[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 120 (Friday, June 23, 2017)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 28599-28603]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-12251]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2017-0556; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-098-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 supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-23-
10, which applies to all Airbus Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319 
series airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and 
-232 airplanes. AD 2012-23-10 requires modifying the affected slide 
rafts. Since we issued AD 2012-23-10, we received a report that Air 
Cruisers developed a modification of the slide and slide/raft, which is 
part of the escape slide pack assembly, to improve its deployment. This 
proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2012-23-10. This 
proposed AD would also require replacing each escape slide pack 
assembly having a certain part number with a new escape slide pack 
assembly. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by August 7, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
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 Airbus service information identified in this NPRM, 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 Zodiac Aerospace service information identified in 
this NPRM, contact Air Cruisers, Cage Code 70167, 1747 State Route 34, 
Wall Township, NJ 07727-3935; telephone: (732) 681-3527; Internet: 
http://www.zodiacaerospace.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-2017-
0556; 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-2017-0556; 
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-098-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

    On November 13, 2012, we issued AD 2012-23-10, Amendment 39-17266 
(77 FR 70369, November 26, 2012) (``AD 2012-23-10''). AD 2012-23-10 
requires actions intended to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus 
Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes.
    Since we issued AD 2012-23-10, we have determined that it may no 
longer address the unsafe condition, and that it is necessary to 
replace each escape slide pack assembly having a certain part number 
with a new escape slide pack assembly having a certain part number, or 
modify the escape slide pack.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0043, dated March 4, 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, and A321 series 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Two occurrences were reported on Airbus A320 family aeroplanes 
where the escape slide raft inflation system did not deploy when 
activated. This was due to the rotation of the cable guide in a 
direction, which resulted in jamming of the inflation control cable. 
Additionally, one case was reported where the system did not deploy 
properly due to a cracked inflation hose fitting. Investigation 
conducted by Air Cruisers

[[Page 28600]]

Company [Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems], the slide raft 
manufacturer, showed that the hose fitting could be subject to a 
bending moment, if improperly packed. Consequently, the hose fitting 
could separate from the reservoir and the inflation of the slide 
raft would be impaired.
    This condition, if not corrected, could delay the evacuation 
from the aeroplane in case of emergency, possibly resulting in 
injury to the occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, DGAC France issued 
AD F-2004-072 [which correlates with FAA AD 2004-26-07, Amendment 
39-13919 (70 FR 1176, January 6, 2005)], to introduce an inflation 
hose retainer preventing an incomplete inflation of emergency escape 
slides, which could delay passenger evacuation, and EASA issued AD 
2011-0160 (later revised twice) to require modification of the 
affected slide rafts or replacement thereof with modified units.
    Since EASA AD 2011-0160R2 [which correlates with FAA AD 2012-23-
10 and issued as a stand-alone, non-superseding AD] was issued, Air 
Cruisers [Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems] developed a modification 
of the slide and slide/raft, part of the escape slide pack 
assemblies, to improve its deployment. Modified slides and slide/
rafts are identified by a different Part Number (P/N); consequently, 
also the escape slide pack assemblies are identified by a different 
P/N.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of DGAC France AD F-2004-072 (EASA approval 2004-5335) 
and EASA AD 2011-0160R2, which are superseded, and requires 
installation of modified escape slide pack assemblies.
    Appendix 1 of this [EASA] AD provides a comprehensive list of 
escape slide pack assemblies P/N that, at the issue date of the 
[EASA] AD, are not approved for further installation on any 
aeroplane.

    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-2017-
0556.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued the following service information, which 
describes procedures for replacing certain escape slide pack 
assemblies. These documents are distinct since they apply to different 
airplane models in different configurations.
     Service Bulletin A320-25-1B81, Revision 01, dated December 
10, 2015.
     Service Bulletin A320-25-1B82, Revision 01, dated December 
10, 2015.
     Service Bulletin A320-25-1B83, Revision 01, dated December 
10, 2015.
     Service Bulletin A320-25-1B84, Revision 01, dated December 
10, 2015.
    Zodiac Aerospace has issued Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service 
Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-96, Revision 1, dated September 18, 2015; and 
Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-97, 
Revision 1, dated September 18, 2015. The service information describes 
modification of the escape slide pack. These documents are distinct 
since they apply to different airplane models in different 
configurations.
    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.

