Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 5960-5963 [2018-02754]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 29 / Monday, February 12, 2018 / Proposed Rules
inlet self-sealing couplings. We are issuing
this AD to prevent loss of braking capability
on one or multiple brakes. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could lead to
runway overrun or asymmetrical braking that
could result in lateral runway excursion.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Modification of the MLG and MLG Brake
Assemblies
(1) Within 6 months after the effective date
of this AD, modify the MLG and brake
assemblies following the Accomplishment
Instructions in Gulfstream G650 Customer
Bulletin Number 155B, dated July 26, 2017;
and Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin
Number 155B, dated July 26, 2017.
(2) Although Gulfstream G650 Customer
Bulletin Number 155B, dated July 26, 2017;
and Gulfstream G650ER Customer Bulletin
Number 155B, dated July 26, 2017, both
contain reporting requirements and return of
certain parts to the manufacturer, this
proposed AD does not include those
requirements.
(3) AD 2015–24–06 required a dispatch and
takeoff limitation in the airplane flight
manual. Although we did not retain that
requirement in this AD, if not already
removed, this limitation should be removed
after the modification in paragraph (g)(1) of
this AD is done.
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(h) Credit for Previous Actions
If done before the effective date of this AD,
this AD allows credit for the actions in
paragraph (g) of this AD following Gulfstream
G650 Customer Bulletin 155, dated July 29,
2016; and Gulfstream G650ER Customer
Bulletin 155, dated July 29, 2016.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta ACO 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 manager of the
certification office, send it to the attention of
the person identified in paragraph (k)(1) of
this AD.
(2) 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.
(3) For service information that contains
steps that are labeled as Required for
Compliance (RC), the provisions of
paragraphs (j)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD apply.
(i) The steps labeled as RC, including
substeps under an RC step and any figures
identified in an RC step, must be done to
comply with the AD. An AMOC is required
for any deviations to RC steps, including
substeps and identified figures.
(ii) Steps not labeled as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in
accordance with the operator’s maintenance
or inspection program without obtaining
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approval of an AMOC, provided the RC steps,
including substeps and identified figures, can
still be done as specified, and the airplane
can be put back in an airworthy condition.
(j) Related Information
(1) For more information about this AD,
contact Gideon Jose, Aerospace Engineer,
Altanta ACO Branch, FAA, 1701 Columbia
Avenue, College Park, Georgia 30337; phone:
404–474–5569; fax: 404–474–5606; email:
gideon.jose@faa.gov.
(2) For service information identified in
this AD, contact Gulfstream Aerospace
Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Savannah,
Georgia 31404–2206; telephone: (912) 965–
3000; fax: (912) 965–3520; email: pubs@
gulfstream.com; internet:
www.gulfstream.com. You may view copies
of the referenced service information at the
FAA, Policy and Innovation Division, 901
Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (816) 329–4148.
Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on
February 5, 2018.
Melvin J. Johnson,
Deputy Director, Policy & Innovation Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–02612 Filed 2–9–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
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: Deliver to Mail
address above 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 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.
ADDRESSES:
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Examining the AD Docket
Federal Aviation Administration
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0077; 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 NPRM, 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 Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW, Renton, Washington
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1405;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0077; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–126–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 certain
Airbus Model A319 and A320 series
airplanes; and A321–111, –112, –131,
–211, –212, –213, –231, and –232
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of battery retaining
rod failures due to quality defects of the
material used during parts
manufacturing. This proposed AD
would require a detailed inspection of
the battery retaining rods to identify the
rod manufacturer, replacement of the
battery retaining rods with serviceable
rods if necessary, and the addition of
the applicable service information label
on each rod if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by March 29, 2018.
SUMMARY:
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Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2018–0077; Product Identifier 2017–
NM–126–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 29 / Monday, February 12, 2018 / Proposed Rules
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.
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 2017–0161R1, dated
September 19, 2017; corrected
September 20, 2017 (referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Airbus Model A319 and
A320 series airplanes; and A321–111,
–112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, and
–232 airplanes. The MCAI states:
Several occurrences have been reported of
battery rod failures on certain Airbus
aeroplanes. Subsequent examination of
broken rod parts determined that these
failures were due to quality defects of the
material used during parts manufacturing.
Each battery is secured on an aeroplane by
two rods. Failure of one rod, in case of severe
turbulence during flight or hard landing,
could lead to battery displacement, or roll on
the remaining rod side, up to a point where
the remaining rod could be disengaged. The
battery could ultimately detach from its
housing and damage relays, connectors,
contactor boxes, air ducts and surrounding
structure.
This condition, if not detected and
corrected, could lead to the loss of the
normal electrical generation not followed by
an automatic recovery of essential network.
