Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 52419-52423 [2015-21428]

Download as PDF 52419 Proposed Rules Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 168 Monday, August 31, 2015 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2015–3149; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–014–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 Airbus Model A330–200, –200 Freighter, and –300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340–200, –300, –500, and –600 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of premature aging of certain chemical oxygen generators in the passenger compartment that resulted in failure of the generators to activate. This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine if certain passenger chemical oxygen generators are installed, and replacement of affected generators. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the chemical oxygen generator to activate during an emergency situation, which could result in unavailability of oxygen and possible incapacitation of the occupants. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 15, 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. rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:00 Aug 28, 2015 Jkt 235001 • 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 Airbus service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office— EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330–A340@ airbus.com; Internet https:// www.airbus.com. For B/E Aerospace service information identified in this proposed AD, contact B/E Aerospace Inc., 10800 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS 66215; telephone 913–338–9800; fax 913–469– 8419; Internet https://beaerospace.com/ home/globalsupport. 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–2015– 3149; 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1138; fax 425–227–1149. 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. PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 FAA–2015–3149; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–014–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 2015–0119, dated June 24, 2015 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A330–200, –200 Freighter, and –300 series airplanes; and Model A340– 200, –300, –500, and –600 series airplanes. The MCAI states: Reports have been received indicating premature ageing of certain passenger chemical oxygen generators, Part Number (P/ N) 1170242–XX, manufactured by B/E Aerospace. Some operators reported that when they tried to activate generators, some older units failed to activate. Given the number of failed units reported, all the generators manufactured in 1999, 2000, and 2001 must be considered unreliable. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of the generator to activate and consequently not deliver oxygen during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to aeroplane occupants. To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A35L007–14, making reference to B/ E Aerospace Service Information Letter (SIL) D1019–01 (currently at Revision 1) and B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin (SB) 117042–35– 001. Consequently, EASA issued AD 2014– 0277 to require identification and replacement of the affected oxygen generators. Since EASA AD 2014–0277 was issued, and following new investigation results, EASA has decided to introduce a life limitation concerning all P/N 117042–XX chemical oxygen generators, manufactured by B/E Aerospace. For the reason described above, this EASA AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2014–0277, which is superseded, expands the scope of the AD to include chemical E:\FR\FM\31AUP1.SGM 31AUP1 52420 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 168 / Monday, August 31, 2015 / Proposed Rules oxygen generators manufactured after 2001, and requires their removal from service before exceeding 10 years since date of manufacture. 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–2015– 3149. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A35L007–14, Revision 01, June 17, 2015; including Appendix A. B/E Aerospace has issued Service Bulletin 117042–35–001, dated December 10, 2014. The service information describes procedures for inspecting to determine if certain passenger chemical oxygen generators are installed, and replacing affected generators. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section of this NPRM. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD 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 these same type designs. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 91 airplanes of U.S. registry. This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another ESTIMATED COSTS Action Inspection .......................... Replacement ..................... Labor cost 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. rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD 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 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; VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:00 Aug 28, 2015 Jkt 235001 Cost per product $0 ...................................... $85 .................................... $7,735. $1,000 per oxygen generator. 1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85. 1 work hour × $85 per hour = $85. Authority for This Rulemaking Cost on U.S. operators Parts cost $1,085 per oxygen generator. $98,735 for one oxygen generator. 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–2015–3149; Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–014–AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by October 15, 2015. (b) Affected ADs None. PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (c) Applicability This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers. (1) Airbus Model A330–201, –202, –203, –223, –223F, –243, –243F, –301, –302, –303, –321, –322, –323, –341, –342, and –343 airplanes. (2) Airbus Model A340–211, –212, –213, –311, –312, –313, –541, and –642 airplanes; except those on which a gaseous system for all oxygen generators is installed. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of premature aging of certain chemical oxygen generators in the passenger compartment that resulted in failure of the generators to activate. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the chemical oxygen generator to activate during an emergency situation, which could result in unavailability of oxygen and possible incapacitation of the occupants. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspection Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Inspect each passenger chemical oxygen generator to identify the date of manufacture (refer to Figures 1 and 2 of paragraph (g) of this AD for the location of the date) of each passenger chemical oxygen generator having any part number (P/N) listed in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(6) of this AD, in accordance with the Instructions E:\FR\FM\31AUP1.SGM 31AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 168 / Monday, August 31, 2015 / Proposed Rules of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A35L007–14, Revision 01, June 17, 2015; including Appendix A. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this identification if the date of manufacture of the generator can be conclusively determined from that review. (1) 117042–02 (15minutes (min)—2 masks). (2) 117042–03 (15 min—3 masks). (3) 117042–04 (15 min—4 masks). 52421 (4) 117042–22 (22 min—2 masks). (5) 117042–23 (22 min—3 masks). (6) 117042–24 (22 min—4 masks). Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD - Location of date (MM-YY) OOO:RASSY -GENEIRATOR lPUll 1 IN P LEAATOR OXYGIEN rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS OI!.AMP' VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:00 Aug 28, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4725 E:\FR\FM\31AUP1.SGM 31AUP1 EP31AU15.000</GPH> GENERA: O:R Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 168 / Monday, August 31, 2015 / Proposed Rules (h) Replacement of Pre-2002 Passenger Oxygen Generators If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any passenger chemical oxygen generator having a date of manufacture of 1999, 2000, or 2001 is found: At the time specified in paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD, as applicable, replace the affected passenger chemical oxygen generator, in accordance with the Instructions of Airbus AOT A35L007–14, Revision 01, June 17, 2015; including Appendix A (for 15 and 22-minute passenger chemical oxygen generators); or in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 117042–35–001, dated December 10, 2014 (for 15-minute passenger chemical oxygen generators). (1) For units manufactured in 1999: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD. (2) For units manufactured in 2000: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD. (3) For units manufactured in 2001: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD. VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:00 Aug 28, 2015 Jkt 235001 (i) Replacement of 2002 Through 2009 Passenger Oxygen Generators If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, any passenger chemical oxygen generator having a date of manufacture of 2002 through 2008 is found: At the time specified in paragraph (i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3), (i)(4), (i)(5), (i)(6), (i)(7), or (i)(8) of this AD, as applicable, replace the affected passenger chemical oxygen generator with a serviceable unit, in accordance with the Instructions of Airbus AOT A35L007–14, Revision 01, June 17, 2015; including Appendix A (for 15 and 22-minute passenger chemical oxygen generators); or in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 117042–35–001, dated December 10, 2014 (for 15-minute passenger chemical oxygen generators). (1) For units manufactured in 2002: Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD. (2) For units manufactured in 2003: Within 16 months after the effective date of this AD. PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (3) For units manufactured in 2004: Within 20 months after the effective date of this AD. (4) For units manufactured in 2005: Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD. (5) For units manufactured in 2006: Within 28 months after the effective date of this AD. (6) For units manufactured in 2007: Within 32 months after the effective date of this AD. (7) For units manufactured in 2008: Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD. (8) For units manufactured in 2009 or later: Before the accumulation of 10 years since date of manufacture. (j) Definition of a Serviceable Unit A serviceable unit is an oxygen generator having P/N 117042–XX, with a manufacturing date not older than 10 years, or any other FAA-approved P/N, provided that the generator has not exceeded the life limit established by the manufacturer for that generator. (k) Credit for Previous Actions This paragraph provides credit for the applicable actions required by paragraphs (g), E:\FR\FM\31AUP1.SGM 31AUP1 EP31AU15.001</GPH> rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS 52422 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 168 / Monday, August 31, 2015 / Proposed Rules (h), and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective date of this AD using Airbus AOT A35L007–14, dated December 18, 2014, including Appendix A. information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (l) Parts Installation Limitation As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a passenger chemical oxygen generator on any airplane, unless the passenger chemical oxygen generator is determined to be a serviceable unit, as defined in paragraph (j) of this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 21, 2015. Kevin Hull, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015–21428 Filed 8–28–15; 8:45 am] rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS (m) 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1138; fax 425- 227–1149. 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 EASA; or Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (n) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015–0119, dated June 24, 2015, 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– 2015–3149. (2) For Airbus service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330–A340@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. (3) For B/E Aerospace service information identified in this proposed AD, contact B/E Aerospace Inc., 10800 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS 66215; telephone 913–338–9800; fax 913– 469–8419; Internet https://beaerospace.com/ home/globalsupport. (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For VerDate Sep<11>2014 14:00 Aug 28, 2015 Jkt 235001 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 117 [Docket No. USCG–2014–1057] RIN 1625–AA09 Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Norwalk River, Norwalk CT Coast Guard, DHS. Notice of proposed rulemaking. AGENCY: ACTION: The Coast Guard proposes to modify the operating schedule that governs the Metro-North WALK Bridge across the Norwalk River, mile 0.1, at Norwalk, Connecticut. The bridge owner submitted a request to require a greater advance notice for bridge openings and to increase the time periods the bridge remains in the closed position during the weekday morning and evening commuter rush hours. It is expected that this change to the regulations will create efficiency in drawbridge operations while continuing to meet the reasonable needs of navigation. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before October 30, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG– 2014–1057 using any one of the following methods: (1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. (2) Fax: 202–493–2251. (3) Mail or Delivery: Docket Management Facility (M–30), U.S. Department of Transportation, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–0001. Deliveries accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. The telephone number is 202– 366–9329. See the ‘‘Public Participation and Request for Comments’’ portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below for instructions on submitting comments. To avoid duplication, please use only one of these three methods. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 52423 If you have questions on this proposed rule, call or email Mr. Chris Bisignano, Project Officer, First Coast Guard District, telephone 212–514–4331, Christopher.j.bisignano@uscg.mil. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call Cheryl Collins, Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone 202–366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tables of Acronyms CFR Code of Federal Regulations DHS Department of Homeland Security FR Federal Register NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking § Section Symbol U.S.C. United States Code A. Public Participation and Request for Comments We encourage you to participate in this rulemaking by submitting comments and related materials. All comments received will be posted, without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. 1. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this rulemaking (USCG–2014–1057), indicate the specific section of this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online (https:// www.regulations.gov), or by fax, mail or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. If you submit a comment online via https:// www.regulations.gov, it will be considered received by the Coast Guard when you successfully transmit the comment. If you fax, hand deliver, or mail your comment, it will be considered as having been received by the Coast Guard when it is received at the Docket Management Facility. We recommend that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so that we can contact you if we have questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov, type the docket number USCG–2014–1057 in the ‘‘SEARCH’’ box and click ‘‘SEARCH.’’ Click on ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ on the line associated with this rulemaking. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and E:\FR\FM\31AUP1.SGM 31AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 168 (Monday, August 31, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52419-52423]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-21428]


