Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 63134-63136 [2015-26223]
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63134
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 201 / Monday, October 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules
(g) Wire Separation Measurement, Related
Investigative Actions, and Corrective
Actions
Within 24 months after the effective date
of this AD: Measure the separation between
the electro-mechanical actuator wire
W801182 of the left wing, spoiler 4, and the
support bracket of the flap variable camber
trim unit, and do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin
B787–81205–SB270024–00, Issue 001, dated
September 24, 2014. Do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions before
further flight.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 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 manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in
paragraph (i)(1) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-Seattle-ACO-AMOCRequests@faa.gov.
(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.
(3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable
level of safety may be used for any repair
required by this AD if it is approved by the
Boeing Commercial Airplanes Organization
Designation Authorization (ODA) that has
been authorized by the Manager, Seattle
ACO, to make those findings. For a repair
method to be approved, the repair must meet
the certification basis of the airplane, and the
approval must specifically refer to this AD.
(i) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Sean J. Schauer, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Equipment Branch, ANM–130S,
FAA, Seattle ACO, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–917–
6479; fax: 425–917–6590; email:
sean.schauer@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Data & Services
Management, P.O. Box 3707, MC 2H–65,
Seattle, WA 98124–2207; telephone 206–
544–5000, extension 1; fax 206–766–5680;
Internet https://www.myboeingfleet.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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October
6, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–26221 Filed 10–16–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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17:25 Oct 16, 2015
Jkt 238001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3990; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–255–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 certain
Airbus Model A320–214, –232, and
–233 airplanes; and Airbus Model
A321–211 and –231 airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of incorrect installation of jiffy joint
connectors on cables connected to
certain passenger service units (PSU),
which could cause the passenger oxygen
container to malfunction if the
connector becomes disengaged during
flight due to vibration. This proposed
AD would require identification of the
affected PSUs, and depending on
findings, doing applicable related
investigative and corrective actions. We
are proposing this AD to prevent failure
of the door of the passenger oxygen
container to open in the event of
airplane decompression, resulting in
lack of oxygen supply and consequent
injury to occupants.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by December 3, 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, 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
SUMMARY:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
account.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com.
For Airbus Operations GMBH service
information identified in this proposed
AD, contact Airbus Operations GMBH,
Cabin Electronics, Lueneburger Schanze
30, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany;
telephone +49 40 7437 46 32; telefax
+49 40 7437 16 80; email
ruediger.jansen@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–2015–
3990; 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,
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–2015–3990; Directorate Identifier
2014–NM–255–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
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 201 / Monday, October 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2014–0256, dated November
26, 2014, (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Model A320–214, –232, and –233
airplanes; and Airbus Model A321–211
and –231 airplanes. The MCAI states:
A quality issue was reported regarding
incorrect installation of jiffy joint connectors
on cables connected to certain Passenger
Service Units (PSU), which may lead to a
malfunction of the passenger oxygen
container in case of connector disengagement
during flight due to vibrations. All the
aeroplanes that had a potentially affected
PSU installed were identified. Most of those
aeroplanes were corrected during a specific
quality inspection on the final assembly line
prior to customer delivery. Unfortunately, a
limited number of aeroplanes were delivered
before the quality inspection was
implemented.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to failure of the door of
the passenger oxygen container and open in
case of aeroplane decompression, possibly
resulting in lack of oxygen supply and
consequent injury to occupants.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires identification of the
affected PSU and, depending on the findings,
* * * related investigative and corrective
actions.
Related investigative actions include a
detailed inspection to determine if the
jiffy joint connector works properly.
Corrective actions include rework or
replacement of the jiffy joint connectors.
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–
3990.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued the following
service information.
• Airbus Service Bulletin A320–25–
1B20, dated October 9, 2014. This
service information describes
procedures for inspecting for affected
PSU part numbers and serial numbers,
and depending on findings, doing
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions. Related investigative
actions include a detailed inspection to
determine if the jiffy joint connector
works properly. Corrective actions
include rework or replacement of the
jiffy joint connectors.
• Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor
Service Bulletin Z315H–25–004, dated
September 26, 2014. This service
information describes procedures for
inspecting for the connection of the jiffy
joint connectors, and depending on
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:25 Oct 16, 2015
Jkt 238001
findings, doing rework or replacement
of the jiffy joint connectors.
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.
Explanation of ‘‘RC’’ Procedures and
Tests in Service Information
The FAA worked in conjunction with
industry, under the Airworthiness
Directive Implementation Aviation
Rulemaking Committee (ARC), to
enhance the AD system. One
enhancement was a new process for
annotating which procedures and tests
in the service information are required
for compliance with an AD.
