Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes, 24654-24656 [2018-11659]
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24654
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
Administrator, the following special
conditions are issued as part of the type
certification basis for Bombardier Model
BD–700–2A12 and Model BD–700–
2A13 airplanes.
Autobraking System Structural Loads
A landing pitchover condition must
be addressed that takes into account the
effect of the autobrake system. The
airplane is assumed to be at the design
maximum landing weight, or at the
maximum weight allowed with the
autobrake system on. The airplane is
assumed to land in a tail-down attitude
at the speeds defined by § 25.481.
Following main gear contact, the
airplane is assumed to rotate about the
main gear wheels at the highest pitch
rate generated by the autobrake system.
This is considered a limit load
condition from which ultimate loads
must also be determined. Loads must be
determined for a critical fuel and
payload distribution and centers of
gravity. Nose gear loads, as well as
airframe loads, must be determined. The
airplane must support these loads as
described in § 25.305.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May
23, 2018.
Victor Wicklund,
Manager, Transport Standards Branch, Policy
and Innovation Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–11506 Filed 5–29–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2018–0492; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–083–AD; Amendment
39–19303; AD 2018–11–15]
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 A320–271N airplanes,
and Model A321–271N, –271NX, –272N
and –272NX airplanes. This AD requires
replacing certain full authority digital
engine control (FADEC) electronic
engine controllers (EECs); or installing
software standard FCS4.4 and reidentifying the FADEC EECs. This AD
was prompted by a report that, when
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:27 May 29, 2018
Jkt 244001
operated at low speed and high engine
thrust, an engine did not restart
following a fuel interruption shorter
than five seconds. We are issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on
these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May
30, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register
approved the incorporation by reference
of a certain publication listed in this AD
as of May 30, 2018.
We must receive comments on this
AD by July 16, 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: 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,
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
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St.,
Des Moines, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 206–231–3195. It is also available
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–
0492.
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–
0492; 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.
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Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3323.
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 AD 2018–0110,
dated May 18, 2018 (referred to after
this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus Model A320–271N
airplanes, and Model A321–271N,
–271NX, –272N, and –272NX airplanes.
The MCAI states:
During certification test flights of an A320–
271N aeroplane, it has been identified that,
when operated at low speed and high engine
thrust, the tested engine did not re-start in
case of a fuel interruption shorter than 5
seconds. Investigation revealed that this was
due to the software logic implemented in the
FADEC EEC of affected A320 family models.
This condition, if not corrected, could
prevent restart of a shut down engine while
operating in high power conditions [after a
single or dual in-flight engine shutdown].
To address this potentially unsafe
condition, software (SW) standard FCS4.4 for
the FADEC EEC has been developed, and
Airbus published the SB [Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–73–1128, Revision 01, dated
May 17, 2018] providing modification
instructions.
For the reasons described above, this
[EASA] AD requires modification of
aeroplanes by [replacing the affected FADEC
EECs or by] installation of this FADEC EEC
SW [software] standard [and re-identification
of the affected FADEC EECs].
You may examine the MCAI on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2018–0492.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin
A320–73–1128, Revision 01, dated May
17, 2018. This service information
describes procedures for replacing
affected FADEC EECs and for installing
software standard FCS4.4 and reidentifying affected FADEC EECs. 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
E:\FR\FM\30MYR1.SGM
30MYR1
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
defect might prevent restart of an engine
after a single or dual in-flight engine
shutdown under certain conditions.
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.
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.
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–2018–0492;
Product Identifier 2018–NM–083–AD’’
FAA’s Determination of the Effective
Date
An unsafe condition exists that
requires the immediate adoption of this
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 FADEC EEC software
24655
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 16
airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate
the following costs to comply with this
AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per product
Cost on U.S. operators
Up to 7 work-hours × $85 per hour = Up to $595 .......................
(1)
Up to $595 ................................
Up to $9,520.
1 We
have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for parts needed to comply with the actions specified in
this AD.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
Authority for This Rulemaking
Regulatory Findings
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.
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:27 May 29, 2018
Jkt 244001
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:
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Fmt 4700
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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):
■
2018–11–15 Airbus: Amendment 39–19303;
Docket No. FAA–2018–0492; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–083–AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 30, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes
identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of
this AD, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers (MSN).
(1) Model A320–271N airplanes.
