Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 42579-42581 [2017-18966]
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42579
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 82, No. 174
Monday, September 11, 2017
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–0808; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–102–AD; Amendment
39–19027; AD 2017–18–18]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for
comments.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A350–941 airplanes. This
AD requires repetitive on-ground power
cycles to reset the internal timer. This
AD was prompted by the in-service loss
of communication between some
avionics systems and the avionics
network. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD becomes effective
September 26, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of September 26, 2017.
We must receive comments on this
AD by October 26, 2017.
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,
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
DATES:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:54 Sep 08, 2017
Jkt 241001
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 final rule, contact Airbus SAS,
Airworthiness Office—EAL, 1 Rond
Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac
Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36
96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
continued-airworthiness.a350@
airbus.com; Internet https://
www.airbus.com. You may view this
referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 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–2017–
0808.
Prompted by in-service events where a loss
of communication occurred between some
avionics systems and avionics network,
analysis has shown that this may occur after
149 hours of continuous aeroplane power-up.
Depending on the affected aeroplane systems
or equipment, different consequences have
been observed and reported by operators,
from redundancy loss to complete loss on a
specific function hosted on common remote
data concentrator and core processing input/
output modules.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to partial or total loss of some avionics
systems or functions, possibly resulting in an
unsafe condition.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Airbus issued Alert Operators Transmission
(AOT) A42P001–17 * * * to provide
instructions to reset the internal timer.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires repetitive on ground
power cycles (resets).
This [EASA] AD is considered to be an
interim measure and further AD action may
follow.
Examining the AD Docket
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.
You may examine the MCAI on the
Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2017–0808.
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
0808; or in person at the Docket
Operations office 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 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:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–2889; fax 425–227–
1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 2017–0129, dated July 25,
2017 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness
Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct
an unsafe condition for all Airbus
Model A350–941 airplanes. The MCAI
states:
PO 00000
Frm 00001
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Alert Operators
Transmission (AOT) A42P001–17, dated
June 30, 2017, which describes
procedures for repetitive on-ground
power cycles to reset the internal timer.
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 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 issuing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined the unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of these same
type designs.
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
E:\FR\FM\11SER1.SGM
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42580
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 174 / Monday, September 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to
the flying public justifies waiving notice
and comment prior to adoption of this
rule because a loss of communication
between some avionics systems and the
avionics network could lead to partial or
total loss of some avionics systems or
functions. Therefore, we determined
that notice and opportunity for public
comment before issuing this AD are
impracticable and that good cause exists
for making this amendment effective in
fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety, and
we did not precede it by notice and
opportunity for public comment. We
invite you to send any written relevant
data, views, or arguments about this AD.
Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section.
Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2017–0808;
Product Identifier 2017–NM–102–AD’’
at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this AD. We will consider all comments
received by the closing date and may
amend this 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 AD.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 2
airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take
about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the basic requirements of
this AD. The average labor rate is $85
per work-hour. Based on these figures,
we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S.
operators to be $170, or $85 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under
the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701:
General requirements.’’ Under that
section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in
air commerce by prescribing regulations
for practices, methods, and procedures
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:54 Sep 08, 2017
Jkt 241001
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.
This AD is issued in accordance with
authority delegated by the Executive
Director, Aircraft Certification Service,
as authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C.
In accordance with that order, issuance
of ADs is normally a function of the
Compliance and Airworthiness
Division, but during this transition
period, the Executive Director has
delegated the authority to issue ADs
applicable to transport category
airplanes to the Director of the System
Oversight Division.
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 adding
the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
PO 00000
Frm 00002
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
2017–18–18 Airbus: Amendment 39–19027;
Docket No. FAA–2017–0808; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–102–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 26,
2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A350–
941 airplanes, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 42, Integrated Modular
Avionics.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the in-service
loss of communication between some
avionics systems and the avionics network.
We are issuing this AD to prevent a loss of
communication between some avionics
systems and the avionics network, which
could lead to partial or total loss of some
avionics systems or functions.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Repetitive Power Cycles (Resets)
Within 30 days after the effective date of
this AD, do an on-ground power cycle to
reset the internal timer, in accordance with
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT)
A42P001–17, dated June 30, 2017. Repeat the
power cycle thereafter at intervals not to
exceed 149 hours of continuous power-up.
(h) Reporting Provisions
Where Airbus AOT A42P001–17, dated
June 30, 2017, specifies informing Airbus
when the aircraft electrical power shutdown
process is in place, this AD does not require
that operators submit this information.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@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.
(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
E:\FR\FM\11SER1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 174 / Monday, September 11, 2017 / Rules and Regulations
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, 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 DOAauthorized signature.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017–0129, dated
July 25, 2017, for related information. You
may examine the MCAI on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–0808.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue
SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; telephone
425–227–2889; fax 425–227–1149.
(k) 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.
(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission
(AOT) A42P001–17, dated June 30, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness
Office—EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33
5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email
continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com;
Internet https://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
(5) 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.
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with RULES
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
29, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017–18966 Filed 9–8–17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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15:54 Sep 08, 2017
Jkt 241001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–7270; Product
Identifier 2015–NM–116–AD; Amendment
39–19025; AD 2017–18–16]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
We are adopting a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
The Boeing Company Model 737–700
and –700C series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a report that, for
certain airplanes, the nose-up pitch trim
limit and associated warning will allow
the horizontal stabilizer position to be
set outside acceptable limits for a mistrimmed takeoff condition. This AD
requires, depending on airplane
configuration, replacing certain pitch
trim light plates, relocating certain
position warning horn switches,
revising certain software, removing a
certain placard, and doing related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
This AD is effective October 16,
2017.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of certain publications listed in this AD
as of October 16, 2017.
