Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes, 60003-60007 [2019-21880]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 216 / Thursday, November 7, 2019 / Proposed Rules
appliances to the Director of the System
Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) 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
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 SAS: Docket No. FAA–2019–0863;
Product Identifier 2019–NM–157–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
December 23, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model
A318–112, A319–111, A319–112, A319–113,
A319–114, A319–115, A319–131, A319–132,
A319–133, A320–211, A320–212, A320–214,
A320–216, A320–231, A320–232, A320–233,
A320–251N, and A320–271N airplanes,
certificated in any category, as identified in
European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA) AD 2019–0197, dated August 14,
2019 (‘‘EASA AD 2019–0197’’).
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 28, Fuel.
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(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of
marginal clearance between certain fuel
sensor covers on rib 24 and the crown of
stringer 15 on both left-hand (LH) and righthand (RH) wings. A possible contact between
the shield and the stringer, and/or possible
motion between the stringer and the shield,
can make the gap more susceptible to
sparking in case of lightning strike. The FAA
is issuing this AD to address this condition,
which could create a source of ignition in a
fuel tank vapor space, possibly resulting in
a fire or explosion and consequent loss of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2019–0197.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0197
(1) Where EASA AD 2019–0197 refers to its
effective date, this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0197 does not apply to this AD.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this
AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs): The Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA,
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this
AD, if requested using the procedures found
in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal
inspector or local Flight Standards District
Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Section, send it
to the attention of the person identified in
paragraph (j)(2) of this AD. Information may
be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOCREQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA;
or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2019–0197 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2)
of this AD, RC 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
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60003
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.
(j) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2019–
0197, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 89990 6017; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this
material 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.
This material may be found in the AD docket
on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0863.
(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.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
November 1, 2019.
Dionne Palermo,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–24269 Filed 11–6–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0016; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–168–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of
proposed rulemaking (SNPRM);
reopening of comment period.
AGENCY:
The FAA is revising an earlier
proposal for all Airbus SAS Model
A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. This
action revises the notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) by including
additional part numbers that are
affected by the unsafe condition. The
FAA is proposing this airworthiness
directive (AD) to address the unsafe
condition on these products. Since these
actions would impose an additional
burden over those in the NPRM, the
SUMMARY:
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FAA is reopening the comment period
to allow the public the chance to
comment on these changes.
DATES: The comment period for the
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on February 22, 2019 (84 FR
5611), is reopened.
The FAA must receive comments on
this SNPRM by December 23, 2019.
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 the material identified in this
SNPRM that will be incorporated by
reference (IBR), contact the European
Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA),
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
89990 1000; email ADs@easa.europa.eu;
internet www.easa.europa.eu. You may
find this IBR material on the EASA
website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
You may view this IBR material 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 in the AD docket on
the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2019–
0016.
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–2019–
0016; 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 SNPRM,
the regulatory evaluation, any
comments received, and other
information. The street address for
Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD
docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport
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Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206–231–3218.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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–2019–0016; Product
Identifier 2018–NM–168–AD’’ at the
beginning of your comments. The FAA
specifically invites comments on the
overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of
this SNPRM. The FAA will consider all
comments received by the closing date
and may amend this SNPRM based on
those comments.
The FAA will post all comments
received, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. The
FAA will also post a report
summarizing each substantive verbal
contact the agency receives about this
SNPRM.
Discussion
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend
14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to all Airbus SAS Model
A350–941 and –1041 airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal
Register on February 22, 2019 (84 FR
5611). The NPRM was prompted by
reports of loss of retention of the
regulator inlet filter retainer on certain
crew oxygen cylinder assemblies. The
NPRM proposed to require an
operational check of the crew oxygen
cylinder assembly, replacement of an
affected assembly, and eventual
replacement of all affected assemblies
with redesigned serviceable assemblies.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the
agency has determined that loose
regulator inlet filter retainers also exist
on redesigned oxygen cylinders having
part number (P/N) 4441227–058–001. In
the NPRM, P/N 4441227–058–001 was
specified as the replacement part to be
installed after an affected part was
removed. This SNPRM expands the
scope of the NPRM by including oxygen
cylinders having P/N 4441227–058–001
as affected parts that need to be
inspected and, depending on findings,
replaced.
