[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 251 (Thursday, December 31, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 81792-81795]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32885]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-8132; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-127-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by a report of cracks found during maintenance
inspections on certain lugs of the 10VU rack side fittings in the
cockpit. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections for
cracking of the lugs on the 10VU rack side fittings, and repair of any
cracking. We are proposing this AD to prevent loss of flight-critical
information displayed to the flightcrew during a critical phase of
flight, such as an approach or takeoff, which could result in loss of
airplane control at an altitude insufficient for recovery.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 16,
2016.
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 http://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 proposed 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 view this 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.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8132; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments
received, and other information. The street address for the Docket
Operations office (telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.
Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International 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:
[[Page 81793]]
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-8132;
Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-127-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2015-0170, dated August 18, 2015 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:
During an unscheduled maintenance operation on an A330
aeroplane, the 10VU rack was removed for access and cracks were
discovered on 10VU rack side fittings on lugs 1, 3, and 4. As a
similar design is installed on A320 family aeroplanes, a sampling
review was done to determine the possible fleet impact. The result
showed that several aeroplanes had cracked or broken 10VU rack side
fittings.
This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to a
high vibration level on the primary flight- and navigation displays
during critical flight phases (takeoff and landing), possibly
creating reading difficulties for the crew.
Prompted by these findings, Airbus developed mod 35869 to
reinforce the affected rack fitting lugs. For in-service aeroplanes,
Airbus published Service Bulletin (SB) A320-92-1087 to provide
inspection and repair instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
repetitive detailed inspections (DET) of the affected 10VU rack
fitting lugs and, depending on findings, accomplishment of a repair.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
8132.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-92-1087, Revision 02, dated
November 25, 2014. The service information describes procedures for
repetitive inspections for cracking of the lugs on the 10VU rack side
fittings, and repair of any cracking. 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 of this AD.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these
same type designs.
Explanation of ``RC'' Procedures and Tests in Service Information
The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee
(ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for
annotating which procedures and tests in the service information are
required for compliance with an AD. Differentiating these procedures
and tests from other tasks in the service information is expected to
improve an owner's/operator's understanding of crucial AD requirements
and help provide consistent judgment in AD compliance. The procedures
and tests identified as RC (required for compliance) in any service
information have a direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving,
or eliminating an identified unsafe condition.
As specified in a Note under the Accomplishment Instructions of the
specified service information, procedures and tests that are identified
as RC in any service information must be done to comply with the
proposed AD. However, procedures and 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 alternative method of compliance (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 will require approval of an AMOC.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 959 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We also estimate that it would take about 2 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD, and 1 work-
hour per product to report inspection findings. The average labor rate
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of
this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $244,545, or $255 per product.
In addition, we estimate that any necessary repair would take about
84 work-hours, for a cost of $7,140 per product. We have received no
definitive data that would enable us to provide part cost estimates for
the on-condition actions specified in this proposed AD. We have no way
of determining the number of aircraft that might need these actions.
Paperwork Reduction Act
A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, ATTN: Information
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.
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
[[Page 81794]]
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2015-8132; Directorate Identifier 2015-NM-
127-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by February 16, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category;
except airplanes on which Airbus Modification 35869 has been
embodied in production.
(1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233
airplanes.
(4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231,
and -232 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report of cracks found during
maintenance inspections on certain lugs of the 10VU rack side
fittings in the cockpit. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of
flight-critical information displayed to the flightcrew during a
critical phase of flight, such as an approach or takeoff, which
could result in loss of airplane control at an altitude insufficient
for recovery.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections and Repair
At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and
(g)(2) of this AD: Do a detailed inspection for cracking of the lugs
on the 10VU rack side fittings in the cockpit, in accordance with
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-
1087, Revision 02, dated November 25, 2014. If any crack is found,
before further flight, repair in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1087, Revision 02,
dated November 25, 2014. Repeat the inspection thereafter at
intervals not to exceed 20,000 flight cycles or 40,000 flight hours,
whichever occurs first. Repair of the 10VU rack lugs does not
terminate the repetitive inspections required by this paragraph.
(1) Before the accumulation of 30,000 total flight cycles or
60,000 total flight hours, whichever occurs first since the
airplane's first flight.
(2) Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD.
(h) Reporting Requirement
Submit a report of any findings (positive and negative) of any
inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD to Airbus at the
address specified in paragraph (j)(2) of this AD, at the applicable
time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD.
(1) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of
this AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this
AD: Submit the report within 90 days after the effective date of
this AD.
(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) 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
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Reporting Requirements: A federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a
person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a
collection of information subject to the requirements of the
Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information
displays a current valid OMB Control Number. The OMB Control Number
for this information collection is 2120-0056. Public reporting for
this collection of information is estimated to be approximately 5
minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions,
completing and reviewing the collection of information. All
responses to this collection of information are mandatory. Comments
concerning the accuracy of this burden and suggestions for reducing
the burden should be directed to the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave.
SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: Information Collection Clearance
Officer, AES-200.
(4) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended.
Those procedures and tests that are not identified
[[Page 81795]]
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.
(j) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness
Directive 2015-0170, dated August 18, 2015, for related information.
This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2015-8132.
(2) 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 view this 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.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 18, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-32885 Filed 12-30-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P