Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 64051-64053 [2016-22191]
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64051
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 81, No. 181
Monday, September 19, 2016
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents. Prices of
new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
REGISTER issue of each week.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–5591; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–193–AD; Amendment
39–18651; AD 2016–19–02]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are superseding
Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005–15–
07 for certain Airbus Model A320–111
airplanes and Model A320–200 series
airplanes. AD 2005–15–07 required
installing insulator and cable ties to the
electrical cables of the S routes at the
gaps in the raceway in the wing trailing
edge and the wing tip and wing root
areas. This new AD requires additional
modifications in the trailing edges of
both wings. This new AD also removes
airplanes from the applicability. This
AD was prompted by reports of wire
chafing in the left-hand wing trailing
edge. We are issuing this AD to prevent
wire chafing in the trailing edge of the
wings, which could result in a short
circuit in the vicinity of the fuel tanks,
consequently resulting in a potential
source of ignition in a fuel tank vapor
space and consequent fuel tank
explosion.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective October 24,
2016.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of October 24, 2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, 1
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DATES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:11 Sep 16, 2016
Jkt 238001
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. It is also
available on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
5591.
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–
5591; 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 AD, the regulatory
evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the
Docket Office (telephone 800–647–5527)
is Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M–30, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
DC 20590.
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:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2005–15–07,
Amendment 39–14196 (70 FR 43024,
July 26, 2005) (‘‘AD 2005–15–07’’). AD
2005–15–07 applied to certain Airbus
Model A320–111 airplanes and Model
A320–200 series airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on
April 20, 2016 (81 FR 23199). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of wire
chafing in the left-hand wing trailing
edge. The NPRM proposed to continue
to require installing insulator and cable
ties to the electrical cables of the S
routes at the gaps in the raceway in the
wing trailing edge and the wing tip and
PO 00000
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
wing root areas. The NPRM proposed to
require additional modifications in the
trailing edges of both wings. The NPRM
also proposed to remove airplanes from
the applicability. We are issuing this AD
to prevent wire chafing in the trailing
edge of the wings, which could result in
a short circuit in the vicinity of the fuel
tanks, consequently resulting in a
potential source of ignition in a fuel
tank vapor space and consequent fuel
tank explosion.
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness
Directive 2014–0198, dated September
5, 2014 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for certain Airbus
Model A320–211, –212, and –231
airplanes. The MCAI states:
Prompted by an accident * * *, the FAA
published Special Federal Aviation
Regulation (SFAR) 88 [(66 FR 23086, May 7,
2001)], and the Joint Aviation Authorities
(JAA) published Interim Policy INT/POL/25/
12.
Prompted by that regulation, the results of
an Airbus review of the A320 type design
identified, on certain aeroplanes, a possible
ignition source in fuel tank vapour space(s).
That condition, if not corrected, could result
in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss
of the aeroplane.
It was, therefore, decided to modify the
cable routes of the wing trailing edge, aft of
the rear spar and wing tip of those
aeroplanes, to be applied in service in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin (SB) A320–24–1062
Revision 05. Following that decision, DGAC
France issued AD F–2004–173 (EASA
approval number 2004–10570) to require that
modification.
After that AD was issued, it was found that
additional work, introduced by Airbus SB
A320–24–1062 Revision 05, was not
included as part of the normal
accomplishment instructions, which meant
that the additional work might not be
accomplished. Consequently, EASA issued
AD 2008–0051, retaining the requirements of
DGAC France AD F–2004–173 [which
corresponds to FAA AD 2005–15–07], which
was superseded, and required the
accomplishment of the additional work in
accordance with the instructions of Airbus
SB A320–24–1062 Revision 06. EASA AD
2008–0051 was revised to reduce the
Applicability and to add a clarification to
paragraph (2).
After EASA AD 2008–0051R1 was issued,
some operators reported wire chafing in the
left hand wing trailing edge. Investigation
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 181 / Monday, September 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
established that the wire chafing, initiated at
raceway gaps, was either due to maintenance
action(s), or to structure vibrations.
