[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 20, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28555-28560]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-12885]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0556; Product Identifier 2018-NM-015-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A318 series; Model A319 series; Model A320 series; and
Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes.
This proposed AD was prompted by reports of multiple angle of attack
(AoA) probe blockages. This proposed AD would require all elevator
aileron computer (ELAC) units to be upgraded with new software, or
replaced with upgraded units. We are proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 6, 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.
[[Page 28556]]
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 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 Standards Branch, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.
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-
0556; 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 NPRM, 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, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 206-231-3223; fax 206-231-
3398.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite 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-2018-0556;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-015-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic,
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider all
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.
Discussion
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD
2018-0007R1, dated January 19, 2018 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A318 series; Model
A319 series; Model A320 series; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -
212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. The MCAI states:
Occurrences were reported on multiple Angle of Attack (AoA)
probes blockages. Investigation results indicated the need for
improved AoA monitoring in order to detect cases of AoA probe
blockage.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to undue activation
of the AoA protection, reverting to manual control of the aeroplane,
which, under specific circumstances, could result in reduced control
of the aeroplane.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus developed
several Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC) standards, i.e. ELAC units
loaded with a specific software Part Number (P/N), and EASA issued
AD 2017-0008, retaining part of the requirements of EASA AD 2015-
0088R1 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-17-03, Amendment 39-18616
(81 FR 55358, August 19, 2016) (``AD 2016-17-03'')], which was
superseded, and requiring an upgrade of all ELAC units with ELAC L99
standard, which introduces improvements in the AoA probe monitoring
for Current Engine Option (CEO) aeroplanes, and also incorporates
flight control aspects for New Engine Option (NEO) aeroplanes.
Since that [EASA] AD was issued, it was determined that
clarification is necessary for the Parts Installation requirements,
and some typographical (P/N) errors were detected. This [EASA] AD is
revised accordingly.
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-2018-
0556.
Relationship of Proposed AD to AD 2016-17-03
This NPRM does not propose to supersede AD 2016-17-03. Rather, we
have determined that a stand-alone AD would be more appropriate to
address the changes in the MCAI. This proposed AD would require all
ELAC units to be upgraded with new software, or replaced with upgraded
units. Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all
of the requirements of AD 2016-17-03.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-27-1263, Revision 00, dated
April 28, 2017; and Service Bulletin A320-27-1264, Revision 00, dated
April 28, 2017. The service information describes the upgrade or
replacement of ELAC units. These documents are distinct because they
apply to different airplane configurations.
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.
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 the same
type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 1,250 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Modification................... 3 work-hours x $85 per Up to $7,970..... Up to $8,225..... Up to $10,281,250
hour = $255.
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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.
[[Page 28557]]
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 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 to the Director of the System Oversight
Division.
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-2018-0556; Product Identifier 2018-NM-015-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by August 6, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
This AD affects AD 2016-17-03, Amendment 39-18616 (81 FR 55358,
August 19, 2016) (``AD 2016-17-03'').
(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.
(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 27, Flight
Controls.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of multiple angle of attack
(AoA) probe blockages. We are issuing this AD to address the
blockage of AoA probes. This condition, if not corrected, could lead
to undue activation of the AoA protection, reverting to manual
control of the airplane, which, under specific circumstances, could
result in reduced control of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Definition of Affected Elevator Aileron Computer (ELAC)
For the purposes of this AD, ELAC units having a part number (P/
N) listed in table 1 to paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD are
hereafter referred to as ``affected ELAC'' in this AD.
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(h) Required Actions
For airplanes with ELAC part numbers listed in table 1 to
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD: Within the applicable
compliance times defined in figure 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD,
upgrade each ELAC by uploading L99 software part number (P/N)
3945129111 or by replacing the existing ELAC with ELAC L99 P/N
3945128217 in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1263, Revision 00, dated April 28,
2017, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1264, Revision 00, dated
April 28, 2017, as applicable, or in accordance with modification
instructions 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);
or in accordance with modification instructions approved by an EASA
DOA (other than the Airbus EASA DOA), provided the conditions
specified in paragraphs (h)(1) through (h)(4) of this AD are met. If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(1) Absence of electronic centralized aircraft monitoring (ECAM)
warning or maintenance message related to ELAC, before the data-
loadable ELAC unit is removed and software is loaded.