The EASA, which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD
2019–0168, dated July 16, 2019 (‘‘EASA
AD 2019–0168’’) (referred to after this as
the Mandatory Continuing
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Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for all Airbus SAS Model A350–941 and
-1041 airplanes. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address loss of retention of the
regulator inlet filter retainer on certain
crew oxygen cylinder assemblies. This
condition could lead to particle
ingestion into the regulator during
ground handling, possibly resulting in
ignition/fire during system ground
operational testing following crew
oxygen cylinder (re)installation on an
airplane. See the MCAI for additional
background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part
51
EASA AD 2019–0168 describes
procedures for an inspection of the crew
oxygen cylinder assembly for any
discrepancy (a loose part making a
sound during agitation of the cylinder)
and replacement of an affected crew
oxygen cylinder assembly with a
serviceable part.
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.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the
opportunity to participate in developing
this proposed AD. The FAA considered
the comments received. The Air Line
Pilots Association, International (ALPA)
expressed support for the NPRM.
Request To Clarify Mandatory Actions
Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested
clarification regarding which actions
described in Airbus All Operators
Transmission (AOT) A35P010–17,
Revision 00, dated December 20, 2017
(‘‘Airbus AOT A35P010–17, Revision
00’’), and the associated vendor service
bulletins, are required for compliance
with the requirements of the proposed
AD (in the NPRM). The commenter
stated that Airbus AOT A35P010–17,
Revision 00, is not written in the
traditional service bulletin format, and
suggested that the intent of the proposed
AD (in the NPRM) is for operators to
comply with only section 4.2.2,
Inspection Requirements, of Airbus
AOT A35P010–17, Revision 00. The
commenter reasoned that all other
aspects and parts of Airbus AOT
A35P010–17, Revision 00, are unrelated
to the unsafe condition and are for
operator reference and logistics
information. Specifically, the
commenter requested that paragraph (h)
of the proposed AD (in the NPRM) be
revised to include a paragraph (h)(3)
which would state that ‘‘Where the
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EASA AD states accomplishment of a
task ‘in accordance with the instructions
of the AOT’’, an operator may use
alternative approved procedures. The
AOT and Vendor SB can be referred to
for accepted procedures to comply with
the mandated tasks.’’ The commenter
advised that the proposed AD (in the
NPRM) would mandate procedures that
are not related to airworthiness, such as
returning affected parts to Rockwell
Collins and reporting the inspection
results to Airbus Customer Service.
The FAA agrees to clarify which
actions described in the AOT would be
required by this proposed AD. Since the
NPRM was published, EASA has issued
AD 2019–0168, and the FAA has revised
this proposed AD to refer to EASA AD
2019–0168. EASA AD 2019–0168 refers
to Airbus AOT A35P010–17, Revision
00; and Airbus AOT A35P010–17,
Revision 01, dated April 11, 2019
(‘‘AOT A35P010–17, Revision 01’’). The
FAA has revised paragraph (h) of this
proposed AD to include paragraph (h)(3)
to state that the language in paragraph
(2) of EASA AD 2019–0168 that states
‘‘the instructions of the AOT’’ should be
replaced with ‘‘paragraph 4.2.2.,
Inspection Requirements, of the AOT.’’
In regard to the reporting requirement,
paragraph (i) of the proposed AD (in the
NPRM) states that although EASA AD
2018–0245R1 specifies to submit certain
information to the manufacturer that
action would not be required. Because
EASA AD 2018–0245R1 was superseded
by EASA AD 2019–0168, the FAA has
revised paragraph (i) of this proposed
AD to refer to EASA AD 2019–0168. In
addition, the FAA has added paragraph
(j) to this proposed AD to clarify that
returning affected parts to the
manufacturer is not required, and
redesignated the subsequent paragraphs
accordingly.
