 13, 2015, 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-2015-2963.

(2) For Airbus service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; email [e-mail]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. For Goodrich Aerostructures service information identified in this AD, contact UTC Aerospace Systems, ATTN: Christopher Newth—V2500 A1/A5 Project Engineer, Aftermarket—Aerostructures; 850 Lagoon Drive, Chula Vista, CA; telephone [phone]; email [e-mail]. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 17, 2015.

Michael Kaszycki,

Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.