Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 8023-8026 [2016-03133]
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 31 / Wednesday, February 17, 2016 / Proposed Rules
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ashley.armstrong@ee.doe.gov; or Mr.
Steven Goering, U.S. Department of
Energy, Office of the General Counsel,
Forrestal Building, GC–32, 1000
Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121.
Telephone: 202–286–5691. Email:
steven.goering@hq.doe.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On
December 29, 2015, the U.S. Department
of Energy (DOE) published a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NOPR) in the
Federal Register proposing that a
person importing into the United States
any covered product or equipment
subject to an applicable energy
conservation standard provide, prior to
importation, a certification of
admissibility to the DOE. (80 FR 81199)
The comment period ended February
12, 2016. After receiving several
requests for additional time to prepare
and submit comments, DOE has decided
to extend the period for submitting
comments. In addition, DOE announces
a public meeting and webinar regarding
its proposal.
DOE will host a public meeting and
webinar on February 19, 2016, from 9:30
a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at DOE’s Forrestal
Building, Room 8E–089.
DOE will accept comments, data, and
information in response to the NOPR
received no later than February 29,
2016. DOE will consider any comments
in response to the NOPR received by
midnight of February 29, 2016, and
deems any comments received by that
time to be timely submitted.
completed. Anyone attending the
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Acceptable alternate forms of PhotoID include: U.S. Passport or Passport
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Photo-ID card.
Meeting Address
U.S. Department of Energy, Forrestal
Building, 1000 Independence Avenue
SW., Washington, DC 20585, Room 8E–
089. Individuals will also have the
opportunity to participate by webinar.
To register for the webinar and receive
call-in information, please register at
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/
register/8895993921663587586.
To attend the meeting and/or to make
oral statements regarding any of the
items on the agenda, email Ms. Brenda
Edwards brenda.edwards@ee.doe.gov.
In the email, please indicate your name,
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Please note that foreign nationals
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the necessary procedures can be
Any comments submitted must
identify the NOPR for Import Data
Collection, and provide docket number
EERE–2015–BT–CE–0019 and/or
regulatory information number (RIN)
number 1990–AA44. Comments may be
submitted using any of the following
methods:
1. Federal eRulemaking Portal:
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
2. Email: ImportData2015CE0019@
ee.doe.gov. Include the docket number
and/or RIN in the subject line of the
message.
3. Mail: Ms. Brenda Edwards, U.S.
Department of Energy, Building
Technologies Program, Mailstop EE–5B,
1000 Independence Avenue SW.,
Washington, DC 20585–0121. If
possible, please submit all items on a
CD. It is not necessary to include
printed copies.
4. Hand Delivery/Courier: Ms. Brenda
Edwards, U.S. Department of Energy,
Building Technologies Program, 950
L’Enfant Plaza SW., Suite 600,
Washington, DC 20024. Telephone:
(202) 586–2945. If possible, please
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submit all items on a CD. It is not
necessary to include printed copies.
Docket: The docket, which includes
Federal Register notices, public meeting
attendee lists and transcripts,
comments, and other supporting
documents/materials, is available for
review at regulations.gov. All
documents in the docket are listed in
the regulations.gov index. However,
some documents listed in the index,
such as those containing information
that is exempt from public disclosure,
may not be publicly available.
A link to the docket Web page can be
found at: https://www.regulations.gov/
#!docketDetail;D=EERE-2015-BT-CE0019. This Web page will contain a link
to the docket for this notice on the
regulations.gov site. The regulations.gov
Web page will contain simple
instructions on how to access all
documents, including public comments,
in the docket.
For further information on how to
submit a comment, review other public
comments and the docket, or to request
a public meeting, contact Ms. Brenda
Edwards at (202) 586–2945 or by email:
Brenda.Edwards@ee.doe.gov.
Issued in Washington, DC, on February 8,
2016.
Kathleen B. Hogan,
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy
Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy.
