[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 8, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38953-38957]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16576]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2018-0640; Product Identifier 2018-NM-075-AD; Amendment
39-19343; AD 2018-16-03]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS 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 all
Airbus SAS Model A319-133 airplanes and Model A321-232 airplanes. This
AD requires modification and re-identification, or replacement, of
certain engine fan cowl doors (FCDs) and installation of a placard in
the flight deck. This AD was prompted by reports of in-service engine
FCD losses, and the development of a new FCD front latch and keeper
assembly that addresses this unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD
to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD becomes effective August 23, 2018.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 3,
2017 (82 FR 29371, June 29, 2017).
We must receive comments on this AD by September 24, 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.
For service information identified in this final rule, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No:
2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5
61 93 44 51; email
[[Page 38954]]
[email protected]; internet http://www.airbus.com. You
may view this referenced 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. It
is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0640.
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-
0640; 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, 2200 South
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.
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 AD
2016-0053, dated March 14, 2016 (referred to after this as the
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A319-131, -132, and -
133 airplanes, Model A320-231, -232, and -233 airplanes, and Model
A321-131, -231, and -232 airplanes. The MCAI states:
Fan Cowl Door (FCD) losses during take-off were reported on
aeroplanes equipped with IAE V2500 engines. Prompted by these
occurrences, DGAC [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation
Civile] France issued AD 2000-444-156(B), mandating FCD latch
improvements. This [DGAC] AD was later superseded by [DGAC] AD 2001-
381(B) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2003-18-06, Amendment 39-13297
(68 FR 53501, September 11, 2003)], requiring installation of
additional fan cowl latch improvement by installing a hold open
device.
Since that [DGAC] AD was issued, further FCD in flight losses
were experienced in service. Investigations confirmed that in all
cases, the fan cowls were opened prior to the flight and were not
correctly re-secured. During the pre-flight inspection, it was then
not detected that the FCD were not properly latched.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to in-flight loss
of a FCD, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and/or
injury to persons on the ground.
Prompted by these recent events, new FCD front latch and keeper
assembly were developed, having a specific key necessary to un-latch
the FCD. This key cannot be removed unless the FCD front latch is
safely closed. The key, after removal, must be stowed in the flight
deck at a specific location, as instructed in the applicable
Aircraft Maintenance Manual. Applicable Flight Crew Operating Manual
has been amended accordingly. After modification, the FCD is
identified with a different Part Number (P/N).
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the
requirements of DGAC AD 2001-381(B), which is superseded, and
requires modification and re-identification of FCD.
You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0640.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-71-1069, Revision 01,
including Appendix 01, dated April 28, 2016. This service information
describes procedures for modifying the engine FCDs, installing
placards, and re-identifying the FCDs with new part numbers. 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 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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information
The MCAI applies to Airbus SAS Model A319-131 and -132 airplanes;
Model A320-231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-131 and -231
airplanes, in addition to Model A319-133 airplanes and Model A321-232
airplanes. The unsafe condition on Model A319-131 and -132 airplanes;
Model A320-231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-131 and -231
airplanes is already addressed in AD 2017-13-10, Amendment 39-18940 (82
FR 29371, June 29, 2017); therefore this AD only applies to Model A319-
133 airplanes and Model A321-232 airplanes.
FAA's Determination of the Effective Date
There are currently no domestic operators of this product.
Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment
are unnecessary and that good cause exists for making this amendment
effective in less 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-2018-0640; Product
Identifier 2018-NM-075-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.
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
Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the
future, we provide the following cost estimates to comply with this AD:
[[Page 38955]]
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Cost per
Labor cost Parts cost product
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6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510.... $4,813 $5,323
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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):
2018-16-03 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19343; Docket No. FAA-2018-0640;
Product Identifier 2018-NM-075-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective August 23, 2018.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A319-133 airplanes and Model
A321-232 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer
serial numbers.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Powerplant.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of in-service engine fan cowl
door (FCD) losses, and the development of a new FCD front latch and
keeper assembly that addresses this unsafe condition. We are issuing
this AD to address in-flight loss of an engine FCD and possible
consequent damage to the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Modification
Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do the
actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus
Service Bulletin A320-71-1069, Revision 01, including Appendix 01,
dated April 28, 2016.
(1) Modify the left-hand and right-hand engine FCDs on engines 1
and 2.
(2) Install a placard that specifies the FCD keys stowage
location in the flight deck on the box located at the bottom of
panel 120VU or at the bottom of the coat stowage, as applicable to
airplane configuration.
(3) Re-identify both engine FCDs with the new part numbers, as
specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD.
[[Page 38956]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08AU18.002
(h) Missing FCD Keys or Placard
Flights with one or both FCD keys missing from the stowage
location in the fight deck, or with the placard (that specifies the
FCD keys stowage location) missing or damaged, are permitted for a
period not to exceed 10 calendar days from the date of discovery.
(i) Alternative Location of FCD Keys and Placard
As an option to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, an alternative
location for the key stowage in the flight deck and installation of
a placard for identification of that stowage location are permitted
as specified in the operator's FAA-accepted maintenance or
inspection program, provided the keys can be retrieved from that
flight deck location when needed and the placard installation is
done within 36 months after the effective date of this AD.
(j) Optional Compliance by Replacement or Installation
(1) Replacing an engine FCD having a part number listed as ``Old
Part Number'' in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD
with an FCD having the corresponding part number listed as ``New
Part Number'' in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD
is an acceptable method of compliance with the requirements of
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3) of this AD for that engine FCD only.
(2) An airplane on which Airbus Modification 157516 has been
embodied in production is compliant with the requirements of
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3) of this AD, provided no engine FCD
having a part number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in figure 1
to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD is installed on that
airplane.
(3) An airplane on which Airbus Modification 157718 has been
embodied in production is compliant with the requirements of
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
(4) Installation on an engine of a right-hand and left-hand
engine FCD having a part number approved after the effective date of
this AD is a method of compliance with the requirements of
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3) of this AD for that engine only,
provided the part number is approved, and the installation is
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.
(k) Parts Installation Limitations
(1) For an airplane with an engine FCD installed having a part
number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in figure 1 to paragraphs
(g), (j), and (k) of this AD: After modification of that airplane as
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do not install an engine FCD,
having a part number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in figure 1
to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD.
(2) For an airplane that does not have an engine FCD installed
having a part number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in figure 1
to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD: On or after the
effective date of this AD, do not install an engine FCD having a
part number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in figure 1 to
paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD.
(l) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective
date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1069, dated
December 18, 2015.
(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 2016-0053, dated March 14, 2016, for related
information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2018-0640.
(2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan,
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards
[[Page 38957]]
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone
and fax 206-231-3223.
(3) Service information identified in this AD that is not
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in
paragraphs (o)(4) and (o)(5) of this AD.
(o) 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.
(3) The following service information was approved for IBR on
August 3, 2017 (82 FR 29371, June 29, 2017).
(i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1069, Revision 01, including
Appendix 01, dated April 28, 2016.
(ii) Reserved.
(4) For service information identified in this AD, contact
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine
No: 2, 31700 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.
(5) 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.
(6) 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 Des Moines, Washington, on July 23, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16576 Filed 8-7-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P