Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 40074-40076 [2013-15950]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 3, 2013 / Proposed Rules
(g) Additional Information
The subject of this AD is addressed in
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
Emergency AD No.: 2012–0046–E, dated
March 21, 2012. You may view the EASA AD
at www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA–
2013–0573.
(h) Subject
Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC)
Code: 5314: Fuselage Main, Keel.
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 21,
2013.
Kim Smith,
Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–15964 Filed 7–2–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0465; Directorate
Identifier 2012–NM–085–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321
series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a determination that
oxygen generators installed on a certain
batch of passenger emergency oxygen
container assemblies might become
detached by extreme pulling of the mask
tube at the end of oxygen supply
causing a high temperature oxygen
generator and mask to fall down. This
proposed AD would require modifying
the passenger emergency oxygen
container assembly. We are proposing
this AD to prevent a high temperature
oxygen generator and mask from falling
down and possibly resulting in an
ignition source in the passenger
compartment, injury to passengers, and
reduced availability of supplemental
oxygen.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by August 19, 2013.
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–
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Mar<15>2010
16:18 Jul 02, 2013
Jkt 229001
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Airbus,
Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1 Rond
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com. You
may 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, WA
98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1405;
fax (425) 227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2013–0465; Directorate Identifier
2012–NM–085–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
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will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2012–0055,
dated April 3, 2012 (referred to after this
as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe
condition for the specified products.
The MCAI states:
It has been determined that oxygen
generators, installed on a specific batch of
Type 1 (22 minute) passenger emergency
oxygen container assemblies, may become
detached by extreme pulling of the mask tube
at the end of oxygen supply. Investigations
revealed that such detachment can be caused
by the increase in temperature towards the
end of the generator operation, which may
weaken the plastic housing in the attachment
area of the bracket.
This condition, if not corrected, could
make the rivets slip through the plastic
housing, causing a ‘hot’ oxygen generator and
mask to fall down, possibly resulting in
injury to passengers.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires modification of the
affected oxygen container assemblies. This
[EASA] AD also prohibits the installation of
the affected (unmodified) containers on any
aeroplane as replacement parts.
The modification consists of adding a
reinforcement plate at the rear outside
of the container and adding two washers
to the rivets at the inside of the
container to prevent the generator from
detaching. You may obtain further
information by examining the MCAI in
the AD docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following
service bulletins.
• Service Bulletin A320–35–1049,
dated June 15, 2011.
• Service Bulletin A320–35–1053,
dated June 15, 2011.
• Service Bulletin A320–35–1054,
dated June 15, 2011.
• Service Bulletin A320–35–1055,
dated June 15, 2011.
• Service Bulletin A320–35–1056,
dated June 15, 2011.
• Service Bulletin A320–35–1057,
dated June 15, 2011.
• Service Bulletin A320–35–1058,
dated June 15, 2011.
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 3, 2013 / Proposed Rules
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 4 products of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 2 work-hours per oxygen
container assembly to comply with the
basic requirements of this proposed AD.
The average labor rate is $85 per workhour. 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
$680 per oxygen container assembly.
Authority for This Rulemaking
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
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
16:18 Jul 02, 2013
Jkt 229001
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:
■
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.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
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.
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–2013–0465;
Directorate Identifier 2012–NM–085–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 19,
2013.
(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; Model A320–111,
–211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and –233
airplanes; A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212,
–213, –231, and –232 airplanes; certificated
in any category; all manufacturer serial
numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination
that oxygen generators, installed on a certain
batch of passenger emergency oxygen
container assemblies, might become detached
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40075
by extreme pulling of the mask tube at the
end of oxygen supply causing a high
temperature oxygen generator and mask to
fall down. We are issuing this AD to prevent
a high temperature oxygen generator and
mask from falling down and possibly
resulting in an ignition source in the
passenger compartment, injury to passengers,
and reduced availability of supplemental
oxygen.
(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) Oxygen Container Assembly Modification
Except as specified in paragraphs (g)(1),
(g)(2), and (g)(3) of this AD, within 5,000
flight cycles, or 7,500 flight hours, or 24
months, whichever occurs first after the
effective date of this AD: Modify each type
1 (22 minute) passenger emergency oxygen
container assembly installed on an airplane,
having a part number (P/N) listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial
number (S/N) listed in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of
this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–35–1049, dated June
15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–
1053, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–35–1054, dated June 15, 2011;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–1055,
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–35–1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–35–1057, dated June
15, 2011; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
35–1058, dated June 15, 2011; as applicable.
(1) An oxygen container that has a part
number listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this
AD and a serial number as listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, and that has
been modified in accordance with the
instructions of B/E Aerospace Service
Bulletin 1XC22–0100–35–006, is compliant
with the modification requirement of
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Oxygen container part numbers listed in
paragraphs (g)(1)(i)(A) through (g)(1)(i)(D) of
this AD, where xxxx stands for and
alphanumerical value.