The FAA does not agree with the
commenter’s request to revise paragraph
(h) of this proposed AD to allow
operators to use alternative approved
procedures to comply with the proposed
requirements. Any request for an
Alternative Method of Compliance
(AMOC) must be done in accordance
with paragraph (k)(1) of this proposed
AD. The FAA has not revised this
proposed AD in regard to this issue.
Request To Refer to Vendor Service
Bulletins
DAL requested that the NPRM be
revised to include a reference to
Rockwell Collins (formerly B/E
Aerospace) Vendor Service Bulletin
(VSB) 4441227–35–003, and to allow
operators to use the applicable Rockwell
Collins VSB for inspection procedures.
The commenter noted that there is an
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error in Rockwell Collins VSB 4441227–
35–003, because it refers to a
modification Rockwell Collins VSB for
instructions on how to replace an
affected crew oxygen cylinder assembly,
but that service information does not
contain replacement instructions.
The FAA does not find it necessary to
reference VSB 4441227–35–003 in this
proposed AD because it is already
referenced in Airbus AOT A35P010–17,
Revision 01, for the required inspection.
The FAA notes that EASA AD 2019–
0168 refers to Airbus AOT A35P010–17,
Revision 01, as the primary source of
service information for operators to use
for procedures to address the unsafe
condition. AOT A35P010–17, Revision
01, includes updated inspection
procedures that are acceptable for
compliance.
The FAA acknowledges the
commenter’s observation that there is an
error in certain revisions of Rockwell
Collins VSB 4441227–35–003 regarding
certain other Rockwell Collins VSB
numbers. Airbus AOT A35P010–17,
Revision 01, references Maintenance
Planning (MP) Task A350–A–35–11–56–
00001–520A–A for removal of affected
crew oxygen cylinder assemblies and
MP Task A350–A–35–11–56–00001–
720A–A for installation of crew oxygen
cylinder assemblies. Therefore, the
Rockwell Collins VSBs are not required
to accomplish actions involving removal
and installation of crew oxygen cylinder
assemblies. If needed, operators may
request an AMOC for the required
actions in this proposed AD, using the
procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1)
of this proposed AD. The FAA has not
revised this proposed AD in regard to
this issue.
Request To Allow Any Revision Level
of Service Information
DAL stated that Airbus AOT
A35P010–17, Revision 00, did not refer
to specific revision levels for the
Rockwell Collins VSBs. Therefore, it
assumed that any approved version was
acceptable for operators to use for
inspection procedures.
The FAA infers that the commenter is
requesting clarification regarding
revision levels of the Rockwell Collins
VSBs for inspection procedures. Since
AOT A35P010–17, Revision 01, does
not specify a revision level for the
Rockwell Collins VSBs, any revision is
acceptable for compliance with the
applicable requirements of this
proposed AD. The FAA has not revised
this proposed AD in regard to this issue.
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Request for Clarification of
Terminology
DAL requested that the proposed AD
(in the NPRM) be revised to state that
operators should do an inspection for
loose retainer assemblies in the affected
crew oxygen cylinder assemblies
instead of an operational check. The
commenter noted that ‘‘operational
check’’ is used in EASA AD 2018–
0245R1 (which is the MCAI referred to
in the NPRM) but ‘‘inspection’’ is used
in Airbus AOT A35P010–17, Revision
00, and the associated Rockwell Collins
VSBs.
The FAA agrees to clarify. The
referenced terminology has been revised
in EASA AD 2019–0168, which refers to
an ‘‘inspection’’ instead of an
‘‘operational check.’’ This terminology
is now consistent among EASA AD
2019–0168, this proposed AD, Airbus
AOT A35P010–17, Revision 01, and the
associated Rockwell Collins VSBs. The
FAA has revised the ‘‘Related Service
Information under 1 CFR part 51’’
section of this proposed AD to clarify
this information.