Prompted by these findings, Airbus
developed two modifications to prevent any
further wire chafing by introducing an
additional protection at raceway gaps and a
new cable standard in the trailing edges of
both wings.
Airbus published SB A320–92–1049 and
SB A320–92–1052 to make these
modifications available for in-service
application. At the time of incorporation of
Airbus SB A320–24–1062, these two
modifications were considered recommended
only.
EASA recently determined that this
condition, if not corrected, could lead to a
short circuit on 115 volts in the vicinity of
fuel tanks, consequently creating another risk
of ignition source in a fuel tank vapour space.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
AD 2008–0051R1, which is superseded, and
requires modifications to install the
additional anti-chafing protection and the
new cable standard.
This AD also removes Model A320–
214, –232, and –233 airplanes from the
applicability because those airplane
models have been modified in
production or in service. This AD also
removes Model A320–111 airplanes
from the applicability because those
airplanes are no longer on the U.S. type
certificate data sheet (there are no more
A320–111 airplanes in service in the
U.S. and none in storage). 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–
5591.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. We
received no comments on the NPRM or
on the determination of the cost to the
public.
Conclusion
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We reviewed the available data and
determined that air safety and the
public interest require adopting this AD
as proposed, except for minor editorial
changes. We have determined that these
minor changes:
• Are consistent with the intent that
was proposed in the NPRM for
correcting the unsafe condition; and
• Do not add any additional burden
upon the public than was already
proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
We reviewed Airbus Service Bulletins
A320–92–1049, Revision 01, dated
November 28, 2011; A320–92–1052,
dated December 5, 2007; and A320–24–
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:11 Sep 16, 2016
Jkt 238001
1062, Revision 07, dated November 28,
2011.
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–92–
1049, Revision 01, dated November 28,
2011, describes procedures for installing
the additional anti-chafing protection.
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–92–
1052, dated December 5, 2007, describes
procedures for replacing the current
electrical cable with the new standard
one.
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–24–
1062, Revision 07, dated November 28,
2011, describes procedures for installing
insulator and cable ties to the electrical
cables of the S routes at the gaps in the
raceway in the wing trailing edge and
the wing tip and wing root areas.
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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 47
airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions required by AD 2005–15–
07, and retained in this AD take about
35 work-hours per product, at an
average labor rate of $85 per work-hour.
Required parts cost about $0 per
product. Based on these figures, the
estimated cost of the actions that were
required by AD 2005–15–07 is $2,975
per product.
We also estimate that it would take
about 76 work-hours per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this AD. The average labor rate is $85
per work-hour. Required parts would
cost about $13,000 per product. Based
on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD on U.S. operators to be
$914,620, or $19,460 per product.
According to the manufacturer, some
of the costs of this AD may be covered
under warranty, thereby reducing the
cost impact on affected individuals. We
do not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, we
have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
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 AD will not
have federalism implications under
Executive Order 13132. This AD will
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 that this AD:
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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as
follows:
PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS
DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by
removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2005–15–07, Amendment 39–14196 (70
FR 43024, July 26, 2005), and adding the
following new AD:
■
2016–19–02 Airbus: Amendment 39–18651;
Docket No. FAA–2016–5591; Directorate
Identifier 2014–NM–193–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 24, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2005–15–07,
Amendment 39–14196 (70 FR 43024, July 26,
2005) (‘‘AD 2005–15–07’’).
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 181 / Monday, September 19, 2016 / Rules and Regulations
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A320–
211, –212, and –231 airplanes, certificated in
any category, all manufacturer serial numbers
except those on which Airbus Modification
22626 has been embodied in production.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 24, Electrical Power; and Code
92.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of wire
chafing in the left-hand wing trailing edge.
