[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 4, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26680-26682]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-08532]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-3990; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-255-AD; 
Amendment 39-18478; AD 2016-08-02]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-
211 and -231 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect 
installation of jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain 
passenger service units (PSUs), which could cause the passenger oxygen 
container to malfunction if the connector becomes disengaged during 
flight due to vibration. This AD requires identification of the 
affected PSUs, and depending on findings, doing applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to prevent 
failure of the door of the passenger oxygen container to open in the 
event of airplane decompression, resulting in lack of oxygen supply and 
consequent injury to occupants.

DATES: This AD becomes effective June 8, 2016.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of June 8, 2016.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-3990; or in person at the 
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.
    For Airbus service information identified in this final rule, 
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.
    For Airbus Operations GmbH service information identified in this 
final rule, contact Airbus Operations GmbH, Cabin Electronics, 
Lueneburger Schanze 30, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany; telephone +49 40 7437 
46 32; telefax +49 40 7437 16 80; email [email protected].
    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-
3990.

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: 

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 A320-
214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231 
airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on October 19, 
2015 (80 FR 63134) (``the NPRM'').
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0256, dated November 26, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus

[[Page 26681]]

Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and 
-231 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    A quality issue was reported regarding incorrect installation of 
jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain Passenger 
Service Units (PSU), which may lead to a malfunction of the 
passenger oxygen container in case of connector disengagement during 
flight due to vibrations. All the aeroplanes that had a potentially 
affected PSU installed were identified. Most of those aeroplanes 
were corrected during a specific quality inspection on the final 
assembly line prior to customer delivery. Unfortunately, a limited 
number of aeroplanes were delivered before the quality inspection 
was implemented.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
failure of the door of the passenger oxygen container and open in 
case of aeroplane decompression, possibly resulting in lack of 
oxygen supply and consequent injury to occupants.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires 
identification of the affected PSU and, depending on the findings, * 
* * related investigative and corrective actions.

    Related investigative actions include a detailed inspection to 
determine if the jiffy joint connector works properly. Corrective 
actions include rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors.
    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-
3990.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of 
the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available 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 for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information.
     Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, dated October 9, 
2014. This service information describes procedures for inspecting for 
affected PSU part numbers and serial numbers, and depending on 
findings, doing applicable related investigative and corrective 
actions. Related investigative actions include a detailed inspection to 
determine if the jiffy joint connector works properly. Corrective 
actions include rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors.
     Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25-
004, dated September 26, 2014, including Attachment 1, ``List of 
affected PSU PNR and S/N'' (the attachment is not numbered or dated). 
This service information describes procedures for inspecting for the 
connection of the jiffy joint connectors, and depending on findings, 
doing rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors.
    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.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 7 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it takes about 5 work-hours per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost $0 per product. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on U.S. operators to be 
$2,975, or $425 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 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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2015-3990; 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 street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone 800-647-
5527) is in the ADDRESSES section.

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):

2016-08-02 Airbus: Amendment 39-18478. Docket No. FAA-2015-3990; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-255-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective June 8, 2016.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 
airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes, 
certificated in any category, having

[[Page 26682]]

manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) 5583, 5598, 5602, 5604, 5608, 
5610, 5613 through 5622 inclusive, 5624 through 5627 inclusive, 5629 
through 5632 inclusive, 5634 through 5636 inclusive, 5638, 5640 
through 5644 inclusive, 5646 through 5649 inclusive, 5651 through 
5653 inclusive, 5655, 5657 through 5661 inclusive, 5663, 5665, 5667, 
5670, 5672, 5673, and 5675.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
Furnishings.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of 
jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain passenger 
service units (PSU), which could cause the passenger oxygen 
container to malfunction if the connector becomes disengaged during 
flight due to vibration. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure 
of the door of the passenger oxygen container to open in the event 
of airplane decompression, resulting in lack of oxygen supply and 
consequent injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions

    Within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first, do an inspection to identify the 
part number and serial number of each PSU, and if an affected part 
number or serial number is found, do all applicable related 
investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, 
dated October 9, 2014. Do all applicable related investigative and 
corrective actions within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. An affected PSU 
part number or serial number is one listed in Attachment 1, ``List 
of affected PSU PNR and S/N,'' of Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor 
Service Bulletin Z315H-25-004, dated September 26, 2014. A review of 
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number and serial number of the PSU can be 
conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Clarification of Vendor Service Information

    On page 13 of Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin 
Z315H-25-004, dated September 26, 2014, Table 4 (``List of 
Attachments'') under the heading ``APPENDIX'' identifies 
``Attachment 1, `List of affected PSU PNR and S/N.' '' The 
attachment is not numbered or dated.

(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 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

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0256, dated November 26, 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-2015-3990.

(k) 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.
    (i) Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25-004, 
dated September 26, 2014, including Attachment 1, ``List of affected 
PSU PNR and S/N.'' No page of the attachment to this document 
provides a document number, revision level, or date.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, dated October 9, 
2014.
    (3) For Airbus service information identified in this final 
rule, 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.
    (4) For Airbus Operations GmbH service information identified in 
this final rule, contact Airbus Operations GmbH, Cabin Electronics, 
Lueneburger Schanze 30, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany; telephone +49 40 
7437 46 32; telefax +49 40 7437 16 80; email 
[email protected].
    (5) 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.
    (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 Renton, Washington, on March 31, 2016.
Victor Wicklund,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.


[FR Doc. 2016-08532 Filed 5-3-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P