Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 41886-41889 [2012-16885]
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41886
Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
Public Comments
Ex-Im Bank did not receive any
comments on the SORN or the NPRM.
Ex-Im Bank will implement the
rulemaking as proposed.
List of Subjects in 12 CFR Part 404
Information disclosure.
For the reasons stated in the
preamble, Ex-Im Bank amends chapter
IV of Title 12, Code of Federal
Regulations, as follows:
PART 404—INFORMATION
DISCLOSURE
1. The authority citation for part 404
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 552 and 552a. Section
404.7 also issued under E.O. 12600, 52 FR
23781, 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 235. Section
404.21 also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552a note.
Subpart C also issued under 5 U.S.C. 301, 12
U.S.C. 635.
2. Add § 404.24 to Subpart B to read
as follows:
■
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§ 404.24 Exemptions: EIB–35—Office of
Inspector General Investigative Records.
(a) Criminal Law Enforcement—(1)
Exemption. Under the authority granted
by 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2), Ex-Im Bank
hereby exempts the system of records
entitled ‘‘EIB–35—Office of Inspector
General Investigative Records’’ from the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), (c)(4),
(d)(1) through (4), (e)(1) through (3),
(e)(4)(G) and (H), (e)(5), (e)(8), (f), and (g)
because the system contains information
pertaining to the enforcement of
criminal laws. ‘‘EIB–35—Office of
Inspector General Investigative
Records’’ is maintained by the Ex-Im
Bank Office of Inspector General (‘‘OIG’’
or ‘‘Ex-Im Bank OIG.’’)
(2) Reasons for exemption. The
reasons for asserting this exemption are:
(i) Disclosure to the individual named
in the record pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
552a(c)(3), (c)(4), or (d)(1) through (4)
could seriously impede or compromise
the investigation by alerting the
target(s), subjecting a potential witness
or witnesses to intimidation or improper
influence, and leading to destruction of
evidence. Disclosure could enable
suspects to take action to prevent
detection of criminal activities, conceal
evidence, or escape prosecution.
(ii) Application of 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1)
is impractical because the relevance of
specific information might be
established only after considerable
analysis and as the investigation
progresses. Effective law enforcement
requires the OIG to keep information
that may not be relevant to a specific
OIG investigation, but which may
provide leads for appropriate law
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enforcement and to establish patterns of
activity that might relate to the
jurisdiction of the OIG and/or other
agencies.
(iii) Application of 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(2)
would be counterproductive to the
performance of a criminal investigation
because it would alert the individual to
the existence of an investigation. In any
investigation, it is necessary to obtain
evidence from a variety of sources other
than the subject of the investigation in
order to verify the evidence necessary
for successful litigation or prosecution.
(iv) Application of 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(3)
could discourage the free flow of
information in a criminal law
enforcement inquiry.
(v) The requirements of 5 U.S.C.
552a(e)(4)(G) and (H) and (f) would be
counterproductive to the performance of
a criminal investigation. To notify an
individual at the individual’s request of
the existence of records in an
investigative file pertaining to such
individual, or to grant access to an
investigative file could interfere with
investigative and enforcement
proceedings, deprive co-defendants of a
right to a fair trial or other impartial
adjudication, constitute an unwarranted
invasion of personal privacy of others,
disclose the identity or confidential
sources, reveal confidential information
supplied by these sources and disclose
investigative techniques and
procedures. Nevertheless, Ex-Im Bank
OIG has published notice of its
notification, access, and contest
procedures because access may be
appropriate in some cases.
(vi) Although the OIG endeavors to
maintain accurate records, application
of 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(5) is impractical
because maintaining only those records
that are accurate, relevant, timely, and
complete and that assure fairness in
determination is contrary to established
investigative techniques. Information
that may initially appear inaccurate,
irrelevant, untimely, or incomplete may,
when collated and analyzed with other
available information, become more
pertinent as an investigation progresses.
(vii) Application of 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(8)
could prematurely reveal an ongoing
criminal investigation to the subject of
the investigation.
