Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 3161-3163 [2015-00713]
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 14 / Thursday, January 22, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2014, for
accomplishing the actions in this paragraph.
(j) New Inspection and Corrective Action
For airplanes on which the system
disconnect assembly has been replaced in
accordance with Part 4 of the
Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing
Service Bulletin 777–54A0024, dated April 1,
2010; or Revision 1, dated November 4, 2010:
Within 1,125 days after the effective date of
this AD, do a detailed inspection of the cover
plate fasteners to determine if all cover plate
attach fasteners are installed, in accordance
with Part 5 of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 777–
54A0024, Revision 2, dated January 23, 2014.
If any fastener is missing, before further
flight, install fasteners (including doing a
detailed inspection for damage of the
electrical components and repairing any
damaged components), in accordance with
Part 6 of the Accomplishment Instructions of
Boeing Service Bulletin 777–54A0024,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2014.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph restates the credit provided
by paragraph (j) of AD 2011–09–11,
Amendment 39–16673 (76 FR 24354, May 2,
2011). This paragraph provides credit for the
corresponding actions required by
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD, if those
actions were performed before June 6, 2011
(the effective date of AD 2011–09–11) using
Boeing Service Bulletin 777–54A0024, dated
April 1, 2010, which is not incorporated by
reference in this AD.
(l) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 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 manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in
paragraph (m)(1) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov.
(2) 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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD if it is approved by the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
method to be approved, the repair must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(m) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Kevin Nguyen, Aerospace Engineer,
Propulsion Branch, ANM–140S, FAA, Seattle
Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:25 Jan 21, 2015
Jkt 235001
phone: 425–917–6501; fax: 425–917–6590;
email: kevin.nguyen@faa.gov.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (n)(5) and (n)(6) of this AD.
(n) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on February 26, 2015.
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 777–54A0024,
Revision 2, dated January 23, 2014.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) The following service information was
approved for IBR on June 6, 2011 (76 FR
24354, May 2, 2011).
(i) Boeing Service Bulletin 777–54A0024,
Revision 1, dated November 4, 2010.
(ii) Reserved.
(5) For service information identified in
this 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.
(6) You may view this service information
at 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.
(7) 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 https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
December 22, 2014.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–00009 Filed 1–21–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2014–0925; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–229–AD; Amendment
39–18066; AD 2014–25–52]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
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3161
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330–200 Freighter,
–200, and –300 series airplanes and
Model A340–200, –300, –500, and –600
series airplanes. This emergency AD
was sent previously to all known U.S.
owners and operators of these airplanes.
This AD requires revising the airplane
flight manual to advise the flightcrew of
emergency procedures for abnormal
Alpha Protection (Alpha Prot). This AD
was prompted by a report of Angle of
Attack (AoA) probes jamming on an inservice Airbus Model A321 airplane. We
are issuing this AD to ensure that the
flightcrew has procedures to counteract
the pitch down order due to abnormal
activation of the Alpha Prot. An
abnormal Alpha Prot, if not corrected,
could result in loss of control of the
airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective February 6,
2015 to all persons except those persons
to whom it was made immediately
effective by Emergency AD 2014–25–52,
issued on December 10, 2014, which
contained the requirements of this
amendment.
We must receive comments on this
AD by March 9, 2015.
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.
SUMMARY:
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–
0925; or in person at the Docket
Operations Office 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 information. The street address for
the Docket Operations 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:
Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
E:\FR\FM\22JAR1.SGM
22JAR1
3162
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 14 / Thursday, January 22, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1138;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On December 10, 2014, we issued
Emergency AD 2014–25–52, which
requires revising the airplane flight
manual to advise the flightcrew of
emergency procedures for abnormal
Alpha Prot. This emergency AD was
sent previously to all known U.S.
owners and operators of these airplanes.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued Emergency
Airworthiness Directive 2014–0267–E,
dated December 9, 2014 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
on all Airbus Model A330–200
Freighter, –200, and –300 series
airplanes and Model A340–200, –300,
–500, and –600 series airplanes. The
MCAI states:
An occurrence was reported where an
Airbus A321 aeroplane encountered a
blockage of two Angle of Attack (AoA) probes
during climb, leading to activation of the
Alpha Protection (Alpha Prot) while the
Mach number increased. The flightcrew
managed to regain full control and the flight
landed uneventfully.
When Alpha Prot is activated due to
blocked AoA probes, the flight control laws
order a continuous nose down pitch rate that,
in a worst case scenario, cannot be stopped
with backward sidestick inputs, even in the
full backward position. If the Mach number
increases during a nose down order, the AoA
value of the Alpha Prot will continue to
decrease. As a result, the flight control laws
will continue to order a nose down pitch
rate, even if the speed is above minimum
selectable speed, known as VLS.
