Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 50872-50875 [2014-20261]
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 26, 2014 / Proposed Rules
Requirements, Revision 04, dated August 27,
2013, except as provided by paragraph (k)(2)
of this AD, accomplish all applicable
maintenance tasks. Accomplishing these
actions terminates the requirements of
paragraphs (g), (h), (i), and (j) of this AD.
(2) Where paragraph 3 of the ‘‘Record of
Revisions’’ section of Airbus A330 ALS Part
3—Certification Maintenance Requirements,
Revision 04, dated August 27, 2013, specifies
accomplishing the actions ‘‘from 27 August
2013,’’ this AD requires compliance within
the specified compliance time after the
effective date of this AD.
(l) No Alternative Inspections or Intervals
After accomplishing the action required by
paragraph (k)(1) of this AD, no alternative
inspections or inspection intervals may be
used, other than those specified in Airbus
A330 ALS, Part 3—Certification Maintenance
Requirements, Revision 04, dated August 27,
2013, except as provided by paragraph (k)(2)
of this AD, unless the inspections or intervals
are approved as an AMOC in accordance
with the procedures specified in paragraph
(m) of this AD.
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(m) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, 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:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone (425) 227–1138; fax (425) 227–
1149. Information may be emailed to:
9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
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 European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013–0245, dated
October 2, 2013, for related information. This
MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–
2014–0587.
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(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
airworthiness.A330@airbus.com; Internet
https://www.airbus.com. 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 August
18, 2014.
Kevin Hull,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–20257 Filed 8–25–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0585; Directorate
Identifier 2013–NM–248–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A318, A319, and A321
series airplanes; and Model A320–211,
–212, –214, –231, –232, and –233
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report of corrosion found
during the manufacturing process for
some oxygen pipe assemblies that are
used to supply oxygen to the flight
crew. This proposed AD would require
an inspection to determine the batch
number or installation date of the
oxygen pipe assembly that is installed at
the end of the right-hand crew
distribution line, and, if necessary,
replacement of the pipe. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct
corrosion, which could lead to blocked
or reduced oxygen supply to a flight
crew member during a decompression
event or a smoke/fire event in the
cockpit. Under certain conditions,
corrosion particles could increase the
risk of fire in the cockpit.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 10, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
SUMMARY:
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• 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: 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 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
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://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 https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–
0585; 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 proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2014–0585; Directorate Identifier
2013–NM–248–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.
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 26, 2014 / Proposed Rules
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
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
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013–0278,
dated November 26, 2013 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Model A318, A319, and
A321 series airplanes; and Model A320–
211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and –233
airplanes. The MCAI states:
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Some oxygen pipe assemblies, Part
Number (P/N) D3511032000640, have been
found corroded during manufacturing at
supplier level. The affected pipe assembly is
installed at the end of the right hand (RH)
crew distribution line, just upstream of the
First Officer and RH Observer oxygen mask
boxes.
The investigation showed that the affected
pipes had been heat treated just 4 weeks
before the summer factory closure and were
only cleaned after re-opening of the factory.
During this interruption, corrosion developed
in these pipes.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to blocked or reduced
oxygen supply to one flight crew member in
case of decompression or smoke/fire in the
cockpit. In addition, the presence of particles
in oxygen lines, under certain conditions,
increases the risk of fire in the cockpit.
The parts manufacturer identified the
batch numbers of the potentially affected
pipes that were manufactured in a specific
period in 2011. Based on that information,
Airbus has identified the aeroplanes on
which those pipes have been installed on the
production line and has issued Service
Bulletin (SB) A320–35–1069, containing
instructions to remove the affected pipes
from service.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires the identification of the
affected oxygen pipes P/N D3511032000640,
and for those included in the affected
batches, replacement of the oxygen pipe.
This [EASA] AD also prohibits installation of
any of the affected pipes on other aeroplanes.
You may examine the MCAI in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating it in Docket No. FAA–
2014–0585.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A320–35–1069, dated April 26, 2013.
The actions described in this service
information are intended to correct the
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unsafe condition identified in the
MCAI.
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 the same
type design.