(viii) The provisions of subsection (g)
do not apply to this system if an
exemption otherwise applies.
(b) Other Law Enforcement—(1)
Exemption. Under the authority granted
by 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2), Ex-Im Bank
hereby exempts the system of records
entitled ‘‘EIB–35—Office of Inspector
General Investigative Records’’ from the
provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), (d)(1)
through (4), (e)(1), (e)(4)(G) and (H), and
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(f) for the same reasons as stated in
paragraph (a)(2) of this section, that is,
because the system contains
investigatory material compiled for law
enforcement purposes other than
material within the scope of subsection
552a(j)(2).
(2) Reasons for exemption. The
reasons for asserting this exemption are
because the disclosure and other
requirements of the Privacy Act could
substantially compromise the efficacy
and integrity of OIG operations.
Disclosure could invade the privacy of
other individuals and disclose their
identity when they were expressly
promised confidentiality. Disclosure
could interfere with the integrity of
information which would otherwise be
subject to privileges (see, e.g., 5 U.S.C.
552(b)(5)), and which could interfere
with other important law enforcement
concerns (see, e.g., 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(7)).
(c) Federal Civilian or Contract
Employment—(1) Exemption. Under the
authority granted by 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5),
Ex-Im Bank hereby exempts the system
of records entitled ‘‘EIB–35—Office of
Inspector General Investigative
Records’’ from the provisions of 5 U.S.C.
552a(c)(3), (d)(1) through (4), (e)(1),
(e)(4)(G) and (H), and (f) because the
system contains investigatory material
compiled for the purpose of determining
eligibility or qualifications for federal
civilian or contract employment.
(2) Reasons for exemption. The
reasons for asserting this exemption are
the same as described in paragraph
(a)(2) of this section.
Sharon A. Whitt,
Agency Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012–17382 Filed 7–16–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6690–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0266; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–061–AD; Amendment
39–17119; AD 2012–14–05]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320
series airplanes. This AD was prompted
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
by reports of unsuccessful slide
deployments during scheduled
deployment tests, and failed functional
tests of the release travel of the slide
release mechanism. This AD requires
inspecting the off-wing slide release
cables on the left- and right-hand sides
to determine whether a certain part
number is installed, and replacement if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to
prevent non-availability of left- or righthand off-wing exit slides that could
impair emergency evacuation of the
passengers and flightcrew, and could
result in personal injuries.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
August 21, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of August 21, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov or in person at the
U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M–30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington 98057–3356; telephone
(425) 227–1405; fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
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We issued a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would
apply to the specified products. That
NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on March 16, 2012 (77 FR
15636). That NPRM proposed to correct
an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
Several operators reported unsuccessful
slide deployments during scheduled
deployment tests and/or failed functional
tests of the release travel of the slide release
mechanism.
Investigations revealed deformation of the
PTFE (Teflon) ball guide strip of the release
cable, Part Number (P/N) L32A319–160–001.
In such a situation the travel of the cable
could be insufficient to open the valve when
opening the exit, thereby reducing the gas
flow from the reservoir to the off-wing slide
in automatic or manual mode. As a result, the
aspirator will not ingest sufficient ambient
air for slide inflation.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to the non-availability of LH [left-hand] and/
or RH [right-hand] off-wing exit slides for
evacuation that would impair emergency
evacuation of the aeroplane occupants,
possibly resulting in personal injuries.
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For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires the identification
[inspection] and replacement of both Left
hand (LH) and Right Hand (RH) off-wing
slide release cables P/N L32A319–160–001
with P/N L32A320–180, which have precise
stainless steel ball bearing stripes instead of
stamped PTFE stripes.
You may obtain further information by
examining the MCAI in the AD docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
considered the comments received.
Support for the Proposed AD (77 FR
15636, March 16, 2012)
United Airlines has no objections to
the content of the proposed rule (77 FR
15636, March 16, 2012).
