82_FR_32785 82 FR 32650 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

82 FR 32650 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 135 (July 17, 2017)

Page Range32650-32651
FR Document2017-14704

We propose to remove Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-01-06, which applies to certain Airbus Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-214, A320-232, A321-211, A321-213, and A321-231 airplanes. AD 2017-01-06 requires inspection and replacement of certain tie rod assemblies installed on the hinged fairing assembly of the main landing gear (MLG). We issued AD 2017-01-06 to detect and correct the absence of cadmium plating on the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies. Since we issued AD 2017-01-06, we have determined that although cadmium plating might be absent, the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies can withstand the expected environmental conditions, therefore the unsafe condition, as initially determined, does not exist.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 135 (Monday, July 17, 2017) 
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 135 (Monday, July 17, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32650-32651]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14704]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0690; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-061-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Proposed rule; removal.

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SUMMARY: We propose to remove Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017-01-06, 
which applies to certain Airbus Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-214, 
A320-232, A321-211, A321-213, and A321-231 airplanes. AD 2017-01-06 
requires inspection and replacement of certain tie rod assemblies 
installed on the hinged fairing assembly of the main landing gear 
(MLG). We issued AD 2017-01-06 to detect and correct the absence of 
cadmium plating on the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies. Since 
we issued AD 2017-01-06, we have determined that although cadmium 
plating might be absent, the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies 
can withstand the expected environmental conditions, therefore the 
unsafe condition, as initially determined, does not exist.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 31, 2017.

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 the Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed 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 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-2017-
0690; 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 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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; 
fax 425-227-1149.

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-2017-0690; 
Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-061-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 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 proposed AD.

Discussion

    On December 23, 2016, we issued AD 2017-01-06, Amendment 39-18773 
(82 FR 4773, January 17, 2017) (``AD 2017-01-06''), for certain Airbus 
Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-214, A320-232, A321-211, A321-213, and 
A321-231 airplanes. AD 2017-01-06 requires a detailed inspection for 
the presence of cadmium plating on tie rod assemblies having certain 
part numbers, and procedures for replacement of tie rod assemblies with 
no cadmium plating on the rod end threads. AD 2017-01-06 resulted from 
a report of certain tie rod assemblies installed on the hinged

[[Page 32651]]

fairing assembly of the MLG with no cadmium plating on the rod end 
threads. We issued AD 2017-01-06 to detect and correct the absence of 
cadmium plating on the rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies. The 
absence of cadmium plating could lead to galvanic corrosion of the tie 
rod end threads, resulting in rod end failure, loss of a MLG door, and 
consequent damage to the airplane.

Actions Since AD 2017-01-06 Was Issued

    Since we issued AD 2017-01-06 we have determined that, although 
cadmium plating might be absent, the rod end threads of the tie rod 
assemblies can withstand the expected environmental conditions, 
therefore the unsafe condition, as initially determined, does not 
exist.
    In addition, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) which is 
the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has 
issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0234-CN, dated April 28, 2017 
(referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness 
Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for 
certain Airbus Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-214, A320-232, A321-211, 
A321-213, and A321-231 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A production quality issue was identified concerning tie rod 
assemblies, having [a] Part Number starting with D52840212000 or 
D52840212002, which are installed on the main landing gear (MLG) 
hinged fairing assembly. This quality issue affects the cadmium 
plating surface treatment which was inadvertently omitted from the 
rod end threads of the assembly. The absence of cadmium plating 
reduces the corrosion protection scheme.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, was initially 
assessed as leading to galvanic corrosion of the tie rod end 
threads, possibly resulting in rod end failure, loss of a MLG door, 
and consequent injury to persons on ground.
    To address this unsafe condition, Airbus identified the affected 
MSN [manufacturer serial number] and issued SB A320-52-1167 to 
provide inspection instructions.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2015-0234 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2017-01-06], requiring a one-time inspection of the affected MLG 
hinged fairing tie rod assemblies, and, depending on findings, 
replacement of the affected tie rod assembly.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, tests performed by the tie rod 
assembly manufacturers determined that the assemblies, even without 
cadmium plating surface treatment on the rod end threads, can 
withstand the expected environmental conditions. The consequence is 
that the unsafe condition, as initially determined, does not exist.
    For the reasons described above, this Notice cancels EASA AD 
2015-0234.