(2) Model A321–271N, –271NX, –272N and
–272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 72, Turbine/turboprop engine.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that,
when operated at low speed and high engine
thrust, an engine did not restart following a
fuel interruption shorter than five seconds.
We are issuing this AD to address engines
that might not restart while operating in high
E:\FR\FM\30MYR1.SGM
30MYR1
24656
Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 104 / Wednesday, May 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
(2) The installation of the FADEC EEC or
software standard must be accomplished in
accordance with a method approved by the
Manager, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or
Airbus’s EASA DOA. If approved by the
DOA, the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
power conditions after a single or dual inflight engine shutdown.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Definitions
(1) For the purposes of this AD, an affected
full authority digital engine control (FADEC)
electronic engine controller (EEC) is one with
a part number listed in table 1 to paragraph
(g)(1) of this AD.
TABLE 1 TO PARAGRAPH (g)(1) OF
THIS AD—AFFECTED FADEC EEC
PART NUMBERS
Affected FADEC EEC part No.
5315126
5315126SK02
5323434
5323745
5323746
5324836
5324836–001
5324836–002
5324837
5325185
5325971
5325975
(2) For the purposes of this AD, Group 1
airplanes are defined as those that have an
affected FADEC EEC installed.
(3) For the purposes of this AD, Group 2
airplanes are defined as those that do not
have an affected FADEC EEC installed.
(h) Modification
For Group 1 airplanes: Within 30 days after
the effective date of this AD, modify the
airplane by replacing affected FADEC EECs
installed on both engines with FADEC EEC
part number 5327582 (software standard
FCS4.4), or by installing software standard
FCS4.4 and re-identifying the affected
FADEC EEC, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320–73–1128, Revision 01,
dated May 17, 2018.
(i) Parts Installation Limitation
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with RULES
As of 30 days after the effective date of this
AD, do not install an affected FADEC EEC on
any airplane.
(j) Later-Approved Parts
Installation on an airplane of a FADEC EEC
or software standard having a part number
approved after the effective date of this AD
is acceptable for compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD,
provided the conditions in paragraphs (j)(1)
and (j)(2) of this AD are met.
(1) The FADEC EEC or software standard
part number must be 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
19:27 May 29, 2018
Jkt 244001
(k) Clarification of Affected Airplanes
An airplane on which Airbus modification
163473 has been embodied in production is
not affected by the requirements of paragraph
(h) of this AD, provided it can be
conclusively determined that no affected
FADEC EEC is installed on that airplane.
(l) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD,
if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service
Bulletin A320–73–1128, dated May 15, 2018.
(m) 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 (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 EASA;
or Airbus’s EASA 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.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2018–0110, dated
May 18, 2018, for related information. You
PO 00000
Frm 00006
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
may examine the MCAI on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2018–0492.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des
Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–
231–3323.
(3) Service information identified in this
AD that is not incorporated by reference is
available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.
(o) 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 Service Bulletin A320–73–1128,
Revision 01, dated May 17, 2018.
(ii) Reserved.
(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.
(4) You may view this service information
at the FAA, Transport Standards Branch,
2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 206–231–3195.
(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.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on May
23, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2018–11659 Filed 5–29–18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission
18 CFR Parts 375 and 388
[Docket No. RM16–15–001; Order
No. 833–A]
FAST Act Section 61003—Critical
Electric Infrastructure Security and
Critical Energy Infrastructure
Information
Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission.
ACTION: Order on clarification and
rehearing.
AGENCY:
E:\FR\FM\30MYR1.SGM
30MYR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 104 (Wednesday, May 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24654-24656]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-11659]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0492; Product Identifier 2018-NM-083-AD; Amendment
39-19303; AD 2018-11-15]
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 A320-271N airplanes, and Model A321-271N, -271NX, -272N
and -272NX airplanes. This AD requires replacing certain full authority
digital engine control (FADEC) electronic engine controllers (EECs); or
installing software standard FCS4.4 and re-identifying the FADEC EECs.
This AD was prompted by a report that, when operated at low speed and
high engine thrust, an engine did not restart following a fuel
interruption shorter than five seconds. We are issuing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective May 30, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 30,
2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by July 16, 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: 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, 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 referenced service information at the
FAA, Transport Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0492.
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-
0492; 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: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3323.