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 959 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    The actions required by AD 2012-23-10, and retained in this 
proposed AD take about 19 work-hours per product, at an average labor 
rate of $85 per work-hour. Required parts cost about $341 per product. 
Based on these figures, the estimated cost of the actions that are 
required by AD 2012-23-10 is $1,956 per product.
    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 $0 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed 
AD on U.S. operators to be $489,090, or $510 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 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) 
2012-23-10, Amendment 39-17266 (77 FR 70369, November 26, 2012), and 
adding the following new AD:

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2017-0556; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-
098-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by August 7, 2017.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD replaces AD 2012-23-10, Amendment 39-17266 (77 FR 70369, 
November 26, 2012) (``AD 2012-23-10'').

[[Page 28601]]

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to all Airbus Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -
122 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes; certificated in any category; all manufacturer 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

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

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of the escape raft inflation 
system not deploying when activated due to the rotation of the cable 
guide in a direction which resulted in jamming of the inflation 
control cable. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-deployment of 
the escape slide raft, which could result in delayed evacuation from 
the airplane during an emergency and consequent injury to the 
passengers.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Retained: Modification, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (g) of AD 
2012-23-10, with no changes. Except as provided by paragraph (i) of 
this AD, within 36 months after December 31, 2012 (the effective 
date of AD 2012-23-10): Modify the escape slide rafts that have a 
part number (P/N) specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (j)(1), 
and (j)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December 
17, 2010 (for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); or 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17, 2010 (for 
Model A318 series airplanes).

 Figure 1 to Paragraphs (g), (j)(1), and (j)(2) of This AD--Escape Slide
                                  Raft
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Air Cruisers and Aerazur Escape Slide Rafts part number if fitted with a
     reservoir and valve assembly P/N D18309-105 or  P/N D18309-205
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
D30664-105
D30664-107
D30664-109
D30664-305
D30664-307
D30664-309
D30664-311
D30665-105
D30665-107
D30665-109
D30665-305
D30665-307
D30665-309
D30665-311
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(h) Retained: Replacement in Accordance With Air Cruisers Service 
Bulletin, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (h) of AD 
2012-23-10, with no changes. Replacement of all affected escape 
slide rafts on any affected airplane with slide rafts that have been 
modified in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Air 
Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 2, dated 
January 3, 2012, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements 
of paragraph (g) of this AD, provided that prior to or concurrently 
with accomplishing the modification, the installation of the cable 
guide assembly is done in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-56, 
dated November 12, 1999.

(i) Retained: Airplanes Not Affected by Paragraph (g) of This AD, With 
No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (i) of AD 
2012-23-10, with no changes. Before the effective date of this AD: 
Airplanes on which Airbus Modification 151459 or Modification 151502 
has been embodied in production, and on which no escape slide raft 
replacements have been made since first flight, are not affected by 
the requirement specified in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(j) Retained: Parts Installation Limitations, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (j) of AD 
2012-23-10, with no changes.
    (1) For airplanes other than those identified in paragraph (i) 
of this AD: After accomplishment of the modification required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD or after accomplishment of the alternative 
modification specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, no person may 
install, on any airplane, an escape slide raft specified in figure 1 
to paragraphs (g), (j)(1), and (j)(2) of this AD, unless it has been 
modified in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December 17, 2010 (for 
Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17, 2010 (for Model A318 
series airplanes); or Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-
85, Revision 2, dated January 3, 2012 (for Model A318, A319, A320, 
and A321 series airplanes), including the installation of the cable 
guide assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-56, dated November 12, 
1999.
    (2) For airplanes identified in paragraph (i) of this AD: As of 
December 31, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-23-10), no person 
may install, on any airplane, an escape slide raft specified in 
figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (j)(1), and (j)(2) of this AD, unless it 
has been modified in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1723, dated December 17, 2010 
(for Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes); Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-25-1724, dated December 17, 2010 (for Model A318 
series airplanes); or Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-
85, Revision 2, dated January 3, 2012 (for Model A318, A319, A320, 
and A321 series airplanes), including the installation of the cable 
guide assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-25-56, dated November 12, 
1999.

