[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 120 (Monday, June 23, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 37071-37073]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-15595]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2003-NM-134-AD; Amendment 39-13202; AD 2003-13-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A321-131 Series Airplanes; 
Equipped with International Aero Engines (IAE) V25()()-A5 Series 
Engines

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), 
applicable to all Model A321-131 series airplanes, equipped with 
International Aero Engines (IAE) V25()()-A5 series engines. This action 
requires revising the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual 
to incorporate new procedures to follow in the event of an oil filter 
clog message. This action is necessary to require the flightcrew to 
follow the procedures necessary to prevent smoke caused by an oil 
filter clog from entering the cabin during flight. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Effective July 8, 2003.
    Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or 
before July 23, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2003-NM-134-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 
[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2003-NM-134-AD'' in the subject line and need not 
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached 
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or 
ASCII text.
    Information pertaining to this amendment may be examined at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, 
SW., Renton, Washington.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Dulin, Aerospace Engineer,

[[Page 37072]]

International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 
227-2141; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FAA has previously received a report of 
a recent incident of dense smoke in the cabin on an Airbus Model A319 
series airplane that resulted in an emergency landing. The smoke 
rapidly filled the cabin and cockpit, reducing the visibility to the 
point that the flightcrew had difficulty seeing the instruments. 
Investigation revealed that the smoke was caused by the failure of the 
number 3 bearing on an International Aero Engines (IAE) V25()()-A5 
series engine, resulting in oil being ingested into the cabin air 
conditioning system through the engine high pressure compressor. The 
``ENG 1 Oil Filter Clog'' message appeared on the electronic 
centralized aircraft monitoring (ECAM) display about 10-15 minutes 
prior to the smoke filling the cabin; however, there is currently no 
pilot action associated with this message. In-service reports have 
shown that the ``oil filter clog'' message is frequently a symptom of 
engine bearing damage that could potentially lead to smoke entering the 
cabin through the air conditioning pack on the affected side. This 
condition, if not corrected, could reduce the flightcrew's ability to 
see and result in the flightcrew having difficulty in controlling the 
airplane while applying smoke removal procedures.
    Model A321-131 series airplanes are equipped with the same IAE 
V2500-A5 series engines as those on the affected Model A319 series 
airplanes. Therefore, those Model A321-131 series airplanes may be 
subject to the unsafe condition identified on the affected Model A319 
series airplanes.

Other Relevant Rulemaking

    We have previously issued AD 2003-10-14, amendment 39-13159 (68 FR 
28119, May 23, 2003), applicable to all Airbus Model A319-131, -132, 
and -133; A320-232 and -233; and A321-231 series airplanes; equipped 
with IAE V25()()-A5 series engines. That AD currently requires revising 
the Limitations section of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to 
incorporate new procedures to follow in the event of an oil filter clog 
message. The actions required by that AD are intended to require the 
flightcrew to follow the procedures necessary to prevent smoke caused 
by an oil filter clog from entering the cabin during flight.

Actions Since Issuance of Previous Rule

    Since issuance of that AD, we have determined that Model A321-131 
series airplanes equipped with IAE V25()()-A5 series were inadvertently 
omitted from the applicability of AD 2003-10-14. Therefore, this AD is 
being issued to address the identified unsafe condition on those 
airplanes.

U.S. Type Certification of the Airplane

    This airplane model is manufactured in France and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement.

Explanation of Requirements of the Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design that may be 
registered in the United States at some time in the future, this AD is 
being issued to require the flightcrew to follow the procedures 
necessary to prevent smoke caused by an oil filter clog from entering 
the cabin during flight. This AD requires revising the Limitations 
section of the AFM to incorporate new procedures to follow in the event 
of an oil filter clog message.

Interim Action

    We consider this AD interim action. If final action is later 
identified, we may consider further rulemaking then.

Changes to 14 CFR Part 39/Effect on the AD

    On July 10, 2002, the FAA issued a new version of 14 CFR part 39 
(67 FR 47997, July 22, 2002), which governs the FAA's airworthiness 
directives system. The regulation now includes material that relates to 
altered products, special flight permits, and alternative methods of 
compliance. Because we have now included this material in part 39, only 
the office authorized to approve AMOCs is identified in each individual 
AD.

