The Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC), which is the airworthiness authority for France, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The DGAC advises that, during greasing of the main landing gear (MLG) pintle bearings on a Model A320 series airplane, a crack was found in the forward lug of the right-hand MLG rib 5 fitting. The airplane had accumulated 12,634 total flight cycles and 19,710 total flight hours at the time of the findings. Laboratory analysis of the damaged lug revealed that it was fitted with a bushing that had insufficient cadmium plating. Further investigation revealed that certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes may have been equipped with bushings from a batch found to have insufficient cadmium plating. The forward lug of the left- and right-hand MLG rib 5 fitting of Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes that do not haveAirbus Modification 32025 incorporated could also be susceptible to cracking. These conditions, if not corrected, could result in failure of the lug and consequent collapse of the MLG during landing.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-57A1136, dated January 26, 2005 (for Model A319 and A320 series airplanes). The service bulletin describes procedures for a one-time ultrasonic inspection for cracking in the forward lug of the support rib 5 fitting of both MLG. The service bulletin recommends contacting the manufacturer for repair instructions if any cracking is found.
The DGAC mandated Service Bulletin A320-57A1136, and a detailed visual inspection as defined in the visual procedures of Airbus A318/ A319/A320/A321 Nondestructive Testing Manual (NTM), Chapter 51-90-00, revision dated February 2003; and issued French airworthiness directive F-2005-035, dated March 2, 2005, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in France.Airbus has also issued Service Bulletin A320-57-1118, dated September 5, 2002, and Revision 01, dated August 28, 2003 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes). The service bulletins describe procedures for modification of the lugs of the support rib 5 fitting of the left- and right-hand MLG and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. The modification includes installing new bushings on the lugs of the support rib 5 fitting of the MLG, and applying protective sealant to the bores and spotfaces of the lug. The related investigative and corrective actions include performing a visual inspection for corrosion/damage of the bores and spotfaces of the lug for the pintle pin bushings, and repair if corrosion/damage is found. Accomplishing this service bulletins eliminates the need to conduct the inspections described above.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD
These airplane models are manufactured in France and are type certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DGAC has kept the FAA informed of the situation described above. We have examined the DGAC's findings, evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to issue an AD for products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the United States.
Therefore, we are issuing this AD to require accomplishing the actions specified in Service Bulletin A320-57A1136 (for Model A319 and A320 series airplanes), described previously, except as discussed under "Difference Between the AD and Service Bulletin A320-57A1136." This AD also requires repetitive detailed inspections for all airplanes for cracking in the forward lug of the support rib 5 fitting of the MLG, and repair if necessary. This AD also provides for optional terminating actions.Difference Between the AD and Service Bulletin A320-57A1136
The service bulletin specifies that you may contact the manufacturer for repair instructions if cracks are found, but this AD requires you to repair any cracking by using a method that we or the DGAC (or its delegated agent) approve. In light of the type of repair required to address the unsafe condition, and consistent with existing bilateral airworthiness agreements, we have determined that, for this AD, a repair we or the DGAC approve is acceptable for compliance with this AD.
Clarification of Inspection Terminology
In this AD, the "detailed visual inspection" specified in the French airworthiness directive is referred to as a "detailed inspection." We have included the definition for a detailed inspection in a note in the AD.
Interim Action
We consider this AD interim action. We are currently considering requiring the optional modification of the lugs of the support rib 5 fitting of the left- and right-hand MLG, which would constitute terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by this AD action. However, the planned compliance time for the modification would require us to provide notice and opportunity for prior public comment on the merits of the modification.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make this AD effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under ADDRESSES. Include "Docket No. FAA-2005-21433; Directorate Identifier 2005-NM-079-AD" at thebeginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light of those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov , including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You can review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you can visit http://dms.dot.gov.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA'sauthority 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 have 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 the 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); 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. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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
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]
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):