Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 79742-79745 [2015-32082]
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79742
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules
(since first installation on an airplane, or
since last NBB replacement, whichever
occurs later) is 16,000 total flight cycles.
(2) As of July 31, 2017: The THSA flightcycle limit (since first installation on an
airplane, or since last NBB replacement,
whichever occurs later) is 14,000 total flight
cycles.
(3) As of July 31, 2018: The THSA flightcycle limit (since first installation on an
airplane, or since last NBB replacement,
whichever occurs later) is 12,000 total flight
cycles.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(j) THSA Replacement for Airbus Model
A340–500 and –600 Series Airplanes
For Airbus Model A340–500 and A340–
600 series airplanes having a THSA with a
part number specified in paragraph (g)(2) of
this AD: Not later than the date specified in
paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), (j)(3), and (j)(4) of this
AD, as applicable: For any THSA having
reached or exceeded on that date the
corresponding number of total flight cycles as
specified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), (j)(3), and
(j)(4) of this AD, as applicable, replace each
affected THSA with a serviceable THSA, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A340–
27–5062, dated July 15, 2014.
(1) As of the effective date of this AD: The
THSA flight-cycle limit (since first
installation on an airplane, or since last NBB
replacement, whichever occurs later) is 6,000
total flight cycles.
(2) As of April 30, 2017: The THSA flightcycle limit (since first installation on an
airplane, or since last NBB replacement,
whichever occurs later) is 5,200 total flight
cycles.
(3) As of April 30, 2018: The THSA flightcycle limit (since first installation on an
airplane, or since last NBB replacement,
whichever occurs later) is 4,400 total flight
cycles.
(4) As of April 30, 2019: The THSA flightcycle limit (since first installation on an
airplane, or since last NBB replacement,
whichever occurs later) is 3,500 total flight
cycles.
(k) THSA Replacement Intervals for All
Airbus Airplanes Identified in Paragraph (c)
of This AD
For any part installed as required by this
AD having a part number identified in
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: From the
dates specified in paragraphs (i) and (j) of
this AD, as applicable, and prior to exceeding
the accumulated number of total flight cycles
corresponding to each time, replace each
affected THSA with a serviceable part, in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of the applicable service
information identified in paragraphs (k)(1),
(k)(2), and (k)(3) of this AD.
(1) Airbus Service Bulletin A330–27–3199,
dated July 15, 2014.
(2) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–4190,
dated July 15, 2014.
(3) Airbus Service Bulletin A340–27–5062,
dated July 15, 2014.
(l) Definition of Serviceable THSA
For the purposes of this AD a serviceable
THSA is a THSA:
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Jkt 238001
(1) Having a part number identified in
paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD that has
not exceeded any of the total accumulated
flight cycles identified in paragraphs (i)(1)
through (i)(3) of this AD, or paragraphs (j)(1)
through (j)(4) of this AD, as applicable; or
(2) Having a part number that is not
identified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this
AD.
(m) Parts Installation Limitation
From each date specified in paragraphs
(i)(1), (i)(2), and (i)(3) of this AD, and
paragraphs (j)(1) through (j)(4) of this AD, as
applicable, a THSA having a part number
identified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this
AD may be installed on any airplane,
provided the THSA has not exceeded the
corresponding number of accumulated total
flight cycles.
(n) 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-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
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
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
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(o) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014–0257R1, dated
May 29, 2015, for related information. This
MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov/#
!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0006-0002.
(2) For service information identified in
this 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. 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
30, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–30822 Filed 12–22–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–7526; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–217–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 A318, A319, A320, and
A321 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by the discovery of
corroded circlips in fuel vent protectors
(FVP) having a certain part number.
This proposed AD would require an
inspection to determine the part number
and serial number of the FVP, and
replacement if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct
corroded circlips. Corroded circlips
could lead to failure of the circlips and
consequent movement of the FVP,
resulting in a reduction of the flame
protector capability of the FVP
cartridge, which could result in damage
to the airplane in case of lightning
impact or fire on the ground.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 8, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules
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
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2015–
7526; 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–2015–7526; Directorate Identifier
2014–NM–217–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:28 Dec 22, 2015
Jkt 238001
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 2014–0234R1, dated December
11, 2014 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321
series airplanes. The MCAI states:
On each aeroplane wing, a NACA [National
Advisory committee for Aeronautics] duct
assembly is installed, including a Fuel Vent
Protector (FVP) which is used as flame
arrestor. This FVP is maintained in its NACA
duct assembly by a circlip (also known as Cclip). Following a wing water pressure test,
the FVP is removed and dried with heat.
