81 FR 4167 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 16 (January 26, 2016)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319-113, A319-114, A320-211, and A320-212 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the aft mount pylon bolts of the CFM56-5 engines may have been installed using the wrong torque values. This AD requires identification of engines that were installed using the wrong torque values and re-torque of the four aft mount pylon bolts of those engines. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improper torque of the aft mount pylon bolts, which, if combined with any maintenance damage, could lead to aft engine mount failure, possibly resulting in engine detachment and consequent reduced control of the airplane.

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 16 (Tuesday, January 26, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4167-4169]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-01108]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-1429; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-246-AD; 
Amendment 39-18382; AD 2016-02-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A319-113, A319-114, A320-211, and A320-212 airplanes. This 
AD was prompted by a report that the aft mount pylon bolts of the 
CFM56-5 engines may have been installed using the wrong torque values. 
This AD requires identification of engines that were installed using 
the wrong torque values and re-torque of the four aft mount pylon bolts 
of those engines. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improper 
torque of the aft mount pylon bolts, which, if combined with any 
maintenance damage, could lead to aft engine mount failure, possibly 
resulting in engine detachment and consequent reduced control of the 
airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective March 1, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 1, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-1429; or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    For service information identified in this final rule, 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 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
1429.

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: 425-227-1405; 
fax: 425-227-1149.

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A319-
113, A319-114, A320-211, and A320-212 airplanes. The NPRM published in 
the Federal Register on June 15, 2015 (80 FR 34101). The NPRM was 
prompted by a report that the aft mount pylon bolts of the CFM56-5 
engines may have been installed using the

[[Page 4168]]

wrong torque values. The NPRM proposed to require identification of 
engines that were installed using the wrong torque values and re-torque 
of the four aft mount pylon bolts of those engines. We are issuing this 
AD to detect and correct improper torque of the aft mount pylon bolts, 
which, if combined with any maintenance damage, could lead to aft 
engine mount failure, possibly resulting in engine detachment and 
consequent reduced control of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2014-0258, dated November 28, 2014 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A319-113, A319-
114, A320-211, and A320-212 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    In the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) revision dated May 
2013, a wrong torque value was added in AMM task 71-00-00-400-040-
A01 ``Installation of the power plant with Engine Positioner 
TWW75E''. Temporary Revisions (TR) dated March 2014 were published 
by Airbus to correct the information and with AMM revision dated May 
2014, Task 71-00-00-400-040-A01 was corrected to include the correct 
values. Notwithstanding those actions, static and fatigue analyses 
have concluded that this undertorque scenario negatively impacts the 
assembly performance, reducing the aft mount capability.
    This condition, if not corrected and if combined with any 
maintenance damage, could lead to aft engine mount failure, possibly 
resulting in engine detachment and consequent reduced control of the 
aeroplane.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
identification of CFM56-5 engines (those listed in TCDS EASA.E.067 
[http://easa.europa.eu/document-library/typecertificates/easae067]) 
that were installed by using the wrong torque data of AMM 
instructions mentioned above and re-torque of the four aft mount 
pylon bolts of those engines.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-1429-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. The following presents the comment received on the NPRM (80 FR 
34101, June 15, 2015) and the FAA's response to each comment.

Request to Revise Paragraph (h) of the Proposed AD (80 FR 34101, June 
15, 2015)

    Delta Air Lines, Inc. (DAL) requested that we revise paragraph (h) 
of the proposed AD (80 FR 34101, June 15, 2015), by revising the 
wording to refer to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), dated May 
2013 instead of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1063, including 
Appendix 01, dated August 13, 2014. DAL pointed out that paragraph (h) 
of the proposed AD required engine installation in accordance with 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1063, including Appendix 01, dated 
August 13, 2014. DAL also mentioned that Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
71-1063, including Appendix 01, dated August 13, 2014, only has 
requirements for inspection and re-torque of the aft engine mount pylon 
bolts.
    We agree to revise paragraph (h) of this AD because Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-71-1063, including Appendix 01, dated August 13, 2014, 
does not contain installation instructions. We have revised paragraph 
(h) of this AD to specify that no person may install a CFM56-5 engine, 
on any airplane, unless accomplishing the actions specified in 
paragraph (g) of this AD.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment received, and 
determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD with the change described previously and minor editorial 
changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 34101, June 15, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 34101, June 15, 2015).
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this AD.

Related Service Information under 1 CFR part 51

    Airbus has issued Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1063, including 
Appendix 01, dated August 13, 2014. The service information describes 
procedures to detect and correct improper torque of the aft mount pylon 
bolts. 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 126 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $21,420, or $170 per product.

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 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-1429; 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 AD, the 
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other

[[Page 4169]]

information. The street address for the Docket Operations office 
(telephone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.

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 adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

    2016-02-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-18382. Docket No. FAA-2015-1429; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-246-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective March 1, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A319-113 and -114 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A320-211 and -212 airplanes.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report that the aft mount pylon bolts 
of the CFM56-5 engines may have been installed using the wrong 
torque values. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improper 
torque of the aft mount pylon bolts, which, if combined with any 
maintenance damage, could lead to aft engine mount failure, possibly 
resulting in engine detachment and consequent reduced control of the 
airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection for Incorrect Torque Values

    Within 6 months or 1,500 flight cycles, whichever occurs first 
after the effective date of this AD, inspect to determine the method 
used to install the engines, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1063, including 
Appendix 01, dated August 13, 2014. A review of airplane maintenance 
records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the method used 
to install the engines can be conclusively determined from that 
review. For any engine replaced as specified in the Airbus A318/
A319/A320/A321 Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Task 71-00-00-400-
040-A01, ``Installation of the Power Plant with Engine Positioner 
TWW 75E,'' dated May 2013: Within 6 months or 1,500 flight cycles, 
whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD, re-
torque the 4 aft mount pylon bolts using a method approved by 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).

    Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD:  Additional guidance for the 
re-torque can be found in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 AMM Task 71-00-
00-400-040-A01, ``Installation of the Power Plant with Engine 
Positioner TWW 75E,'' dated May 2014.

(h) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
CFM56-5 engine, on any airplane, unless the inspection, and, as 
applicable, the re-torque, is done as specified in paragraph (g) of 
this AD.

(i) 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: 425-227-1405; fax: 425-227-1149. 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. 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.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2014-0258, dated November 28, 2014, for related 
information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet 
at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2015-1429-0002.
    (2) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (k)(3) and (k)(4) of this AD.

(k) 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.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1063, including Appendix 01, 
dated August 13, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAW, 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.
    (4) 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.
    (5) 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 Renton, Washington, on January 11, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-01108 Filed 1-25-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P