(A) 13C22Lxxxxx0100.
(B) 13C22Rxxxxx0100.
(C) 14C22Lxxxxx0100.
(D) 14C22Rxxxxx0100
(ii) Oxygen container serial numbers listed
in paragraphs (g)(1)(ii)(A) through (g)(1)(i)(H)
of this AD.
(A) ARBC–0182 to ARBC–9999, inclusive.
(B) ARBD–0000 to ARBD–9999, inclusive.
(C) ARBE–0000 to ARBE–9999, inclusive.
(D) BEBF–0000 to BEBF–9999, inclusive.
(E) BEBH–0000 to BEBH–9999, inclusive.
(F) BEBK–0000 to BEBK–9999, inclusive.
(G) BEBL–0000 to BEBL–9999, inclusive.
(H) BEBM–0000 to BEBM–0454, inclusive.
(2) Airplanes on which Airbus
modification 150704 has not been embodied
in production are excluded from the
requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD,
unless an oxygen container with a part
number listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this
AD and a serial number listed in paragraph
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD is installed.
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 128 / Wednesday, July 3, 2013 / Proposed Rules
(3) Airplanes on which Airbus
modification 150704 has been embodied in
production and that are not listed by model
and manufacturer serial number in Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–35–1049, dated June
15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–
1053, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–35–1054, dated June 15, 2011;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–1055,
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–35–1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–35–1057, dated June
15, 2011; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
35–1058, dated June 15, 2011; as applicable,
are excluded from the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD, unless an oxygen
container with a part number listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial
number listed in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this
AD is installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The
oxygen container assemblies listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and paragraph
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD are B/E Aerospace
products with the mark ‘‘B/E AEROSPACE’’
on the identification plate.
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(h) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install, on any airplane, an
oxygen container with a part number listed
in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, and serial
number listed in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this
AD, unless the oxygen container has been
modified according to Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–35–1049, dated June 15, 2011;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–1053,
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–35–1054, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–35–1055, dated June
15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–
1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–35–1057, dated June 15, 2011;
or Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–1058,
dated June 15, 2011; as applicable.
(i) 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, WA 98057–3356;
telephone (425) 227–1405; fax (425) 227–
1149. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-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
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16:18 Jul 02, 2013
Jkt 229001
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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2012–0055, dated April 3, 2012;
and the following service bulletins; for
related information.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–1049,
dated June 15, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–1053,
dated June 15, 2011.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–
1054, dated June 15, 2011.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–
1055, dated June 15, 2011.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–1056,
dated June 15, 2011.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–
1057, dated June 15, 2011.
(vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–35–
1058, dated June 15, 2011.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 44 51; email account.airwortheas@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 June 14,
2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2013–15950 Filed 7–2–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2013–0457; Airspace
Docket No. 13–AWP–5]
Proposed Establishment and
Modification of Class E Airspace;
Oakland, CA
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
establish Class E airspace extending
upward from 700 feet above the surface
at Metropolitan Oakland International
Airport, Oakland, CA. Controlled
airspace is necessary to accommodate
aircraft using the Area Navigation
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
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(RNAV) Global Positioning System
(GPS) standard instrument approach
procedures at the airport. This action
would also modify Class E surface
airspace designated as an extension to
Class C airspace by removing the
navigation aids from the airspace
designation. The FAA is proposing this
action to enhance the safety and
management of aircraft operations at the
airport.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before August 19, 2013.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal 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; telephone (202)
366–9826. You must identify FAA
Docket No. FAA–2013–0457; Airspace
Docket No. 13–AWP–5, at the beginning
of your comments. You may also submit
comments through the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Eldon Taylor, Federal Aviation
Administration, Operations Support
Group, Western Service Center, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057;
telephone (425) 203–4537.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers (FAA Docket No. FAA
2013–0457 and Airspace Docket No. 13–
AWP–5) and be submitted in triplicate
to the Docket Management System (see
ADDRESSES section for address and
phone number). You may also submit
comments through the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this action must submit with those
comments a self-addressed stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to FAA
Docket No. FAA–2013–0457 and
Airspace Docket No. 13–AWP–5’’. The
postcard will be date/time stamped and
returned to the commenter.