‘‘Contacting the Manufacturer’’
Paragraph in This Proposed AD
Since late 2006, we have included a
standard paragraph titled ‘‘Airworthy
Product’’ in all MCAI ADs in which the
FAA develops an AD based on a foreign
authority’s AD.
The MCAI or referenced service
information in an FAA AD often directs
the owner/operator to contact the
manufacturer for corrective actions,
such as a repair. Briefly, the Airworthy
Product paragraph allowed owners/
operators to use corrective actions
provided by the manufacturer if those
actions were FAA-approved. In
addition, the paragraph stated that any
actions approved by the State of Design
Authority (or its delegated agent) are
considered to be FAA-approved.
In an NPRM having Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–101–AD (78 FR
78285, December 26, 2013), we
proposed to prevent the use of repairs
that were not specifically developed to
correct the unsafe condition, by
requiring that the repair approval
provided by the State of Design
Authority or its delegated agent
specifically refer to the FAA AD. This
change was intended to clarify the
method of compliance and to provide
operators with better visibility of repairs
that are specifically developed and
approved to correct the unsafe
condition. In addition, we proposed to
change the phrase ‘‘its delegated agent’’
to include a design approval holder
(DAH) with State of Design Authority
design organization approval (DOA), as
applicable, to refer to a DAH authorized
to approve required repairs for the
proposed AD.
One commenter to the NPRM having
Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–101–AD
(78 FR 78285, December 26, 2013) stated
the following: ‘‘The proposed wording,
being specific to repairs, eliminates the
interpretation that Airbus messages are
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50873
acceptable for approving minor
deviations (corrective actions) needed
during accomplishment of an AD
mandated Airbus service bulletin.’’
This comment has made the FAA
aware that some operators have
misunderstood or misinterpreted the
Airworthy Product paragraph to allow
the owner/operator to use messages
provided by the manufacturer as
approval of deviations during the
accomplishment of an AD-mandated
action. The Airworthy Product
paragraph does not approve messages or
other information provided by the
manufacturer for deviations to the
requirements of the AD-mandated
actions. The Airworthy Product
paragraph only addresses the
requirement to contact the manufacturer
for corrective actions for the identified
unsafe condition and does not cover
deviations from other AD requirements.
However, deviations to AD-required
actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17,
and anyone may request the approval
for an alternative method of compliance
to the AD-required actions using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
To address this misunderstanding and
misinterpretation of the Airworthy
Product paragraph, we have changed the
paragraph and retitled it ‘‘Contacting the
Manufacturer.’’ This paragraph now
clarifies that for any requirement in this
proposed AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the actions
must be accomplished using a method
approved by the FAA, the European
Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), or
Airbus’s EASA DOA.
The Contacting the Manufacturer
paragraph also clarifies that, if approved
by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature. The DOA
signature indicates that the data and
information contained in the document
are EASA-approved, which is also FAAapproved. Messages and other
information provided by the
manufacturer that do not contain the
DOA-authorized signature approval are
not EASA-approved, unless EASA
directly approves the manufacturer’s
message or other information.
This clarification does not remove
flexibility previously afforded by the
Airworthy Product paragraph.
Consistent with long-standing FAA
policy, such flexibility was never
intended for required actions. This is
also consistent with the
recommendation of the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation
Rulemaking Committee to increase
flexibility in complying with ADs by
identifying those actions in
manufacturers’ service instructions that
are ‘‘Required for Compliance’’ with
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 26, 2014 / Proposed Rules
ADs. We continue to work with
manufacturers to implement this
recommendation. But once we
determine that an action is required, any
deviation from the requirement must be
approved as an alternative method of
compliance.
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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 2 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. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $340, or $170 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any
necessary follow-on actions would take
about 5 work-hours, for a cost of $425
per product. We have no way of
determining the number of aircraft that
might need this action.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
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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);
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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. Amend § 39.13 by adding the
following new airworthiness directive
(AD):
■
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2014–0585;
Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–248–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 10,
2014.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4)
of this AD, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122
airplanes.
(2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114,
–115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes.
(3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231,
–232, and –233 airplanes.
