[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 148 (Monday, August 3, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45851-45853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18535]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2015-0826; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-221-AD;
Amendment 39-18222; AD 2015-15-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes modified by a
particular supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD was prompted by
reports of cracks found during inspections of the in-flight
entertainment system radome assembly. This AD requires repetitive
detailed inspections for cracks in the radome assembly, and replacement
of the radome if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and
correct cracks in the radome assembly, which could result in the radome
(or pieces) separating from the airplane and striking the tail,
consequently reducing the controllability of the airplane.
DATES: This AD is effective September 8, 2015.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 8,
2015.
ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Live
TV, 7415 Emerald Dunes Drive, Orlando, FL 32822; telephone 407-812-
2643; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.LiveTV.net. 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. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-
0826.
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-
0826; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and
other information. The address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barry Culler, Aerospace Engineer,
Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office
(ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-
5546; fax: 404-474-5605; email: [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus Model A318,
A319, and A320 series airplanes modified by a particular STC. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2015 (80 FR 20175). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks found during inspections of the
in-flight entertainment system radome assembly that had in-flight
entertainment systems installed using an STC issued to Live TV (STC
ST00788SE, http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/6df40775b10ef09a86257ae200613cfe/$FILE/ST00788SE.pdf).
Investigation of the cause of the cracks revealed that radome
manufacturing variation, due to a lack of dimensional controls on the
radome manufacturing drawings, can result in the introduction of
preload stress on the radome during its assembly with the skirt
fairing. Preload stress combined with flight or handling stress, such
as maintenance personnel stepping on the radome fairing assembly, might
initiate a crack. The radome manufacturing drawings were revised on
September 13, 2010, to add a control dimension, which was incorporated
into production at radome serial number 498. The NPRM proposed to
require detailed inspections for cracks in the radome assembly, and
replacement of the radome if necessary. We are issuing this AD to
detect and correct cracks in the radome assembly, which could result in
the radome (or pieces) separating from the airplane and striking the
tail, consequently reducing the controllability of the airplane.
Comments
We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 20175, April 15,
2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion
We reviewed the relevant data and determined that air safety and
the public interest require adopting this AD as proposed except for
minor editorial changes. We have determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM (80 FR 20175, April 15, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition;
and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 20175, April 15, 2015).
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
We reviewed Live TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated
September 10, 2014. The service information describes procedures for
repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in the outer ply of the
radome, and replacement of the radome with a new or serviceable radome
if any crack is found. 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.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this AD affects 120 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:
[[Page 45852]]
Estimated Costs
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Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Inspections.............. 1 work-hour x $85 per N/A $85 per inspection $10,200 per
hour = $85 per cycle. inspection cycle.
inspection cycle.
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We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements
that would be required based on the results of the inspections. We have
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this
replacement:
On-Condition Costs
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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replacement................................... 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $ $0 $680
680.
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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 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
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 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):
2015-15-12 Airbus: Amendment 39-18222; Docket No. FAA-2015-0826;
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-221-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective September 8, 2015.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the airplane models identified in paragraphs
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category,
with Live TV radomes having part number (P/N) 5063-100-XX (XX
designates the color option) and a serial number in the range of 001
through 497 inclusive, and modified by supplemental type certificate
(STC) ST00788SE, http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/6df40775b10ef09a86257ae200613cfe/$FILE/ST00788SE.pdf.
(1) Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes.
(2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132,
and -133 airplanes.
(3) Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found during
inspections of the in-flight entertainment system radome assembly.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the in-flight
entertainment system radome assembly, which could result in the
radome (or pieces) separating from the airplane and striking the
tail, consequently reducing the controllability of the airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions
Within 3,900 flight hours after the effective date of this AD:
Perform a detailed inspection for cracks of the radome assembly, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Live TV Service
Bulletin
[[Page 45853]]
A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated September 10, 2014. Repeat the inspection
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,900 flight hours. If any
crack is found during any inspection required by this paragraph,
before further flight, replace the radome with a new or serviceable
radome, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Live
TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated September 10, 2014.
(h) Reporting Requirement
If any crack is found during any inspection required by
paragraph (g) of this AD, submit a report of the findings to Live
TV, Attn: Oscar Hernandez, email:
[email protected]; at the applicable time
specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. The report must
include the information specified in the service bulletin reporting
form provided in Live TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated
September 10, 2014.
(1) If the inspection was accomplished on or after the effective
date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the
inspection.
(2) If the inspection was accomplished before the effective date
of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective
date of this AD.
(i) Special Flight Permit
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.
(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement
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.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO),
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 manager of the ACO, send it to the
attention of the person identified in the Related Information
section of this AD.
(2) 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.
(3) If any service information contains steps that are
identified as RC (Required for Compliance), those steps must be done
to comply with this AD; any steps that are not identified as RC are
recommended. Those steps 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 AMOC, provided the steps identified as RC can be done
and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition. Any
substitutions or changes to steps identified as RC require approval
of an AMOC.
(l) Related Information
For more information about this AD, contact Barry Culler,
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA
30337; phone: 404-474-5546; fax: 404 474 5605; email:
[email protected].
(m) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) Live TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated
September 10, 2014.
(ii) Reserved.
(3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Live
TV, 7415 Emerald Dunes Drive, Orlando, FL 32822; telephone 407-812-
2643; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.LiveTV.net.
(4) 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.
(5) 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 Renton, Washington, on July 17, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-18535 Filed 7-31-15; 8:45 am]
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