[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 72 (Monday, April 17, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 18079-18082]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-07076]



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 Rules and Regulations
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  Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 72 / Monday, April 17, 2017 / Rules 
and Regulations  

[[Page 18079]]



DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-7526; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-217-AD; 
Amendment 39-18852; AD 2017-08-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

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

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by the 
discovery of corroded circlips in fuel vent protectors (FVP) having a 
certain part number. This AD requires an inspection to determine the 
part number and serial number of the FVP, and replacement if necessary; 
and application of sealant on certain nuts and bolts of the National 
Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) duct assembly. We are issuing 
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD is effective May 22, 2017.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 22, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: For 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. 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-
7526.

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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone 
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: 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 supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) to 
amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus 
Model A318, A319, A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, 
and A321 series airplanes. The SNPRM published in the Federal Register 
on October 21, 2016 (81 FR 72748) (``the SNPRM''). We preceded the 
SNPRM with a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published in the 
Federal Register on December 23, 2015 (80 FR 79742) (``the NPRM''). The 
NPRM proposed to require an inspection to determine the part number and 
serial number of the FVP, and replacement if necessary. The NPRM was 
prompted by the discovery of corroded circlips in FVPs having a certain 
part number. The SNPRM proposed to require an additional action for 
sealant application on some nuts and bolts on the NACA duct assembly, 
and to provide a grace period to the compliance time. We are issuing 
this AD to detect and correct corroded circlips. Such corrosion could 
lead to failure of the circlips and consequent movement of the FVP and 
result 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.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued AD 2016-
0114, dated June 15, 2016; corrected June 23, 2016 (referred to after 
this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A318, 
A319, A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes, and A321 
series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    On each aeroplane wing, a NACA 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.
    Airbus issued Service Bulletin (SB) A320-28-1221, providing 
instructions for identification by serial number (s/n) and removal 
from service of the affected FVP P/N 786073-1-0, and EASA issued AD 
2014-0234, later revised, to require those actions and to implement 
installation requirements for the FVP.
    After that [EASA] AD was issued, one step in the FVP re-
installation instructions was identified as missing. Consequently, 
Airbus revised SB A320-28-1221 to provide instructions for sealant 
installation on some nuts and bolts on the NACA duct assembly.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0234R1, which is superseded, and 
requires additional work for aeroplanes already modified in 
accordance with Airbus SB A320-28-1221 original issue or Revision 
01.

You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for

[[Page 18080]]

and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-7526.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the SNPRM 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 
SNPRM for correcting the unsafe condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the SNPRM.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, Revision 02, dated 
January 11, 2016. The service information describes procedures for 
inspecting the FVP to determine the part number and serial number, 
replacing any affected FVP, and applying sealant to the nuts and bolts 
of the NACA duct assembly. 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 will take about 19 work-hours per product to 
comply with the new basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $25,640 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $190,785, or $27,255 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.

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):

2017-08-03 Airbus: Amendment 39-18852; Docket No. FAA-2015-7526; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-217-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective May 22, 2017.

(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. Such 
corrosion could lead to failure of the circlips and consequent 
movement of the FVP and result 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 time specified 
in paragraph (h) 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 time specified 
in paragraph (h) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, Revision 02, 
dated January 11, 2016. 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          5438   5461                                    5485 through 5488 inclusive                       5536
          5441   5463                                    5490 through 5493 inclusive                       5539
          5444   5464                                    5495 through 5505 inclusive                       5541
          5445   5469                                    5507 through 5515 inclusive                       5544

[[Page 18081]]

 
          5447   5473 through 5478 inclusive             5517                                              5547
          5457   5481                                    5518                                              5551
          5459   5482                                    5520 through 5527 inclusive                       5553
          5460   5483                                    5530                                              5556
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


        Figure 2 to Paragraphs (g) and (i) of This AD--Affected Serial Numbers for Part Number 786073-1-0
                                        [Manufactured during August 2012]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Serial No. 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(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, or within 30 days after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs later.
    (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, Revision 02, 
dated January 11, 2016. 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.
    (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.

(l) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2016-0114, dated June 15, 2016; 
corrected June 23, 2016; 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.

(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 this AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-28-1221, Revision 02, dated 
January 11, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.

[[Page 18082]]

    (3) 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.
    (4) 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.
    (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 March 31, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-07076 Filed 4-14-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P