Request for Clarification of Airplane
Groups
DAL requested that the proposed AD
(in the NPRM) be revised to include
instructions to operators stating that by
removing an affected crew oxygen
cylinder assembly an airplane can move
from Group 1 to Group 2 for the
purposes of compliance with the
proposed AD (in the NPRM). The
commenter stated that EASA AD 2018–
0245R1 (referred to as the MCAI in the
NPRM) identified a Group 1 airplane as
an airplane that has an affected crew
oxygen cylinder assembly installed and
that by removing an affected crew
oxygen cylinder assembly the airplane
would then be identified as a Group 2
airplane. The commenter stated that the
only compliance method would be to
ensure an affected crew oxygen cylinder
assembly is not reinstalled on that
airplane so it can remain a Group 2
airplane. The commenter stated that this
could create confusion for operators
regarding which proposed requirements
specified in the proposed AD (in the
NPRM) would apply to a given airplane.
The commenter also stated that
operators could become confused
regarding what is required to maintain
compliance with the requirements in
the proposed AD (in the NPRM) and
how to report compliance.
The FAA agrees to clarify. As stated
previously, the FAA has revised this
proposed AD to refer to EASA AD 2019–
0168, which addresses this issue by
removing the definitions of the airplane
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groups and allowing the installation of
an affected crew oxygen cylinder
assembly on any airplane, provided it is
a serviceable part as defined in EASA
AD 2019–0168. The FAA has not
revised this proposed AD in regard to
this issue.
Proposed Requirements of This SNPRM
This proposed AD would require
accomplishing the actions specified in
EASA AD 2019–0168 described
previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
Certain changes described above
expand the scope of the NPRM. As a
result, the FAA has determined that it
is necessary to reopen the comment
period to provide additional
opportunity for the public to comment
on this SNPRM.
Explanation of Required Compliance
Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to
improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA worked with Airbus
and EASA to develop a process to use
certain EASA ADs as the primary source
of information for compliance with
requirements for corresponding FAA
ADs. As a result, EASA AD 2019–0168
will be incorporated by reference in the
FAA final rule. This proposed AD
would, therefore, require compliance
with the provisions specified in EASA
AD 2019–0168, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in
the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same
as the heading of a particular section in
the EASA AD does not mean that
operators need comply only with that
section. For example, where the AD
requirement refers to ‘‘all required
actions and compliance times,’’
compliance with this AD requirement is
not limited to the section titled
‘‘Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)’’ in the EASA AD. Service
information specified in EASA AD
2019–0168 that is required for
compliance with EASA AD 2019–0168
will be available on the internet at
https://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA–2019–0016 after the FAA final
rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed
AD affects 13 airplanes of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs
to comply with this proposed AD:
ESTIMATED COSTS FOR REQUIRED ACTIONS
Labor cost
Parts cost
Cost per
product
Cost on U.S.
operators
172 work-hours × $85 per hour = $14,620 .................................................................................
$6,940
$21,560
$280,280
The FAA has received no definitive
data that would enable the agency to
provide cost estimates for the oncondition replacements specified in this
proposed AD.
According to the manufacturer, some
or all of the costs of this proposed AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. The FAA does not control
warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, the FAA has
included all known costs in our cost
estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code
specifies the FAA’s authority to issue
rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I,
section 106, describes the authority of
the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII:
Aviation Programs, describes in more
detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is 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
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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 and associated
appliances to the Director of the System
Oversight Division.
under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act.
Regulatory Findings
■
The FAA has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation
in Alaska, and
(3) Will not have a significant
economic impact, positive or negative,
on a substantial number of small entities
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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:
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 SAS: Docket No. FAA–2019–0016;
Product Identifier 2018–NM–168–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by
December 23, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model
A350–941 and -1041 airplanes, certificated in
any category.