We are issuing this AD to prevent wire
chafing in the trailing edge of the wings,
which could result in a short circuit in the
vicinity of the fuel tanks, consequently
resulting in a potential source of ignition in
a fuel tank vapor space and consequent fuel
tank explosion.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Retained Modification, With Revised
Service Information
This paragraph restates the requirements of
paragraph (f) of AD 2005–15–07, with revised
service information. Within 60 months after
August 30, 2005 (the effective date of AD
2005–15–07), install insulator and cable ties
to the electrical cables of the S routes at the
gaps in the raceway in the wing trailing edge
and the wing tip and wing root areas, in
accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–24–1062, Revision 05, dated June 27,
2002; or the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–24–1062,
Revision 07, dated November 28, 2011. As of
the effective date of this AD, only Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–24–1062, Revision 07,
dated November 28, 2011, may be used.
rmajette on DSK2TPTVN1PROD with RULES
(h) New Requirement of This AD:
Modification of Trailing Edges
Within 60 months after the effective date
of this AD, modify the trailing edges of both
wings by accomplishing the actions specified
in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Install the additional anti-chafing
protection in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–92–1049, Revision 01,
dated November 28, 2011.
(2) Replace the current electrical cable with
the new standard one in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–92–1052, dated
December 5, 2007. During the replacement,
ensure that the anti-chafing protection
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
92–1049, Revision 01, dated November 28,
2011, as required by paragraph (h)(1) of this
AD, remains in place.
(i) New Additional Modification
For airplanes on which the installation
specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
24–1062, Revision 05, dated June 27, 2002,
has been done: Within 60 months after the
effective date of this AD, install insulators
and cable ties, in accordance with
‘‘Modification—Additional Work (Introduced
VerDate Sep<11>2014
14:11 Sep 16, 2016
Jkt 238001
at Revision No. 06)’’ of the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320–
24–1062, Revision 07, dated November 28,
2011.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for
actions required by paragraphs (g) and (i) of
this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–24–1062,
Revision 06, dated June 26, 2007, which is
not incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–92–1049, dated July 23, 2007,
which is not incorporated by reference in this
AD.
(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.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the
effective date of this AD, 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.
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014–0198, dated
September 5, 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–2016–5591.
(2) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (m)(4) and (m)(5) of this AD.
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
(IBR) of the service information listed in this
paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51.
(2) You must use this service information
as applicable to do the actions required by
this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was
approved for IBR on October 24, 2016.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–24–1062,
Revision 07, dated November 28, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–92–1049,
Revision 01, dated November 28, 2011.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–92–
1052, dated December 5, 2007. (4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6) You may view this service information
that is incorporated by reference at the
National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call
202–741–6030, or go to: https://
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibrlocations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on
September 6, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–22191 Filed 9–16–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–4229; Directorate
Identifier 2015–CE–038–AD; Amendment
39–18657; AD 2016–19–08]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air
Limited Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
(l) Related Information
PO 00000
64053
Sfmt 4700
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for Viking
Air Limited Models DHC–2 Mk. I, DHC–
2 Mk. II, and DHC–2 Mk. III airplanes.
This AD results from mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI) issued by an aviation authority
of another country to identify and
SUMMARY:
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 181 (Monday, September 19, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64051-64053]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22191]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 181 / Monday, September 19, 2016 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 64051]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-5591; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-193-AD;
Amendment 39-18651; AD 2016-19-02]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-15-07 for
certain Airbus Model A320-111 airplanes and Model A320-200 series
airplanes. AD 2005-15-07 required installing insulator and cable ties
to the electrical cables of the S routes at the gaps in the raceway in
the wing trailing edge and the wing tip and wing root areas. This new
AD requires additional modifications in the trailing edges of both
wings. This new AD also removes airplanes from the applicability. This
AD was prompted by reports of wire chafing in the left-hand wing
trailing edge. We are issuing this AD to prevent wire chafing in the
trailing edge of the wings, which could result in a short circuit in
the vicinity of the fuel tanks, consequently resulting in a potential
source of ignition in a fuel tank vapor space and consequent fuel tank
explosion.