[FR Doc. 2016–03092 Filed 2–16–16; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–3696; Directorate
Identifier 2015–NM–113–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 a report of a
partial loss of the no-back brake (NBB)
efficiency during endurance
qualification tests on the trimmable
horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA).
This proposed AD would require
inspecting certain THSAs to determine
SUMMARY:
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the number of total flight cycles the
THSA has accumulated, and replacing
the THSA if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to prevent premature
wear of the carbon friction disks on the
NBB of the THSA, which could lead to
reduced braking efficiency in certain
load conditions, and, in conjunction
with the inability of the power gear train
to keep the ball screw in its last
commanded position, could result in
uncommanded movements of the
trimmable horizontal stabilizer and loss
of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by April 4, 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 service information identified in
this NPRM, 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.
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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–2016–
3696; 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.
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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–2016–3696; Directorate Identifier
2015–NM–113–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2015–0080, dated May 7, 2015
(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:
During endurance qualification tests on
A380 Trimmable Horizontal Stabilizer
Actuator (THSA), a partial loss of the no-back
brake (NBB) efficiency was experienced.
Investigation results concluded that this
particular malfunction was due to an ageing/
endurance issue of the surfaces of the NBB
carbon friction disks, leading to a partial loss
of braking efficiency in some specific
aerodynamic load conditions.
Due to design similarity on A320 family
fleet, the same tests were initiated by the
THSA manufacturer on certain SA type
THSA, sampled from the field. Subject tests
confirmed that THSA Part Number (P/N)
47145 series, as installed on A320 family
aeroplanes, are also affected by this partial
loss of NBB efficiency.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, and in conjunction with the power
gear train not able to keep the ball screw in
its last commanded position, could lead to an
uncommanded movement of the THS,
possibly resulting in loss of control of the
aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires [inspecting certain
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THSAs to determine the number of total
flight cycles the THSA has accumulated and
replacing THSAs having certain total flight
cycles.] * * * .
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–2016–
3696.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A320–27–1242, dated February 9, 2015.
The service information describes
procedures for replacing the THSA with
a serviceable THSA. 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.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of the same
type design.
Explanation of Compliance Times
The MCAI requires operators to
replace certain THSAs by certain dates.
The replacements are done for THSAs
exceeding a certain flight cycle limit
corresponding to each date. EASA
determined that accomplishing the
replacements by these dates is necessary
in order to address the identified unsafe
condition. Therefore, we are also
specifying compliance dates in this
proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 959 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take
about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this proposed AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on
these figures, we estimate the cost of
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to
be $81,515, or $85 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any
necessary follow-on actions would take
about 21 work-hours and require parts
costing $26,500, for a cost of $28,285
per product. We have no way of
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determining the number of aircraft that
might need this action.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
the Administrator finds necessary for
safety in air commerce. This regulation
is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on
products identified in this rulemaking
action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on
the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I
certify this proposed regulation:
1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory
action’’ under Executive Order 12866;
2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
(44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
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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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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–2016–3696;
Directorate Identifier 2015–NM–113–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 4,
2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus airplanes,
certificated in any category, identified in
paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of
this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122
airplanes.
(2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114,
–115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes.
(3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231,
–232, and –233 airplanes.
(4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 27, Flight Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a
partial loss of the no-back brake (NBB)
efficiency during endurance qualification
tests on the trimmable horizontal stabilizer
actuator (THSA). We are issuing this AD to
prevent premature wear of the carbon friction
disks on the NBB of the THSA, which could
lead to reduced braking efficiency in certain
load conditions, and, in conjunction with the
inability of the power gear train to keep the
ball screw in its last commanded position,
could result in uncommanded movements of
the trimmable horizontal stabilizer and loss
of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Inspection To Determine THSA Part
Number and Accumulated Total Flight
Cycles
Not later than each date specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD:
Inspect the THSA to determine if it has a part
number (P/N) 47145–(XXX), and, if any
THSA P/N 47145–(XXX) is found, determine
the total number of flight cycles accumulated
since the THSA’s first installation on an
airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later. A review of
airplane delivery or maintenance records is
acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the
part number of the THSA can be conclusively
determined from that review. In case
maintenance records concerning the most
recent NBB disk replacement are unavailable
or incomplete, the total flight cycles
accumulated since first installation of the
THSA on an airplane apply.
