Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 44209-44211 [2018-18661]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 169 / Thursday, August 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations emergency floats to inflate during an emergency water landing. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration (c) Effective Date This AD becomes effective October 4, 2018. (d) Compliance You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time. (e) Required Actions (1) Within 300 hours time-in-service: (i) Remove the EFS tube assembly from service. (ii) Lubricate the shoulder of the sleeves, threads, and seat of each mating fitting with anti-seize compound. (iii) Install an EFS tube assembly not listed in paragraph (a) of this AD. (2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an EFS tube assembly listed in paragraph (a) of this AD on any helicopter. (f) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, DSCO Branch, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this AD. Send your proposal to: Rory Rieger, Aviation Safety Engineer, DSCO Branch, AIR–7J0, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222–5193; email rory.rieger@faa.gov. (2) For operations conducted under a 14 CFR part 119 operating certificate or under 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that you notify your principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office or certificate holding district office before operating any aircraft complying with this AD through an AMOC. (g) Additional Information Bell Helicopter Alert Service Bulletins 212–11–143 and 412–11–147, both Revision C and dated December 22, 2016, which are not incorporated by reference, contain additional information about the subject of this AD. For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc., P.O. Box 482, Fort Worth, TX 76101; telephone (817) 280–3391; fax (817) 280– 6466; or at https://www.bellcustomer.com/ files/. You may review a copy of information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. (h) Subject amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 3212 Emergency Flotation Section. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0300; Product Identifier 2017–NM–134–AD; Amendment 39–19375; AD 2018–17–21] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes; and Model A321– 111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –253N, and –271N airplanes. This AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness limitations document that specifies more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate revised fuel airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. SUMMARY: This AD is effective October 4, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 4, 2018. ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office— EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44 51; email account.airwortheas@airbus.com; internet https:// www.airbus.com. 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. It is also available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0300. DATES: Examining the AD Docket Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 3, 2018. Lance T. Gant, Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–18735 Filed 8–29–18; 8:45 am] 14 CFR Part 39 You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https:// www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA–2018– 0300; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 44209 The AD docket contains this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800–647–5527) is Docket Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206–231–3223. 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 Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes; and Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –253N, and –271N airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2018 (83 FR 18485). The NPRM was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness limitations document that specifies more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. The NPRM proposed to require revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate revised fuel airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017–0169, dated September 7, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes; and Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –253N, and –271N airplanes. The MCAI states: The Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL) for Airbus A320 family aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and published in the Airbus A318/A319/A320/ A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 document. These instructions have been identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness. Failure to accomplish these instructions could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the aeroplane. E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM 30AUR1 44210 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 169 / Thursday, August 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations * * * the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA) published interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. In response to these regulations, Airbus conducted a design review to develop FAL for Airbus A320 family aeroplanes. The FAL were specified in Airbus A318/ A319/A320/A321 FAL document ref. 95A.1931/05 at issue 04 for A318/A319/ A320/A321 aeroplanes. This document was approved by EASA and is now referenced in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 5 to comply with EASA policy statement (EASA D2005/CPRO). Previously, EASA issued AD 2014–0260 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016–20–12, Amendment 39–18678 (81 FR 72507, October 20, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–20–12’’)] to require accomplishment of all FAL-related actions as described in ALS Part 5 at Revision 01. ALS Part 5 Revision 02 and 03 were not mandated because no significant changes were introduced with these Revisions. The new ALS Part 5 Revision 04 (hereafter referred to as ‘the ALS’ in this [EASA] AD) includes new and/or more restrictive requirements and extends the applicability to model A320– 251N, A320–271N, A321–251N, A321–253N and A321–271N aeroplanes. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the requirements of EASA AD 2014–0260, which is superseded, and requires implementation of the actions specified in the ALS. 