Differentiating these procedures and
tests from other tasks in the service
information is expected to improve an
owner’s/operator’s understanding of
crucial AD requirements and help
provide consistent judgment in AD
compliance. The procedures and tests
identified as RC (required for
compliance) in any service information
have a direct effect on detecting,
preventing, resolving, or eliminating an
identified unsafe condition.
As specified in a Note under the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–25–1B20, dated
October 9, 2014, procedures and tests
that are identified as RC in any service
information must be done to comply
with the proposed AD. However,
procedures and tests that are not
identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not
identified as RC may be deviated from
using accepted methods in accordance
with the operator’s maintenance or
inspection program without obtaining
approval of an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC), provided the
procedures and tests identified as RC
can be done and the airplane can be put
back in a serviceable condition. Any
substitutions or changes to procedures
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Sfmt 4702
63135
or tests identified as RC will require
approval of an AMOC.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 7 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 5 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 $0 per product. Based
on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $2,975, or $425 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.
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63136
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 201 / Monday, October 19, 2015 / Proposed Rules
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–2015–3990;
Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–255–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 3,
2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A320–
214, –232, and –233 airplanes; and Airbus
Model A321–211 and –231 airplanes,
certificated in any category, having
manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) 5583,
5598, 5602, 5604, 5608, 5610, 5613 through
5622 inclusive, 5624 through 5627 inclusive,
5629 through 5632 inclusive, 5634 through
5636 inclusive, 5638, 5640 through 5644
inclusive, 5646 through 5649 inclusive, 5651
through 5653 inclusive, 5655, 5657 through
5661 inclusive, 5663, 5665, 5667, 5670, 5672,
5673, and 5675.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 25, Equipment/Furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
incorrect installation of jiffy joint connectors
on cables connected to certain passenger
service units (PSU), which could cause the
passenger oxygen container to malfunction if
the connector becomes disengaged during
flight due to vibration. We are issuing this
AD to prevent failure of the door of the
passenger oxygen container to open in the
event of airplane decompression, resulting in
lack of oxygen supply and consequent injury
to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection and Related Investigative and
Corrective Actions
Within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months
after the effective date of this AD, whichever
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:25 Oct 16, 2015
Jkt 238001
occurs first, do an inspection to identify the
part number and serial number of each PSU
and if an affected part number or serial
number is found, do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
25–1B20, dated October 9, 2014. Do all
applicable related investigative and
corrective actions within 7,500 flight hours
or 26 months after the effective date of this
AD, whichever occurs first. An affected PSU
part number or serial number is one listed in
Appendix 1 of Airbus Operations GmbH
Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H–25–004,
dated September 26, 2014. A review of
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in
lieu of this inspection if the part number and
serial number of the PSU can be conclusively
determined from that review.
(h) Clarification of Vendor Service
Information
Appendix 1 of Airbus Operations GmbH
Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H–25–004,
dated September 26, 2014, identifies
Attachment 1 as the list of affected PSU part
numbers and serial numbers. Also, the ‘‘List
of Attachments’’ in Appendix 1, specifies
Attachment 1 as Table 4, however
‘‘Attachment 1’’ and ‘‘Table 4’’ do not appear
on any of the pages of the list of affected PSU
part numbers and serial numbers, nor does a
date. Furthermore, the pagination of the list
of affected PSU part numbers and serial
numbers is independent of the pagination of
Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service
Bulletin Z315H–25–004, dated September 26,
2014.
(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-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
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
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any
service information contains procedures or
tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014–0256, dated
November 26, 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–2015–3990.
(2) For Airbus 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.
For Airbus Operations GMBH service
information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus Operations GMBH, Cabin Electronics,
Lueneburger Schanze 30, 21614 Buxtehude,
Germany; telephone +49 40 7437 46 32;
telefax +49 40 7437 16 80; email
ruediger.jansen@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 October
6, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–26223 Filed 10–16–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–3989; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–250–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 201 (Monday, October 19, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 63134-63136]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26223]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-3990; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-255-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 A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus
Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by
reports of incorrect installation of jiffy joint connectors on cables
connected to certain passenger service units (PSU), which could cause
the passenger oxygen container to malfunction if the connector becomes
disengaged during flight due to vibration. This proposed AD would
require identification of the affected PSUs, and depending on findings,
doing applicable related investigative and corrective actions. We are
proposing this AD to prevent failure of the door of the passenger
oxygen container to open in the event of airplane decompression,
resulting in lack of oxygen supply and consequent injury to occupants.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 3,
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, 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.
