Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 79745-79750 [2015-32084]
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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.
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(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.
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(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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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
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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: Dan
Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone: 425–227–2125;
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–2015–7528; Directorate Identifier
2015–NM–004–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.
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Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2015–0118,
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 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. The MCAI states:
Reports have been received indicating
premature ageing of certain chemical oxygen
generators, Part Number (P/N) 117042–XX
(XX representing any numerical value),
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 generators manufactured in
1999, 2000 and 2001 were 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
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(AOT) A35W008–14, 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–
0280 [https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/20140280] to require identification and
replacement of the affected oxygen
generators.
Since EASA AD 2014–0280 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 2014–0280, which is superseded,
expands the scope of the [EASA] AD to
include chemical 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–
7528.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT) A35W008–14,
dated December 18, 2014.
B/E Aerospace has issued Service
Bulletin 117042–35–001, dated
December 10, 2014.
This service information describes
procedures to replace certain passenger
chemical oxygen 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 166 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 2 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this proposed AD. The average labor
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rate is $85 per work-hour. Required
parts would cost about $390 per
product. Based on these figures, we
estimate the cost of this proposed AD on
U.S. operators to be $92,960, or $560 per
product.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to
respond to, nor shall a person be subject
to penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid
OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information
required by this proposed AD is 2120–
0056. The paperwork cost associated
with this proposed AD has been
detailed in the Costs of Compliance
section of this document and includes
time for reviewing instructions, as well
as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all
reporting associated with this proposed
AD is mandatory. Comments concerning
the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden
should be directed to the FAA at 800
Independence Ave. SW., Washington,
DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES–200.
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
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responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
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■
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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–2015–7528;
Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–004–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 identified
in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), and
(c)(5) of this AD, certificated in any category,
all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A300 B4–601, B4–603,
B4–620, and B4–622 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A300 B4–605R and B4–
622R airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A300 F4–605R and F4–
622R airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes.
(5) Airbus Model A310–203, –204, –221,
–222, –304, –322, –324, and –325 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 35, Oxygen.
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79747
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
premature aging of certain passenger
chemical oxygen generators that resulted in
the generators failing to activate. We are
issuing 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.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Part Number Inspection
Within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, do a one-time inspection of
passenger chemical oxygen generators, part
numbers (P/N) 117042–02 (15 minutes
(min)—2 masks), 117042–03 (15 min—3
masks), 117042–04 (15 min—4 masks),
117042–22 (22 min—2 masks), 117042–23
(22 min—3 masks), or 117042–24 (22 min—
4 masks), to determine the date of
manufacture as specified in Airbus Alert
Operators Transmission (AOT) A35W008–14,
dated December 18, 2014. Refer to Figure 1
to paragraph (g) of this AD and Figure 2 to
paragraph (g) of this AD for the location of
the date. A review of airplane maintenance
records is acceptable for the inspection
required by this paragraph, provided the date
of manufacture can be conclusively
determined by that review.
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Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD - Location qf date (MM-Y}j
GENERATOR
PIN
OX¥GEN
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EP23DE15.003</GPH>
GENERATOR
CLAMP
(h) Replacement of Passenger Chemical
Oxygen Generators Manufactured in 1999,
2000, and 2001
If, during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, any passenger
chemical oxygen generator having a date of
manufacture in 1999, 2000, or 2001 is found:
At the applicable time specified in paragraph
(h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD, remove and
replace the affected passenger chemical
oxygen generator with a serviceable unit, 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); or Airbus AOT
A35W008–14, dated December 18, 2014 (for
22 minute passenger chemical oxygen
generators); as applicable.
(1) For passenger chemical oxygen
generators that have a date of manufacture in
1999: Remove and replace within 30 days
after the effective date of this AD.
(2) For passenger chemical oxygen
generators that have a date of manufacture in
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2000: Remove and replace within 6 months
after the effective date of this AD.
(3) For passenger chemical oxygen
generators that have a date of manufacture in
2001: Remove and replace within 12 months
after the effective date of this AD.
(i) Replacement of Passenger Chemical
Oxygen Generators Manufactured in 2002
and Later
If, during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, any passenger
chemical oxygen generator having a date
specified in Table 1 to paragraph (i) of this
AD is found: At the applicable time specified
in Table 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD, remove
and replace the affected passenger chemical
oxygen generator with a serviceable unit, 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); or Airbus AOT
A35N006–14, dated December 10, 2014,
including Appendix 01 (for 22 minute
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79749
passenger chemical oxygen generators); as
applicable.
