[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 223 (Thursday, November 19, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 72401-72404]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-29444]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-4816; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-238-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 
certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This 
proposed AD was prompted by investigations that revealed that the cover 
seal of the brake dual distribution valve (BDDV) was damaged and did 
not ensure efficient sealing. This proposed AD would require modifying 
the BDDV having certain part numbers; modifying the drain hose of the 
BDDV; checking for the presence of water, ice, and hydraulic fluid; and 
re-identifying the BDDV; and related investigative and corrective 
actions if necessary. We are proposing this AD to prevent damage to the 
BDDV, which could lead to water ingestion in the BDDV and freezing of 
the BDDV in flight, possibly resulting in loss of braking system 
function after landing.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 4, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:

[[Page 72402]]

     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 proposed 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 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.

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-
4816; 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 proposed 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 Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-4816; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-238-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed 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 proposed AD.

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 2014-0251R1, dated December 17, 2014 (referred 
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    In 1998, an operator experienced a dual loss of braking systems. 
Investigation results revealed that the cover seal of the Brake Dual 
Distribution Valve (BDDV) was damaged and did not ensure the sealing 
efficiency.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to water ingestion 
in the BDDV and freezing of the BDDV in flight, possibly resulting 
in loss of braking system function after landing.
    [The Directorate General for Civil Aviation] (DGAC) France 
issued AD 2000-258-146 [http://ad.easa.europa.eu/blob/20002580tb_superseded.pdf/AD_F-2000-258-146_1] [which corresponds to 
certain actions in FAA AD 2001-15-10, Amendment 39-12344 (66 FR 
39413, July 31, 2001)] to require modification of the BDDV with a 
new cover and installation of a draining tube with a cap.
    Since that French AD was issued, following a new event, Airbus 
developed a modification of the BDDV drain tube which will leave it 
open, ensuring continuous drainage of any ingested water, thereby 
preventing freezing of the brake system.
    For the reasons described above, EASA issued [another AD] * * *, 
to require modification of the BDDV drain tube.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, comments were received that 
indicated a need for correction and clarification. Consequently, 
this [EASA] AD is revised to add a Note to Table 1 and to amend 
paragraph (3).

    The modification includes a check for the presence of water, ice, 
and hydraulic fluid, and related investigative and corrective actions 
if necessary. Related investigative actions include an inspection for 
corrosion. Corrective actions include replacing the BDDV. 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-2015-
4816.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-32-1415, dated September 2, 
2014. The service information describes procedures for modifying the 
BDDV having certain part numbers; and modifying the drain hose of the 
BDDV; the modification includes a check for the presence of water, ice, 
and hydraulic fluid; and re-identifying the BDDV; and related 
investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 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 NPRM.

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 these 
same type designs.

Explanation of ``RC'' Procedures and Tests in Service Information

    The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the 
Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee 
(ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for 
annotating which procedures and tests in the service information are 
required for compliance with an AD. Differentiating these procedures 
and tests from other tasks in the service information is expected to 
improve an owner's/operator's understanding of crucial AD requirements 
and help provide consistent judgment in AD compliance. The procedures 
and tests identified as RC (required for compliance) in any service 
information have a direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving, 
or eliminating an identified unsafe condition.
    As specified in a NOTE under the Accomplishment Instructions of the 
specified service information, procedures and tests that are identified 
as RC in any service information must be done to comply with the 
proposed AD. However, procedures and tests that are not identified as 
RC are recommended. Those procedures and

[[Page 72403]]

tests 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 alternative method of 
compliance (AMOC), provided the procedures and tests identified as RC 
can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy condition. 
Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC 
will require approval of an AMOC.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 953 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 6 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $421 
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this 
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $887,243, or $931 per product.

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

    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-2015-4816; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
238-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by January 4, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus 
Modification 26925 has been embodied in production.
    (1) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
Gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by investigations that revealed that the 
cover seal of the BDDV was damaged and did not ensure efficient 
sealing. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to the BDDV, which 
could lead to water ingestion in the BDDV and freezing of the BDDV 
in flight, possibly resulting in loss of braking system function 
after landing.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Modification and Re-Identification

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
BDDV having a part number listed in the column ``Old Part Number'' 
in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD; modify the drain hose of the 
affected BDDV; check for the presence of water, ice, and hydraulic 
fluid; and re-identify the BDDV to the corresponding part number, as 
applicable, as listed as ``New Part Number'' in table 1 to paragraph 
(g) of this AD; and do all applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions; in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1415, dated 
September 2, 2014. Do all applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions before further flight.

 Table 1 to Paragraph (g) of This AD--BDDV Part Number Re-Identification
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Old part number                      New part number
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A25434006-3..........................................    A25434006-3000.
A25434005-101........................................    A25434005-1010.
A25434005-201........................................    A25434005-2010.
A25434005-301........................................    A25434005-3010.
A25434005-401........................................    A25434005-4010.
A25434006-101........................................    A25434006-1010.
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    Note 2 to table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: The part number 
listed in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD can have an ``A'' or 
``B'' suffix, which is an indication of the amendment level of the 
BDDV. This does not affect compliance with this AD.

(h) Parts Installation Limitations

    As of the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD, no person may install a BDDV having a part number 
listed as ``Old Part Number'' in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this 
AD, on any airplane.
    (1) For any airplane that, on the effective date of this AD, has 
a BDDV installed with a part number listed as ``Old Part Number'' in 
table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: After modification of the 
airplane, as required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) For any airplane that, on the effective date of this AD, has 
a BDDV installed with a part number listed as ``New Part Number'' in 
table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD, or has a BDDV installed with a 
part number not listed in table 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: As of 
the effective date of this AD.

(i) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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

[[Page 72404]]

Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: 
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. 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. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (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 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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.
    (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information 
contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 
procedures and tests must be done to comply with this AD; any 
procedures or tests that are not identified as RC are recommended. 
Those procedures and tests 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 procedures and tests identified as 
RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in an airworthy 
condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests 
identified as RC require approval of an AMOC.

(j) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0251R1, dated December 17, 
2014, 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-2015-4816.
    (2) 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 Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 10, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-29444 Filed 11-18-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P