========================================================================
Proposed Rules
                                                Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________

This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.

========================================================================


Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 168 / Monday, August 31, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 52419]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3149; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-014-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 A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and 
all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by reports of premature aging of certain 
chemical oxygen generators in the passenger compartment that resulted 
in failure of the generators to activate. This proposed AD would 
require inspecting to determine if certain passenger chemical oxygen 
generators are installed, and replacement of affected generators. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the chemical oxygen 
generator to activate during an emergency situation, which could result 
in unavailability of oxygen and possible incapacitation of the 
occupants.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 15, 
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 Airbus service information identified in this proposed AD, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice 
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax 
+33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet 
https://www.airbus.com.
    For B/E Aerospace service information identified in this proposed 
AD, contact B/E Aerospace Inc., 10800 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, KS 66215; 
telephone 913-338-9800; fax 913-469-8419; Internet https://beaerospace.com/home/globalsupport.
    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-2015-
3149; 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: Vladimir Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; 
fax 425-227-1149.

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-2015-3149; 
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-014-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 2015-0119, dated June 24, 2015 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model 
A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and Model A340-
200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Reports have been received indicating premature ageing of 
certain passenger chemical oxygen generators, Part Number (P/N) 
1170242-XX, manufactured by B/E Aerospace. Some operators reported 
that when they tried to activate generators, some older units failed 
to activate. Given the number of failed units reported, all the 
generators manufactured in 1999, 2000, and 2001 must be considered 
unreliable.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of the 
generator to activate and consequently not deliver oxygen during an 
emergency, possibly resulting in injury to aeroplane occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A35L007-14, making reference to B/E 
Aerospace Service Information Letter (SIL) D1019-01 (currently at 
Revision 1) and B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin (SB) 117042-35-001. 
Consequently, EASA issued AD 2014-0277 to require identification and 
replacement of the affected oxygen generators.
    Since EASA AD 2014-0277 was issued, and following new 
investigation results, EASA has decided to introduce a life 
limitation concerning all P/N 117042-XX chemical oxygen generators, 
manufactured by B/E Aerospace.
    For the reason described above, this EASA AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0277, which is superseded, expands the 
scope of the AD to include chemical

[[Page 52420]]

oxygen generators manufactured after 2001, and requires their 
removal from service before exceeding 10 years since date of 
manufacture.

    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-2015-
3149.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A35L007-14, 
Revision 01, June 17, 2015; including Appendix A. B/E Aerospace has 
issued Service Bulletin 117042-35-001, dated December 10, 2014. The 
service information describes procedures for inspecting to determine if 
certain passenger chemical oxygen generators are installed, and 
replacing affected generators. This service information is reasonably 
available because the interested parties have access to it through 
their normal course of business or by the means identified in the 
ADDRESSES section of this NPRM.

