Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 64765-64767 [2012-26078]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 23, 2012 / Proposed Rules Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, a federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the collection of information. All responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200. (h) Related Information Refer to MCAI European Aviation Safety Agency AD 12–053, dated May 25, 2012; and Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons Ltd Service Bulletin No. 12, dated May 10, 2012, for related information. For service information related to this AD, contact Lindstrand Hot Air Balloons Ltd., Maesbury Road, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8ZZ, The United Kingdom; telephone: +44 (0) 1691–671717; fax: +44 (0) 1691–671122; email: simon@lindstrand.co.uk; Internet: https:// www.lindstrand.co.uk/. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 17, 2012. Pat Mullen, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–26064 Filed 10–22–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–1105; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–137–AD] Examining the AD Docket mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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 SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:28 Oct 22, 2012 Jkt 229001 Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, which revealed that certain fuel pumps under certain conditions can create an ignition source in the fuel tank. This proposed AD would require modification of the center tank fuel pump control circuit by installation of ground fault interrupters (GFIs). This proposed AD would also require either replacement of the GFI or deactivation of the associated fuel pump following failure of any postmodification operational test of the GFI. We are proposing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 7, 2012. 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—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. You may review copies of the 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; 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 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 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 64765 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, Washington 98057–3356; phone: 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–2012–1105; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–137–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. 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 Airworthiness Directive 2012–0198, dated September 26, 2012 (which superseded EASA AD 2012–0133, dated July 18, 2012) (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: * * * The FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. In the framework of these requirements, EASA have determined that the electrical power supply circuits of certain fuel pumps, installed on A320 family aeroplanes, for which the canisters become uncovered during normal operation, could, under certain conditions, create an ignition source in the tank vapour space. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane. To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed a modification which includes installing Ground Fault Interrupters (GFI) into the centre tank fuel pump control circuit, providing additional system protection by electrically isolating the pump in case of a ground fault condition downstream of the GFI. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2012–0133 to require modification of the centre tank fuel E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM 23OCP1 64766 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 23, 2012 / Proposed Rules pump control circuit by installing GFI and thereafter, in case a GFI failed an operational test, replacement of the faulty GFI, or deactivation of the associated fuel pump in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL). Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was noted that, inadvertently, the Applicability of the Final AD was incorrect (the preceding PAD [proposed AD] 12–051 was correct) by excluding aeroplanes on which Airbus modification 150736 has been embodied in production. As a result, the required actions when a GFI fails an operational test did not apply to those aeroplanes. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements [modification of the centre tank fuel pump control circuit by installing GFI] of EASA AD 2012–0133, which is superseded, and expands the Applicability to aeroplanes on which Airbus modification 150736 has been embodied in production. The required actions also include either replacement of the GFI or deactivation of the associated fuel pump following failure of any post-modification operational test of the GFI. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Relevant Service Information Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320–28–1188, dated March 23, 2012. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 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. Costs of Compliance Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD would affect about 755 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 11 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $3,360 per product, depending on configuration. Where the service information lists required parts costs that are covered under warranty, we have assumed that VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:28 Oct 22, 2012 Jkt 229001 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 the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $3,242,725, or $4,295 per product. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: Authority for This Rulemaking 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: 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. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2012–1105; Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–137–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by December 7, 2012. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to 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 manufacturer serial numbers. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, which revealed that certain fuel pumps under certain conditions can create an ignition source in the fuel tank. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane. (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) Modification Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD: Within 48 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the center tank fuel pump control circuit by installing ground fault interrupters (GFIs), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28–1188, dated March 23, 2012. (h) Airplanes Excluded From Modification Requirement For airplanes on which Airbus modification 150736 has been embodied in production, and on which no GFI has been removed since first flight, the modification specified in paragraph (g) of this AD is not required. E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM 23OCP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 205 / Tuesday, October 23, 2012 / Proposed Rules (i) Corrective Action for Failed Postmodification Operational Test After accomplishment of the modification specified in paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, each time a GFI fails an operational test, before further flight, replace the GFI or deactivate the associated fuel pump, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD: Guidance on the operational test specified in paragraph (i) of this AD can be found in Task 28.18.00/01, Operational Check of Centre Tank Fuel Pump GFI, of the Airbus A318/ A319/A320/A321 Maintenance Review Board Report or Task 281800–710–801, Operational Check of Centre Tank Fuel Pump GFI, of the Airbus A318/A319/A320 Aircraft Maintenance Manual. Note 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD: Guidance on the fuel pump deactivation specified in paragraph (h) of this AD can be found in Item 28–21–02, Center Tank Systems, of the FAA Master Minimum Equipment List for Airbus A318/A319/A320/ A321. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (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, 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, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; phone: 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) 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. (k) Related Information (1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012–0198, dated September 26, 2012; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320–28– 1188, dated March 23, 2012; for related information. (2) 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 VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:28 Oct 22, 2012 Jkt 229001 https://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 15, 2012. John P. Piccola, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2012–26078 Filed 10–22–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2012–0495; Directorate Identifier 2011–NM–236–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal. AGENCY: The FAA withdraws a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that proposed a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. The proposed AD would have required determining the lengths of the wear indicating pins of all brake assemblies, shortening the pin if the wear indicating pin is too long, inspecting for normal brake wear, and replacing brakes with new brakes if necessary. Since the issuance of the NPRM, the FAA has received new data that indicates the actions addressing this unsafe condition have been accomplished on the worldwide fleet. Accordingly, the proposed AD is withdrawn. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527) is the Document Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 64767 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Tom Groves, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1503; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Discussion We proposed to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for a new AD for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on May 31, 2012 (77 FR 32069). The NPRM would have required determining the lengths of the wear indicating pins of all brake assemblies, shortening the pin if the wear indicating pin is too long, inspecting for normal brake wear, and replacing brakes with new brakes if necessary. The NPRM resulted from reports of degraded brake performance during landing due to improperly-sized wear indicating pins. The proposed actions were intended to detect and correct improperly-sized wear indicating pins, which, if not corrected, could result in worn-out brake pads and subsequent loss of braking power, which could result in runway overruns. Actions Since NPRM (77 FR 32069, May 31, 2012) Was Issued Since we issued the NPRM (77 FR 32069, May 31, 2012), FAA has received new data that indicates the unsafe condition no longer exists. Review of the Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplane service history shows that the worldwide fleet is in compliance with the actions specified in Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200–32–389, Revision 1, dated October 27, 2011. Therefore, the unsafe condition no longer exists. FAA’s Conclusions Upon further consideration, we have determined that the actions specified in Gulfstream Service Bulletin 200–32– 389, Revision 1, dated October 27, 2011, and the Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplane service history adequately addressed the identified unsafe condition. Therefore, it is not necessary to issue a final rule. Accordingly, the NPRM (77 FR 32069, May 31, 2012) is withdrawn. Withdrawal of the NPRM (77 FR 32069, May 31, 2012) does not preclude E:\FR\FM\23OCP1.SGM 23OCP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 205 (Tuesday, October 23, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 64765-64767]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-26078]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1105; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-137-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 A320 series airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, 
which revealed that certain fuel pumps under certain conditions can 
create an ignition source in the fuel tank. This proposed AD would 
require modification of the center tank fuel pump control circuit by 
installation of ground fault interrupters (GFIs). This proposed AD 
would also require either replacement of the GFI or deactivation of the 
associated fuel pump following failure of any post-modification 
operational test of the GFI. We are proposing this AD to prevent the 
potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination 
with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and 
consequent loss of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 7, 
2012.