During an inspection after this test, several
circlips were reported to be discoloured.
Investigation revealed that a batch of circlips
fitted on some FVP Part Number (P/N)
786073–1–0 have an increased risk of
corrosion due to a manufacturing quality
issue.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to circlip failure and
consequent FVP movement, reducing the
flame protector capability of the FVP
cartridge, possibly resulting in damage to the
aeroplane in case of lightning impact or fire
on ground.
For the reason described above, EASA
issued AD 2014-0234 to require identification
by serial number (s/n) of the affected FVP P/
N 786073–1–0 and removal from service [and
replacement with a serviceable part].
This [EASA] AD is revised to clarify that
only maintenance records since August 2012
should be consulted to demonstrate, as
required by paragraph (2), that not
replacement FVP has been installed.
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–
7526.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A320–28–1221, dated July 21, 2014. The
service information describes
procedures for inspecting the FVP to
determine the part number, and
PO 00000
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Fmt 4702
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79743
replacing the FVP if necessary. 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 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. Parts would
cost $25,640. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be up to $182,455, or
$26,065 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
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79744
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules
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
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–2015–7526;
Directorate Identifier 2014–NM–217–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by February 8,
2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection of FVP and Corrective Action
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes specified
in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4)
of this AD, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A318–111, –112, –121,
and –122 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A319–111, –112, –113,
–114, –115,–131, –132, and –133 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A320–211, –212, –214,
–231, –232, and –233 airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A321–111, –112, –131,
–211, –212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the discovery of
corroded circlips in fuel vent protectors
(FVP) having a certain part number. We are
■
issuing this AD to detect and correct
corroded circlips. Corroded circlips could
lead to failure of the circlips and consequent
movement of the FVP, resulting in a
reduction of the flame protector capability of
the FVP cartridge, which could result in
damage to the airplane in case of lightning
impact or fire on the ground.
For airplanes having a manufacturer serial
number specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g)
and (i) of this AD: At the earliest of the times
specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and
(h)(3) of this AD, do an inspection to
determine the part number and serial number
of the FVP. If the FVP has part number (P/
N) 786073–1–0 with a serial number that is
specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i)
of this AD, and the FVP is not marked ‘‘Amdt
B,’’ replace the FVP with a serviceable part,
at the earliest of the times specified in
paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
28–1221, dated July 21, 2014. A review of
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in
lieu of this inspection if the part number and
serial number of the FVP can be conclusively
determined from that review.
FIGURE 1 TO PARAGRAPHS (g) AND (i) OF THIS AD—AFFECTED AIRPLANE MANUFACTURER SERIAL NUMBERS
5438
5441
5444
5445
5447
5457
5459
5460
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
.........................................................
5461
5463
5464
5469
5473
5481
5482
5483
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
through 5478 inclusive ...................
........................................................
........................................................
........................................................
5485
5490
5495
5507
5517
5518
5520
5530
through 5488 inclusive ...................
through 5493 inclusive ...................
through 5505 inclusive ...................
through 5515 inclusive ...................
........................................................
........................................................
through 5527 inclusive ...................
........................................................
5536
5539
5541
5544
5547
5551
5553
5556
FIGURE 2 TO PARAGRAPHS (g) AND (i) OF THIS AD—AFFECTED SERIAL NUMBERS FOR PART NUMBER 786073–1–0
[Manufactured during August 2012]
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Serial number 786073IN0xxxx (xxxx indicates the last four digits)
3752
3753
3754
3755
3756
3757
3758
3759
3760
3761
3787
3788
3810
3812
3814
3817
3819
3820
VerDate Sep<11>2014
3821
3826
3827
3829
3830
3833
3834
3836
3839
3840
3848
3849
3850
3851
3853
3859
3860
3867
17:28 Dec 22, 2015
Jkt 238001
3868
3871
3874
3877
3878
3882
3893
3897
3898
3899
3900
3901
3904
3905
3906
3907
3908
3910
PO 00000
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3911
3914
3922
3925
3927
3930
3937
3938
3940
3945
3946
3947
3948
3951
3961
3962
3964
3965
Fmt 4702
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E:\FR\FM\23DEP1.SGM
3966
3967
3969
3971
3972
3977
3978
3980
3981
3982
3983
3984
3985
3986
3987
3996
3997
4009
23DEP1
4010
4011
4013
4017
4019
4023
4024
4025
4026
4039
4048
4065
4066
4068
4070
4184
4187
None
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules
(h) Compliance Times for the Requirements
of Paragraph (g) of This AD
Do the actions required by paragraph (g) of
this AD at the earliest of the times specified
in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this
AD.
