[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 246 (Wednesday, December 23, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79742-79745]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32082]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-7526; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-217-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, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This proposed 
AD was prompted by the discovery of corroded circlips in fuel vent 
protectors (FVP) having a certain part number. This proposed AD would 
require an inspection to determine the part number and serial number of 
the FVP, and replacement if necessary. We are proposing this AD to 
detect and correct corroded circlips. Corroded circlips could lead to 
failure of the circlips and consequent movement of the FVP, resulting 
in a reduction of the flame protector capability of the FVP cartridge, 
which could result in damage to the airplane in case of lightning 
impact or fire on the ground.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by February 8, 
2016.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR

[[Page 79743]]

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 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-
7526; 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-2015-7526; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-217-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 2014-0234R1, dated December 11, 2014 (referred 
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model 
A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    On each aeroplane wing, a NACA [National Advisory committee for 
Aeronautics] duct assembly is installed, including a Fuel Vent 
Protector (FVP) which is used as flame arrestor. This FVP is 
maintained in its NACA duct assembly by a circlip (also known as C-
clip). Following a wing water pressure test, the FVP is removed and 
dried with heat. During an inspection after this test, several 
circlips were reported to be discoloured. Investigation revealed 
that a batch of circlips fitted on some FVP Part Number (P/N) 
786073-1-0 have an increased risk of corrosion due to a 
manufacturing quality issue.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
circlip failure and consequent FVP movement, reducing the flame 
protector capability of the FVP cartridge, possibly resulting in 
damage to the aeroplane in case of lightning impact or fire on 
ground.
    For the reason described above, EASA issued AD 2014[dash]0234 to 
require identification by serial number (s/n) of the affected FVP P/
N 786073-1-0 and removal from service [and replacement with a 
serviceable part].
    This [EASA] AD is revised to clarify that only maintenance 
records since August 2012 should be consulted to demonstrate, as 
required by paragraph (2), that not replacement FVP has been 
installed.

    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-
7526.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, dated July 21, 
2014. The service information describes procedures for inspecting the 
FVP to determine the part number, and replacing the FVP 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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD affects 7 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We also estimate that it would take about 5 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average 
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Parts would cost $25,640. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. 
operators to be up to $182,455, or $26,065 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

[[Page 79744]]

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-2015-7526; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-
217-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by February 8, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1), 
(c)(2), (c)(3), and (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
all manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115,-131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.
    (4) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 28, Fuel.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by the discovery of corroded circlips in 
fuel vent protectors (FVP) having a certain part number. We are 
issuing this AD to detect and correct corroded circlips. Corroded 
circlips could lead to failure of the circlips and consequent 
movement of the FVP, resulting in a reduction of the flame protector 
capability of the FVP cartridge, which could result in damage to the 
airplane in case of lightning impact or fire on the ground.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection of FVP and Corrective Action

    For airplanes having a manufacturer serial number specified in 
figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD: At the earliest of 
the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this 
AD, do an inspection to determine the part number and serial number 
of the FVP. If the FVP has part number (P/N) 786073-1-0 with a 
serial number that is specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and 
(i) of this AD, and the FVP is not marked ``Amdt B,'' replace the 
FVP with a serviceable part, at the earliest of the times specified 
in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD, in accordance 
with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-28-1221, dated July 21, 2014. A review of airplane maintenance 
records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number 
and serial number of the FVP can be conclusively determined from 
that review.

          Figure 1 to Paragraphs (g) and (i) of This AD--Affected Airplane Manufacturer Serial Numbers
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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5438....................................  5461......................  5485 through 5488                     5536
                                                                       inclusive.
5441....................................  5463......................  5490 through 5493                     5539
                                                                       inclusive.
5444....................................  5464......................  5495 through 5505                     5541
                                                                       inclusive.
5445....................................  5469......................  5507 through 5515                     5544
                                                                       inclusive.
5447....................................  5473 through 5478           5517......................            5547
                                           inclusive.
5457....................................  5481......................  5518......................            5551
5459....................................  5482......................  5520 through 5527                     5553
                                                                       inclusive.
5460....................................  5483......................  5530......................            5556
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 Figure 2 to Paragraphs (g) and (i) of This AD--Affected Serial Numbers
                       for Part Number 786073-1-0
                    [Manufactured during August 2012]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Serial number 786073IN0xxxx (xxxx indicates the last four digits)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     3752         3821         3868        3911        3966        4010
     3753         3826         3871        3914        3967        4011
     3754         3827         3874        3922        3969        4013
     3755         3829         3877        3925        3971        4017
     3756         3830         3878        3927        3972        4019
     3757         3833         3882        3930        3977        4023
     3758         3834         3893        3937        3978        4024
     3759         3836         3897        3938        3980        4025
     3760         3839         3898        3940        3981        4026
     3761         3840         3899        3945        3982        4039
     3787         3848         3900        3946        3983        4048
     3788         3849         3901        3947        3984        4065
     3810         3850         3904        3948        3985        4066
     3812         3851         3905        3951        3986        4068
     3814         3853         3906        3961        3987        4070
     3817         3859         3907        3962        3996        4184
     3819         3860         3908        3964        3997        4187
     3820         3867         3910        3965        4009        None
------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 79745]]

(h) Compliance Times for the Requirements of Paragraph (g) of This AD

    Do the actions required by paragraph (g) of this AD at the 
earliest of the times specified in paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and 
(h)(3) of this AD.
    (1) Before the accumulation of 5,000 total flight cycles after 
the date of manufacture of the airplane.
    (2) Before the accumulation of 7,500 total flight hours after 
the date of manufacture of the airplane.
    (3) Within 30 months after the date of manufacture of the 
airplane.

(i) Exclusion From Actions Required by Paragraph (g) of This AD

    An airplane that does not have a manufacturer serial number 
specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD is 
excluded from the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, provided 
that, a FVP having P/N 786073-1-0 with a serial number specified in 
figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of this AD has not been installed 
on that airplane after July 2012. If a FVP having P/N 786073-1-0 
with a serial number specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) 
of this AD is installed, or the serial number cannot be identified: 
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, replace the 
FVP with a serviceable part, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, dated July 21, 
2014. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable if it 
can be conclusively determined from that review that a FVP having a 
serial number specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of 
this AD has not been installed on that airplane after July 2012.

(j) Parts Installation Limitation

    As of the effective date of this AD, a FVP having P/N 786073-1-0 
and a serial number listed in figure 2 to paragraphs (g) and (i) of 
this AD may be installed on any airplane, provided the FVP is marked 
with ``Amdt B.''

(k) 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 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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0234R1, dated December 11, 
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-2015-7526.
    (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 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.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 11, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-32082 Filed 12-22-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P