    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-2017-
0690.

FAA's Conclusions

    Upon further consideration, we have determined that AD 2017-01-06, 
must be removed. Accordingly, this proposed AD would remove AD 2017-01-
06. Removal of AD 2017-01-06 would not preclude the FAA from issuing 
another related action or commit the FAA to any course of action in the 
future.

Related Costs of Compliance

    AD 2017-01-06 affects about 20 airplanes of U.S. registry. The 
estimated cost of the actions required by AD 2017-01-06 for U.S. 
operators is $3,400, or $170, per product. Removing AD 2017-01-06 would 
eliminate those costs.

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 have 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 that the 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2017-01-06, Amendment 39-18773 (82 FR 4773, January 17, 2017), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2017-0690; Directorate Identifier 2017-NM-
061-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 31, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This action removes AD 2017-01-06, Amendment 39-18773 (82 FR 
4773, January 17, 2017).

(c) Applicability

    This action applies to Airbus Model A319-115, A319-132, A320-
214, A320-232, A321-211, A321-213, and A321-231 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, as identified in Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-52-1167, dated August 6, 2015.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-14704 Filed 7-14-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

32650 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 135 / Monday, July 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules (c) Imposes costs that exceed benefits; DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION the availability of this material at the (d) Creates a serious inconsistency or FAA, call 425–227–1221. Federal Aviation Administration otherwise interferes with regulatory Examining the AD Docket reform initiatives and policies; You may examine the AD docket on 14 CFR Part 39 (e) Is inconsistent with the the Internet at http:// [Docket No. FAA–2017–0690; Directorate requirements or regulations of section www.regulations.gov by searching for Identifier 2017–NM–061–AD] 515 of the Treasury and General and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– Government Appropriations Act, 2001 RIN 2120–AA64 0690; or in person at the Docket (44 U.S.C. 3516 note), which requires Management Facility between 9 a.m. that agencies maximize the quality, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, Airplanes except Federal holidays. The AD docket objectivity, and integrity of the information (including statistical AGENCY: Federal Aviation contains this proposed AD, the information) they disseminate; or Administration (FAA), DOT. regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The (f) Derives from or implements ACTION: Proposed rule; removal. street address for the Docket Operations Executive Orders or other Presidential office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in SUMMARY: We propose to remove directives that have been subsequently the ADDRESSES section. Comments will Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2017–01– rescinded or substantially modified. be available in the AD docket shortly 06, which applies to certain Airbus 3. Are there any existing USDA Model A319–115, A319–132, A320–214, after receipt. requirements that duplicate or conflict A320–232, A321–211, A321–213, and FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: with requirements of another Federal A321–231 airplanes. AD 2017–01–06 Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, agency? Can the requirement be requires inspection and replacement of International Branch, ANM–116, modified to eliminate the conflict? certain tie rod assemblies installed on Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, the hinged fairing assembly of the main 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 4. What are the estimated total 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405; compliance costs of the USDA landing gear (MLG). We issued AD 2017–01–06 to detect and correct the fax 425–227–1149. regulations to which you or your absence of cadmium plating on the rod SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: organization must comply? This should end threads of the tie rod assemblies. Comments Invited include the costs of complying with Since we issued AD 2017–01–06, we information collections, recordkeeping, have determined that although We invite you to send any written and other requirements subject to the cadmium plating might be absent, the relevant data, views, or arguments about Paperwork Reduction Act. rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies this proposal. Send your comments to This notice is issued for information can withstand the expected an address listed under the ADDRESSES and program-planning purposes. While environmental conditions, therefore the section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA– comments to this notice do not bind unsafe condition, as initially 2017–0690; Directorate Identifier 2017– determined, does not exist. NM–061–AD’’ at the beginning of your USDA to any further actions, all comments. We specifically invite submissions will be reviewed by the DATES: We must receive comments on comments on the overall regulatory, Task Force, and made publicly available this proposed AD by August 31, 2017. economic, environmental, and energy on http://www.regulations.gov. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, aspects of this proposed AD. We will Although USDA will not respond to using the procedures found in 14 CFR consider all comments received by the individual comments, USDA values 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following closing date and may amend this public feedback and will give careful methods: proposed AD because of those consideration to all input that it • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to comments. receives. http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the We will post all comments we USDA will keep the public apprised instructions for submitting comments. receive, without change, to http:// of the status of its review and any plans • Fax: 202–493–2251. www.regulations.gov, including any • Mail: U.S. Department of personal information you provide. We to repeal, replace, or modify existing Transportation, Docket Operations, M– will also post a report summarizing each regulations. The Department will issue 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room substantive verbal contact we receive a detailed update as part of the 2017 fall W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., about this proposed AD. regulatory agenda and statement of Washington, DC 20590. regulatory priorities. Additionally, the • Hand Delivery: Deliver to the Mail Discussion public is encouraged to visit https:// address above between 9 a.m. and 5 On December 23, 2016, we issued AD www.usda.gov/ for the latest p.m., Monday through Friday, except 2017–01–06, Amendment 39–18773 (82 information about the Department’s Federal holidays. FR 4773, January 17, 2017) (‘‘AD 2017– regulatory reform efforts. For service information identified in 01–06’’), for certain Airbus Model Dated: July 11, 2017. this proposed AD, contact Airbus, A319–115, A319–132, A320–214, A320– Rebeckah Adcock, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond 232, A321–211, A321–213, and A321– Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac 231 airplanes. AD 2017–01–06 requires jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Regulatory Reform Officer and Senior Advisor Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 a detailed inspection for the presence of to the Secretary, Office of the Secretary. 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email cadmium plating on tie rod assemblies [FR Doc. 2017–14920 Filed 7–14–17; 8:45 am] account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; having certain part numbers, and BILLING CODE 3410–90–P Internet http://www.airbus.com. You procedures for replacement of tie rod may view this referenced service assemblies with no cadmium plating on information at the FAA, Transport the rod end threads. AD 2017–01–06 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue resulted from a report of certain tie rod SW., Renton, WA. For information on assemblies installed on the hinged VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:53 Jul 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\17JYP1.SGM 17JYP1