All communications received on or
before the specified closing date for
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 128 (Wednesday, July 3, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 40074-40076]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-15950]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0465; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-085-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
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a determination that oxygen generators installed on a
certain batch of passenger emergency oxygen container assemblies might
become detached by extreme pulling of the mask tube at the end of
oxygen supply causing a high temperature oxygen generator and mask to
fall down. This proposed AD would require modifying the passenger
emergency oxygen container assembly. We are proposing this AD to
prevent a high temperature oxygen generator and mask from falling down
and possibly resulting in an ignition source in the passenger
compartment, injury to passengers, and reduced availability of
supplemental oxygen.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 19, 2013.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may 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, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405;
fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2013-0465;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-085-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 EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0055, dated April 3, 2012 (referred to
after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
It has been determined that oxygen generators, installed on a
specific batch of Type 1 (22 minute) passenger emergency oxygen
container assemblies, may become detached by extreme pulling of the
mask tube at the end of oxygen supply. Investigations revealed that
such detachment can be caused by the increase in temperature towards
the end of the generator operation, which may weaken the plastic
housing in the attachment area of the bracket.
This condition, if not corrected, could make the rivets slip
through the plastic housing, causing a `hot' oxygen generator and
mask to fall down, possibly resulting in injury to passengers.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
modification of the affected oxygen container assemblies. This
[EASA] AD also prohibits the installation of the affected
(unmodified) containers on any aeroplane as replacement parts.
The modification consists of adding a reinforcement plate at the
rear outside of the container and adding two washers to the rivets at
the inside of the container to prevent the generator from detaching.
You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD
docket.
Relevant Service Information
Airbus has issued the following service bulletins.
Service Bulletin A320-35-1049, dated June 15, 2011.
Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated June 15, 2011.
Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15, 2011.
Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011.
Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011.
Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011.
Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011.
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
[[Page 40075]]
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 4 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that
it would take about 2 work-hours per oxygen container assembly to
comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. 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 $680 per oxygen
container assembly.
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
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:
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2013-0465; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-
085-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 19, 2013.
(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; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes; A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -
232 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer serial
numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that oxygen generators,
installed on a certain batch of passenger emergency oxygen container
assemblies, might become detached by extreme pulling of the mask
tube at the end of oxygen supply causing a high temperature oxygen
generator and mask to fall down. We are issuing this AD to prevent a
high temperature oxygen generator and mask from falling down and
possibly resulting in an ignition source in the passenger
compartment, injury to passengers, and reduced availability of
supplemental oxygen.
(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) Oxygen Container Assembly Modification
Except as specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of
this AD, within 5,000 flight cycles, or 7,500 flight hours, or 24
months, whichever occurs first after the effective date of this AD:
Modify each type 1 (22 minute) passenger emergency oxygen container
assembly installed on an airplane, having a part number (P/N) listed
in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number (S/N) listed
in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049,
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated
June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15,
2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011; as applicable.
(1) An oxygen container that has a part number listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number as listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, and that has been modified in
accordance with the instructions of B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin
1XC22-0100-35-006, is compliant with the modification requirement of
paragraph (g) of this AD.
(i) Oxygen container part numbers listed in paragraphs
(g)(1)(i)(A) through (g)(1)(i)(D) of this AD, where xxxx stands for
and alphanumerical value.
(A) 13C22Lxxxxx0100.
(B) 13C22Rxxxxx0100.
(C) 14C22Lxxxxx0100.
(D) 14C22Rxxxxx0100
(ii) Oxygen container serial numbers listed in paragraphs
(g)(1)(ii)(A) through (g)(1)(i)(H) of this AD.
(A) ARBC-0182 to ARBC-9999, inclusive.
(B) ARBD-0000 to ARBD-9999, inclusive.
(C) ARBE-0000 to ARBE-9999, inclusive.
(D) BEBF-0000 to BEBF-9999, inclusive.
(E) BEBH-0000 to BEBH-9999, inclusive.
(F) BEBK-0000 to BEBK-9999, inclusive.
(G) BEBL-0000 to BEBL-9999, inclusive.
(H) BEBM-0000 to BEBM-0454, inclusive.
(2) Airplanes on which Airbus modification 150704 has not been
embodied in production are excluded from the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD, unless an oxygen container with a part
number listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number
listed in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD is installed.
[[Page 40076]]
(3) Airplanes on which Airbus modification 150704 has been
embodied in production and that are not listed by model and
manufacturer serial number in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049,
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated
June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15,
2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011; as applicable,
are excluded from the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD,
unless an oxygen container with a part number listed in paragraph
(g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number listed in paragraph
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD is installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The oxygen container
assemblies listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and paragraph
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD are B/E Aerospace products with the mark ``B/E
AEROSPACE'' on the identification plate.
(h) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on
any airplane, an oxygen container with a part number listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, and serial number listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, unless the oxygen container has
been modified according to Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049,
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated
June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15,
2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011; as applicable.
(i) 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, WA 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) 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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to MCAI EASA Airworthiness Directive 2012-0055, dated
April 3, 2012; and the following service bulletins; for related
information.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049, dated June 15, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated June 15, 2011.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15, 2011.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011.
(vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may 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 June 14, 2013.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-15950 Filed 7-2-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