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 216 / Thursday, November 7, 2019 / Proposed Rules
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of loss
of retention of the regulator inlet filter
retainer on certain crew oxygen cylinder
assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to
address loss of retention of the regulator inlet
filter retainer on certain crew oxygen
cylinder assemblies. This condition could
lead to particle ingestion into the regulator
during ground handling, possibly resulting in
ignition/fire during system ground
operational testing following crew oxygen
cylinder (re)installation on an airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this
AD: Comply with all required actions and
compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019–0168, dated
July 16, 2019 (‘‘EASA AD 2019–0168’’).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019–0168
(1) Where EASA AD 2019–0168 refers to its
effective date this AD requires using the
effective date of this AD.
(2) The ‘‘Remarks’’ section of EASA AD
2019–0168 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Replace the language in paragraph (2)
of EASA AD 2019–0168 that states ‘‘the
instructions of the AOT’’ with ‘‘paragraph
4.2.2., Inspection Requirements, of the AOT.’’
(i) No Reporting Required
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019–0168 specifies
to submit certain information to the
manufacturer, this AD does not include that
requirement.
(j) No Return of Parts Required
Although the service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019–0168 specifies
to return affected parts to the manufacturer,
this AD does not include that requirement.
(k) 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 (l)(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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:23 Nov 06, 2019
Jkt 250001
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain instructions
from a manufacturer, the instructions must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Section,
Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA;
or Airbus SAS’s EASA Design Organization
Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA,
the approval must include the DOAauthorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any
service information referenced in EASA AD
2019–0168 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (k)(2)
of this AD, RC 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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2019–
0168, contact the EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone
+49 221 89990 6017; email ADs@
easa.europa.eu; Internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this
EASA AD on the EASA website at https://
ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this EASA
AD 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.
EASA AD 2019–0168 may be found in the
AD docket on the internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2019–0016.
(2) For more information about this AD,
contact Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th
St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and
fax 206–231–3218.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on
September 27, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2019–21880 Filed 11–6–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
PO 00000
60007
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2019–0862; Product
Identifier 2019–NM–121–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing
Company Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
The FAA proposes to adopt a
new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain The Boeing Company Model
767–200, –300, –300F, and –400ER
series airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by a determination that new
or more restrictive airworthiness
limitations are necessary. This proposed
AD would require revising the existing
maintenance or inspection program, as
applicable, to incorporate new or more
restrictive airworthiness limitations.
The FAA is proposing this AD to
address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments
on this proposed AD by December 23,
2019.
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 Boeing Commercial
Airplanes, Attention: Contractual & Data
Services (C&DS), 2600 Westminster
Blvd., MC 110–SK57, Seal Beach, CA
90740–5600; telephone 562–797–1717;
internet https://
www.myboeingfleet.com. You may view
this 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.
SUMMARY:
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the internet at https://
Frm 00038
Fmt 4702
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 216 (Thursday, November 7, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 60003-60007]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-21880]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0016; Product Identifier 2018-NM-168-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM); reopening
of comment period.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The FAA is revising an earlier proposal for all Airbus SAS
Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. This action revises the notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) by including additional part numbers that
are affected by the unsafe condition. The FAA is proposing this
airworthiness directive (AD) to address the unsafe condition on these
products. Since these actions would impose an additional burden over
those in the NPRM, the
[[Page 60004]]
FAA is reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to
comment on these changes.
DATES: The comment period for the NPRM published in the Federal
Register on February 22, 2019 (84 FR 5611), is reopened.
The FAA must receive comments on this SNPRM by December 23, 2019.
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 the material identified in this SNPRM that will be incorporated
by reference (IBR), contact the European Union Aviation Safety Agency
(EASA), Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49
221 89990 1000; email [email protected]; internet www.easa.europa.eu.
You may find this IBR material on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material 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 in the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
0016.
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-2019-
0016; 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 SNPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Arrigotti, Aerospace
Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 2200
South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3218.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites 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-2019-0016;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-168-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this SNPRM. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
SNPRM based on those comments.
The FAA will post all comments received, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact the agency receives about this SNPRM.