(4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of
corrosion found during the manufacturing
process for some oxygen pipe assemblies that
are used to supply oxygen to the flight crew.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
corrosion, which could lead to blocked or
reduced oxygen supply to a flight crew
member during a decompression event or a
smoke/fire event in the cockpit. Under
certain conditions, corrosion particles could
increase the risk of fire in the cockpit.
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(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspecting for Part Numbers and
Replacement
For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A.
of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–1069,
dated April 26, 2013: Within 7,500 flight
hours or 26 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the
crew oxygen pipe, having part number (P/N)
D3511032000640, to determine the batch
number of that pipe, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–35–1069, dated April
26, 2013. A review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable in lieu of this
inspection if the batch number of the pipe
can be conclusively determined from that
review. If the batch number of the oxygen
pipe is 19356252, 40008586, 40076689,
40187414, 40292749, 40405164, 40649383,
40724994, 40820410, or 40911832, within
7,500 flight hours or 26 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs
first, replace the oxygen pipe with a
serviceable part, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–35–1069, dated April
26, 2013.
(h) Inspection for Part Number of Crew
Oxygen Pipe
For airplanes not identified in paragraph
1.A. of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–
1069, dated April 26, 2013: Within 7,500
flight hours or 26 months after the effective
date of this AD, whichever occurs first,
inspect the crew oxygen pipe to determine
whether P/N D3511032000640 was installed
after June 2011. A review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of
this inspection if the part number and
installation date of the pipe can be
conclusively determined from that review. If
the pipe was installed after June 2011, or the
date cannot be conclusively determined,
before further flight, do the actions required
in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not
install, on any airplane, a crew oxygen pipe
P/N D3511032000640, that is identified as
belonging to batch number 19356252,
40008586, 40076689, 40187414, 40292749,
40405164, 40649383, 40724994, 40820410, or
40911832.
(j) 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,
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 165 / Tuesday, August 26, 2014 / Proposed Rules
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: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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 European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013–0278, dated
November 26, 2013, for related information.
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket
on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA–2014–0585.
(2) For service information identified in
this 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 account.airworth-eas@
airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com.
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 August
15, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2014–20261 Filed 8–25–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0575; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–086–AD]
Examining the AD Docket
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all The
SUMMARY:
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Boeing Company Model 747–8F and
747–8 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by reports of
delamination damage to leading edge
(LE) variable camber krueger (VCK)
flaps. This proposed AD would require
repetitive inspections to detect
delamination damage of the lightning
strike applique (LSA) on the LE VCK
flaps, and corrective actions if
necessary. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct delamination damage
to the LE VCK flaps, which can reduce
the lightning strike protection capability
on the LE VCK flaps and result in an
uncommanded motion of the trailing
edge flap system. Such uncommanded
flap motion, without shutdown of the
trailing edge or leading edge flaps, may
cause unexpected changes in lift,
potentially resulting in asymmetric lift
and loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 10, 2014.
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
https://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 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 Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, Attention: Data
& Services Management, P.O. Box 3707,
MC 2H–65, Seattle, WA 98124–2207;
telephone 206–544–5000, extension 1;
fax 206–766–5680; Internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may
review 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.
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–
0575; 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
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50875
street address for the Docket Office
(phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kenneth Frey, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–
130S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification
Office, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–6468;
fax: 425–917–6190; email:
kenneth.frey@faa.gov.
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–
2014–0575; Directorate Identifier 2014–
NM–086–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 https://
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
We have received multiple reports of
damage to the LSA on the LE VCK flaps
found during ground inspections on
Model 747–8F and 747–8 series
airplanes. The damage included
delamination of topcoat and metal foil
layers from the underlying dielectric
layer of the LSA. In some cases, the LSA
damage was incorrectly identified as
missing or peeling paint.
