[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 6, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5182-5188]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02364]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0024; Product Identifier 2018-NM-002-AD; Amendment
39-19171; AD 2018-02-18]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes and Model A321-111,
-112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232 airplanes. This AD requires
revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide guidance to the
flight crew for emergency procedures when erroneous airspeed
indications are displayed on the back-up speed scale (BUSS). This AD
was prompted by a determination that, when two angle of attack (AoA)
sensors are adversely affected by icing conditions at the same time,
data displayed on the BUSS could be erroneous. We are issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective February 21, 2018.
We must receive comments on this AD by March 23, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 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.
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-2018-
0024; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office
(telephone 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be
available in the AD docket shortly after receipt.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-
1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA
Airworthiness Directive 2017-0257R1, dated January 9, 2018 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model
A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes, and Model A321-111, -112, -131,
-211, -212, -213, -231, -232 airplanes. The MCAI states:
In extreme icing conditions, pitot probes may induce erroneous
airspeed indications. Airbus developed a Back-up Speed Scale (BUSS
and reversible BUSS, based on angle of attack (AoA) value) displayed
on the Primary Flight Display (PFD), together with a PFD Back-Up
Altitude Scale based on Global Positioning System (GPS) altitude to
provide flight crews with reliable information on airspeed. This
BUSS is intended to be used below flight level (FL) 250 only (above
FL250, the BUSS is disconnected). Following new investigation
related to AoA probes blockages, it was identified that, when two
AoA sensors are adversely affected by icing conditions at the same
time, data displayed on the BUSS could be erroneous.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to an increased
flight crew workload, possibly resulting in reduced control of the
aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus established
specific operational instructions to be applied by the flight crew
under certain defined conditions. The relevant procedure has been
incorporated into the applicable A320 family Aircraft Flight Manual
(AFM) since 07 March 2017 (publication date).
For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD requires a one-
time AFM amendment to introduce the additional operational procedure
[to provide guidance to the flight crew for emergency procedures
when erroneous airspeed indications are displayed on the BUSS].
* * * * *
This AD contains a figure derived from the MCAI with content
written by Airbus. Because this content (including the Airbus logo) is
already publicly available through the MCAI, which is a public
document, it is not subject to copyright protection.
You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0024.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This 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 issuing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these
same type designs.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public justifies
waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule because when
two AoA sensors are adversely affected by icing conditions at the same
time, data displayed on the BUSS could be erroneous, leading to an
increased flight crew workload that could ultimately result in reduced
control of the airplane. Therefore, we determined that notice and
opportunity for public comment before issuing this AD are impracticable
and that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in fewer
than 30 days.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0024; Product
Identifier 2018-NM-002-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this AD based on
those comments.
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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 AD.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 1,180 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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AFM revision.......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $100,300
hour = $85.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's
authority.
We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this
rulemaking action.
This AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated by the
Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as authorized by
FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, issuance of ADs is
normally a function of the Compliance and Airworthiness Division, but
during this transition period, the Executive Director has delegated the
authority to issue ADs applicable to transport category airplanes to
the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order
12866;
2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive (AD):
2018-02-18 Airbus: Amendment 39-19171; Docket No. FAA-2018-0024;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-002-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective February 21, 2018.
(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, all
manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus modification 35871 has
been embodied in production or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-1397
has been embodied in service, except airplanes on which Airbus
modification 159281 has also been embodied in production or Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-34-1658 or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-34-
1659 has also been embodied in service.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133
airplanes.
(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N,
and -271N airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 34, Navigation.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a determination that, when two angle of
attack (AoA) sensors are adversely affected by icing conditions at
the same time, data displayed on the back-up speed scale (BUSS)
could be erroneous. We are issuing this AD to address erroneous
airspeed data displays, which could lead to an increased flight crew
workload, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
Except for airplanes identified in paragraph (h) of this AD:
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the AFM
to incorporate the procedure specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g)
and (h) of this AD, and thereafter operate the airplane accordingly.
When a procedure identical to that in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and
(h) of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the
AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM.
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(h) Airplanes Not Affected by Paragraph (g) of This AD
Airplanes operated with an AFM having the NAV--ADR 1+2+3 FAULT
procedure identical to the procedure specified in figure 1 to
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, with an approval date on or after
March 2, 2017, are compliant with the requirements of this AD,
provided that the procedure specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g)
and (h) of this AD is not removed from the AFM.
(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 (k)(2) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal
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inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district
office/certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or the European Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA); or Airbus's EASA Design Organization Approval
(DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197
and 21.199), are not allowed.
(k) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0257R1, dated January 9,
2018, for related information. You may examine the MCAI on the
internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating
Docket No. FAA-2018-0024.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone
425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
None.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 19, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02364 Filed 2-5-18; 8:45 am]
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