This condition, if not corrected, could
result in loss of control of the aeroplane.
As the same systems are installed on A330
and A340 airplanes, to address this unsafe
condition, Airbus * * * [has] developed a
specific Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM)
procedure, which has been published in
AFM Temporary Revision (TR) No. 528 for
A330 aeroplanes and AFM TR No. 529 for
A340 aeroplanes, as applicable to aeroplane
type and model.
For the reasons described above, this AD
requires amendment of the applicable AFM
[to advise the flightcrew of emergency
procedures for abnormal Alpha Prot].
This is considered to be an interim action
and further [EASA] AD action may follow.
FAA’s Determination and AD
Requirements
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 issuing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because an abnormal Alpha Prot, if
not corrected, could result in loss of
control of the airplane. Therefore, we
find that notice and opportunity for
prior public comment are impracticable
and that good cause exists for making
this amendment effective in less than 30
days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and
was not preceded by notice and an
opportunity for public comment.
However, we invite you to send any
written data, views, or arguments about
this AD. Send your comments to an
address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include the docket number
FAA–2014–0925 and Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–229–AD at the
beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this AD. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend this 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 91
airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate
the following costs to comply with this
AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
AFM revision ...................................................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .................
$0
$85
$7,735
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
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
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:25 Jan 21, 2015
Jkt 235001
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
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
PO 00000
Frm 00024
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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
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.
E:\FR\FM\22JAR1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 14 / Thursday, January 22, 2015 / Rules and Regulations
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
made immediately effective by Emergency
AD 2014–25–52, issued on December 10,
2014, which contained the requirements of
this amendment.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes,
certificated in any category, identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6) of this AD.
(1) All Model A330–223F and –243F
airplanes.
(2) All Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223,
and –243 airplanes.
(3) All Model A330–301, –302, –303, –321,
–322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes.
(4) All Model A340–211, –212, and –213
airplanes.
(5) All Model A340–311, –312, and –313
airplanes.
(6) All Model A340–541 and A340–642
airplanes.
2014–25–52 Airbus: Amendment 39–18066;
Docket No. FAA–2014–0925; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–229–AD.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 34, Navigation.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 6, 2015 to all
persons except those persons to whom it was
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of
Angle of Attack (AoA) probes jamming on an
3163
in-service Airbus Model A321 airplane. We
are issuing this AD to ensure the flightcrew
has procedures to counteract the pitch down
order due to abnormal activation of the
Alpha Prot. An abnormal Alpha Prot, if not
corrected, could result in loss of control of
the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Revision of Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM)
Within 2 days after the effective date of
this AD, revise the AFM to incorporate
procedures to address undue activation of
Alpha Prot by inserting the text specified in
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD into the
Emergency Procedures section of the
applicable AFM, to advise the flightcrew of
emergency procedures for abnormal Alpha
Prot. This may be accomplished by inserting
a copy of this AD into the AFM. When a
statement identical to the text specified in
figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD is
included in the general revisions of the AFM,
the general revisions may be inserted in the
AFM, and the text specified in figure 1 to
paragraph (g) of this AD may be removed.
FIGURE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g) OF THIS AD—AFM PROCEDURE
• If the Alpha Prot strip (black and amber) completely and permanently hides the VLS strip (amber) in a stabilized wings-level flight
path (without an increase in the load factor):
Keep on one ADR.
Turn off two ADRs.
In case of dispatch with one ADR inoperative, switch only one ADR to OFF.
CAUTION RISK OF ERRONEOUS DISPLAY OF THE VSW STRIP (RED AND BLACK) AND RISK OF UNDUE STALL WARNING
Do not increase speed.
Consider using the Flight Path Vector (FPV).
Recover affected DU by using associated DMC switching.
When at or above safety altitude, level off.
• At any time, with a speed above VLS, if the aircraft goes to a continuous nose down pitch rate that cannot be stopped with backward sidestick inputs, immediately:
Keep on one ADR.
Turn off two ADRs.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in
Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
(i) Other FAA Provisions
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, 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 ACO, 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. Before using
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:25 Jan 21, 2015
Jkt 235001
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
EASA; or Airbus’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January
7, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–00713 Filed 1–21–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD,
contact 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.
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22JAR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 14 (Thursday, January 22, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 3161-3163]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-00713]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2014-0925; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-229-AD;
Amendment 39-18066; AD 2014-25-52]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes and
Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This emergency
AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these
airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual to
advise the flightcrew of emergency procedures for abnormal Alpha
Protection (Alpha Prot). This AD was prompted by a report of Angle of
Attack (AoA) probes jamming on an in-service Airbus Model A321
airplane. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew has
procedures to counteract the pitch down order due to abnormal
activation of the Alpha Prot. An abnormal Alpha Prot, if not corrected,
could result in loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective February 6, 2015 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD
2014-25-52, issued on December 10, 2014, which contained the
requirements of this amendment.