DATES: This AD is effective October 24, 2016.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of October 24,
2016.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule,
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. It is also available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
5591.
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-
5591; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (telephone 800-
647-5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
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:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to supersede AD 2005-15-07, Amendment 39-14196 (70 FR 43024,
July 26, 2005) (``AD 2005-15-07''). AD 2005-15-07 applied to certain
Airbus Model A320-111 airplanes and Model A320-200 series airplanes.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 20, 2016 (81 FR
23199). The NPRM was prompted by reports of wire chafing in the left-
hand wing trailing edge. The NPRM proposed to continue to require
installing insulator and cable ties to the electrical cables of the S
routes at the gaps in the raceway in the wing trailing edge and the
wing tip and wing root areas. The NPRM proposed to require additional
modifications in the trailing edges of both wings. The NPRM also
proposed to remove airplanes from the applicability. We are issuing
this AD to prevent wire chafing in the trailing edge of the wings,
which could result in a short circuit in the vicinity of the fuel
tanks, consequently resulting in a potential source of ignition in a
fuel tank vapor space and consequent fuel tank explosion.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0198, dated September 5, 2014 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A320-211, -212, and -231 airplanes. The MCAI states:
Prompted by an accident * * *, the FAA published Special Federal
Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88 [(66 FR 23086, May 7, 2001)], and the
Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published Interim Policy INT/POL/
25/12.
Prompted by that regulation, the results of an Airbus review of
the A320 type design identified, on certain aeroplanes, a possible
ignition source in fuel tank vapour space(s). That condition, if not
corrected, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss
of the aeroplane.
It was, therefore, decided to modify the cable routes of the
wing trailing edge, aft of the rear spar and wing tip of those
aeroplanes, to be applied in service in accordance with the
instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin (SB) A320-24-1062 Revision
05. Following that decision, DGAC France issued AD F-2004-173 (EASA
approval number 2004-10570) to require that modification.
After that AD was issued, it was found that additional work,
introduced by Airbus SB A320-24-1062 Revision 05, was not included
as part of the normal accomplishment instructions, which meant that
the additional work might not be accomplished. Consequently, EASA
issued AD 2008-0051, retaining the requirements of DGAC France AD F-
2004-173 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2005-15-07], which was
superseded, and required the accomplishment of the additional work
in accordance with the instructions of Airbus SB A320-24-1062
Revision 06. EASA AD 2008-0051 was revised to reduce the
Applicability and to add a clarification to paragraph (2).
After EASA AD 2008-0051R1 was issued, some operators reported
wire chafing in the left hand wing trailing edge. Investigation
[[Page 64052]]
established that the wire chafing, initiated at raceway gaps, was
either due to maintenance action(s), or to structure vibrations.
Prompted by these findings, Airbus developed two modifications
to prevent any further wire chafing by introducing an additional
protection at raceway gaps and a new cable standard in the trailing
edges of both wings.
Airbus published SB A320-92-1049 and SB A320-92-1052 to make
these modifications available for in-service application. At the
time of incorporation of Airbus SB A320-24-1062, these two
modifications were considered recommended only.
EASA recently determined that this condition, if not corrected,
could lead to a short circuit on 115 volts in the vicinity of fuel
tanks, consequently creating another risk of ignition source in a
fuel tank vapour space.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2008-0051R1, which is superseded, and
requires modifications to install the additional anti-chafing
protection and the new cable standard.
This AD also removes Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes from
the applicability because those airplane models have been modified in
production or in service. This AD also removes Model A320-111 airplanes
from the applicability because those airplanes are no longer on the
U.S. type certificate data sheet (there are no more A320-111 airplanes
in service in the U.S. and none in storage). 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-2016-5591.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed, except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Airbus Service Bulletins A320-92-1049, Revision 01,
dated November 28, 2011; A320-92-1052, dated December 5, 2007; and
A320-24-1062, Revision 07, dated November 28, 2011.