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(1) As of the effective date of this AD: The
THSA flight-cycle limit (since first
installation on an airplane, or since the most
recent NBB replacement, whichever is later)
is 40,000 total flight cycles.
(2) As of December 31, 2016: The THSA
flight-cycle limit (since first installation on
an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 36,000
total flight cycles.
(3) As of December 31, 2017: The THSA
flight-cycle limit (since first installation on
an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 33,600
total flight cycles.
(4) As of December 31, 2018: The THSA
flight-cycle limit (since first installation on
an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 31,600
total flight cycles.
(5) As of December 31, 2019: The THSA
flight-cycle limit (since first installation on
an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 30,000
total flight cycles.
(h) Replacements
For airplanes with any THSA P/N 47145–
(XXX): Do the replacements required by
paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Not later than each date specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD,
replace all THSA that have reached or
exceeded on each date the corresponding
number of flight cycles specified in
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD.
Do the replacement in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–27–1242, dated
February 9, 2015. Affected THSAs must be
replaced with serviceable THSAs.
(2) As of each date specified in paragraphs
(g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD, and before
exceeding the flight cycle limit
corresponding to each date, as applicable:
Replace each THSA with a serviceable
THSA, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–27–1242, dated
February 9, 2015.
(i) Definition of Serviceable THSA
For the purposes of this AD: A serviceable
THSA is a THSA that has not exceeded the
applicable flight-cycle-limits, as specified
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD,
since first installation of the THSA on an
airplane or since last NBB replacement,
whichever is later.
Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD:
Guidance for NBB disc replacement can be
found in UTC Aerospace Systems Service
Bulletin 47145–27–17, Revision 1, dated July
21, 2015.
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of each date specified in paragraphs
(g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD, as applicable,
installation of a THSA P/N 47145–(XXX) is
allowed on an airplane, provided the THSA
is a serviceable THSA.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
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Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane
Directorate, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding
district office. The AMOC approval letter
must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
the European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by
the DOA, the approval must include the
DOA-authorized signature.
(l) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in
Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the
Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
(m) Related Information
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(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2015–0080, dated
May 7, 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–
2016–3696.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness
Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France;
telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@
airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com.
You may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
8, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–03133 Filed 2–16–16; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 71
[Docket No. FAA–2015–5800; Airspace
Docket No. 15–AGL–21]
Proposed Establishment of Class E
Airspace; Lisbon, ND
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
This action proposes to
establish Class E airspace at Lisbon, ND.
Controlled airspace is necessary to
accommodate new Standard Instrument
Approach Procedures developed at
Lisbon Municipal Airport, for the safety
and management of Instrument Flight
Rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before April 4, 2016.
ADDRESSES: Send comments on this
proposal to the U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590; telephone (202)
366–9826. You must identify FAA
Docket No. FAA–2015–5800; Docket
No.15–AGL–21, at the beginning of your
comments. You may also submit
comments through the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov. You may
review the public docket containing the
proposal, any comments received, and
any final disposition in person in the
Dockets Office between 9:00 a.m. and
5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The Docket
Office (telephone 1–800–647–5527), is
on the ground floor of the building at
the above address.
FAA Order 7400.9Z, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, and
subsequent amendments can be viewed
online at https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/
publications/. For further information,
you can contact the Airspace Policy
Group, Federal Aviation
Administration, 800 Independence
Avenue SW., Washington, DC 29591;
telephone: 202–267–8783. The Order is
also available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of FAA
order 7400.9Z at NARA, call 202–741–
6030, or go to https://www.archives.gov/
federal_register/code_of_federalregulations/ibr_locations.html.