Excessive delamination damage can
reduce the lightning strike protection
capability on LE VCK flaps. Loss of
lightning strike protection could expose
the electrical traces of the leading edge
failure indication (LEFI) system on the
back side of the LE VCK flaps to a direct
lightning strike. A direct lightning strike
to the LE VCK flaps with existing LSA
damage could result in direct lightning
attachment to the high lift flap control
units (FCUs), potentially resulting in an
uncommanded motion of the trailing
edge flap system. Such uncommanded
flap motion, without shutdown of the
trailing edge or leading edge flaps, may
cause unexpected changes in lift,
potentially resulting in asymmetric lift
and loss of control of the airplane.
E:\FR\FM\26AUP1.SGM
26AUP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 165 (Tuesday, August 26, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50872-50875]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-20261]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0585; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-248-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
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 A318, A319, and A321 series airplanes; and Model A320-211,
-212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a report of corrosion found during the manufacturing
process for some oxygen pipe assemblies that are used to supply oxygen
to the flight crew. This proposed AD would require an inspection to
determine the batch number or installation date of the oxygen pipe
assembly that is installed at the end of the right-hand crew
distribution line, and, if necessary, replacement of the pipe. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct corrosion, which could lead to
blocked or reduced oxygen supply to a flight crew member during a
decompression event or a smoke/fire event in the cockpit. Under certain
conditions, corrosion particles could increase the risk of fire in the
cockpit.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 10,
2014.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://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: 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 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 account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0585; 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 proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-0585;
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-248-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.
[[Page 50873]]
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://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 Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0278, dated November 26, 2013 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model
A318, A319, and A321 series airplanes; and Model A320-211, -212, -214,
-231, -232, and -233 airplanes. The MCAI states:
Some oxygen pipe assemblies, Part Number (P/N) D3511032000640,
have been found corroded during manufacturing at supplier level. The
affected pipe assembly is installed at the end of the right hand
(RH) crew distribution line, just upstream of the First Officer and
RH Observer oxygen mask boxes.
The investigation showed that the affected pipes had been heat
treated just 4 weeks before the summer factory closure and were only
cleaned after re-opening of the factory. During this interruption,
corrosion developed in these pipes.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
blocked or reduced oxygen supply to one flight crew member in case
of decompression or smoke/fire in the cockpit. In addition, the
presence of particles in oxygen lines, under certain conditions,
increases the risk of fire in the cockpit.
The parts manufacturer identified the batch numbers of the
potentially affected pipes that were manufactured in a specific
period in 2011. Based on that information, Airbus has identified the
aeroplanes on which those pipes have been installed on the
production line and has issued Service Bulletin (SB) A320-35-1069,
containing instructions to remove the affected pipes from service.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the
identification of the affected oxygen pipes P/N D3511032000640, and
for those included in the affected batches, replacement of the
oxygen pipe. This [EASA] AD also prohibits installation of any of
the affected pipes on other aeroplanes.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating it in Docket No.
FAA-2014-0585.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26,
2013. The actions described in this service information are intended to
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.
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 the same
type design.
``Contacting the Manufacturer'' Paragraph in This Proposed AD
Since late 2006, we have included a standard paragraph titled
``Airworthy Product'' in all MCAI ADs in which the FAA develops an AD
based on a foreign authority's AD.
The MCAI or referenced service information in an FAA AD often
directs the owner/operator to contact the manufacturer for corrective
actions, such as a repair. Briefly, the Airworthy Product paragraph
allowed owners/operators to use corrective actions provided by the
manufacturer if those actions were FAA-approved. In addition, the
paragraph stated that any actions approved by the State of Design
Authority (or its delegated agent) are considered to be FAA-approved.
In an NPRM having Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-101-AD (78 FR
78285, December 26, 2013), we proposed to prevent the use of repairs
that were not specifically developed to correct the unsafe condition,
by requiring that the repair approval provided by the State of Design
Authority or its delegated agent specifically refer to the FAA AD. This
change was intended to clarify the method of compliance and to provide
operators with better visibility of repairs that are specifically
developed and approved to correct the unsafe condition. In addition, we
proposed to change the phrase ``its delegated agent'' to include a
design approval holder (DAH) with State of Design Authority design
organization approval (DOA), as applicable, to refer to a DAH
authorized to approve required repairs for the proposed AD.