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1049, Revision 01, dated November
28, 2011, describes procedures for installing the additional anti-
chafing protection.
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1052, dated December 5, 2007,
describes procedures for replacing the current electrical cable with
the new standard one.
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-24-1062, Revision 07, dated November
28, 2011, describes procedures for installing insulator and cable ties
to the electrical cables of the S routes at the gaps in the raceway in
the wing trailing edge and the wing tip and wing root areas.
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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 47 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The actions required by AD 2005-15-07, and retained in this AD take
about 35 work-hours per product, at an average labor rate of $85 per
work-hour. Required parts cost about $0 per product. Based on these
figures, the estimated cost of the actions that were required by AD
2005-15-07 is $2,975 per product.
We also estimate that it would take about 76 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $13,000 per
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on
U.S. operators to be $914,620, or $19,460 per product.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all costs in our cost
estimate.
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 AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
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.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD)
2005-15-07, Amendment 39-14196 (70 FR 43024, July 26, 2005), and adding
the following new AD:
2016-19-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-18651; Docket No. FAA-2016-5591;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-193-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 24, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD replaces AD 2005-15-07, Amendment 39-14196 (70 FR 43024,
July 26, 2005) (``AD 2005-15-07'').
[[Page 64053]]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A320-211, -212, and -231
airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer serial
numbers except those on which Airbus Modification 22626 has been
embodied in production.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 24, Electrical
Power; and Code 92.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of wire chafing in the left-hand
wing trailing edge. We are issuing this AD to prevent wire chafing
in the trailing edge of the wings, which could result in a short
circuit in the vicinity of the fuel tanks, consequently resulting in
a potential source of ignition in a fuel tank vapor space and
consequent fuel tank explosion.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Retained Modification, With Revised Service Information
This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (f) of AD
2005-15-07, with revised service information. Within 60 months after
August 30, 2005 (the effective date of AD 2005-15-07), install
insulator and cable ties to the electrical cables of the S routes at
the gaps in the raceway in the wing trailing edge and the wing tip
and wing root areas, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-24-1062, Revision 05, dated June 27, 2002; or the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-24-1062,
Revision 07, dated November 28, 2011. As of the effective date of
this AD, only Airbus Service Bulletin A320-24-1062, Revision 07,
dated November 28, 2011, may be used.
(h) New Requirement of This AD: Modification of Trailing Edges
Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the
trailing edges of both wings by accomplishing the actions specified
in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) Install the additional anti-chafing protection in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-92-1049, Revision 01, dated November 28, 2011.
(2) Replace the current electrical cable with the new standard
one in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-92-1052, dated December 5, 2007. During the
replacement, ensure that the anti-chafing protection specified in
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1049, Revision 01, dated November
28, 2011, as required by paragraph (h)(1) of this AD, remains in
place.
(i) New Additional Modification
For airplanes on which the installation specified in Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-24-1062, Revision 05, dated June 27, 2002, has
been done: Within 60 months after the effective date of this AD,
install insulators and cable ties, in accordance with
``Modification--Additional Work (Introduced at Revision No. 06)'' of
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-24-
1062, Revision 07, dated November 28, 2011.
(j) Credit for Previous Actions
(1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD, if those actions were performed
before the effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-24-1062, Revision 06, dated June 26, 2007, which is not
incorporated by reference in this AD.
(2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-
1049, dated July 23, 2007, which is not incorporated by reference in
this AD.
(k) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. Information may be
emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: As of the effective date of
this AD, 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 2014-0198, dated September 5,
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-2016-5591.
(2) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (m)(4) and (m)(5) of this AD.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
October 24, 2016.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-24-1062, Revision 07, dated
November 28, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1049, Revision 01, dated
November 28, 2011.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1052, dated December 5,
2007. (4) 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.
(5) 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.
(6) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 6, 2016.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-22191 Filed 9-16-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P