Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 3520-3522 [2015-00945]

Download as PDF 3520 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 15 / Friday, January 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules Programs, 7121 Southwest Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67215. Provide the brushes and the information specified in paragraphs (m)(1) through (m)(6) of this AD within 30 days after the replacement if the replacement was done on or after the effective date of this AD, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD if the replacement was done before the effective date of this AD. (1) The model and serial number of the airplane. (2) The part number of the motor. (3) The part number of the brushes, if known. (4) The elapsed time, in motor hours, since the last brush/motor replacement, if known. (5) If motor hours are unknown, report the elapsed airplane flight hours since the last brush/motor replacement, and indicate that motor hours are unknown. (6) The number of motor hours currently displayed on the pallet hour meter, if installed. (n) Parts Installation Limitation As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an A/C compressor motor having P/N FWA1134104–1 or P/N FWA1134104–5, unless the inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD is done before installation, and the replacements specified in paragraph (i) of this AD are subsequently done in accordance with the applicable service information identified in paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(6) of this AD at the times specified in paragraph (i) of this AD. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (o) Special Flight Permit Limitation Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) with the following limitation: Operation of the A/C system is prohibited. (p) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement 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. (q) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:56 Jan 22, 2015 Jkt 235001 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (r)(1) of this AD. (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/ certificate holding district office. [Docket No. FAA–2014–1051; Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–171–AD] single failure could lead to loss of sharklet identification by flight computers causing a return to the wing tip fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. This proposed AD would require modification of the sharklet ground connection. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of sharklet identification by the flight computers and subsequent reduced control of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 9, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: 202–493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office–EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. RIN 2120–AA64 Examining the AD Docket (r) Related Information (1) For more information about this AD, contact Craig Henrichsen, Aerospace Engineer, Electrical Systems and Avionics Branch, ACE–119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, KS 67209; phone: 316 946 4110; fax: 316 946 4107; email: Craig.Henrichsen@ faa.gov. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS 67277; telephone 316– 517–6215; fax 316–517–5802; email citationpubs@cessna.textron.com; Internet https://www.cessnasupport.com/ newlogin.html. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 11, 2015. Jeffrey E. Duven, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–00994 Filed 1–22–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 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 certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports that on airplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes (used to activate the load alleviation function) are connected on various flight computers using the same ground point. In these cases, the ground point segregation is no longer effective and a SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 1051; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, E:\FR\FM\23JAP1.SGM 23JAP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 15 / Friday, January 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published SB A320–27–1240 for inservice installation of mod 156108. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires modification of the sharklet ground connection. Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2014–1051; Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–171–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. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014– 1051. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014–0186, dated August 19, 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states: During A320 Neo review, Airbus design office identified that on A320 family aeroplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes used to activate the load alleviation function are connected on various flight computers using the same ground point. In that case, the ground point segregation is no longer effective and a single failure could lead to loss of sharklet identification by the flight computers, inducing a return to the wing tip fence (no sharklet configuration) behaviour. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced control of the aeroplane, depending on aeroplane configuration and flight phase. It has been determined that Airbus mod 156108 restores the correct segregation. However, since introduction of sharklet mod 160500 and mod 160023, a number of aeroplanes equipped with sharklets have been delivered without incorporating mod 156108. In addition, mod 156108 was not included in certain SBs [Service Bulletin] that introduce the sharklet device in service onto aeroplanes with a reinforced wing, previously operated with a wing tip fence. Airbus mod 156108 has now been introduced into Airbus SB A320–57–1186 at Rev.03 and will be introduced at next revisions of SB A320–57–1173 and SB A320–57–1187. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:56 Jan 22, 2015 Jkt 235001 Related Service Information Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320–27–1240, including Appendix 01, dated June 18, 2014. The service information describes procedures for modification of the sharklet ground connection. 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 We estimate that this proposed AD affects 46 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 14 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 $347 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $70,702, or $1,537 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 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 3521 air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and 4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD): ■ Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2014–1051; Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–171–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by March 9, 2015. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in E:\FR\FM\23JAP1.SGM 23JAP1 3522 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 15 / Friday, January 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus modification (mod) 160500 or mod 160023 has been embodied in production, and those that have been modified in service through the Airbus Service Bulletin A320– 57–1173, A320–57–1186, and A320–57–1187 except those on which Airbus mod 156108 has been embodied in production. (1) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes. (2) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231, –232, and –233 airplanes. (3) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight Controls. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports that on airplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes (used to activate the load alleviation function) are connected on various flight computers using the same ground point. In these cases, the ground point segregation is no longer effective and a single failure could lead to loss of sharklet identification by flight computers causing a return to the wing tip fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of sharklet identification by the flight computers and subsequent reduced control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (g) Modification Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the sharklet ground connection, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–27–1240, dated June 18, 2014. (h) 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, International Branch, ANM 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:56 Jan 22, 2015 Jkt 235001 actions from a manufacturer, the action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (i) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2014–0186, dated August 19, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2014–1051. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness Office–EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 13, 2015. John P. Piccola, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–00945 Filed 1–22–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2014–1049; Directorate Identifier 2013–NM–110–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). AGENCY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL–600–2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of the horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA) spur gear bolts inside the gearbox found loose, broken, or backed out due to incorrect bending of the anti-rotation tab washer and the improper application of glue during installation. This proposed AD would require replacing certain HSTAs with a new HSTA. This SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 proposed AD would also require revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) and the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the HSTA and subsequent loss of control of the airplane. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 9, 2015. 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 Bombardier, ˆ Inc., 400 Cote-Vertu Road West, Dorval, ´ Quebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514–855–7401; email thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://www.bombardier.com. You may view this referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket 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: Luke Walker, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE– 171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; telephone 516–228–7363; fax 516–794–5531. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about E:\FR\FM\23JAP1.SGM 23JAP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 15 (Friday, January 23, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3520-3522]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-00945]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-1051; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-171-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 
certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports that on airplanes equipped with 
sharklets, discretes (used to activate the load alleviation function) 
are connected on various flight computers using the same ground point. 
In these cases, the ground point segregation is no longer effective and 
a single failure could lead to loss of sharklet identification by 
flight computers causing a return to the wing tip fence (no sharklet 
configuration) performance. This proposed AD would require modification 
of the sharklet ground connection. We are proposing this AD to prevent 
loss of sharklet identification by the flight computers and subsequent 
reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 9, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Airbus, Airworthiness Office-EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 
51; email account.airworth eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
1051; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments 
received and other information. The street address for the Docket 
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. 
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116,