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– 0300. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of the cost to the public. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES Conclusion We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed with the changes described previously and minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes: • Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and • Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was already proposed in the NPRM. We also determined that these changes will not increase the economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final rule. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus SAS has issued Airbus A318/ A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017. This service information describes fuel system airworthiness limitations. This service information is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD affects 1,250 airplanes of U.S. registry. We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD: We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-operator estimate is more accurate than a perairplane estimate. Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 work-hours × $85 per workhour). 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 and associated appliances to PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 the Director of the System Oversight Division. Regulatory Findings 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): ■ 2018–17–21 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39– 19375; Docket No. FAA–2018–0300; Product Identifier 2017–NM–134–AD. (a) Effective Date This AD is effective October 4, 2018. (b) Affected ADs This AD affects AD 2016–20–12, Amendment 39–18678 (81 FR 72507, October 20, 2016) (‘‘AD 2016–20–12’’). (c) Applicability This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, with an original certificate of airworthiness or original export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before April 6, 2017. E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM 30AUR1 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 169 / Thursday, August 30, 2018 / Rules and Regulations (1) Model A318–111, –112, –121, and –122 airplanes. (2) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, –115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes. (3) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –216, –231, –232, –233, –251N, and –271N airplanes. (4) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, –212, –213, –231, –232, –251N, –253N, and –271N airplanes. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/Maintenance Checks. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness limitations document that specifies more restrictive maintenance requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017. The initial compliance times for new or revised tasks are the minimum intervals or times specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. (h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration Control Limitations (CDCCLs) After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with RULES (i) Terminating Action for AD 2016–20–12 Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2016– 20–12. (j) 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:35 Aug 29, 2018 Jkt 244001 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 (k)(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 SAS’s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature. (k) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA AD 2017–0169, dated September 7, 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–2018–0300. (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– 231–3223. (l) 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 A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017. (ii) Reserved. (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office—EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 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. PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 44211 Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on August 17, 2018. Michael Kaszycki, Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2018–18661 Filed 8–29–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2018–0766; Product Identifier 2018–NM–111–AD; Amendment 39–19383; AD 2018–18–04] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Final rule; request for comments. AGENCY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of protective caps that were not removed from fire extinguishing lines in certain areas of the engines. This AD requires an inspection for the presence of protective caps on fire extinguishing lines, and corrective action. We are issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective September 14, 2018. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 14, 2018. We must receive comments on this AD by October 15, 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 SAS, SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\30AUR1.SGM 30AUR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 169 (Thursday, August 30, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44209-44211]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-18661]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0300; Product Identifier 2017-NM-134-AD; Amendment 
39-19375; AD 2018-17-21]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes; and Model A321-
111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, and -271N 
airplanes. This AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness 
limitations document that specifies more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations. This AD requires revising 
the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
revised fuel airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to 
address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective October 4, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 4, 
2018.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this final rule, 
contact Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile 
Dewoitine No: 2, 31700 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, 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-
0300.