(1) Before the accumulation of 5,000 total
flight cycles after the date of manufacture of
the airplane.
(2) Before the accumulation of 7,500 total
flight hours after the date of manufacture of
the airplane.
(3) Within 30 months after the date of
manufacture of the airplane.
(i) Exclusion From Actions Required by
Paragraph (g) of This AD
An airplane that does not have a
manufacturer serial number specified in
figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD
is excluded from the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD, provided that, a
FVP having P/N 786073–1–0 with a serial
number specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g)
and (i) of this AD has not been installed on
that airplane after July 2012. If a FVP having
P/N 786073–1–0 with a serial number
specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i)
of this AD is installed, or the serial number
cannot be identified: Within 12 months after
the effective date of this AD, replace the FVP
with a serviceable part, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–28–1221, dated July
21, 2014. A review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable if it can be conclusively
determined from that review that a FVP
having a serial number specified in figure 2
to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD has not
been installed on that airplane after July
2012.
asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, a FVP
having P/N 786073–1–0 and a serial number
listed in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of
this AD may be installed on any airplane,
provided the FVP is marked with ‘‘Amdt B.’’
(k) 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:28 Dec 22, 2015
Jkt 238001
(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.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014–0234R1, dated
December 11, 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–2015–7526.
(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 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
December 11, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2015–32082 Filed 12–22–15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–7528; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–004–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 A300 B4–600, B4–600R,
and F4–600R series airplanes, and
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes (collectively called Model
A300–600 series airplanes); and Model
A310 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by reports of
premature aging of certain passenger
chemical oxygen generators that
resulted in the generators failing to
SUMMARY:
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Frm 00027
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
79745
activate. This proposed AD would
require an inspection to determine if
certain passenger chemical oxygen
generators are installed and replacement
of affected passenger chemical oxygen
generators. We are proposing this AD to
prevent failure of the passenger
chemical oxygen generator to activate
and consequently not deliver oxygen
during an emergency, possibly resulting
in injury to airplane occupants.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by February 8, 2016.
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—
EAW, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone: +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax: +33
5 61 93 44 51; email: account.airwortheas@airbus.com; Internet https://
www.airbus.com.
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–
7528; 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
E:\FR\FM\23DEP1.SGM
23DEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 23, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79742-79745]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32082]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-7526; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-217-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed
AD was prompted by the discovery of corroded circlips in fuel vent
protectors (FVP) having a certain part number. This proposed AD would
require an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of
the FVP, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to
detect and correct corroded circlips. Corroded circlips could lead to
failure of the circlips and consequent movement of the FVP, resulting
in a reduction of the flame protector capability of the FVP cartridge,
which could result in damage to the airplane in case of lightning
impact or fire on the ground.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 8,
2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
[[Page 79743]]
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-2015-
7526; 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-2015-7526;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-217-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 2014-0234R1, dated December 11, 2014 (referred
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
On each aeroplane wing, a NACA [National Advisory committee for
Aeronautics] duct assembly is installed, including a Fuel Vent
Protector (FVP) which is used as flame arrestor. This FVP is
maintained in its NACA duct assembly by a circlip (also known as C-
clip). Following a wing water pressure test, the FVP is removed and
dried with heat. During an inspection after this test, several
circlips were reported to be discoloured. Investigation revealed
that a batch of circlips fitted on some FVP Part Number (P/N)
786073-1-0 have an increased risk of corrosion due to a
manufacturing quality issue.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to
circlip failure and consequent FVP movement, reducing the flame
protector capability of the FVP cartridge, possibly resulting in
damage to the aeroplane in case of lightning impact or fire on
ground.
For the reason described above, EASA issued AD 2014[dash]0234 to
require identification by serial number (s/n) of the affected FVP P/
N 786073-1-0 and removal from service [and replacement with a
serviceable part].