FAA Order 7400.9, Airspace
Designations and Reporting Points, is
published yearly and effective on
September 15.
SUMMARY:
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Raul
Garza, Jr., Central Service Center,
Operations Support Group, Federal
Aviation Administration, Southwest
Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort
Worth, TX 76177; telephone: 817–222–
5874.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Authority for This Rulemaking
The FAA’s authority to issue rules
regarding aviation safety is found in
Title 49 of the United States Code.
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. This rulemaking is
promulgated under the authority
described in Subtitle VII, Part, A,
Subpart I, Section 40103. Under that
section, the FAA is charged with
prescribing regulations to assign the use
of airspace necessary to ensure the
safety of aircraft and the efficient use of
airspace. This regulation is within the
scope of that authority as it would
establish Class E airspace at Lisbon
Municipal Airport, Lisbon, ND.
Comments Invited
Interested parties are invited to
participate in this proposed rulemaking
by submitting such written data, views,
or arguments, as they may desire.
Comments that provide the factual basis
supporting the views and suggestions
presented are particularly helpful in
developing reasoned regulatory
decisions on the proposal. Comments
are specifically invited on the overall
regulatory, aeronautical, economic,
environmental, and energy-related
aspects of the proposal.
Communications should identify both
docket numbers and be submitted in
triplicate to the address listed above.
Commenters wishing the FAA to
acknowledge receipt of their comments
on this notice must submit with those
comments a self-addressed, stamped
postcard on which the following
statement is made: ‘‘Comments to
Docket No. FAA–2015–5800/Airspace
Docket No. 15–AGL–21.’’ The postcard
will be date/time stamped and returned
to the commenter.
Availability of NPRMs
An electronic copy of this document
may be downloaded through the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov.
Recently published rulemaking
documents can also be accessed through
the FAA’s Web page at https://
www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/air_
traffic/publications/airspace_
amendments/.
E:\FR\FM\17FEP1.SGM
17FEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 17, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8023-8026]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-03133]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-3696; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-113-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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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 a report of a partial loss of the no-back brake
(NBB) efficiency during endurance qualification tests on the trimmable
horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA). This proposed AD would require
inspecting certain THSAs to determine
[[Page 8024]]
the number of total flight cycles the THSA has accumulated, and
replacing the THSA if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent
premature wear of the carbon friction disks on the NBB of the THSA,
which could lead to reduced braking efficiency in certain load
conditions, and, in conjunction with the inability of the power gear
train to keep the ball screw in its last commanded position, could
result in uncommanded movements of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer
and loss of control of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by April 4, 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 service information identified in this NPRM, 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-2016-
3696; 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-2016-3696;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-113-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0080, dated May 7, 2015 (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:
During endurance qualification tests on A380 Trimmable
Horizontal Stabilizer Actuator (THSA), a partial loss of the no-back
brake (NBB) efficiency was experienced. Investigation results
concluded that this particular malfunction was due to an ageing/
endurance issue of the surfaces of the NBB carbon friction disks,
leading to a partial loss of braking efficiency in some specific
aerodynamic load conditions.
Due to design similarity on A320 family fleet, the same tests
were initiated by the THSA manufacturer on certain SA type THSA,
sampled from the field. Subject tests confirmed that THSA Part
Number (P/N) 47145 series, as installed on A320 family aeroplanes,
are also affected by this partial loss of NBB efficiency.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, and in
conjunction with the power gear train not able to keep the ball
screw in its last commanded position, could lead to an uncommanded
movement of the THS, possibly resulting in loss of control of the
aeroplane.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
[inspecting certain THSAs to determine the number of total flight
cycles the THSA has accumulated and replacing THSAs having certain
total flight cycles.] * * * .