Request To Refer to Revised Service
Bulletin
Airbus requested that we revise the
NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012) to
refer to Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A320–53–1227, Revision 05,
dated March 27, 2012. Airbus also
requested that we give credit for actions
done using Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A320–53–1227, Revision 01,
dated May 31, 2010; Revision 02, dated
March 10, 2011; Revision 03, dated July
28, 2011; and Revision 04, dated
February 14, 2012.
We agree with the request. We have
updated paragraphs (g) and (m)(5) of
this AD to refer to Airbus Mandatory
Service Bulletin A320–53–1227,
Revision 05, dated March 27, 2012. We
have also revised paragraph (j)(1) of this
AD to allow credit for actions done
using Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A320–53–1227, Revision 01,
dated May 31, 2010; Revision 02, dated
March 10, 2011; Revision 03, dated July
28, 2011; and Revision 04, dated
February 14, 2012. We have reidentified paragraphs (j)(2) through (j)(6)
of the NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16,
2012) as paragraph (j)(2) in this AD, and
indicated that the service information in
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD provides
credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD.
Additional Change Made to This AD
Paragraph (g) of the NPRM (77 FR
15636, March 16, 2012) inadvertently
referred to paragraph (l) of the NPRM,
rather than paragraph (k) of the NPRM,
as the exception to the proposed
requirements. We have changed
paragraph (g) of this AD to refer to
paragraph (k) of this AD for the
exception.
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41887
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data,
including the comments received, and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting the AD
with the changes described previously
except for minor editorial changes. We
have determined that these changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM (77 FR
15636, March 16, 2012) for correcting
the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 15636,
March 16, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect
694 products of U.S. registry. We also
estimate that it will take about 39 workhours per product to comply with the
basic requirements of this AD. The
average labor rate is $85 per work-hour.
Required parts will cost about $5,750
per product. Where the service
information lists required parts costs
that are covered under warranty, we
have assumed that there will be no
charge for these parts. As we do not
control warranty coverage for affected
parties, some parties may incur costs
higher than estimated here. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD to the U.S. operators to be
$6,291,110, or $9,065 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
not have a substantial direct effect on
the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States,
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation
of the estimated costs to comply with
this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov; 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 the NPRM (77 FR 15636,
March 16, 2012), 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.
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 AD:
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■
2012–14–05 Airbus: Amendment 39–17119.
Docket No. FAA–2012–0266; Directorate
Identifier 2011–NM–061–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes
effective August 21, 2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
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(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318–
111, –112, –121, and –122 airplanes; Model
A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131,
–132, and –133 airplanes; and Model A320–
111, –211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and –233
airplanes; certificated in any category; all
serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 28: Fuel tanks; 53: Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
unsuccessful slide deployments during
scheduled deployment tests, and failed
functional tests of the release travel of the
slide release mechanism. We are issuing this
AD to prevent non-availability of left- or
right-hand off-wing exit slides that could
impair emergency evacuation of the
passengers and flightcrew, and could result
in personal injuries.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions
required by this AD performed within the
compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
(g) Inspection and Modification
Except as provided by paragraph (k) of this
AD, within 36 months after the effective date
of this AD, inspect the off-wing slide release
cables on the left- and right-hand sides to
determine whether part number (P/N)
L32A319–160–001 is installed. A review of
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in
lieu of this inspection if the part number of
the off-wing slide release cables can be
conclusively determined from that review. If
any off-wing slide release cable has P/N
L32A319–160–001, before further flight,
replace with a new off-wing slide release
cable having P/N L32A320–180, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Mandatory Service
Bulletin A320–53–1227, Revision 05, dated
March 27, 2012.
(h) Optional Modification
Installation of a shorter off-wing slide
release cable having P/N L32A319–160–002
with relocated inflation bottle during
installation of the additional center tank, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4)
of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with
the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1118,
Revision 03, including Appendix 1, dated
May 12, 2009.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1132,
Revision 04, including Appendices 1 and 2,
dated February 1, 2010.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1145,
Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated
April 27, 2007.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1154,
Revision 01, dated April 7, 2008.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install an off-wing slide release
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cable having P/N L32A319–160–001 on any
airplane.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
if installation of off-wing slide release cables
having P/N L32A320–180 was done before
the effective date of this AD using the service
bulletin identified in paragraphs (j)(1)(i)
through (j)(1)(v) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1227,
dated March 24, 2010.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–53–1227,
Revision 01, dated May 31, 2010.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A320–53–1227, Revision 02, dated March 10,
2011.