Cost Impact

    None of the airplanes affected by this action are on the U.S. 
Register. All airplanes included in the applicability of this rule 
currently are operated by non-U.S. operators under foreign registry; 
therefore, they are not directly affected by this AD action. However, 
the FAA considers that this rule is necessary to ensure that the unsafe 
condition is addressed in the event that any of these subject airplanes 
are imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the future.
    Should an affected airplane be imported and placed on the U.S. 
Register in the future, it would require approximately 1 work hour to 
accomplish the required AFM revision, at an average labor rate of $60 
per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of this AD would 
be $60 per airplane.

Determination of Rule's Effective Date

    Since this AD action does not affect any airplane that is currently 
on the U.S. register, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no 
additional burden on any person. Therefore, prior notice and public 
procedures hereon are unnecessary and the amendment may be made 
effective in less than 30 days after publication in the Federal 
Register.

Comments Invited

    Although this action is in the form of a final rule and was not 
preceded by notice and opportunity for public comment, comments are 
invited on this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this 
rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may 
desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be 
submitted in triplicate to the address specified under the caption 
ADDRESSES. All communications received on or before the closing date 
for comments will be considered, and this rule may be amended in light 
of the comments received. Factual information that supports the 
commenter's ideas and suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating 
the effectiveness of the AD action and determining whether additional 
rulemaking action would be needed.
    Submit comments using the following format:
    [sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
    [sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is 
being requested.
    [sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might 
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be 
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the 
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that 
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this 
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments

[[Page 37073]]

submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2003-NM-134-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped 
and returned to the commenter.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations adopted herein 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. Therefore, it 
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) Is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866; 
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and 
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) 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. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action 
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained 
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption 
ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of 
the Federal Aviation Regulations (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. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

2003-13-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-13202. Docket 2003-NM-134-AD.

    Applicability: All Model A321-131 series airplanes; certificated 
in any category; equipped with International Aero Engines (IAE) 
V25()()-A5 series engines.
    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished 
previously.
    To require the flightcrew to follow the procedures necessary to 
prevent smoke caused by an oil filter clog from entering the cabin 
during flight, accomplish the following:

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision

    (a) Within 7 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the Limitations section of the Airbus A321 AFM to include the 
following statements (this may be accomplished by inserting a copy 
of this AD into the AFM):

``Procedure for Oil Filter Clog ECAM Caution

    The ECAM does not require any pilot action in case of ENG 1(2) 
OIL FILTER CLOG ECAM warning. However, to minimize the risk of air 
conditioning system contamination by oil fumes, systematically apply 
the following procedure in any event of oil filter clog:

ENG 1(2) OIL FILTER CLOG

    In-service reports have shown that this ECAM warning is 
frequently a symptom of engine bearing damage that could potentially 
lead to smoke entering the cabin via the pack of the affected side. 
This procedure aims to avoid air conditioning smoke, while 
continuing normal engine operation.

ENG BLEED (affected side)--OFF
    (Prevents possible bleed contamination by engine oil.)
PACK (affected side)--OFF
    (Switching off one pack enables the remaining pack to operate at 
120 percent without any risk of remaining bleed misbehavior. Keep 
the pack on in case of an MEL dispatch with one pack inoperative.
    The pack that has been switched off remains available with the 
crossbleed valve open. Therefore, switch it on in case of a 
subsequent independent malfunction affecting the operating pack.)
CROSSBLEED--OPEN
    (Opening the crossbleed valve enables the wing anti-ice to be 
used when needed.)
    CLOSELY MONITOR ENGINE PARAMETERS FOR SURGE/STALL, OIL PRESSURE 
FLUCTUATIONS, OR ABNORMAL ENGINE VIBRATIONS; AND, WHEN NECESSARY, 
APPLY THE ASSOCIATED PROCEDURE.

    If, after the oil filter clog, the engine experiences or has 
already experienced a surge/stall possibly accompanied by a yaw-
effect on the aircraft:

ENG (AFFECTED) THRUST LEVER--IDLE--
    (Reducing the thrust of the affected engine minimizes further 
damage to the engine rotary machinery, but will not necessarily 
prevent more oil from entering the gas path. Maintain engine at 
idle, and consider engine shutdown if high vibration occurs or oil 
quantity/oil pressure drops low.)

    ``Oil Filter Clog'' ECAM warnings occurring on the ground during 
engine start are frequently due to low oil viscosity and may be 
self-recoverable. In the event of an ``Oil Filter Clog'' warning 
during engine start, please refer to FCOM 3.02.70 page 2.''

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (b) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International 
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods 
of compliance for this AD.

Effective Date.

    (c) This amendment becomes effective on July 8, 2003.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 16, 2003.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 03-15595 Filed 6-20-03; 8:45 am]
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