[[Page 3521]]

Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 
98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2014-1051; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-171-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 Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0186, dated August 19, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During A320 Neo review, Airbus design office identified that on 
A320 family aeroplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes used to 
activate the load alleviation function are connected on various 
flight computers using the same ground point. In that case, the 
ground point segregation is no longer effective and a single failure 
could lead to loss of sharklet identification by the flight 
computers, inducing a return to the wing tip fence (no sharklet 
configuration) behaviour.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced control 
of the aeroplane, depending on aeroplane configuration and flight 
phase.
    It has been determined that Airbus mod 156108 restores the 
correct segregation. However, since introduction of sharklet mod 
160500 and mod 160023, a number of aeroplanes equipped with 
sharklets have been delivered without incorporating mod 156108. In 
addition, mod 156108 was not included in certain SBs [Service 
Bulletin] that introduce the sharklet device in service onto 
aeroplanes with a reinforced wing, previously operated with a wing 
tip fence. Airbus mod 156108 has now been introduced into Airbus SB 
A320-57-1186 at Rev.03 and will be introduced at next revisions of 
SB A320-57-1173 and SB A320-57-1187.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published SB 
A320-27-1240 for in-service installation of mod 156108.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
modification of the sharklet ground connection.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
1051.

Related Service Information

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-27-1240, including Appendix 
01, dated June 18, 2014. The service information describes procedures 
for modification of the sharklet ground connection. 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

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 46 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 14 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 $347 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $70,702, or $1,537 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.

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 airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2014-1051; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
171-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 9, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in

[[Page 3522]]

paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, all manufacturer 
serial numbers on which Airbus modification (mod) 160500 or mod 
160023 has been embodied in production, and those that have been 
modified in service through the Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-
1173, A320-57-1186, and A320-57-1187 except those on which Airbus 
mod 156108 has been embodied in production.
    (1) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (2) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
    (3) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that on airplanes equipped with 
sharklets, discretes (used to activate the load alleviation 
function) are connected on various flight computers using the same 
ground point. In these cases, the ground point segregation is no 
longer effective and a single failure could lead to loss of sharklet 
identification by flight computers causing a return to the wing tip 
fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. We are issuing this 
AD to prevent loss of sharklet identification by the flight 
computers and subsequent reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Modification

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
sharklet ground connection, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1240, dated June 18, 
2014.

(h) 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, 
International Branch, ANM 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; 
fax 425-227-1149. Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your 
appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, 
the manager of the local flight standards district office/
certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must 
specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD 
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be 
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the 
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design 
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval 
must include the DOA-authorized signature.

(i) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2014-
0186, dated August 19, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may 
be found in the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2014-1051.
    (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 eas@airbus.com">account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 13, 2015.
John P. Piccola,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-00945 Filed 1-22-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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