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 AD
2018-0110, dated May 18, 2018 (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A320-271N airplanes, and Model
A321-271N, -271NX, -272N, and -272NX airplanes. The MCAI states:
During certification test flights of an A320-271N aeroplane, it
has been identified that, when operated at low speed and high engine
thrust, the tested engine did not re-start in case of a fuel
interruption shorter than 5 seconds. Investigation revealed that
this was due to the software logic implemented in the FADEC EEC of
affected A320 family models.
This condition, if not corrected, could prevent restart of a
shut down engine while operating in high power conditions [after a
single or dual in-flight engine shutdown].
To address this potentially unsafe condition, software (SW)
standard FCS4.4 for the FADEC EEC has been developed, and Airbus
published the SB [Airbus Service Bulletin A320-73-1128, Revision 01,
dated May 17, 2018] providing modification instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
modification of aeroplanes by [replacing the affected FADEC EECs or
by] installation of this FADEC EEC SW [software] standard [and re-
identification of the affected FADEC EECs].
You may examine the MCAI on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0492.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-73-1128, Revision 01, dated
May 17, 2018. This service information describes procedures for
replacing affected FADEC EECs and for installing software standard
FCS4.4 and re-identifying affected FADEC EECs. 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
[[Page 24655]]
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 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
FADEC EEC software defect might prevent restart of an engine after a
single or dual in-flight engine shutdown under certain conditions.
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-2018-0492; Product
Identifier 2018-NM-083-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 16 airplanes of U.S. registry. We
estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Up to 7 work-hours x $85 per hour (1) Up to $595.......... Up to $9,520.
= Up to $595.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide cost estimates for parts needed to comply
with the actions specified in this AD.
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):
2018-11-15 Airbus: Amendment 39-19303; Docket No. FAA-2018-0492;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-083-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective May 30, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, certificated in any category, all
manufacturer serial numbers (MSN).
(1) Model A320-271N airplanes.
(2) Model A321-271N, -271NX, -272N and -272NX airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 72, Turbine/
turboprop engine.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that, when operated at low
speed and high engine thrust, an engine did not restart following a
fuel interruption shorter than five seconds. We are issuing this AD
to address engines that might not restart while operating in high
[[Page 24656]]
power conditions after a single or dual in-flight engine shutdown.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definitions
(1) For the purposes of this AD, an affected full authority
digital engine control (FADEC) electronic engine controller (EEC) is
one with a part number listed in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this
AD.
Table 1 to Paragraph (g)(1) of This AD--Affected FADEC EEC Part Numbers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Affected FADEC EEC part No.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5315126
5315126SK02
5323434
5323745
5323746
5324836
5324836-001
5324836-002
5324837
5325185
5325971
5325975
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For the purposes of this AD, Group 1 airplanes are defined
as those that have an affected FADEC EEC installed.
(3) For the purposes of this AD, Group 2 airplanes are defined
as those that do not have an affected FADEC EEC installed.
(h) Modification
For Group 1 airplanes: Within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD, modify the airplane by replacing affected FADEC EECs
installed on both engines with FADEC EEC part number 5327582
(software standard FCS4.4), or by installing software standard
FCS4.4 and re-identifying the affected FADEC EEC, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-73-
1128, Revision 01, dated May 17, 2018.
(i) Parts Installation Limitation
As of 30 days after the effective date of this AD, do not
install an affected FADEC EEC on any airplane.
(j) Later-Approved Parts
Installation on an airplane of a FADEC EEC or software standard
having a part number approved after the effective date of this AD is
acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of
this AD, provided the conditions in paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of
this AD are met.
(1) The FADEC EEC or software standard part number must be
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.
(2) The installation of the FADEC EEC or software standard must
be accomplished in accordance with a method approved by the Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or
Airbus's EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include
the DOA-authorized signature.
(k) Clarification of Affected Airplanes
An airplane on which Airbus modification 163473 has been
embodied in production is not affected by the requirements of
paragraph (h) of this AD, provided it can be conclusively determined
that no affected FADEC EEC is installed on that airplane.
(l) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraph (h) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the
effective date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-73-
1128, dated May 15, 2018.
(m) 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 (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 EASA; or Airbus's EASA
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 2018-0110, dated May 18, 2018,
for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2018-0492.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3323.
(3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (o)(3) and (o)(4) of this AD.
(o) 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 Service Bulletin A320-73-1128, Revision 01, dated May
17, 2018.
(ii) Reserved.
(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.
(4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport
Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call
206-231-3195.
(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 Des Moines, Washington, on May 23, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-11659 Filed 5-29-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P