One commenter to the NPRM having Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
101-AD (78 FR 78285, December 26, 2013) stated the following: ``The
proposed wording, being specific to repairs, eliminates the
interpretation that Airbus messages are acceptable for approving minor
deviations (corrective actions) needed during accomplishment of an AD
mandated Airbus service bulletin.''
This comment has made the FAA aware that some operators have
misunderstood or misinterpreted the Airworthy Product paragraph to
allow the owner/operator to use messages provided by the manufacturer
as approval of deviations during the accomplishment of an AD-mandated
action. The Airworthy Product paragraph does not approve messages or
other information provided by the manufacturer for deviations to the
requirements of the AD-mandated actions. The Airworthy Product
paragraph only addresses the requirement to contact the manufacturer
for corrective actions for the identified unsafe condition and does not
cover deviations from other AD requirements. However, deviations to AD-
required actions are addressed in 14 CFR 39.17, and anyone may request
the approval for an alternative method of compliance to the AD-required
actions using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
To address this misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the
Airworthy Product paragraph, we have changed the paragraph and retitled
it ``Contacting the Manufacturer.'' This paragraph now clarifies that
for any requirement in this proposed AD to obtain corrective actions
from a manufacturer, the actions must be accomplished using a method
approved by the FAA, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), or
Airbus's EASA DOA.
The Contacting the Manufacturer paragraph also clarifies that, if
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature. The DOA signature indicates that the data and information
contained in the document are EASA-approved, which is also FAA-
approved. Messages and other information provided by the manufacturer
that do not contain the DOA-authorized signature approval are not EASA-
approved, unless EASA directly approves the manufacturer's message or
other information.
This clarification does not remove flexibility previously afforded
by the Airworthy Product paragraph. Consistent with long-standing FAA
policy, such flexibility was never intended for required actions. This
is also consistent with the recommendation of the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee to increase
flexibility in complying with ADs by identifying those actions in
manufacturers' service instructions that are ``Required for
Compliance'' with
[[Page 50874]]
ADs. We continue to work with manufacturers to implement this
recommendation. But once we determine that an action is required, any
deviation from the requirement must be approved as an alternative
method of compliance.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 2 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. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $340, or $170 per
product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 5 work-hours, for a cost of $425 per product. 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
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. Amend Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-0585; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-
248-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 10, 2014.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found during the
manufacturing process for some oxygen pipe assemblies that are used
to supply oxygen to the flight crew. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct corrosion, which could lead to blocked or reduced
oxygen supply to a flight crew member during a decompression event
or a smoke/fire event in the cockpit. Under certain conditions,
corrosion particles could increase the risk of fire in the cockpit.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspecting for Part Numbers and Replacement
For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 2013: Within 7,500 flight
hours or 26 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, inspect the crew oxygen pipe, having part number (P/N)
D3511032000640, to determine the batch number of that pipe, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 2013. A review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the
batch number of the pipe can be conclusively determined from that
review. If the batch number of the oxygen pipe is 19356252,
40008586, 40076689, 40187414, 40292749, 40405164, 40649383,
40724994, 40820410, or 40911832, within 7,500 flight hours or 26
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first,
replace the oxygen pipe with a serviceable part, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-
1069, dated April 26, 2013.
(h) Inspection for Part Number of Crew Oxygen Pipe
For airplanes not identified in paragraph 1.A. of Airbus Service
Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 2013: Within 7,500 flight
hours or 26 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, inspect the crew oxygen pipe to determine whether P/N
D3511032000640 was installed after June 2011. A review of airplane
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the
part number and installation date of the pipe can be conclusively
determined from that review. If the pipe was installed after June
2011, or the date cannot be conclusively determined, before further
flight, do the actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, do not install, on any
airplane, a crew oxygen pipe P/N D3511032000640, that is identified
as belonging to batch number 19356252, 40008586, 40076689, 40187414,
40292749, 40405164, 40649383, 40724994, 40820410, or 40911832.
(j) 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,
[[Page 50875]]
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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0278, dated November 26,
2013, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating it in Docket No. FAA-2014-0585.
(2) For service information identified in this 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 account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. 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 August 15, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2014-20261 Filed 8-25-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