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 135 / Monday, July 17, 2017 / Proposed Rules 32651 fairing assembly of the MLG with no For the reasons described above, this Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, cadmium plating on the rod end Notice cancels EASA AD 2015–0234. 1979); threads. We issued AD 2017–01–06 to You may examine the MCAI in the (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation detect and correct the absence of AD docket on the Internet at http:// in Alaska; and cadmium plating on the rod end threads www.regulations.gov by searching for of the tie rod assemblies. The absence of (4) Will not have a significant and locating Docket No. FAA–2017– cadmium plating could lead to galvanic economic impact, positive or negative, 0690. corrosion of the tie rod end threads, on a substantial number of small entities resulting in rod end failure, loss of a FAA’s Conclusions under the criteria of the Regulatory MLG door, and consequent damage to Upon further consideration, we have Flexibility Act. the airplane. determined that AD 2017–01–06, must List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Actions Since AD 2017–01–06 Was be removed. Accordingly, this proposed Issued AD would remove AD 2017–01–06. Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation Removal of AD 2017–01–06 would not safety, Incorporation by reference, Since we issued AD 2017–01–06 we preclude the FAA from issuing another Safety. have determined that, although related action or commit the FAA to any cadmium plating might be absent, the course of action in the future. The Proposed Amendment rod end threads of the tie rod assemblies Accordingly, under the authority can withstand the expected Related Costs of Compliance delegated to me by the Administrator, environmental conditions, therefore the AD 2017–01–06 affects about 20 the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part unsafe condition, as initially airplanes of U.S. registry. The estimated 39 as follows: determined, does not exist. cost of the actions required by AD 2017– In addition, the European Aviation 01–06 for U.S. operators is $3,400, or PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS Safety Agency (EASA) which is the $170, per product. Removing AD 2017– DIRECTIVES Technical Agent for the Member States 01–06 would eliminate those costs. of the European Union, has issued Authority for This Rulemaking ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015– continues to read as follows: 0234–CN, dated April 28, 2017 (referred Title 49 of the United States Code to after this as the Mandatory specifies the FAA’s authority to issue Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. Continuing Airworthiness Information, rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the authority of § 39.13 [Amended] or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by A319–115, A319–132, A320–214, A320– Aviation Programs, describes in more removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 232, A321–211, A321–213, and A321– detail the scope of the Agency’s 2017–01–06, Amendment 39–18773 (82 231 airplanes. The MCAI states: authority. FR 4773, January 17, 2017), and adding We are issuing this rulemaking under the following new AD: A production quality issue was identified the authority described in Subtitle VII, concerning tie rod assemblies, having [a] Part Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2017–0690; Number starting with D52840212000 or Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that Directorate Identifier 2017–NM–061–AD. D52840212002, which are installed on the main landing gear (MLG) hinged fairing section, Congress charges the FAA with (a) Comments Due Date assembly. This quality issue affects the promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in We must receive comments by August 31, cadmium plating surface treatment which air commerce by prescribing regulations was inadvertently omitted from the rod end 2017. for practices, methods, and procedures threads of the assembly. The absence of the Administrator finds necessary for (b) Affected ADs cadmium plating reduces the corrosion safety in air commerce. This regulation protection scheme. This action removes AD 2017–01–06, is within the scope of that authority Amendment 39–18773 (82 FR 4773, January This condition, if not detected and corrected, was initially assessed as leading to because it addresses an unsafe condition 17, 2017). galvanic corrosion of the tie rod end threads, that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking (c) Applicability possibly resulting in rod end failure, loss of a MLG door, and consequent injury to action. This action applies to Airbus Model A319– persons on ground. 115, A319–132, A320–214, A320–232, A321– To address this unsafe condition, Airbus Regulatory Findings 211, A321–213, and A321–231 airplanes, identified the affected MSN [manufacturer We have determined that this certificated in any category, as identified in serial number] and issued SB A320–52–1167 proposed AD would not have federalism Airbus Service Bulletin A320–52–1167, to provide inspection instructions. implications under Executive Order dated August 6, 2015. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2015–0234 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2017–01–06], 13132. This proposed AD would not Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, requiring a one-time inspection of the have a substantial direct effect on the 2017. affected MLG hinged fairing tie rod States, on the relationship between the Michael Kaszycki, assemblies, and, depending on findings, national Government and the States, or replacement of the affected tie rod assembly. on the distribution of power and Acting Manager, Transport Airplane jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Since that [EASA] AD was issued, tests Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. responsibilities among the various performed by the tie rod assembly levels of government. [FR Doc. 2017–14704 Filed 7–14–17; 8:45 am] manufacturers determined that the For the reasons discussed above, I BILLING CODE 4910–13–P assemblies, even without cadmium plating certify that the proposed regulation: surface treatment on the rod end threads, can withstand the expected environmental (1) Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory conditions. The consequence is that the action’’ under Executive Order 12866; unsafe condition, as initially determined, (2) Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under does not exist. the DOT Regulatory Policies and VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:53 Jul 14, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\17JYP1.SGM 17JYP1


Document Created: 2017-07-15 03:45:45
Document Modified: 2017-07-15 03:45:45
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionProposed Rules
ActionProposed rule; removal.
DatesWe must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 31, 2017.
ContactSanjay 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.
FR Citation82 FR 32650 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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