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS
AD—REPLACEMENT
COMPLIANCE
TIMES
Year of
manufacture
2002 ...............
2003 ...............
2004 ...............
2005 ...............
2006 ...............
2007 ...............
2008 ...............
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Compliance time
Within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
Within 16 months after the
effective date of this AD.
Within 20 months after the
effective date of this AD.
Within 24 months after the
effective date of this AD.
Within 28 months after the
effective date of this AD.
Within 32 months after the
effective date of this AD.
Within 36 months after the
effective date of this AD.
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79750
Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 246 / Wednesday, December 23, 2015 / Proposed Rules
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (I) OF THIS
AD—REPLACEMENT
COMPLIANCE
TIMES—Continued
Year of
manufacture
Compliance time
2009 ...............
Before exceeding 10 years
since date of manufacture
of the passenger chemical
oxygen generator.
(j) Definition of Serviceable
For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable
unit is a passenger chemical oxygen
generator having P/N 117042–XX (XX
represents any numerical value) with a
manufacturing date not older than 10 years,
or any other approved part number, provided
that the generator has not exceeded the life
limit established for that generator by the
manufacturer.
(k) Reporting
At the applicable time specified in
paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2) of this AD, submit
a report of the findings (both positive and
negative) of the inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, in accordance with
paragraph 7, ‘‘Reporting,’’ of Airbus AOT
A35W008–14, dated December 18, 2014. The
report must include the information specified
in Appendix 1 of Airbus AOT A35W008–14,
dated December 18, 2014.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the
report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the
effective date of this AD: Submit the report
within 30 days after the effective date of this
AD.
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(l) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install a passenger chemical
oxygen generator, unless it is determined,
prior to installation, that the oxygen
generator is 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:
Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116 Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone: 425–227–2125; fax: 425–227–
1149. Information may be emailed to: 9ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov.
Before using any approved AMOC, notify
your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of
the local flight standards district office/
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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) Reporting Requirements: A federal
agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a
person is not required to respond to, nor
shall a person be subject to a penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of
information subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that
collection of information displays a current
valid OMB Control Number. The OMB
Control Number for this information
collection is 2120–0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to
be approximately 5 minutes per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of
information. All responses to this collection
of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and
suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence
Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn:
Information Collection Clearance Officer,
AES–200.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2015–0118, 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–
2015–7528.
(2) For Airbus service information
identified in this 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 service identified
in this 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 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. 2015–32084 Filed 12–22–15; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2015–0250; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–216–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
We are revising an earlier
proposed airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320,
and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM
proposed to require replacing certain
pitot probes on the captain, first officer,
and standby sides with certain new
pitot probes. The NPRM was prompted
by reports of airspeed indication
discrepancies while flying at high
altitudes in inclement weather. This
action revises the NPRM by reducing
the proposed compliance time for
replacing certain pitot probes based on
a risk assessment due to additional
reports of airspeed indication
discrepancies while flying at high
altitudes in inclement weather. We are
proposing this supplemental NPRM
(SNPRM) to prevent airspeed indication
discrepancies during inclement
weather, which, depending on the
prevailing altitude, could lead to
unknown accumulation of ice crystals
and consequent reduced controllability
of the airplane. Since these actions
impose an additional burden over those
proposed in the NPRM, we are
reopening the comment period to allow
the public the chance to comment on
these proposed changes.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this SNPRM by January 22, 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
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\23DEP1.SGM
23DEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 23, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79745-79750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32084]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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 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
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.airworth-eas@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
[[Page 79746]]
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: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116 Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone: 425-227-2125; 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-2015-7528;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-004-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 AD
2015-0118, 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 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. The MCAI states:
Reports have been received indicating premature ageing of
certain chemical oxygen generators, Part Number (P/N) 117042-XX (XX
representing any numerical value), 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 generators manufactured in 1999, 2000 and 2001
were 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) A35W008-14, 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 2014-0280 [https://ad.easa.europa.eu/ad/2014-0280] to require identification and replacement of the affected
oxygen generators.
Since EASA AD 2014-0280 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 2014-0280, which is superseded, expands the
scope of the [EASA] AD to include chemical 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-
7528.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A35W008-14,
dated December 18, 2014.
B/E Aerospace has issued Service Bulletin 117042-35-001, dated
December 10, 2014.