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-
0300; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains 
this final rule, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The address for Docket Operations (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Operations, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.

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 Airbus SAS Model 
A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, 
-211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes. The 
NPRM published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2018 (83 FR 18485). 
The NPRM was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness limitations 
document that specifies more restrictive maintenance requirements and 
airworthiness limitations. The NPRM proposed to require revising the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
revised fuel airworthiness limitations.
    We are issuing this AD to address the potential of ignition sources 
inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, 
could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the 
airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2017-0169, dated September 7, 2017 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318, A319, and 
A320 series airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -
213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes. The MCAI states:

    The Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL) for Airbus A320 family 
aeroplanes, which are approved by EASA, are currently defined and 
published in the Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 document. These instructions have 
been identified as mandatory for continued airworthiness. Failure to 
accomplish these instructions could result in a fuel tank explosion 
and consequent loss of the aeroplane.

[[Page 44210]]

    * * * the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published 
Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 88, and the Joint 
Aviation Authorities (JAA) published interim Policy INT/POL/25/12. 
In response to these regulations, Airbus conducted a design review 
to develop FAL for Airbus A320 family aeroplanes.
    The FAL were specified in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 FAL 
document ref. 95A.1931/05 at issue 04 for A318/A319/A320/A321 
aeroplanes. This document was approved by EASA and is now referenced 
in Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 ALS Part 5 to comply with EASA policy 
statement (EASA D2005/CPRO).
    Previously, EASA issued AD 2014-0260 [which corresponds to FAA 
AD 2016-20-12, Amendment 39-18678 (81 FR 72507, October 20, 2016) 
(``AD 2016-20-12'')] to require accomplishment of all FAL-related 
actions as described in ALS Part 5 at Revision 01. ALS Part 5 
Revision 02 and 03 were not mandated because no significant changes 
were introduced with these Revisions. The new ALS Part 5 Revision 04 
(hereafter referred to as `the ALS' in this [EASA] AD) includes new 
and/or more restrictive requirements and extends the applicability 
to model A320-251N, A320-271N, A321-251N, A321-253N and A321-271N 
aeroplanes.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0260, which is superseded, and requires 
implementation of the actions specified in the ALS.

    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-
0300.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this final rule. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the 
determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting this final rule as proposed with 
the changes described previously and minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.
    We also determined that these changes will not increase the 
economic burden on any operator or increase the scope of this final 
rule.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus SAS has issued Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness 
Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), 
Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017. This service information describes 
fuel system airworthiness limitations. This service information is 
reasonably available because the interested parties have access to it 
through their normal course of business or by the means identified in 
the ADDRESSES section.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 1,250 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
    We have determined that revising the maintenance or inspection 
program takes an average of 90 work-hours per operator, although we 
recognize that this number may vary from operator to operator. In the 
past, we have estimated that this action takes 1 work-hour per 
airplane. Since operators incorporate maintenance or inspection program 
changes for their affected fleet(s), we have determined that a per-
operator estimate is more accurate than a per-airplane estimate. 
Therefore, we estimate the total cost per operator to be $7,650 (90 
work-hours x $85 per work-hour).

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 and 
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.

Regulatory Findings

    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]

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2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

2018-17-21 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19375; Docket No. FAA-2018-0300; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-134-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective October 4, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2016-20-12, Amendment 39-18678 (81 FR 72507, 
October 20, 2016) (``AD 2016-20-12'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes identified in 
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any 
category, with an original certificate of airworthiness or original 
export certificate of airworthiness issued on or before April 6, 
2017.

[[Page 44211]]

    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, 
and -271N airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -253N, and -271N airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 05, Time Limits/
Maintenance Checks.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a revision of an airworthiness 
limitations document that specifies more restrictive maintenance 
requirements and airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD 
to address the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, 
which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a 
fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Revision of Maintenance or Inspection Program

    Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the 
maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate 
Airbus A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) 
Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated 
April 6, 2017. The initial compliance times for new or revised tasks 
are the minimum intervals or times specified in Airbus A318/A319/
A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Part 5 Fuel 
Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, dated April 6, 2017, 
or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later.

(h) No Alternative Actions, Intervals, or Critical Design Configuration 
Control Limitations (CDCCLs)

    After the maintenance or inspection program has been revised as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, no alternative actions (e.g., 
inspections), intervals, or CDCCLs may be used unless the actions, 
intervals, and CDCCLs are approved as an alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in 
paragraph (j)(1) of this AD.

(i) Terminating Action for AD 2016-20-12

    Accomplishing the actions required by this AD terminates all 
requirements of AD 2016-20-12.

(j) 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 (k)(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 SAS's EASA Design Organization 
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include 
the DOA-authorized signature.

(k) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2017-0169, dated September 7, 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-2018-0300.
    (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 206-231-3223.

(l) 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 A318/A319/A320/A321 Airworthiness Limitations Section 
(ALS) Part 5 Fuel Airworthiness Limitations (FAL), Revision 04, 
dated April 6, 2017.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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 August 17, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-18661 Filed 8-29-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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