(iv) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A320–53–1227, Revision 03, dated July 28,
2011.
(v) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A320–53–1227, Revision 04, dated February
14, 2012.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the
actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using the service
information specified in paragraphs (j)(2)(i)
through (j)(2)(v) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1132,
dated October 13, 2004.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1132,
Revision 01, dated October 12, 2006.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–
1132, Revision 02, dated November 12, 2008.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–
1132, Revision 03, dated October 5, 2009.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1145,
dated February 28, 2006.
(k) Exception
Provided that off-wing slide release cables
have not been replaced with a slide release
cable having P/N L32A319–160–001,
airplanes having Airbus modification
150811, 26138, 37856, or 39673 installed in
production are in compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 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
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Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 137 / Tuesday, July 17, 2012 / Rules and Regulations
approval letter must specifically reference
this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement
in this AD to obtain corrective actions from
a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective
actions are considered FAA-approved if they
are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required
to assure the product is airworthy before it
is returned to service.
sroberts on DSK5SPTVN1PROD with RULES
(m) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety
Agency Airworthiness Directive 2011–0015,
dated January 31, 2011, and the service
information specified in paragraphs (m)(1)
through (m)(5) of this AD, for related
information.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1118,
Revision 03, including Appendix 1, dated
May 12, 2009.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1132,
Revision 04, including Appendices 1 and 2,
dated February 1, 2010.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1145,
Revision 01, including Appendix 01, dated
April 27, 2007.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1154,
Revision 01, dated April 7, 2008.
(5) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A320–53–1227, Revision 05, dated March 27,
2012.
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the Incorporation by Reference
(IBR) of the following service information
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use the following service
information to do the actions required by this
AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin
A320–53–1227, Revision 05, dated March 27,
2012.
(ii) Reserved
(3) If you accomplish the optional actions
specified by this AD, you must use the
following service information to perform
those actions, unless the AD specifies
otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1118,
Revision 03, including Appendix 1, dated
May 12, 2009.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1132,
Revision 04, including Appendices 1 and 2,
dated February 1, 2010.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–
1145, Revision 01, including Appendix 01,
dated April 27, 2007.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–
1154, Revision 01, dated April 7, 2008.
(4) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Office—EAS, 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.
(5) You may review copies of the service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA, call
425–227–1221.
(6) You may also review copies of the
service information that is incorporated by
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reference at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202–741–
6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/
ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29,
2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2012–16885 Filed 7–16–12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2012–0715; Directorate
Identifier 2012–SW–039–AD; Amendment
39–17122; AD 2012–14–08]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Sikorsky
Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky)
Model S–92A helicopters. This AD
requires inspecting the main gearbox
(MGB) for a crack. This AD is prompted
by a crack in the cored passage of the
MGB housing, which may be indicated
by oil on the housing. These actions are
intended to detect a crack in the MGB
housing, which could result in loss of
oil, failure of the MGB, and subsequent
loss of control of the helicopter.
DATES: This AD becomes effective
August 1, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain documents listed in this AD
as of August 1, 2012.
We must receive comments on this
AD by September 17, 2012.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by
any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Docket: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for sending your
comments electronically.
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: Send comments to the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590–0001.
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
41889
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to the
‘‘Mail’’ address 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 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 economic
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 service information identified in
this AD, contact Sikorsky Aircraft
Corporation, Attn: Manager,
Commercial Technical Support,
mailstop s581a, 6900 Main Street,
Stratford, CT 06614; telephone (800)
562–4409; email address
tsslibrary@sikorsky.com; or at https://
www.sikorsky.com. You may review a
copy of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region,
2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort
Worth, Texas 76137.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Michael Schwetz, Aviation Safety
Engineer, Boston Aircraft Certification
Office, Engine & Propeller Directorate,
FAA, 12 New England Executive Park,
Burlington, MA 01803; telephone (718)
238–7761; email
michael.schwetz@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not provide you with notice and
an opportunity to provide your
comments prior to it becoming effective.