(k) Retained: Credit for Previous Actions, With No Changes

    This paragraph restates the requirements of paragraph (k) of AD 
2012-23-10, with no changes. This paragraph provides credit for the 
actions required by paragraphs (h) and (j) of this AD, if those 
actions were performed before December 31, 2012 (the effective date 
of AD 2012-23-10), using Air Cruisers Service Bulletin S.B.A320 004-
25-85, dated November 30, 2010; or Air Cruisers Service Bulletin 
S.B.A320 004-25-85, Revision 1, dated September 30, 2011; which are 
not incorporated by reference in this AD.

(l) New: Replacement

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, replace 
each escape slide pack assembly having a part number identified as 
``old'' in table 1 to paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of 
this AD, with a new escape slide pack assembly having the 
corresponding part number identified as ``new'' in table 1 to 
paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of this AD, 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).

  Table 1 to Paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of This AD--Air
 Cruisers and Aerazur Escape Slide Pack Assemblies Affected by Paragraph
                             (1) of This AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Escape slide pack  assembly
Escape slide pack  assembly part  No.--old         part  No.--new
------------------------------------------------------------------------
D30664-405................................  D30664-605
D30664-407................................  D30664-607
D30664-409................................  D30664-609
D30664-505................................  D30664-705
D30664-507................................  D30664-707
D30664-509................................  D30664-709
D30664-511................................  D30664-711
D30665-405................................  D30665-605
D30665-407................................  D30665-607
D30665-409................................  D30665-609
D30665-505................................  D30665-705
D30665-507................................  D30665-707
D30665-509................................  D30665-709
D30665-511................................  D30665-711
D31516-119................................  D31516-619
D31516-121................................  D31516-621
D31516-123................................  D31516-623
D31516-125................................  D31516-625
D31516-315................................  D31516-615
D31516-317................................  D31516-617
D31516-415................................  D31516-715
D31516-417................................  D31516-717
D31516-519................................  D31516-719
D31516-521................................  D31516-721
D31516-523................................  D31516-723

[[Page 28602]]

 
D31516-525................................  D31516-725
D31517-119................................  D31517-619
D31517-121................................  D31517-621
D31517-123................................  D31517-623
D31517-125................................  D31517-625
D31517-315................................  D31517-615
D31517-317................................  D31517-617
D31517-415................................  D31517-715
D31517-417................................  D31517-717
D31517-519................................  D31517-719
D31517-521................................  D31517-721
D31517-523................................  D31517-723
D31517-525................................  D31517-725
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(m) New: Modification

    (1) Modification of an airplane in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable service information 
specified in paragraphs (m)(1)(i) through (m)(1)(iv) of this AD, as 
applicable to the airplane model and escape slide pack assembly part 
number, is an acceptable method of compliance with the requirements 
of paragraph (l) of this AD for that airplane.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B81, Revision 01, dated 
December 10, 2015 (for airplanes equipped with slide/rafts having P/
Ns D30664-405, D30664-407, D30664-409, D30664-505, D30664-507, 
D30664-509, D30664-511 D30665-405, D30665-407, D30665-409, D30665-
505, D30665-507, D30665-509, and D30665-511).
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B82, Revision 01, dated 
December 10, 2015 (for airplanes equipped with slide/rafts having P/
Ns D31516-121, D31516-125, D31516-317, D31516-417 or D31516-525, 
D31517-121, D31517-125, D31517-317, D31517-417, and D31517-525).
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B83, Revision 01, dated 
December 10, 2015 (for airplanes equipped with slides with re-entry 
line P/Ns D31516-119, D31516-123, D31516-519, D31516-523, D31516-
315, D31516-415, D31517-119, D31517-123, D31517-519, D31517-523, 
D31517-315 and D31517-415).
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B84, Revision 01, dated 
December 10, 2015 (for airplanes equipped with slides with Dual 
Fastener P/N D31516-521 and D31517-521).
    (2) An escape slide pack assembly not installed on an airplane 
and having a part number identified as ``old'' in table 1 to 
paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of this AD can be 
modified to the corresponding part number identified as ``new'' in 
table 1 to paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), and (o)(1) of this AD, in 
accordance with Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. 
A320 004-25-96, Revision 1, dated September 18, 2015; and Zodiac 
Aero Evacuations Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320 04-25-97, 
Revision 1, dated September 18, 2015; as applicable.