To address this potential unsafe condition,
Airbus issued Alert Operators Transmission
(AOT) A92N001–16 (later revised) and EASA
issued AD 2016–0204 [which corresponds to
FAA AD 2016–25–24 (81 FR 90958,
December 16, 2016)] requiring repetitive
general visual inspections (GVI) of the four
battery rods (two per battery), and, in case of
findings, replacement of battery rods.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, the
manufacturer of the broken battery retaining
rods has been identified, which allows
proper identification of the affected parts and
their withdrawal from service. Consequently,
Airbus issued [service bulletin] SB A320–92–
1116 and SB A320–92–1118 to provide the
necessary instructions to the affected
operators. No rods delivered as spare parts
are affected by the manufacturing issue.
For the reason described above, this
[EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA
AD 2016–0204, which is superseded, and
requires replacement of battery retaining rods
depending on manufacturer identification.
This [EASA] AD also provides a terminating
action for the repetitive inspections.
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–2018–
0077.
Although the MCAI has superseded
EASA AD 2016–0204, this NPRM would
not supersede AD 2016–25–24. Rather,
we have determined that a stand-alone
AD would be more appropriate to
address the changes in the MCAI. This
NPRM would require a detailed
inspection of the battery retaining rods
to identify the rod manufacturer,
replacement of the battery retaining rods
with serviceable rods if necessary, and
the addition of the applicable service
information label on each rod if
necessary. Accomplishment of the
proposed actions would then terminate
all requirements of AD 2016–25–24.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A320–92–1116, Revision 00, dated
January 31, 2017; and Service Bulletin
A320–92–1118, Revision 00, dated
January 31, 2017. This service
information describes a detailed
inspection of the battery retaining rods
to identify the rod manufacturer,
replacement of the battery retaining rods
with serviceable rods if necessary, and
adding the applicable service
information label on each rod if
necessary. These documents are distinct
since they apply to different airplane
models. 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 these same
type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 330 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to
comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS
Action
Labor cost
Inspection ........................................................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 .................
We estimate the following costs to do
any necessary replacement that would
Cost per
product
Parts cost
be required based on the results of the
proposed inspection. We have no way of
$0
Cost on U.S.
operators
$85
$28,050
determining the number of aircraft that
might need this replacement:
ON-CONDITION COSTS
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Action
Labor cost
Replacement .................................................................
1 work-hour × $85 per hour = $85 ...............................
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
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rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII:
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Cost per
product
Parts cost
$0
$85
Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 29 / Monday, February 12, 2018 / Proposed Rules
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 proposed 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 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:
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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):
■
Airbus: Docket No. FAA–2018–0077; Product
Identifier 2017–NM–126–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by March 29,
2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2016–25–24,
Amendment 39–18750 (81 FR 90958,
December 16, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–25–24’’).
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A319–
111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, and
–133 airplanes; A320–211, –212, –214, –216,
–231, –232, –233, –251N, and –271N
airplanes; and A321–111, –112, –131, –211,
–212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–92–1116,
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017; or
Airbus Service Bulletin A320–92–1118,
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 92, Electrical system
installation.
–211, –212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes);
or Airbus Service Bulletin A320–92–1118,
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 (for
Airbus Model A320–251N and –271N
airplanes).
(h) Identification of Affected Parts
Within 24 months after the effective date
of this AD: Accomplish a detailed inspection
of the battery retaining rods to identify the
rod manufacturer, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–92–1116, Revision 00,
dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model
A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321–
111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, and
–232 airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–92–1118, Revision 00, dated January
31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320–251N and
–271N airplanes).
(i) Replacement of Affected Parts if Marking
Is Found on Battery Support Assembly
If, during the inspection specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD, the quality stamp
on the battery support assembly is found
marked with an ‘‘SA’’ manufacturer
identification, before further flight, replace
the battery retaining rods with serviceable
rods, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of the Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–92–1116, Revision 00,
dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model
A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321–
111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, and
–232 airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–92–1118, Revision 00, dated January
31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320–251N and
–271N airplanes).
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of
battery rod failures due to quality defects of
the material used during parts
manufacturing. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct broken battery retaining
rods, which, in the event of a hard landing
or severe turbulence, could cause the battery
to detach from its housing, resulting in
damage to other electrical equipment and
surrounding structure. This condition could
lead to loss of normal electrical power
generation and subsequent inability to restore
electrical power to essential airplane
systems.
(j) Actions if No Marking Is Found on
Battery Support Assembly
If, during the inspection specified in
paragraph (h) of this AD, no marking is found
on the quality stamp of the battery support
assembly, add the applicable service
information label on each battery retaining
rod (replacement of the battery retaining rods
is not required), in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–92–1116, Revision 00,
dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model
A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321–
111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, and
–232 airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–92–1118, Revision 00, dated January
31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320–251N and
–271N airplanes).