(2) The data-loadable ELAC unit is removed as specified in
Airbus aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) Task 27-93-34-000-001-A.
(3) The data-loadable ELAC unit is checked by two different
means, either line replaceable unit (LRU) identification and label
call up, or Alpha Call Up ELA 1 and ELA 2.
(4) After the software is loaded, the data-loadable ELAC unit is
re-installed as specified in Airbus AMM Task 27-93-34-400-001-A.
Note 1 to paragraph (h) of this AD: Non-data-loadable ELAC L99
P/N 3945128217 units are fully interchangeable and mixable with
data-loadable ELAC L99 P/N 3945129100 units with L99 software P/N
3945129111 loaded.
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(i) Parts Installation Prohibition
(1) For airplanes with ELAC units listed in table 1 to
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD: After modification of an
airplane as required by paragraph (h) of this AD, do not install any
affected ELAC on that airplane.
(2) For airplanes with ELAC units not listed in table 1 to
paragraphs (g), (h), and (i) of this AD: From the effective date of
this AD, do not install any affected ELAC on that airplane.
(j) Installation of Later Software Versions
Installation of an ELAC unit with a software standard above L99
is equal to compliance with the requirements of paragraph (h) of
this AD, provided the conditions specified in paragraphs (j)(1)
through (j)(2) of this AD are met.
(1) The ELAC unit part number is approved by the Manager,
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or
Airbus's EASA DOA.
(2) The installation is accomplished in accordance with
modification instructions approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA
DOA; or in accordance with modification instructions approved by an
EASA DOA (other than the Airbus EASA DOA), provided the conditions
in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through (j)(2)(iv) of this AD are met.
(i) Absence of ECAM warning or maintenance message related to
ELAC, before the data-loadable ELAC unit is removed and software is
loaded.
(ii) The data-loadable ELAC unit is removed as specified in
Airbus AMM Task 27-93-34-000-001-A.
(iii) The data-loadable ELAC unit is checked by two different
means, either LRU identification and label call up, or Alpha Call Up
ELA 1 and ELA 2.
(iv) After the software is loaded, the data-loadable ELAC unit
is re-installed as specified in Airbus AMM Task 27-93-34-400-001-A.
(k) Airplanes Not Affected by the Requirements of Paragraph (h) of This
AD
(1) An airplane on which any modification (mod) specified in
paragraphs (k)(1)(i) and (k)(1)(ii) of this AD was embodied in
production is not affected by the requirements of paragraph (h) of
this AD, provided it is determined that no affected ELAC is
installed as of the effective date of this AD.
(i) Airbus mod 161843 (installation of data-loadable ELAC P/N
3945129100 unit with L99 software P/N 3945129111) or mod
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159979 (installation of non-data-loadable ELAC L99 P/N 3945128217).
(ii) Airbus mod 160577 (installation of data-loadable ELAC P/N
3945129100 unit with L101 software P/N 3945129112) or mod 162042
(installation of non-data-loadable ELAC L101 P/N 3945128218).
(2) An airplane on which any modification specified in
paragraphs (k)(2)(i), (k)(2)(ii), or (k)(2)(iii) of this AD was done
is not affected by the requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD,
provided it is determined that no affected ELAC is installed as of
the effective date of this AD.
(i) A modification specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-
1267, Revision 00, dated September 27, 2017 (ELAC L101 P/N
3945128218 non-data-loadable).
(ii) A modification specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
27-1268, Revision 00, dated September 27, 2017 (ELAC P/N 3945129100
data-loadable with L101 software P/N 3945129112 for A320 NEO).
(iii) A modification specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-
27-1269, Revision 00, dated September 27, 2017 (ELAC P/N 3945129100
data-loadable with L101 software P/N 3945129112).
(l) Terminating Action for AD 2016-17-03
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (h) of this AD
or complying with any method of compliance specified in paragraph
(k) of this AD terminates all requirements of AD 2016-17-03.
(m) 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 (n)(2) of this AD. Information
may be emailed to: [email protected]. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus's EASA
DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.
(n) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) EASA AD 2018-0007R1, dated January 19, 2018, 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-2018-0556.
(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
206-231-3223; fax 206-231-3398.
(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. 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. 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.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on June 7, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-12885 Filed 6-19-18; 8:45 am]
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