ADDRESSES: For Aviation Partners
Boeing service information identified in
this final rule, contact Aviation Partners
Boeing, 2811 South 102nd Street, Suite
200, Seattle, WA 98168; phone: 206–
830–7699; fax: 206–767–3355; email:
leng@aviationpartners.com; Internet:
https://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com.
For Boeing service information
identified in this final rule, contact
Boeing Commercial Airplanes,
Attention: Contractual & Data Services
(C&DS), 2600 Westminster Blvd., MC
110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA 90740–5600;
telephone 562–797–1717; Internet
https://www.myboeingfleet.com.
You may view this referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 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
DATES:
PO 00000
Frm 00003
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
42581
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
7270.
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–
7270; 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 (phone: 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: Fnu
Winarto, Aerospace Engineer, Systems
and Equipment Section, FAA, Seattle
ACO Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA 98057–3356; phone: 425–
917–6659; fax: 425–917–6590; email:
fnu.winarto@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would
apply to certain The Boeing Company
Model 737–700 and –700C series
airplanes. The NPRM published in the
Federal Register on June 28, 2016 (81
FR 41894). The NPRM was prompted by
a report that, for airplanes with blended
winglets, the nose-up pitch trim limit
and associated warning for the
horizontal stabilizer control system will
allow the stabilizer position to be set
outside acceptable limits for a mistrimmed takeoff condition. The NPRM
proposed to require, depending on
airplane configuration, replacing the
pitch trim light plates on the flight deck
control stand, relocating the position
warning horn switches of the horizontal
stabilizer, revising the software,
removing the placard, and doing related
investigative and corrective actions if
necessary. We are issuing this AD to
prevent a stabilizer position set outside
acceptable limits for a mis-trimmed
takeoff condition. Settings outside of the
appropriate pitch trim limits could
result in loss of controllability of the
airplane during takeoff.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to
participate in developing this AD. The
following presents the comments
received on the NPRM and the FAA’s
response to each comment.
E:\FR\FM\11SER1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 174 (Monday, September 11, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 42579-42581]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-18966]
========================================================================
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.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 174 / Monday, September 11, 2017 /
Rules and Regulations
[[Page 42579]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2017-0808; Product Identifier 2017-NM-102-AD; Amendment
39-19027; AD 2017-18-18]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A350-941 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive on-ground
power cycles to reset the internal timer. This AD was prompted by the
in-service loss of communication between some avionics systems and the
avionics network. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective September 26, 2017.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September
26, 2017.
We must receive comments on this AD by October 26, 2017.
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 final rule, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61
93 45 80; email continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com; Internet
https://www.airbus.com. You may view this referenced service information
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 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-2017-
0808.
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-2017-
0808; or in person at the Docket Operations office 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 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: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-2889; fax
425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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 2017-0129, dated July 25, 2017 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model
A350-941 airplanes. The MCAI states:
Prompted by in-service events where a loss of communication
occurred between some avionics systems and avionics network,
analysis has shown that this may occur after 149 hours of continuous
aeroplane power-up. Depending on the affected aeroplane systems or
equipment, different consequences have been observed and reported by
operators, from redundancy loss to complete loss on a specific
function hosted on common remote data concentrator and core
processing input/output modules.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to partial or total
loss of some avionics systems or functions, possibly resulting in an
unsafe condition.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert
Operators Transmission (AOT) A42P001-17 * * * to provide
instructions to reset the internal timer.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive on ground power cycles (resets).
This [EASA] AD is considered to be an interim measure and
further AD action may follow.
You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2017-0808.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A42P001-17,
dated June 30, 2017, which describes procedures for repetitive on-
ground power cycles to reset the internal timer. 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 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 issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these
same type designs.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this
[[Page 42580]]
AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because a
loss of communication between some avionics systems and the avionics
network could lead to partial or total loss of some avionics systems or
functions. Therefore, we determined that notice and opportunity for
public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable and that good
cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2017-0808; Product
Identifier 2017-NM-102-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 2 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this AD on U.S. operators to be $170, or $85 per product.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to
the Director of the System Oversight Division.
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 adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2017-18-18 Airbus: Amendment 39-19027; Docket No. FAA-2017-0808;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-102-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective September 26, 2017.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Model A350-941 airplanes,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 42, Integrated
Modular Avionics.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by the in-service loss of communication
between some avionics systems and the avionics network. We are
issuing this AD to prevent a loss of communication between some
avionics systems and the avionics network, which could lead to
partial or total loss of some avionics systems or functions.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Power Cycles (Resets)
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do an on-
ground power cycle to reset the internal timer, in accordance with
Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A42P001-17, dated June 30,
2017. Repeat the power cycle thereafter at intervals not to exceed
149 hours of continuous power-up.
(h) Reporting Provisions
Where Airbus AOT A42P001-17, dated June 30, 2017, specifies
informing Airbus when the aircraft electrical power shutdown process
is in place, this AD does not require that operators submit this
information.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. 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.
(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
[[Page 42581]]
by the Manager, International Section, Transport Standards Branch,
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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0129, dated July 25, 2017,
for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the Internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2017-0808.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356;
telephone 425-227-2889; fax 425-227-1149.
(k) 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.
(i) Airbus Alert Operators Transmission (AOT) A42P001-17, dated
June 30, 2017.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EAL, 1 Rond Point Maurice
Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96;
fax +33 5 61 93 45 80; email continued-airworthiness.a350@airbus.com; Internet https://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
(5) 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 August 29, 2017.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-18966 Filed 9-8-17; 8:45 am]
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