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--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. You may review copies of the 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; 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 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, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 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-2012-1105; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-137-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.
    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 
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0198, dated September 26, 2012 (which 
superseded EASA AD 2012-0133, dated July 18, 2012) (referred to after 
this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified 
products. The MCAI states:
    * * * The FAA published Special Federal Aviation Regulation 
(SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published 
Interim Policy INT/POL/25/12.
    In the framework of these requirements, EASA have determined 
that the electrical power supply circuits of certain fuel pumps, 
installed on A320 family aeroplanes, for which the canisters become 
uncovered during normal operation, could, under certain conditions, 
create an ignition source in the tank vapour space.
    This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fuel tank 
explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed a 
modification which includes installing Ground Fault Interrupters 
(GFI) into the centre tank fuel pump control circuit, providing 
additional system protection by electrically isolating the pump in 
case of a ground fault condition downstream of the GFI.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2012-0133 to require modification 
of the centre tank fuel

[[Page 64766]]

pump control circuit by installing GFI and thereafter, in case a GFI 
failed an operational test, replacement of the faulty GFI, or 
deactivation of the associated fuel pump in accordance with the 
provisions of the applicable Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was noted that, 
inadvertently, the Applicability of the Final AD was incorrect (the 
preceding PAD [proposed AD] 12-051 was correct) by excluding 
aeroplanes on which Airbus modification 150736 has been embodied in 
production. As a result, the required actions when a GFI fails an 
operational test did not apply to those aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements [modification of the centre tank fuel pump control 
circuit by installing GFI] of EASA AD 2012-0133, which is 
superseded, and expands the Applicability to aeroplanes on which 
Airbus modification 150736 has been embodied in production.

The required actions also include either replacement of the GFI or 
deactivation of the associated fuel pump following failure of any post-
modification operational test of the GFI. You may obtain further 
information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1188, dated March 23, 
2012. 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.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 755 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 11 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per 
work-hour. Required parts would cost about $3,360 per product, 
depending on configuration. 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 the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $3,242,725, or $4,295 
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 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

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

    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]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2012-1105; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
137-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by December 7, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to 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 manufacturer 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the 
manufacturer, which revealed that certain fuel pumps under certain 
conditions can create an ignition source in the fuel tank. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside 
fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could 
result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

(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) Modification

    Except as provided by paragraph (h) of this AD: Within 48 months 
after the effective date of this AD, modify the center tank fuel 
pump control circuit by installing ground fault interrupters (GFIs), 
in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-28-1188, dated March 23, 2012.

(h) Airplanes Excluded From Modification Requirement

    For airplanes on which Airbus modification 150736 has been 
embodied in production, and on which no GFI has been removed since 
first flight, the modification specified in paragraph (g) of this AD 
is not required.

[[Page 64767]]

(i) Corrective Action for Failed Post-modification Operational Test

    After accomplishment of the modification specified in paragraph 
(g) or (h) of this AD, each time a GFI fails an operational test, 
before further flight, replace the GFI or deactivate the associated 
fuel pump, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA.

    Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD:  Guidance on the operational 
test specified in paragraph (i) of this AD can be found in Task 
28.18.00/01, Operational Check of Centre Tank Fuel Pump GFI, of the 
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Maintenance Review Board Report or Task 
281800-710-801, Operational Check of Centre Tank Fuel Pump GFI, of 
the Airbus A318/A319/A320 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.


    Note 2 to paragraph (i) of this AD:  Guidance on the fuel pump 
deactivation specified in paragraph (h) of this AD can be found in 
Item 28-21-02, Center Tank Systems, of the FAA Master Minimum 
Equipment List for Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321.

(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, 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, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; phone: 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) 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.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0198, dated 
September 26, 2012; and Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1188, dated 
March 23, 2012; for related information.
    (2) 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. You may review copies of the 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 15, 2012.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-26078 Filed 10-22-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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