Discussion
The FAA issued an NPRM to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that
would apply to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes. The
NPRM published in the Federal Register on February 22, 2019 (84 FR
5611). The NPRM was prompted by reports of loss of retention of the
regulator inlet filter retainer on certain crew oxygen cylinder
assemblies. The NPRM proposed to require an operational check of the
crew oxygen cylinder assembly, replacement of an affected assembly, and
eventual replacement of all affected assemblies with redesigned
serviceable assemblies.
Actions Since the NPRM Was Issued
Since the FAA issued the NPRM, the agency has determined that loose
regulator inlet filter retainers also exist on redesigned oxygen
cylinders having part number (P/N) 4441227-058-001. In the NPRM, P/N
4441227-058-001 was specified as the replacement part to be installed
after an affected part was removed. This SNPRM expands the scope of the
NPRM by including oxygen cylinders having P/N 4441227-058-001 as
affected parts that need to be inspected and, depending on findings,
replaced.
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0168, dated July 16, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0168'') (referred to after this as the Mandatory
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an
unsafe condition for all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041 airplanes.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address loss of retention of the
regulator inlet filter retainer on certain crew oxygen cylinder
assemblies. This condition could lead to particle ingestion into the
regulator during ground handling, possibly resulting in ignition/fire
during system ground operational testing following crew oxygen cylinder
(re)installation on an airplane. See the MCAI for additional background
information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0168 describes procedures for an inspection of the
crew oxygen cylinder assembly for any discrepancy (a loose part making
a sound during agitation of the cylinder) and replacement of an
affected crew oxygen cylinder assembly with a serviceable part.
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.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this proposed AD. The FAA considered the comments received.
The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) expressed support
for the NPRM.
Request To Clarify Mandatory Actions
Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested clarification regarding which
actions described in Airbus All Operators Transmission (AOT) A35P010-
17, Revision 00, dated December 20, 2017 (``Airbus AOT A35P010-17,
Revision 00''), and the associated vendor service bulletins, are
required for compliance with the requirements of the proposed AD (in
the NPRM). The commenter stated that Airbus AOT A35P010-17, Revision
00, is not written in the traditional service bulletin format, and
suggested that the intent of the proposed AD (in the NPRM) is for
operators to comply with only section 4.2.2, Inspection Requirements,
of Airbus AOT A35P010-17, Revision 00. The commenter reasoned that all
other aspects and parts of Airbus AOT A35P010-17, Revision 00, are
unrelated to the unsafe condition and are for operator reference and
logistics information. Specifically, the commenter requested that
paragraph (h) of the proposed AD (in the NPRM) be revised to include a
paragraph (h)(3) which would state that ``Where the
[[Page 60005]]
EASA AD states accomplishment of a task `in accordance with the
instructions of the AOT'', an operator may use alternative approved
procedures. The AOT and Vendor SB can be referred to for accepted
procedures to comply with the mandated tasks.'' The commenter advised
that the proposed AD (in the NPRM) would mandate procedures that are
not related to airworthiness, such as returning affected parts to
Rockwell Collins and reporting the inspection results to Airbus
Customer Service.
The FAA agrees to clarify which actions described in the AOT would
be required by this proposed AD. Since the NPRM was published, EASA has
issued AD 2019-0168, and the FAA has revised this proposed AD to refer
to EASA AD 2019-0168. EASA AD 2019-0168 refers to Airbus AOT A35P010-
17, Revision 00; and Airbus AOT A35P010-17, Revision 01, dated April
11, 2019 (``AOT A35P010-17, Revision 01''). The FAA has revised
paragraph (h) of this proposed AD to include paragraph (h)(3) to state
that the language in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019-0168 that states
``the instructions of the AOT'' should be replaced with ``paragraph
4.2.2., Inspection Requirements, of the AOT.''
