[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 208 (Monday, October 28, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 64162-64164]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-23909]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2013-0465; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-085-AD;
Amendment 39-17617; AD 2013-20-11]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was
prompted by a determination that oxygen generators installed on a
certain batch of passenger emergency oxygen container assemblies might
become detached by extreme pulling of the mask tube at the end of the
oxygen supply causing a high temperature oxygen generator and mask to
fall down. This AD requires modifying the passenger emergency oxygen
container assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent a high
temperature oxygen generator and mask from falling down and possibly
resulting in an ignition source in the passenger compartment, injury to
passengers, and reduced availability of supplemental oxygen.
DATES: This AD becomes effective December 2, 2013.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of December 2,
2013.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2013-0465; or in person at the
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC.
For service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus,
Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte, 31707
Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 93 44
51; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com. You may review copies of the referenced service
information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405;
fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products.
The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 3, 2013 (78 FR
40074). The NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the
specified products.
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2012-0055, dated April 3, 2012 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified
products. The MCAI states:
It has been determined that oxygen generators, installed on a
specific batch of Type 1 (22 minute) passenger emergency oxygen
container assemblies, may become detached by extreme pulling of the
mask tube at the end of oxygen supply. Investigations revealed that
such detachment can be caused by the increase in temperature towards
the end of the generator operation, which may weaken the plastic
housing in the attachment area of the bracket.
This condition, if not corrected, could make the rivets slip
through the plastic housing, causing a `hot' oxygen generator and
mask to fall down, possibly resulting in injury to passengers.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
modification of the affected oxygen container assemblies. This
[EASA] AD also prohibits the installation of the affected
(unmodified) containers on any aeroplane as replacement parts.
The modification consists of adding a reinforcement plate at the rear
outside of the container and adding two washers to the rivets at the
inside of the container to prevent the generator from detaching. You
may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0465-0002.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (78 FR 40074, July 3,
2013) or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed-except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (78 FR 40074, July 3, 2013) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (78 FR 40074, July 3, 2013).
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 4 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Modification.......................... 2 work-hours x $85 per $0 $170 $680
hour = $170.
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[[Page 64163]]
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected
individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all 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.
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.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0465-0002; or in
person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains
this AD, the MCAI, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received,
and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations
office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new AD:
2013-20-11 Airbus: Amendment 39-17617. Docket No. FAA-2013-0465;
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-085-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 2,
2013.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122
airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -
133 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -
231, and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category; all
manufacturer serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that oxygen generators,
installed on a certain batch of passenger emergency oxygen container
assemblies, might become detached by extreme pulling of the mask
tube at the end of the oxygen supply causing a high temperature
oxygen generator and mask to fall down. We are issuing this AD to
prevent a high temperature oxygen generator and mask from falling
down and possibly resulting in an ignition source in the passenger
compartment, injury to passengers, and reduced availability of
supplemental oxygen.
(f) Compliance
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD
performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions
have already been done.
(g) Oxygen Container Assembly Modification
Except as specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of
this AD, within 5,000 flight cycles, or 7,500 flight hours, or 24
months, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this AD:
Modify each type 1 (22 minute) passenger emergency oxygen container
assembly installed on an airplane, having a part number (P/N) listed
in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number (S/N) listed
in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049,
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated
June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15,
2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011; as applicable.
(1) An oxygen container that has a part number listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number as listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, and that has been modified using
the instructions of B/E Aerospace Service Bulletin 1XC22-0100-35-
006, is compliant with the modification requirement of paragraph (g)
of this AD.
(i) Oxygen container part numbers listed in paragraphs
(g)(1)(i)(A) through (g)(1)(i)(D) of this AD, where xxxxx stands for
an alphanumerical value.
(A) 13C22Lxxxxx0100.
(B) 13C22Rxxxxx0100.
(C) 14C22Lxxxxx0100.
(D) 14C22Rxxxxx0100.
(ii) Oxygen container serial numbers listed in paragraphs
(g)(1)(ii)(A) through (g)(1)(ii)(H) of this AD.
(A) ARBC-0182 to ARBC-9999, inclusive.
(B) ARBD-0000 to ARBD-9999, inclusive.
(C) ARBE-0000 to ARBE-9999, inclusive.
(D) BEBF-0000 to BEBF-9999, inclusive.
(E) BEBH-0000 to BEBH-9999, inclusive.
(F) BEBK-0000 to BEBK-9999, inclusive.
(G) BEBL-0000 to BEBL-9999, inclusive.
(H) BEBM-0000 to BEBM-0454, inclusive.
(2) Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 150704 has not been
embodied in production are excluded from the requirements of
paragraph (g) of this AD, unless an oxygen container with a part
number listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number
listed in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD is installed.
(3) Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 150704 has been
embodied in production and that are not listed by model and
manufacturer serial number in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049,
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated
June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15,
2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June
[[Page 64164]]
15, 2011; or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15,
2011; as applicable; are excluded from the requirements of paragraph
(g) of this AD, unless an oxygen container with a part number listed
in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and a serial number listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD is installed.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The oxygen container
assemblies listed in paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD and paragraph
(g)(1)(ii) of this AD are B/E Aerospace products with the mark ``B/E
AEROSPACE'' on the identification plate.
(h) Parts Installation Limitation
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on
any airplane, an oxygen container with a part number listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(i) of this AD, and serial number listed in
paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this AD, unless the oxygen container has
been modified according to Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049,
dated June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated
June 15, 2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15,
2011; Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011;
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011; Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011; or Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011; as applicable.
(i) Other FAA AD Provisions
The following provisions also apply to this AD:
(1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149. 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. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
(j) Related Information
Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information European
Aviation Safety Agency Airworthiness Directive 2012-0055, dated
April 3, 2012, for related information. You may examine the MCAI in
the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2013-0465-0002.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this service information as applicable to do
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1049, dated June 15, 2011.
(ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1053, dated June 15, 2011.
(iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1054, dated June 15, 2011.
(iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1055, dated June 15, 2011.
(v) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1056, dated June 15, 2011.
(vi) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1057, dated June 15, 2011.
(vii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1058, dated June 15, 2011.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice Bellonte,
31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 44 51; email [email protected]; Internet http://www.airbus.com.
(4) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA.
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425-227-1221.
(5) You may view this service information that is incorporated
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 17, 2013.
Ross Landes,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-23909 Filed 10-25-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P