(n) New: Airplanes Not Affected

    (1) An airplane on which Airbus Modification 151459 or 
Modification 151502 has been embodied in production is not affected 
by the requirements of paragraph (g) of this AD, provided it is 
determined that no escape slide pack assembly having a part number 
specified in figure 2 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, 
figure 3 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, and figure 4 to 
paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, is installed on that airplane 
as of the effective date of this AD.
    (2) An airplane on which Airbus Modification 156766, 
Modification 156767, Modification 156768, Modification 156769, or 
Modification 156770, has been embodied in production is not affected 
by the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (l) of this AD, provided 
that it is determined that no escape slide raft, having a part 
number identified in figure 2 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this 
AD, figure 3 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, and figure 4 
to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, or having a part number 
identified as ``old'' in table 1 to paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), 
and (o)(1) of this AD, is installed on that airplane as of the 
effective date of this AD.

   Figure 2 to Paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of This AD--Air Cruisers and
 Aerazur Escape Slide Pack Assemblies Affected by Paragraph (1) of This
                                   AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              D31516-111                           D31517-111
              D31516-113                           D31517-113
              D31516-115                           D31517-115
              D31516-117                           D31517-117
              D31516-311                           D31517-311
              D31516-313                           D31517-313
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Figure 3 to Paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of This AD--Air Cruisers and
 Aerazur Escape Slide Pack Assemblies Affected by Paragraphs (g) and (h)
of This AD (If Fitted With a Reservoir and Valve Assembly P/N D18309-105
                           or P/N D18309-205)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              D30664-105                           D30665-105
              D30664-107                           D30665-107
              D30664-109                           D30665-109
              D30664-305                           D30665-305
              D30664-307                           D30665-307
              D30664-309                           D30665-309
              D30664-311                           D30665-311
------------------------------------------------------------------------


   Figure 4 to Paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of This AD--Air Cruisers and
      Aerazur Escape Slide Pack Assemblies Not Approved for Further
                      Installation on Any Airplane
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Part No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              D30664-101                           D30665-101
              D30664-103                           D30665-103
              D31516-101                           D31517-101
              D31516-103                           D31517-103
              D31516-105                           D31517-105
              D31516-107                           D31517-107
              D31516-109                           D31517-109
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(o) New: Parts Installation Prohibition

    (1) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
airplane any escape slide pack assembly having a part number 
identified as ``old'' in table 1 to paragraphs (l), (m)(2), (n)(2), 
and (o)(1) of this AD.
    (2) As of the effective date of this AD, do not install on any 
airplane an escape slide pack assembly having a part number 
identified in figure 2 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, 
figure 3 to paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD, and figure 4 to 
paragraphs (n) and (o)(2) of this AD.
    (3) Installation of an escape slide pack assembly having a part 
number approved after March 18, 2016 (the effective date of EASA AD 
2016-0043), constitutes compliance with the requirements of 
paragraph (l) of this AD, provided the conditions as specified in 
paragraphs (o)(3)(i) and (o)(3)(ii) of this AD are met.
    (i) The part number must be approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA; and
    (ii) The installation must be accomplished in accordance with 
airplane modification instructions approved by the Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; 
or the EASA; or Airbus's EASA DOA.
    (p) Credit for Previous Actions
    (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (m)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the applicable service 
information in paragraphs (p)(1)(i) through (p)(1)(iv) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B81, dated August 13, 2015.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B82, dated August 13, 
2015.
    (iii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B83, dated July 31, 2015.
    (iv) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B84, dated July 31, 2015.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (m)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using Zodiac Aero Evacuation Systems 
Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-96, dated July 9, 2015; and Zodiac 
Aero Evacuation Systems Service Bulletin S.B. A320 004-25-97, dated 
July 9, 2015; as applicable.

[[Page 28603]]

(q) 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 the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (r)(2) of this AD. 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: As of the effective date of 
this AD, 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 EASA; or Airbus's EASA 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.

(r) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0043, dated March 4, 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-2017-0556.
    (2) For more information about this AD, 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.
    (3) For Airbus 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. For Zodiac Aerospace service 
information identified in this AD, contact Air Cruisers, Cage Code 
70167, 1747 State Route 34, Wall Township, NJ 07727-3935; telephone: 
(732) 681-3527; Internet: http://www.zodiacaerospace.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 June 6, 2017.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-12251 Filed 6-22-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P