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(k) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no
person may install, on any airplane, a nonserviceable battery retaining rod.
(g) Definition of a Serviceable Rod
For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable
battery retaining rod is defined in paragraphs
(g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) A battery retaining rod provided as a
spare part by Airbus.
(2) A battery retaining rod previously fitted
on a battery support assembly installed on an
airplane manufacturer serial number that is
not specified in Airbus Service Bulletin
A320–92–1116, Revision 00, dated January
31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and A320
series airplanes; and A321–111, –112, –131,
(l) Terminating Action
Replacement of all battery retaining rods
marked ‘‘SA’’ with a serviceable rod as
required by paragraph (i) of this AD, or
application of service information label on
each rod, as required by paragraph (j) of this
AD, as applicable, constitutes terminating
action for all requirements of AD 2016–25–
24 for that airplane.
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(m) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 29 / Monday, February 12, 2018 / Proposed Rules
(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 (n)(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
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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any
service information contains procedures or
tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply
with this AD; any procedures or tests that are
not identified as RC are recommended. Those
procedures and tests that are not identified
as RC may be deviated from using accepted
methods in accordance with the operator’s
maintenance or inspection program without
obtaining approval of an AMOC, provided
the procedures and tests identified as RC can
be done and the airplane can be put back in
an airworthy condition. Any substitutions or
changes to procedures or tests identified as
RC require approval of an AMOC.
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(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017–0161R1, dated
September 19, 2017; corrected September 20,
2017; 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–
2018–0077.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW,
Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone
425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149.
(3) 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 Standards Branch, 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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Issued in Renton, Washington, on February
2, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–02754 Filed 2–9–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2017–1050; Product
Identifier 2017–NE–39–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Turbofan
Engines
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG
(RRD) BR700–710A2–20 and BR700–
710C4–11 turbofan engines. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of deterioration of the intumescent heat
resistant paint system on the electronic
engine controller (EEC) firebox assembly
that was found to be beyond acceptable
limits. This proposed AD would require
replacement of affected EEC firebox
assembly parts with improved parts,
which have a more durable paint
system. We are proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
SUMMARY:
We must receive comments on
this NPRM by March 29, 2018.
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, Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this proposed AD, contact Rolls-Royce
Deutschland Ltd & Co KG, Eschenweg
11, Dahlewitz, 15827 BlankenfeldeMahlow, Germany; phone: +49 (0) 33
7086 2673; fax: +49 (0) 33 7086 3276.
DATES:
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You may view this service information
at the FAA, Engine & Propeller
Standards Branch, 1200 District
Avenue, Burlington, MA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 781–238–7759.
Examining the AD Docket
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
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You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2017–
1050; 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 NPRM, the mandatory
continuing airworthiness information
(MCAI), the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The address for the Docket
Office (phone: 800–647–5527) is in the
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after
receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Martin Adler, Aerospace Engineer, ECO
Branch, FAA, 1200 District Avenue,
Burlington, MA 01803; phone: 781–
238–7157; fax: 781–238–7199; email:
martin.adler@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments to
an address listed under the ADDRESSES
section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–
2017–1050; Product Identifier 2017–
NE–39–AD’’ at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
all comments received by the closing
date and may amend this NPRM
because of 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 NPRM.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European
Community, has issued EASA AD No.
2017–0198, dated October 10, 2017
(referred to hereinafter as ‘‘the MCAI’’),
to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products. The MCAI states:
Occurrences were reported where
deterioration of an Electronic Engine
Controller (EEC) firebox assembly
E:\FR\FM\12FEP1.SGM
12FEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 29 (Monday, February 12, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5960-5963]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02754]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0077; Product Identifier 2017-NM-126-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321-111, -
112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD
was prompted by reports of battery retaining rod failures due to
quality defects of the material used during parts manufacturing. This
proposed AD would require a detailed inspection of the battery
retaining rods to identify the rod manufacturer, replacement of the
battery retaining rods with serviceable rods if necessary, and the
addition of the applicable service information label on each rod if
necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 29, 2018.
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: Deliver to Mail address above 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 [email protected]; internet https://www.airbus.com. 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.
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-2018-
0077; 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 NPRM, 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW, Renton, Washington 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0077;
Product Identifier 2017-NM-126-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider
[[Page 5961]]
all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.