This [EASA] AD is revised to clarify that only maintenance
records since August 2012 should be consulted to demonstrate, as
required by paragraph (2), that not replacement FVP has been
installed.
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-
7526.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, dated July 21,
2014. The service information describes procedures for inspecting the
FVP to determine the part number, and replacing the FVP if necessary.
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 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. Parts would cost $25,640. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S.
operators to be up to $182,455, or $26,065 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
[[Page 79744]]
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-2015-7526; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
217-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by February 8, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1),
(c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115,-131, -132,
and -133 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the discovery of corroded circlips in
fuel vent protectors (FVP) having a certain part number. We are
issuing this AD to detect and correct corroded circlips. Corroded
circlips could lead to failure of the circlips and consequent
movement of the FVP, resulting in a reduction of the flame protector
capability of the FVP cartridge, which could result in damage to the
airplane in case of lightning impact or fire on the ground.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection of FVP and Corrective Action
For airplanes having a manufacturer serial number specified in
figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD: At the earliest of
the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this
AD, do an inspection to determine the part number and serial number
of the FVP. If the FVP has part number (P/N) 786073-1-0 with a
serial number that is specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and
(i) of this AD, and the FVP is not marked ``Amdt B,'' replace the
FVP with a serviceable part, at the earliest of the times specified
in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD, in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-28-1221, dated July 21, 2014. A review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number
and serial number of the FVP can be conclusively determined from
that review.
Figure 1 to Paragraphs (g) and (i) of This AD--Affected Airplane Manufacturer Serial Numbers
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5438.................................... 5461...................... 5485 through 5488 5536
inclusive.
5441.................................... 5463...................... 5490 through 5493 5539
inclusive.
5444.................................... 5464...................... 5495 through 5505 5541
inclusive.
5445.................................... 5469...................... 5507 through 5515 5544
inclusive.
5447.................................... 5473 through 5478 5517...................... 5547
inclusive.
5457.................................... 5481...................... 5518...................... 5551
5459.................................... 5482...................... 5520 through 5527 5553
inclusive.
5460.................................... 5483...................... 5530...................... 5556
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Figure 2 to Paragraphs (g) and (i) of This AD--Affected Serial Numbers
for Part Number 786073-1-0
[Manufactured during August 2012]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Serial number 786073IN0xxxx (xxxx indicates the last four digits)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3752 3821 3868 3911 3966 4010
3753 3826 3871 3914 3967 4011
3754 3827 3874 3922 3969 4013
3755 3829 3877 3925 3971 4017
3756 3830 3878 3927 3972 4019
3757 3833 3882 3930 3977 4023
3758 3834 3893 3937 3978 4024
3759 3836 3897 3938 3980 4025
3760 3839 3898 3940 3981 4026
3761 3840 3899 3945 3982 4039
3787 3848 3900 3946 3983 4048
3788 3849 3901 3947 3984 4065
3810 3850 3904 3948 3985 4066
3812 3851 3905 3951 3986 4068
3814 3853 3906 3961 3987 4070
3817 3859 3907 3962 3996 4184
3819 3860 3908 3964 3997 4187
3820 3867 3910 3965 4009 None
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 79745]]
(h) Compliance Times for the Requirements of Paragraph (g) of This AD
Do the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD at the
earliest of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and
(h)(3) of this AD.
(1) Before the accumulation of 5,000 total flight cycles after
the date of manufacture of the airplane.
(2) Before the accumulation of 7,500 total flight hours after
the date of manufacture of the airplane.
(3) Within 30 months after the date of manufacture of the
airplane.
(i) Exclusion From Actions Required by Paragraph (g) of This AD
An airplane that does not have a manufacturer serial number
specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD is
excluded from the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, provided
that, a FVP having P/N 786073-1-0 with a serial number specified in
figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD has not been installed
on that airplane after July 2012. If a FVP having P/N 786073-1-0
with a serial number specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i)
of this AD is installed, or the serial number cannot be identified:
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the
FVP with a serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, dated July 21,
2014. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if it
can be conclusively determined from that review that a FVP having a
serial number specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of
this AD has not been installed on that airplane after July 2012.
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, a FVP having P/N 786073-1-0
and a serial number listed in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of
this AD may be installed on any airplane, provided the FVP is marked
with ``Amdt B.''
(k) 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0234R1, dated December 11,
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-2015-7526.
(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 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 December 11, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-32082 Filed 12-22-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