However, we invite you to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting written
comments, data, or views. We also
invite comments relating to the
economic, environmental, energy, or
federalism impacts that resulted from
adopting this AD. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of
the AD, explain the reason for any
recommended change, and include
supporting data. To ensure the docket
does not contain duplicate comments,
commenters should send only one copy
of written comments, or if comments are
filed electronically, commenters should
submit them only one time. We will file
in the docket all comments that we
receive, as well as a report summarizing
each substantive public contact with
E:\FR\FM\17JYR1.SGM
17JYR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 41886-41889]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-16885]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2012-0266; Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-061-AD;
Amendment 39-17119; AD 2012-14-05]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This AD was
prompted
[[Page 41887]]
by reports of unsuccessful slide deployments during scheduled
deployment tests, and failed functional tests of the release travel of
the slide release mechanism. This AD requires inspecting the off-wing
slide release cables on the left- and right-hand sides to determine
whether a certain part number is installed, and replacement if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-availability of left-
or right-hand off-wing exit slides that could impair emergency
evacuation of the passengers and flightcrew, and could result in
personal injuries.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 21, 2012.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of August 21,
2012.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425)
227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 16, 2012 (77
FR 15636). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Several operators reported unsuccessful slide deployments during
scheduled deployment tests and/or failed functional tests of the
release travel of the slide release mechanism.
Investigations revealed deformation of the PTFE (Teflon) ball
guide strip of the release cable, Part Number (P/N) L32A319-160-001.
In such a situation the travel of the cable could be insufficient to
open the valve when opening the exit, thereby reducing the gas flow
from the reservoir to the off-wing slide in automatic or manual
mode. As a result, the aspirator will not ingest sufficient ambient
air for slide inflation.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the non-
availability of LH [left-hand] and/or RH [right-hand] off-wing exit
slides for evacuation that would impair emergency evacuation of the
aeroplane occupants, possibly resulting in personal injuries.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the
identification [inspection] and replacement of both Left hand (LH)
and Right Hand (RH) off-wing slide release cables P/N L32A319-160-
001 with P/N L32A320-180, which have precise stainless steel ball
bearing stripes instead of stamped PTFE stripes.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We considered the comments received.
Support for the Proposed AD (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012)
United Airlines has no objections to the content of the proposed
rule (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012).
Request To Refer to Revised Service Bulletin
Airbus requested that we revise the NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16,
2012) to refer to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227,
Revision 05, dated March 27, 2012. Airbus also requested that we give
credit for actions done using Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-
53-1227, Revision 01, dated May 31, 2010; Revision 02, dated March 10,
2011; Revision 03, dated July 28, 2011; and Revision 04, dated February
14, 2012.
We agree with the request. We have updated paragraphs (g) and
(m)(5) of this AD to refer to Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-
53-1227, Revision 05, dated March 27, 2012. We have also revised
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD to allow credit for actions done using
Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 01, dated May
31, 2010; Revision 02, dated March 10, 2011; Revision 03, dated July
28, 2011; and Revision 04, dated February 14, 2012. We have re-
identified paragraphs (j)(2) through (j)(6) of the NPRM (77 FR 15636,
March 16, 2012) as paragraph (j)(2) in this AD, and indicated that the
service information in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD provides credit for
the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
Additional Change Made to This AD
Paragraph (g) of the NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012)
inadvertently referred to paragraph (l) of the NPRM, rather than
paragraph (k) of the NPRM, as the exception to the proposed
requirements. We have changed paragraph (g) of this AD to refer to
paragraph (k) of this AD for the exception.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data, including the comments received,
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting
the AD with the changes described previously except for minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16, 2012).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD will affect 694 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 39 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $5,750 per
product. Where the service information lists required parts costs that
are covered under warranty, we have assumed that there will be no
charge for these parts. As we do not control warranty coverage for
affected parties, some parties may incur costs higher than estimated
here. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the
U.S. operators to be $6,291,110, or $9,065 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States,
[[Page 41888]]
or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; 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 the NPRM (77 FR 15636, March 16,
2012), 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.