For Airbus Operations GMBH service information identified in this
proposed AD, contact Airbus Operations GMBH, Cabin Electronics,
Lueneburger Schanze 30, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany; telephone +49 40 7437
46 32; telefax +49 40 7437 16 80; email ruediger.jansen@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-2015-
3990; 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, 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-2015-3990;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-255-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
[[Page 63135]]
for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0256, dated November 26, 2014, (referred
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231
airplanes. The MCAI states:
A quality issue was reported regarding incorrect installation of
jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain Passenger
Service Units (PSU), which may lead to a malfunction of the
passenger oxygen container in case of connector disengagement during
flight due to vibrations. All the aeroplanes that had a potentially
affected PSU installed were identified. Most of those aeroplanes
were corrected during a specific quality inspection on the final
assembly line prior to customer delivery. Unfortunately, a limited
number of aeroplanes were delivered before the quality inspection
was implemented.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
failure of the door of the passenger oxygen container and open in
case of aeroplane decompression, possibly resulting in lack of
oxygen supply and consequent injury to occupants.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
identification of the affected PSU and, depending on the findings, *
* * related investigative and corrective actions.
Related investigative actions include a detailed inspection to
determine if the jiffy joint connector works properly. Corrective
actions include rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors.
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-
3990.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued the following service information.
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, dated October 9,
2014. This service information describes procedures for inspecting for
affected PSU part numbers and serial numbers, and depending on
findings, doing applicable related investigative and corrective
actions. Related investigative actions include a detailed inspection to
determine if the jiffy joint connector works properly. Corrective
actions include rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors.
Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25-
004, dated September 26, 2014. This service information describes
procedures for inspecting for the connection of the jiffy joint
connectors, and depending on findings, doing rework or replacement of
the jiffy joint connectors.
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.
Explanation of ``RC'' Procedures and Tests in Service Information
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee
(ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for
annotating which procedures and tests in the service information are
required for compliance with an AD. Differentiating these procedures
and tests from other tasks in the service information is expected to
improve an owner's/operator's understanding of crucial AD requirements
and help provide consistent judgment in AD compliance. The procedures
and tests identified as RC (required for compliance) in any service
information have a direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving,
or eliminating an identified unsafe condition.
As specified in a Note under the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, dated October 9, 2014, procedures
and tests that are identified as RC in any service information must be
done to comply with the proposed AD. However, procedures and tests that
are not identified as RC are recommended. Those procedures and tests
that are not identified as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator's maintenance or inspection
program without obtaining approval of an alternative method of
compliance (AMOC), provided the procedures and tests identified as RC
can be done and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC will require approval of an AMOC.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 7 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 5 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 $0 per
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed
AD on U.S. operators to be $2,975, or $425 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.
[[Page 63136]]
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-2015-3990; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
255-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by December 3, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233
airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes,
certificated in any category, having manufacturer serial numbers
(MSNs) 5583, 5598, 5602, 5604, 5608, 5610, 5613 through 5622
inclusive, 5624 through 5627 inclusive, 5629 through 5632 inclusive,
5634 through 5636 inclusive, 5638, 5640 through 5644 inclusive, 5646
through 5649 inclusive, 5651 through 5653 inclusive, 5655, 5657
through 5661 inclusive, 5663, 5665, 5667, 5670, 5672, 5673, and
5675.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of
jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain passenger
service units (PSU), which could cause the passenger oxygen
container to malfunction if the connector becomes disengaged during
flight due to vibration. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure
of the door of the passenger oxygen container to open in the event
of airplane decompression, resulting in lack of oxygen supply and
consequent injury to occupants.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions
Within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months after the effective date
of this AD, whichever occurs first, do an inspection to identify the
part number and serial number of each PSU and if an affected part
number or serial number is found, do all applicable related
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20,
dated October 9, 2014. Do all applicable related investigative and
corrective actions within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months after the
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. An affected PSU
part number or serial number is one listed in Appendix 1 of Airbus
Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25-004, dated
September 26, 2014. A review of airplane maintenance records is
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial
number of the PSU can be conclusively determined from that review.
(h) Clarification of Vendor Service Information
Appendix 1 of Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin
Z315H-25-004, dated September 26, 2014, identifies Attachment 1 as
the list of affected PSU part numbers and serial numbers. Also, the
``List of Attachments'' in Appendix 1, specifies Attachment 1 as
Table 4, however ``Attachment 1'' and ``Table 4'' do not appear on
any of the pages of the list of affected PSU part numbers and serial
numbers, nor does a date. Furthermore, the pagination of the list of
affected PSU part numbers and serial numbers is independent of the
pagination of Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-
25-004, dated September 26, 2014.
(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) 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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0256, dated November 26,
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-2015-3990.
(2) For Airbus 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. For Airbus Operations GMBH service
information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Operations GMBH,
Cabin Electronics, Lueneburger Schanze 30, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany;
telephone +49 40 7437 46 32; telefax +49 40 7437 16 80; email
ruediger.jansen@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 October 6, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-26223 Filed 10-16-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