This service information describes procedures to replace certain
passenger chemical oxygen 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 166 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $390
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $92,960, or $560 per product.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this proposed AD
is 2120-0056. The paperwork cost associated with this proposed AD has
been detailed in the Costs of Compliance section of this document and
includes time for reviewing instructions, as well as completing and
reviewing the collection of information. Therefore, all reporting
associated with this proposed AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the
accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should
be directed to the FAA at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC
20591, ATTN: Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
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
[[Page 79747]]
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-2015-7528; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-
004-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 identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), (c)(4), and (c)(5) of this AD, certificated
in any category, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Airbus Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, and B4-622
airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A300 B4-605R and B4-622R airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A300 F4-605R and F4-622R airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes.
(5) Airbus Model A310-203, -204, -221, -222, -304, -322, -324,
and -325 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of premature aging of certain
passenger chemical oxygen generators that resulted in the generators
failing to activate. We are issuing 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.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Part Number Inspection
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do a one-
time inspection of passenger chemical oxygen generators, part
numbers (P/N) 117042-02 (15 minutes (min)--2 masks), 117042-03 (15
min--3 masks), 117042-04 (15 min--4 masks), 117042-22 (22 min--2
masks), 117042-23 (22 min--3 masks), or 117042-24 (22 min--4 masks),
to determine the date of manufacture as specified in Airbus Alert
Operators Transmission (AOT) A35W008-14, dated December 18, 2014.
Refer to Figure 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD and Figure 2 to
paragraph (g) of this AD for the location of the date. A review of
airplane maintenance records is acceptable for the inspection
required by this paragraph, provided the date of manufacture can be
conclusively determined by that review.
[[Page 79748]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23DE15.003
[[Page 79749]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP23DE15.004
(h) Replacement of Passenger Chemical Oxygen Generators Manufactured in
1999, 2000, and 2001
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
any passenger chemical oxygen generator having a date of manufacture
in 1999, 2000, or 2001 is found: At the applicable time specified in
paragraph (h)(1), (h)(2), or (h)(3) of this AD, remove and replace
the affected passenger chemical oxygen generator with a serviceable
unit, 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); or Airbus AOT
A35W008-14, dated December 18, 2014 (for 22 minute passenger
chemical oxygen generators); as applicable.
(1) For passenger chemical oxygen generators that have a date of
manufacture in 1999: Remove and replace within 30 days after the
effective date of this AD.
(2) For passenger chemical oxygen generators that have a date of
manufacture in 2000: Remove and replace within 6 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(3) For passenger chemical oxygen generators that have a date of
manufacture in 2001: Remove and replace within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
(i) Replacement of Passenger Chemical Oxygen Generators Manufactured in
2002 and Later
If, during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD,
any passenger chemical oxygen generator having a date specified in
Table 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD is found: At the applicable time
specified in Table 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD, remove and replace
the affected passenger chemical oxygen generator with a serviceable
unit, 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); or Airbus AOT
A35N006-14, dated December 10, 2014, including Appendix 01 (for 22
minute passenger chemical oxygen generators); as applicable.
Table 1 to Paragraph (i) of This AD--Replacement Compliance Times
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year of manufacture Compliance time
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002................................... Within 12 months after the
effective date of this AD.
2003................................... Within 16 months after the
effective date of this AD.
2004................................... Within 20 months after the
effective date of this AD.
2005................................... Within 24 months after the
effective date of this AD.
2006................................... Within 28 months after the
effective date of this AD.
2007................................... Within 32 months after the
effective date of this AD.
2008................................... Within 36 months after the
effective date of this AD.
[[Page 79750]]
2009................................... Before exceeding 10 years since
date of manufacture of the
passenger chemical oxygen
generator.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(j) Definition of Serviceable
For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable unit is a passenger
chemical oxygen generator having P/N 117042-XX (XX represents any
numerical value) with a manufacturing date not older than 10 years,
or any other approved part number, provided that the generator has
not exceeded the life limit established for that generator by the
manufacturer.
(k) Reporting
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (k)(1) or (k)(2)
of this AD, submit a report of the findings (both positive and
negative) of the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, in
accordance with paragraph 7, ``Reporting,'' of Airbus AOT A35W008-
14, dated December 18, 2014. The report must include the information
specified in Appendix 1 of Airbus AOT A35W008-14, dated December 18,
2014.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(l) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a
passenger chemical oxygen generator, unless it is determined, prior
to installation, that the oxygen generator is 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: Dan Rodina,
Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116 Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356;
telephone: 425-227-2125; 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) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0118, 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-2015-7528.
(2) For Airbus service information identified in this 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.airworth-eas@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com. For B/E service identified in this
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 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. 2015-32084 Filed 12-22-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