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 AD:
2012-14-05 Airbus: Amendment 39-17119. Docket No. FAA-2012-0266;
Directorate Identifier 2011-NM-061-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective August 21,
2012.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes; and Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -
232, and -233 airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial
numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28: Fuel tanks;
53: Fuselage.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of unsuccessful slide
deployments during scheduled deployment tests, and failed functional
tests of the release travel of the slide release mechanism. We are
issuing this AD to prevent non-availability of left- or right-hand
off-wing exit slides that could impair emergency evacuation of the
passengers and flightcrew, and could result in personal injuries.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Inspection and Modification
Except as provided by paragraph (k) of this AD, within 36 months
after the effective date of this AD, inspect the off-wing slide
release cables on the left- and right-hand sides to determine
whether part number (P/N) L32A319-160-001 is installed. A review of
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this
inspection if the part number of the off-wing slide release cables
can be conclusively determined from that review. If any off-wing
slide release cable has P/N L32A319-160-001, before further flight,
replace with a new off-wing slide release cable having P/N L32A320-
180, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 05, dated March
27, 2012.
(h) Optional Modification
Installation of a shorter off-wing slide release cable having P/
N L32A319-160-002 with relocated inflation bottle during
installation of the additional center tank, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service bulletin
identified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD, is
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g) of
this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1118, Revision 03, including
Appendix 1, dated May 12, 2009.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 04, including
Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 1, 2010.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1145, Revision 01, including
Appendix 01, dated April 27, 2007.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1154, Revision 01, dated
April 7, 2008.
(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an
off-wing slide release cable having P/N L32A319-160-001 on any
airplane.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, if installation of off-wing slide release
cables having P/N L32A320-180 was done before the effective date of
this AD using the service bulletin identified in paragraphs
(j)(1)(i) through (j)(1)(v) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, dated March 24, 2010.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 01, dated
May 31, 2010.
(iii) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision
02, dated March 10, 2011.
(iv) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision
03, dated July 28, 2011.
(v) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 04,
dated February 14, 2012.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for the actions specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using the service information specified in
paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through (j)(2)(v) of this AD.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, dated October 13,
2004.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 01, dated
October 12, 2006.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 02, dated
November 12, 2008.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 03, dated
October 5, 2009.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1145, dated February 28,
2006.
(k) Exception
Provided that off-wing slide release cables have not been
replaced with a slide release cable having P/N L32A319-160-001,
airplanes having Airbus modification 150811, 26138, 37856, or 39673
installed in production are in compliance with the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington
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
[[Page 41889]]
approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(m) Related Information
Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness
Directive 2011-0015, dated January 31, 2011, and the service
information specified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(5) of this
AD, for related information.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1118, Revision 03, including
Appendix 1, dated May 12, 2009.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 04, including
Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 1, 2010.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1145, Revision 01, including
Appendix 01, dated April 27, 2007.
(4) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1154, Revision 01, dated
April 7, 2008.
(5) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 05,
dated March 27, 2012.
(n) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
Incorporation by Reference (IBR) of the following service
information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use the following service information to do the
actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Mandatory Service Bulletin A320-53-1227, Revision 05,
dated March 27, 2012.
(ii) Reserved
(3) If you accomplish the optional actions specified by this AD,
you must use the following service information to perform those
actions, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1118, Revision 03, including
Appendix 1, dated May 12, 2009.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1132, Revision 04,
including Appendices 1 and 2, dated February 1, 2010.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1145, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated April 27, 2007.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1154, Revision 01, dated
April 7, 2008.
(4) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EAS, 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.
(5) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(6) You may also review copies of the service information that
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at an NARA facility, call 202-741-6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 29, 2012.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-16885 Filed 7-16-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