In regard to the reporting requirement, paragraph (i) of the
proposed AD (in the NPRM) states that although EASA AD 2018-0245R1
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer that action
would not be required. Because EASA AD 2018-0245R1 was superseded by
EASA AD 2019-0168, the FAA has revised paragraph (i) of this proposed
AD to refer to EASA AD 2019-0168. In addition, the FAA has added
paragraph (j) to this proposed AD to clarify that returning affected
parts to the manufacturer is not required, and redesignated the
subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
The FAA does not agree with the commenter's request to revise
paragraph (h) of this proposed AD to allow operators to use alternative
approved procedures to comply with the proposed requirements. Any
request for an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) must be done in
accordance with paragraph (k)(1) of this proposed AD. The FAA has not
revised this proposed AD in regard to this issue.
Request To Refer to Vendor Service Bulletins
DAL requested that the NPRM be revised to include a reference to
Rockwell Collins (formerly B/E Aerospace) Vendor Service Bulletin (VSB)
4441227-35-003, and to allow operators to use the applicable Rockwell
Collins VSB for inspection procedures. The commenter noted that there
is an error in Rockwell Collins VSB 4441227-35-003, because it refers
to a modification Rockwell Collins VSB for instructions on how to
replace an affected crew oxygen cylinder assembly, but that service
information does not contain replacement instructions.
The FAA does not find it necessary to reference VSB 4441227-35-003
in this proposed AD because it is already referenced in Airbus AOT
A35P010-17, Revision 01, for the required inspection. The FAA notes
that EASA AD 2019-0168 refers to Airbus AOT A35P010-17, Revision 01, as
the primary source of service information for operators to use for
procedures to address the unsafe condition. AOT A35P010-17, Revision
01, includes updated inspection procedures that are acceptable for
compliance.
The FAA acknowledges the commenter's observation that there is an
error in certain revisions of Rockwell Collins VSB 4441227-35-003
regarding certain other Rockwell Collins VSB numbers. Airbus AOT
A35P010-17, Revision 01, references Maintenance Planning (MP) Task
A350-A-35-11-56-00001-520A-A for removal of affected crew oxygen
cylinder assemblies and MP Task A350-A-35-11-56-00001-720A-A for
installation of crew oxygen cylinder assemblies. Therefore, the
Rockwell Collins VSBs are not required to accomplish actions involving
removal and installation of crew oxygen cylinder assemblies. If needed,
operators may request an AMOC for the required actions in this proposed
AD, using the procedures specified in paragraph (k)(1) of this proposed
AD. The FAA has not revised this proposed AD in regard to this issue.
Request To Allow Any Revision Level of Service Information
DAL stated that Airbus AOT A35P010-17, Revision 00, did not refer
to specific revision levels for the Rockwell Collins VSBs. Therefore,
it assumed that any approved version was acceptable for operators to
use for inspection procedures.
The FAA infers that the commenter is requesting clarification
regarding revision levels of the Rockwell Collins VSBs for inspection
procedures. Since AOT A35P010-17, Revision 01, does not specify a
revision level for the Rockwell Collins VSBs, any revision is
acceptable for compliance with the applicable requirements of this
proposed AD. The FAA has not revised this proposed AD in regard to this
issue.
Request for Clarification of Terminology
DAL requested that the proposed AD (in the NPRM) be revised to
state that operators should do an inspection for loose retainer
assemblies in the affected crew oxygen cylinder assemblies instead of
an operational check. The commenter noted that ``operational check'' is
used in EASA AD 2018-0245R1 (which is the MCAI referred to in the NPRM)
but ``inspection'' is used in Airbus AOT A35P010-17, Revision 00, and
the associated Rockwell Collins VSBs.
The FAA agrees to clarify. The referenced terminology has been
revised in EASA AD 2019-0168, which refers to an ``inspection'' instead
of an ``operational check.'' This terminology is now consistent among
EASA AD 2019-0168, this proposed AD, Airbus AOT A35P010-17, Revision
01, and the associated Rockwell Collins VSBs. The FAA has revised the
``Related Service Information under 1 CFR part 51'' section of this
proposed AD to clarify this information.