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-2016-
3696.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-27-1242, dated February 9,
2015. The service information describes procedures for replacing the
THSA with a serviceable THSA. 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.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Explanation of Compliance Times
The MCAI requires operators to replace certain THSAs by certain
dates. The replacements are done for THSAs exceeding a certain flight
cycle limit corresponding to each date. EASA determined that
accomplishing the replacements by these dates is necessary in order to
address the identified unsafe condition. Therefore, we are also
specifying compliance dates in this proposed AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 959 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 1 work-hour per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate
the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $81,515, or $85
per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would
take about 21 work-hours and require parts costing $26,500, for a cost
of $28,285 per product. We have no way of
[[Page 8025]]
determining the number of aircraft that might need this action.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2016-3696; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-
113-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by April 4, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus airplanes, certificated in any
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(3), and
(c)(4) of this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of a partial loss of the no-
back brake (NBB) efficiency during endurance qualification tests on
the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA). We are issuing
this AD to prevent premature wear of the carbon friction disks on
the NBB of the THSA, which could lead to reduced braking efficiency
in certain load conditions, and, in conjunction with the inability
of the power gear train to keep the ball screw in its last commanded
position, could result in uncommanded movements of the trimmable
horizontal stabilizer and loss of control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection To Determine THSA Part Number and Accumulated Total
Flight Cycles
Not later than each date specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through
(g)(5) of this AD: Inspect the THSA to determine if it has a part
number (P/N) 47145-(XXX), and, if any THSA P/N 47145-(XXX) is found,
determine the total number of flight cycles accumulated since the
THSA's first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent
NBB replacement, whichever is later. A review of airplane delivery
or maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if
the part number of the THSA can be conclusively determined from that
review. In case maintenance records concerning the most recent NBB
disk replacement are unavailable or incomplete, the total flight
cycles accumulated since first installation of the THSA on an
airplane apply.
(1) As of the effective date of this AD: The THSA flight-cycle
limit (since first installation on an airplane, or since the most
recent NBB replacement, whichever is later) is 40,000 total flight
cycles.
(2) As of December 31, 2016: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 36,000 total flight cycles.
(3) As of December 31, 2017: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 33,600 total flight cycles.
(4) As of December 31, 2018: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 31,600 total flight cycles.
(5) As of December 31, 2019: The THSA flight-cycle limit (since
first installation on an airplane, or since the most recent NBB
replacement, whichever is later) is 30,000 total flight cycles.
(h) Replacements
For airplanes with any THSA P/N 47145-(XXX): Do the replacements
required by paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Not later than each date specified in paragraphs (g)(1)
through (g)(5) of this AD, replace all THSA that have reached or
exceeded on each date the corresponding number of flight cycles
specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD. Do the
replacement in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1242, dated February 9, 2015.
Affected THSAs must be replaced with serviceable THSAs.
(2) As of each date specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through
(g)(5) of this AD, and before exceeding the flight cycle limit
corresponding to each date, as applicable: Replace each THSA with a
serviceable THSA, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1242, dated February 9, 2015.
(i) Definition of Serviceable THSA
For the purposes of this AD: A serviceable THSA is a THSA that
has not exceeded the applicable flight-cycle-limits, as specified
paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of this AD, since first
installation of the THSA on an airplane or since last NBB
replacement, whichever is later.
Note 1 to paragraph (i) of this AD: Guidance for NBB disc
replacement can be found in UTC Aerospace Systems Service Bulletin
47145-27-17, Revision 1, dated July 21, 2015.
(j) Parts Installation Limitation
As of each date specified in paragraphs (g)(1) through (g)(5) of
this AD, as applicable, installation of a THSA P/N 47145-(XXX) is
allowed on an airplane, provided the THSA is a serviceable THSA.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International
[[Page 8026]]
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) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2015-0080, dated May 7, 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-2016-3696.
(2) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com. You may view this service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 8, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-03133 Filed 2-16-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
