2010-23-07 Airbus: Amendment 39-16496. Docket No. FAA-2010-0279; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-148-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 10, 2010.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and - 122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, - 213, -231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers (S/Ns), if equipped with carbon fiber reinforced plastic rudders having part numbers (P/Ns) and S/Ns as listed in Table 1 of this AD.
Table 1--Rudder Part Number and Affected Rudder Serial Number
Rudder P/N
Affected rudder S/N
D554 71000 010 00
TS 1069
D554 71000 010 00
TS 1090
D554 71000 012 00
TS 1227
D554 71000 014 00
TS 1350
D554 71000 014 00
TS 1366
D554 71000 014 00
TS 1371
D554 71000 014 00
TS 1383
D554 71000 014 00
TS 1387
D554 71000 016 00
TS 1412
D554 71000 018 00
TS 1443
D554 71000 018 00
TS 1444
D554 71000 018 00
TS 1468
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1480
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1491
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1495
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1498
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1499
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1500
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1505
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1506
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1507
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1509
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1515
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1528
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1530
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1532
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1535
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1536
D554 71000 020 00
TS 1538
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1537
D554 71001 00 000
TS 1540
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1541
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1543
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1548
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1549
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1551
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1554
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1555
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1556
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1557
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1559
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1562
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1563
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1564
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1565
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1566
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1567
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1568
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1569
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1570
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1573
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1575
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1578
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1579
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1580
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1581
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1582
D554 71001 000 00
TS-1584
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1593
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1594
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1596
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1599
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1603
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1609
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1621
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1626
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1627
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1635
D554 71001 000 00
TS 1637
D554 71002 000 00
TS 2306
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2003
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2005
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2013
D554 71002 00000 0001
TS 2016
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2019
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2020
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2022
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2024
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2026
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2031
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2033
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2043
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2047
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2048
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2054
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2058
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2059
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2064
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2072
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2075
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2076
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2079
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2083
D554 71002 000 00 0001
TS 2089
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2090
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2095
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2103
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2116
D55471002 000 00 0002
TS 2122
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2133
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2142
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2147
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2157
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2158
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2162
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2167
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2174
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2176
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2181
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2189
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2191
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2203
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2205
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2207
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2224
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2229
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2233
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2241
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2246
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2249
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2270
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2275
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2289
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2290
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2294
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2309
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2347
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2348
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2349
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2357
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2361
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2380
D554 71002000 00 0002
TS 2383
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2390
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2394
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2396
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2401
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2406
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2461
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2468
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2516
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2537
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2543
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2546
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2619
D554 71002 000 00 0002
TS 2684
D554 71002 000 00 0003
TS 2752
D554 71002 000 00 0003
TS 2869
D554 71002 000 00 0003
TS 2876
D554 71002 000 00 0003
TS 2970
D554 71002 000 00 0003
TS 2971
D554 71002 000 00 0003
TS 2987
D554 71004 000 00 0000
TS 3083
D554 71004 000 00 0000
TS 3197
Note 1: Only rudder P/N D554 71000 010 00 having affected rudder S/N TS-1069 and TS-1090 and rudder P/N D554 71000 012 00 having affected rudder S/N TS-1227, have a core density of 24 kilogram (kg)/meters cubed (m3).
Subject
(d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 55: Stabilizers.
Reason
(e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states:
Surface defects were visually detected on the rudder of one A319 and one A321 in-service aeroplane.
Investigation has determined that the defects reported on both rudders corresponded to areas that had been reworked in production. The investigation confirmed that the defects were a result of de- bonding between the skin and honeycomb core.
An extended de-bonding, if not detected and corrected, may degrade the structural integrity of the rudder. The loss of the rudder leads to degradation of the handling qualities and reduces the controllability of the aeroplane.
This AD requires inspections of specific areas and, when necessary, the application of corrective actions for those rudders where production reworks have been identified.
Inspections include vacuum loss inspections for de-bonding of the rudders in reinforced areas and other areas (splice/lower rib/upper edge/leading edge/other specified locations), and elasticity laminate checks for de-bonding of the rudders in the trailing edge area and other areas (splice/lower rib/upper edge/leading edge/other specified locations). Corrective actions include contacting Airbus for further instruction and doing the repair.
Compliance
(f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Actions
(g) For rudders with a honeycomb core density of 24 kg/m3 (rudder P/N D554 71000 010 00 having affected rudder S/Ns TS-1069 and TS-1090 and rudder P/N D554 71000 012 00 having affected rudder S/N TS-1227), do the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), and (g)(4) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus All Operators Telex (AOT) A320-55A1038, Revision 01, dated June 10, 2009; or Airbus AOT A320-55A1038, Revision 02, dated September 28, 2009; for the locations defined in the AOT.
(1) Within 200 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a vacuum loss inspection on the rudder reinforced area.
(2) Within 20 months after the effective date of this AD, perform an elasticity laminate checker inspection on the rudder trailing edge area. Repeat the inspection two times, at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles but not sooner than 4,000 flight cycles after the last inspection.