We must receive comments on this AD by March 9, 2015.
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.
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-
0925; or in person at the Docket Operations Office 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 information. The street address for the Docket Operations 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116,
[[Page 3162]]
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
On December 10, 2014, we issued Emergency AD 2014-25-52, which
requires revising the airplane flight manual to advise the flightcrew
of emergency procedures for abnormal Alpha Prot. This emergency AD was
sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these
airplanes.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued Emergency
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0267-E, dated December 9, 2014 (referred
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A330-
200 Freighter, -200, and -300 series airplanes and Model A340-200, -
300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
An occurrence was reported where an Airbus A321 aeroplane
encountered a blockage of two Angle of Attack (AoA) probes during
climb, leading to activation of the Alpha Protection (Alpha Prot)
while the Mach number increased. The flightcrew managed to regain
full control and the flight landed uneventfully.
When Alpha Prot is activated due to blocked AoA probes, the
flight control laws order a continuous nose down pitch rate that, in
a worst case scenario, cannot be stopped with backward sidestick
inputs, even in the full backward position. If the Mach number
increases during a nose down order, the AoA value of the Alpha Prot
will continue to decrease. As a result, the flight control laws will
continue to order a nose down pitch rate, even if the speed is above
minimum selectable speed, known as VLS.
This condition, if not corrected, could result in loss of
control of the aeroplane.
As the same systems are installed on A330 and A340 airplanes, to
address this unsafe condition, Airbus * * * [has] developed a
specific Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) procedure, which has been
published in AFM Temporary Revision (TR) No. 528 for A330 aeroplanes
and AFM TR No. 529 for A340 aeroplanes, as applicable to aeroplane
type and model.
For the reasons described above, this AD requires amendment of
the applicable AFM [to advise the flightcrew of emergency procedures
for abnormal Alpha Prot].
This is considered to be an interim action and further [EASA] AD
action may follow.
FAA's Determination and AD Requirements
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 issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because an
abnormal Alpha Prot, if not corrected, could result in loss of control
of the airplane. Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for
prior public comment are impracticable and that good cause exists for
making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for public
comment. However, we invite you to send any written data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number FAA-2014-0925 and
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-229-AD at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 91 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AFM revision........................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $7,735
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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 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.
[[Page 3163]]
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):
2014-25-52 Airbus: Amendment 39-18066; Docket No. FAA-2014-0925;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-229-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective February 6, 2015 to all persons except
those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency
AD 2014-25-52, issued on December 10, 2014, which contained the
requirements of this amendment.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(6) of this AD.
(1) All Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes.
(2) All Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, and -243 airplanes.
(3) All Model A330-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -
342, and -343 airplanes.
(4) All Model A340-211, -212, and -213 airplanes.
(5) All Model A340-311, -312, and -313 airplanes.
(6) All Model A340-541 and A340-642 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of Angle of Attack (AoA) probes
jamming on an in-service Airbus Model A321 airplane. We are issuing
this AD to ensure the flightcrew has procedures to counteract the
pitch down order due to abnormal activation of the Alpha Prot. An
abnormal Alpha Prot, if not corrected, could result in loss of
control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM)
Within 2 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the
AFM to incorporate procedures to address undue activation of Alpha
Prot by inserting the text specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of
this AD into the Emergency Procedures section of the applicable AFM,
to advise the flightcrew of emergency procedures for abnormal Alpha
Prot. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into
the AFM. When a statement identical to the text specified in figure
1 to paragraph (g) of this AD is included in the general revisions
of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, and
the text specified in figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD may be
removed.
Figure 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--AFM Procedure
------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
If the Alpha Prot strip (black and amber) completely
and permanently hides the VLS strip (amber) in a stabilized wings-level
flight path (without an increase in the load factor):
Keep on one ADR.
Turn off two ADRs.
In case of dispatch with one ADR inoperative, switch only one ADR to
OFF.
CAUTION RISK OF ERRONEOUS DISPLAY OF THE VSW STRIP (RED AND BLACK)
AND RISK OF UNDUE STALL WARNING
Do not increase speed.
Consider using the Flight Path Vector (FPV).
Recover affected DU by using associated DMC switching.
When at or above safety altitude, level off.
At any time, with a speed above VLS, if the aircraft
goes to a continuous nose down pitch rate that cannot be stopped with
backward sidestick inputs, immediately:
Keep on one ADR.
Turn off two ADRs.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(h) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
(i) Other FAA Provisions
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, 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 ACO, 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.
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 EASA; or
Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(j) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact 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.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 7, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-00713 Filed 1-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P