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 2017-0161R1, dated September 19, 2017;
corrected September 20, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series
airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes. The MCAI states:
Several occurrences have been reported of battery rod failures
on certain Airbus aeroplanes. Subsequent examination of broken rod
parts determined that these failures were due to quality defects of
the material used during parts manufacturing. Each battery is
secured on an aeroplane by two rods. Failure of one rod, in case of
severe turbulence during flight or hard landing, could lead to
battery displacement, or roll on the remaining rod side, up to a
point where the remaining rod could be disengaged. The battery could
ultimately detach from its housing and damage relays, connectors,
contactor boxes, air ducts and surrounding structure.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the
loss of the normal electrical generation not followed by an
automatic recovery of essential network.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert
Operators Transmission (AOT) A92N001-16 (later revised) and EASA
issued AD 2016-0204 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-25-24 (81 FR
90958, December 16, 2016)] requiring repetitive general visual
inspections (GVI) of the four battery rods (two per battery), and,
in case of findings, replacement of battery rods.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, the manufacturer of the broken
battery retaining rods has been identified, which allows proper
identification of the affected parts and their withdrawal from
service. Consequently, Airbus issued [service bulletin] SB A320-92-
1116 and SB A320-92-1118 to provide the necessary instructions to
the affected operators. No rods delivered as spare parts are
affected by the manufacturing issue.
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0204, which is superseded, and requires
replacement of battery retaining rods depending on manufacturer
identification. This [EASA] AD also provides a terminating action
for the repetitive inspections.
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-2018-
0077.
Although the MCAI has superseded EASA AD 2016-0204, this NPRM would
not supersede AD 2016-25-24. Rather, we have determined that a stand-
alone AD would be more appropriate to address the changes in the MCAI.
This NPRM would require a detailed inspection of the battery retaining
rods to identify the rod manufacturer, replacement of the battery
retaining rods with serviceable rods if necessary, and the addition of
the applicable service information label on each rod if necessary.
Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all
requirements of AD 2016-25-24.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated
January 31, 2017; and Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated
January 31, 2017. This service information describes a detailed
inspection of the battery retaining rods to identify the rod
manufacturer, replacement of the battery retaining rods with
serviceable rods if necessary, and adding the applicable service
information label on each rod if necessary. These documents are
distinct since they apply to different airplane models. 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 these
same type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 330 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $28,050
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection.
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need
this replacement:
On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement............................ 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85
hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
[[Page 5962]]
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 proposed 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 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-2018-0077; Product Identifier 2017-NM-126-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by March 29, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2016-25-24, Amendment 39-18750 (81 FR 90958,
December 16, 2016) (``AD 2016-25-24'').
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -
115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -
231, -232, -233, -251N, and -271N airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -
131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116,
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin
A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 92, Electrical
system installation.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of battery rod failures due to
quality defects of the material used during parts manufacturing. We
are issuing this AD to detect and correct broken battery retaining
rods, which, in the event of a hard landing or severe turbulence,
could cause the battery to detach from its housing, resulting in
damage to other electrical equipment and surrounding structure. This
condition could lead to loss of normal electrical power generation
and subsequent inability to restore electrical power to essential
airplane systems.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definition of a Serviceable Rod
For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable battery retaining rod
is defined in paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) A battery retaining rod provided as a spare part by Airbus.
(2) A battery retaining rod previously fitted on a battery
support assembly installed on an airplane manufacturer serial number
that is not specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116,
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and A320
series airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118,
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320-251N and
-271N airplanes).
(h) Identification of Affected Parts
Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Accomplish
a detailed inspection of the battery retaining rods to identify the
rod manufacturer, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions
of the Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated
January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes;
and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00,
dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320-251N and -271N
airplanes).
(i) Replacement of Affected Parts if Marking Is Found on Battery
Support Assembly
If, during the inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD,
the quality stamp on the battery support assembly is found marked
with an ``SA'' manufacturer identification, before further flight,
replace the battery retaining rods with serviceable rods, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017
(for Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321-111, -
112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes); or Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017
(for Airbus Model A320-251N and -271N airplanes).
(j) Actions if No Marking Is Found on Battery Support Assembly
If, during the inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD,
no marking is found on the quality stamp of the battery support
assembly, add the applicable service information label on each
battery retaining rod (replacement of the battery retaining rods is
not required), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated January 31,
2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321-111,
-112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes); or Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017
(for Airbus Model A320-251N and -271N airplanes).
(k) Parts Installation Prohibition
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on
any airplane, a non-serviceable battery retaining rod.
(l) Terminating Action
Replacement of all battery retaining rods marked ``SA'' with a
serviceable rod as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, or
application of service information label on each rod, as required by
paragraph (j) of this AD, as applicable, constitutes terminating
action for all requirements of AD 2016-25-24 for that airplane.
(m) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
[[Page 5963]]
(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 (n)(2) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: [email protected]. 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 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.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified as RC may be
deviated from using accepted methods in accordance with the
operator's maintenance or inspection program without obtaining
approval of an AMOC, provided the procedures and tests identified as
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0161R1, dated September 19,
2017; corrected September 20, 2017; 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-
2018-0077.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, Washington 98057-3356;
telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.
(3) 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 [email protected]; internet https://www.airbus.com. 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 2, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02754 Filed 2-9-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