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 these 
same type designs.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 91 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection......................  1 work-hour x $85   $0................  $85...............  $7,735.
                                   per hour = $85.
Replacement.....................  1 work hour x $85   $1,000 per oxygen   $1,085 per oxygen   $98,735 for one
                                   per hour = $85.     generator.          generator.          oxygen generator.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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-2015-3149; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-
014-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by October 15, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes, certificated in any category, 
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, -243F, 
-301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, 
and -642 airplanes; except those on which a gaseous system for all 
oxygen generators is installed.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of premature aging of certain 
chemical oxygen generators in the passenger compartment that 
resulted in failure of the generators to activate. We are issuing 
this AD to prevent failure of the chemical oxygen generator to 
activate during an emergency situation, which could result in 
unavailability of oxygen and possible incapacitation of the 
occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection

    Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD: Inspect each 
passenger chemical oxygen generator to identify the date of 
manufacture (refer to Figures 1 and 2 of paragraph (g) of this AD 
for the location of the date) of each passenger chemical oxygen 
generator having any part number (P/N) listed in paragraphs (g)(1) 
through (g)(6) of this AD, in accordance with the Instructions

[[Page 52421]]

of Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A35L007-14, Revision 
01, June 17, 2015; including Appendix A. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this identification if 
the date of manufacture of the generator can be conclusively 
determined from that review.
    (1) 117042-02 (15minutes (min)--2 masks).
    (2) 117042-03 (15 min--3 masks).
    (3) 117042-04 (15 min--4 masks).
    (4) 117042-22 (22 min--2 masks).
    (5) 117042-23 (22 min--3 masks).
    (6) 117042-24 (22 min--4 masks).
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP31AU15.000
    

[[Page 52422]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP31AU15.001

(h) Replacement of Pre-2002 Passenger Oxygen Generators

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any passenger chemical oxygen generator having a date of manufacture 
of 1999, 2000, or 2001 is found: At the time specified in paragraph 
(h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD, as applicable, replace the 
affected passenger chemical oxygen generator, in accordance with the 
Instructions of Airbus AOT A35L007-14, Revision 01, June 17, 2015; 
including Appendix A (for 15 and 22-minute passenger chemical oxygen 
generators); or in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 117042-35-001, dated December 10, 
2014 (for 15-minute passenger chemical oxygen generators).
    (1) For units manufactured in 1999: Within 30 days after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) For units manufactured in 2000: Within 6 months after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (3) For units manufactured in 2001: Within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD.

(i) Replacement of 2002 Through 2009 Passenger Oxygen Generators

    If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any passenger chemical oxygen generator having a date of manufacture 
of 2002 through 2008 is found: At the time specified in paragraph 
(i)(1), (i)(2), (i)(3), (i)(4), (i)(5), (i)(6), (i)(7), or (i)(8) of 
this AD, as applicable, replace the affected passenger chemical 
oxygen generator with a serviceable unit, in accordance with the 
Instructions of Airbus AOT A35L007-14, Revision 01, June 17, 2015; 
including Appendix A (for 15 and 22-minute passenger chemical oxygen 
generators); or in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 117042-35-001, dated December 10, 
2014 (for 15-minute passenger chemical oxygen generators).
    (1) For units manufactured in 2002: Within 12 months after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (2) For units manufactured in 2003: Within 16 months after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (3) For units manufactured in 2004: Within 20 months after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (4) For units manufactured in 2005: Within 24 months after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (5) For units manufactured in 2006: Within 28 months after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (6) For units manufactured in 2007: Within 32 months after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (7) For units manufactured in 2008: Within 36 months after the 
effective date of this AD.
    (8) For units manufactured in 2009 or later: Before the 
accumulation of 10 years since date of manufacture.

(j) Definition of a Serviceable Unit

    A serviceable unit is an oxygen generator having P/N 117042-XX, 
with a manufacturing date not older than 10 years, or any other FAA-
approved P/N, provided that the generator has not exceeded the life 
limit established by the manufacturer for that generator.

(k) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for the applicable actions 
required by paragraphs (g),

[[Page 52423]]

(h), and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the 
effective date of this AD using Airbus AOT A35L007-14, dated 
December 18, 2014, including Appendix A.

(l) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
passenger chemical oxygen generator on any airplane, unless the 
passenger chemical oxygen generator is determined to be a 
serviceable unit, as defined in paragraph (j) of this AD.

(m) 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: Vladimir 
Ulyanov, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1138; fax 425- 227-1149. 
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 EASA; 
or Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must 
include the DOA-authorized signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0119, dated June 24, 2015, 
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-2015-3149.
    (2) For Airbus service information identified in this proposed 
AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point 
Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 
36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email airworthiness.A330-A340@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com.
    (3) For B/E Aerospace service information identified in this 
proposed AD, contact B/E Aerospace Inc., 10800 Pflumm Road, Lenexa, 
KS 66215; telephone 913-338-9800; fax 913-469-8419; Internet https://beaerospace.com/home/globalsupport.
    (4) 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 August 21, 2015.
Kevin Hull,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-21428 Filed 8-28-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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