(3) Within 200 days after the effective date of this AD, perform an elasticity laminate checker inspection of the other areas (splice/lower rib/upper edge/leading edge/other specified locations). Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles or 200 days, whichever comes first.
(4) Within 20 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a vacuum loss inspection of the other areas (splice/lower rib/upper edge/leading edge/other specified locations). Accomplishment of the action specified in paragraph (g)(4) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraph (g)(3) of this AD.
(h) For rudders that do not have a honeycomb core density of 24 kg/m3 (all rudders identified in Table 1 of this AD, except: Rudder P/N D554 71000 010 00 having affected rudder S/Ns TS-1069 and TS-1090 and rudder P/N D554 71000 012 00 having affected rudder S/N TS-1227), do the actions specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(4) of this AD, in accordance with Airbus AOT A320- 55A1038, Revision 01, dated June 10, 2009; or Airbus AOT A320- 55A1038, Revision 02, dated September 28, 2009; for the locations defined in the AOT. For this AD, "reference date'' is defined as the effective date of this AD or the date when the rudder will accumulate 20,000 total flight cycles from its first installation on an airplane, whichever occurs later.
(1) Within 200 days after the reference date, perform a vacuum loss inspection on the rudder reinforced area.
(2) Within 20 months after thereference date, perform an elasticity laminate checker inspection on the rudder trailing edge area. Repeat the inspection two times at intervals not to exceed 4,500 flight cycles but not sooner than 4,000 flight cycles after the last inspection.
(3) Within 200 days after the reference date, perform an elasticity laminate checker inspection of the other areas (splice/ lower rib/upper edge/leading edge/other specified locations). Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 1,500 flight cycles or 200 days, whichever comes first.
(4) Within 20 months after the reference date, perform a vacuum loss inspection of the other areas (splice/lower rib/upper edge/ leading edge/other specified locations). Accomplishment of the actions specified in this paragraph terminates the requirements of paragraph (h)(3) of this AD.
(i) In case of de-bonding found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, before further flight, contact Airbus for further instructions and apply the associated instructions and corrective actions in accordance with the approved data provided.
(j) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (j)(1) or (j)(2) of this AD, submit a report of the findings (both positive and negative), of each inspection required by paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, as specified in Airbus Technical Disposition TD/K4/S2/27086/2009, Issue E, dated September 17, 2009. For positive findings, submit the report to either the Manager, Seer1/Seer2/Seer3 Customer Services; fax +33 (0)5 61 93 28 73; e-mail region1.structurerepairsupport@airbus.com, region2.structurerepairsupport@airbus.com, or region3.structurerepairsupport@airbus.com, or AIRTAC (Airbus Technical AOG Center) Customer Services; telephone +33 (0)5 61 93 34 00; fax +33 (0)5 61 93 35 00; e-mail airtac@airbus.com. For negative findings, submit the report to Nicolas Seynaeve, Sees1, Customer Services; telephone +33 (0)5 61 93 34 38;fax +33 (0)5 61 93 36 14; e-mail nicolas.seynaeve@airbus.com.
(1) For any inspection done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) For any inspection done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(k) All rudders that have passed the inspection specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), (g)(3), (g)(4), (h)(1), (h)(2), (h)(3), and (h)(4) of this AD before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Airbus AOT A320-55A1038, dated April 22, 2009; or Airbus Technical Disposition TD/K4/S2/27051/2009, Issue B, dated February 25, 2009; are compliant with this AD only for the areas inspected. Additional areas defined in Section 0, "Reason for Revision,'' of Airbus AOT A320-55A1038, Revision 01, dated June 10, 2009, must be inspected as specified in paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD. For all areas, the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) or(h) of this AD remain applicable.
(l) After the effective date of this AD, no rudder listed in Table 1 of this AD may be installed on any airplane, unless the rudder is inspected in accordance with paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, as applicable, and all applicable actions specified in paragraph (i) of this AD are done.
FAA AD Differences
Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.
Other FAA AD Provisions
(m) 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, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149. Beforeusing any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(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 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Related Information
(n) Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2009-0141, dated July 2, 2009, and the service information identified in Table 2 of this AD, for related information.
Table 2--Airbus Service Information
Document
Revision/Issue
Date
Airbus All Operators Telex A320-55A1038
Revision 01
June 10, 2009
Airbus All Operators Telex A320-55A1038
Revision 02
September 28, 2009
Airbus Technical Disposition TD/K4/S2/27086/2009
Issue E
September 17, 2009
Material Incorporated by Reference
(o) You must use the service information contained in Table 3 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
Table 3--Material Incorporated by Reference
Document
Revision/Issue
Date
Airbus All Operators Telex A320-55A1038*
Revision 01
June 10, 2009
Airbus All Operators Telex A320-55A1038*
Revision 02
September 28, 2009
Airbus Technical Disposition TD/K4/S2/27086/2009
Issue E
September 17, 2009
(* The first page of these documents contain the document number, revision level, and date; no other pages contain this information.)
(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, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; e-mail: account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(4) You may also review copies of the 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html..