Request for Clarification of Airplane Groups
DAL requested that the proposed AD (in the NPRM) be revised to
include instructions to operators stating that by removing an affected
crew oxygen cylinder assembly an airplane can move from Group 1 to
Group 2 for the purposes of compliance with the proposed AD (in the
NPRM). The commenter stated that EASA AD 2018-0245R1 (referred to as
the MCAI in the NPRM) identified a Group 1 airplane as an airplane that
has an affected crew oxygen cylinder assembly installed and that by
removing an affected crew oxygen cylinder assembly the airplane would
then be identified as a Group 2 airplane. The commenter stated that the
only compliance method would be to ensure an affected crew oxygen
cylinder assembly is not reinstalled on that airplane so it can remain
a Group 2 airplane. The commenter stated that this could create
confusion for operators regarding which proposed requirements specified
in the proposed AD (in the NPRM) would apply to a given airplane. The
commenter also stated that operators could become confused regarding
what is required to maintain compliance with the requirements in the
proposed AD (in the NPRM) and how to report compliance.
The FAA agrees to clarify. As stated previously, the FAA has
revised this proposed AD to refer to EASA AD 2019-0168, which addresses
this issue by removing the definitions of the airplane
[[Page 60006]]
groups and allowing the installation of an affected crew oxygen
cylinder assembly on any airplane, provided it is a serviceable part as
defined in EASA AD 2019-0168. The FAA has not revised this proposed AD
in regard to this issue.
Proposed Requirements of This SNPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2019-0168 described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD.
Certain changes described above expand the scope of the NPRM. As a
result, the FAA has determined that it is necessary to reopen the
comment period to provide additional opportunity for the public to
comment on this SNPRM.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a process to
use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information for
compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. As a result,
EASA AD 2019-0168 will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final
rule. This proposed AD would, therefore, require compliance with the
provisions specified in EASA AD 2019-0168, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in the EASA AD does not mean that operators need comply only
with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service information specified
in EASA AD 2019-0168 that is required for compliance with EASA AD 2019-
0168 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov
by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0016 after the FAA
final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this proposed AD affects 13 airplanes of
U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with
this proposed AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
172 work-hours x $85 per hour = $14,620...................... $6,940 $21,560 $280,280
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition replacements
specified in this proposed AD.
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty
coverage for affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included
all known costs in our cost estimate.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is 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 and associated appliances to the
Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA has 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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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 SAS: Docket No. FAA-2019-0016; Product Identifier 2018-NM-
168-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments by December 23, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus SAS Model A350-941 and -1041
airplanes, certificated in any category.
[[Page 60007]]
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of loss of retention of the
regulator inlet filter retainer on certain crew oxygen cylinder
assemblies. The FAA is issuing this AD to address loss of retention
of the regulator inlet filter retainer on certain crew oxygen
cylinder assemblies. This condition could lead to particle ingestion
into the regulator during ground handling, possibly resulting in
ignition/fire during system ground operational testing following
crew oxygen cylinder (re)installation on an airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2019-0168, dated July 16, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0168'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0168
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0168 refers to its effective date this AD
requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0168 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Replace the language in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2019-0168
that states ``the instructions of the AOT'' with ``paragraph 4.2.2.,
Inspection Requirements, of the AOT.''
(i) No Reporting Required
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0168
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not include that requirement.
(j) No Return of Parts Required
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2019-0168
specifies to return affected parts to the manufacturer, this AD does
not include that requirement.
(k) 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 (l)(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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019-0168 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (k)(2) of this AD, RC
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.
(l) Related Information
(1) For information about EASA AD 2019-0168, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; telephone +49 221
89990 6017; email [email protected]; Internet www.easa.europa.eu.
You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this EASA AD 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. EASA AD 2019-0168 may be found in the AD docket on the
internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0016.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Kathleen
Arrigotti, Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport
Standards Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198;
telephone and fax 206-231-3218.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on September 27, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-21880 Filed 11-6-19; 8:45 am]
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