[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 29 (Monday, February 12, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 5960-5963]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-02754]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0077; Product Identifier 2017-NM-126-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321-111, -
112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes. This proposed AD 
was prompted by reports of battery retaining rod failures due to 
quality defects of the material used during parts manufacturing. This 
proposed AD would require a detailed inspection of the battery 
retaining rods to identify the rod manufacturer, replacement of the 
battery retaining rods with serviceable rods if necessary, and the 
addition of the applicable service information label on each rod if 
necessary. We are proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on 
these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by March 29, 2018.

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: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For 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. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 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-2018-
0077; 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 NPRM, 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 Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind 
Avenue SW, Renton, Washington 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 proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0077; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-126-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. 
We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this NPRM. We will consider

[[Page 5961]]

all comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM 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 NPRM.

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 2017-0161R1, dated September 19, 2017; 
corrected September 20, 2017 (referred to after this as the Mandatory 
Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an 
unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A319 and A320 series 
airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Several occurrences have been reported of battery rod failures 
on certain Airbus aeroplanes. Subsequent examination of broken rod 
parts determined that these failures were due to quality defects of 
the material used during parts manufacturing. Each battery is 
secured on an aeroplane by two rods. Failure of one rod, in case of 
severe turbulence during flight or hard landing, could lead to 
battery displacement, or roll on the remaining rod side, up to a 
point where the remaining rod could be disengaged. The battery could 
ultimately detach from its housing and damage relays, connectors, 
contactor boxes, air ducts and surrounding structure.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to the 
loss of the normal electrical generation not followed by an 
automatic recovery of essential network.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert 
Operators Transmission (AOT) A92N001-16 (later revised) and EASA 
issued AD 2016-0204 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-25-24 (81 FR 
90958, December 16, 2016)] requiring repetitive general visual 
inspections (GVI) of the four battery rods (two per battery), and, 
in case of findings, replacement of battery rods.
    Since that [EASA] AD was issued, the manufacturer of the broken 
battery retaining rods has been identified, which allows proper 
identification of the affected parts and their withdrawal from 
service. Consequently, Airbus issued [service bulletin] SB A320-92-
1116 and SB A320-92-1118 to provide the necessary instructions to 
the affected operators. No rods delivered as spare parts are 
affected by the manufacturing issue.
    For the reason described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of EASA AD 2016-0204, which is superseded, and requires 
replacement of battery retaining rods depending on manufacturer 
identification. This [EASA] AD also provides a terminating action 
for the repetitive inspections.

    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-2018-
0077.
    Although the MCAI has superseded EASA AD 2016-0204, this NPRM would 
not supersede AD 2016-25-24. Rather, we have determined that a stand-
alone AD would be more appropriate to address the changes in the MCAI. 
This NPRM would require a detailed inspection of the battery retaining 
rods to identify the rod manufacturer, replacement of the battery 
retaining rods with serviceable rods if necessary, and the addition of 
the applicable service information label on each rod if necessary. 
Accomplishment of the proposed actions would then terminate all 
requirements of AD 2016-25-24.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated 
January 31, 2017; and Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated 
January 31, 2017. This service information describes a detailed 
inspection of the battery retaining rods to identify the rod 
manufacturer, replacement of the battery retaining rods with 
serviceable rods if necessary, and adding the applicable service 
information label on each rod if necessary. These documents are 
distinct since they apply to different airplane models. 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 330 airplanes of U.S. 
registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspection............................  1 work-hour x $85 per                 $0             $85         $28,050
                                         hour = $85.
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    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacement 
that would be required based on the results of the proposed inspection. 
We have no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need 
this replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Cost per
                 Action                          Labor cost           Parts cost        product
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement............................  1 work-hour x $85 per                  $0             $85
                                          hour = $85.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

[[Page 5962]]

    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.
    This proposed AD is issued in accordance with authority delegated 
by the Executive Director, Aircraft Certification Service, as 
authorized by FAA Order 8000.51C. In accordance with that order, 
issuance of ADs is normally a function of the Compliance and 
Airworthiness Division, but during this transition period, the 
Executive Director has delegated the authority to issue ADs applicable 
to transport category airplanes to the Director of the System Oversight 
Division.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13   [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive (AD):

Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2018-0077; Product Identifier 2017-NM-126-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by March 29, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2016-25-24, Amendment 39-18750 (81 FR 90958, 
December 16, 2016) (``AD 2016-25-24'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -
115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -
231, -232, -233, -251N, and -271N airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -
131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes, certificated in any 
category, as identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, 
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017; or Airbus Service Bulletin 
A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 92, Electrical 
system installation.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of battery rod failures due to 
quality defects of the material used during parts manufacturing. We 
are issuing this AD to detect and correct broken battery retaining 
rods, which, in the event of a hard landing or severe turbulence, 
could cause the battery to detach from its housing, resulting in 
damage to other electrical equipment and surrounding structure. This 
condition could lead to loss of normal electrical power generation 
and subsequent inability to restore electrical power to essential 
airplane systems.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Definition of a Serviceable Rod

    For the purpose of this AD, a serviceable battery retaining rod 
is defined in paragraphs (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD.
    (1) A battery retaining rod provided as a spare part by Airbus.
    (2) A battery retaining rod previously fitted on a battery 
support assembly installed on an airplane manufacturer serial number 
that is not specified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, 
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and A320 
series airplanes; and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, 
Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320-251N and 
-271N airplanes).

(h) Identification of Affected Parts

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD: Accomplish 
a detailed inspection of the battery retaining rods to identify the 
rod manufacturer, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of the Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated 
January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; 
and A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes); or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, 
dated January 31, 2017 (for Airbus Model A320-251N and -271N 
airplanes).

(i) Replacement of Affected Parts if Marking Is Found on Battery 
Support Assembly

    If, during the inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, 
the quality stamp on the battery support assembly is found marked 
with an ``SA'' manufacturer identification, before further flight, 
replace the battery retaining rods with serviceable rods, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 
(for Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321-111, -
112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes); or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 
(for Airbus Model A320-251N and -271N airplanes).

(j) Actions if No Marking Is Found on Battery Support Assembly

    If, during the inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, 
no marking is found on the quality stamp of the battery support 
assembly, add the applicable service information label on each 
battery retaining rod (replacement of the battery retaining rods is 
not required), in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-92-1116, Revision 00, dated January 31, 
2017 (for Airbus Model A319 and A320 series airplanes; and A321-111, 
-112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 airplanes); or Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-92-1118, Revision 00, dated January 31, 2017 
(for Airbus Model A320-251N and -271N airplanes).

(k) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install, on 
any airplane, a non-serviceable battery retaining rod.

(l) Terminating Action

    Replacement of all battery retaining rods marked ``SA'' with a 
serviceable rod as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, or 
application of service information label on each rod, as required by 
paragraph (j) of this AD, as applicable, constitutes terminating 
action for all requirements of AD 2016-25-24 for that airplane.

(m) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:

[[Page 5963]]

    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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 Section, send it to the attention of 
the person identified in paragraph (n)(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: 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 
Section, Transport Standards Branch, 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.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0161R1, dated September 19, 
2017; corrected September 20, 2017; 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-
2018-0077.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW, Renton, Washington 98057-3356; 
telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149.
    (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. You may view this service information at the FAA, 
Transport Standards Branch, 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 February 2, 2018.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-02754 Filed 2-9-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P