[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 17, 2018)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 16799-16802]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-07637]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0297; Product Identifier 2017-NM-181-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 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. This proposed AD was prompted by 
investigations that revealed that the cover seal of the brake dual 
distribution valve (BDDV) was damaged and did not ensure efficient 
sealing. This proposed AD would require identifying the BDDV part 
number installed on the airplane, and modifying or replacing BDDVs 
having certain part numbers. We are proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by June 1, 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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 206-
231-3195.

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-
0297; 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, 2200 South 
216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone and fax 206-231-3223.

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-2018-0297; 
Product Identifier 2017-NM-181-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 all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this NPRM based on 
those comments.

[[Page 16800]]

    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 2017-0119, dated July 11, 2017 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus 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. The MCAI states:

    In 1998, an operator experienced a dual loss of braking systems. 
Investigation results revealed that the cover seal of the BDDV was 
damaged and did not ensure the sealing efficiency.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to water ingestion 
in the BDDV, freezing of the BDDV in flight, and consequent loss of 
braking system function after landing, possibly resulting in damage 
to the aeroplane and injury to occupants.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued Alert 
Operator Telex (AOT) 32-19 and Service Bulletin (SB) A320-32-1199, 
providing instructions for repetitive functional tests. In addition, 
Airbus developed mod 28301 and published SB A320-32-1203 to provide 
modification instructions.
    Consequently, DGAC France issued AD 2000-258-146 [which 
corresponds to FAA AD 2001-15-10, Amendment 39-12344 (66 FR 39413, 
dated July 31, 2001) (``AD 2001-15-10'')] to require repetitive 
functional tests as a temporary solution (valid for a period of 15 
months) and modification of the BDDV with a new cover and 
installation of a draining tube with a cap, which was terminating 
action for the repetitive functional tests. For pre-mod 27833 and 
pre-SB A320-32-1200 aeroplanes, repetitive inspections per SB A320-
32-1199 were required as interim action, prior to the terminating 
action modification per SB A320-32-1203.
    After that [DGAC] AD was issued, following a new event, Airbus 
developed a new modification of the BDDV drain tube which leaves it 
open, ensuring continuous drainage of any ingested water, thereby 
preventing freezing of the brake system.
    Consequently, EASA issued AD 2014-0251 (later revised), 
partially retaining the requirements of DGAC France AD 2000-258-146, 
which was superseded, and requiring an additional modification of 
the BDDV drain tube and re-identification of the BDDV.
    Since EASA AD 2014-0251R1 [which corresponds to FAA AD 2016-06-
13, Amendment 39-18444 (81 FR 17365, dated March 29, 2016) (``AD 
2016-06-13'')] was issued, comments were received that indicated a 
need for correction and clarification. Consequently, this [EASA] AD 
retains the requirements of EASA AD 2014-0251R1, which is 
superseded, and expands the list of BDDV Part Numbers (P/N) which 
must be removed from service and are no longer eligible for 
installation on an aeroplane [and includes replacing affected part 
numbers as an option]. This [EASA] AD also clarifies the intended 
requirements of EASA AD 2014-0251 and introduces editorial changes, 
not affecting the requirements.

    Paragraph (1) of the MCAI is addressed in paragraphs (e) and (f) of 
FAA AD 2001-15-10; Paragraph (2) of the MCAI is addressed in paragraph 
(g) of FAA AD 2016-06-13.
    This NPRM would not supersede AD 2001-15-10 and AD 2016-06-13. 
Rather, we have determined that a stand-alone AD would be more 
appropriate to address the changes in the MCAI. This NPRM would require 
identifying the BDDV part number installed on the airplane, and 
modifying or replacing BDDVs having certain part numbers.
    Doing the proposed actions would terminate the requirements in 
paragraphs (e) and (f) of AD 2001-15-10, and would terminate all of the 
requirements of AD 2016-06-13.
    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-
0297.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-32-1203, Revision 02, dated 
February 9, 2001. This service information describes procedures for 
identifying the BDDV part number installed on the airplane, and 
modifying or replacing BDDVs having certain part numbers.
    Airbus has also issued Service Bulletin A320-32-1415, Revision 02, 
dated December 10, 2015. This service information describes procedures 
for modifying and re-identifying the BDDV. The modification includes 
modifying the drain hose of the BDDV, and doing all related 
investigative and corrective actions if applicable. The related 
investigative actions include an inspection for corrosion. Corrective 
actions include replacing the BDDV.
    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 1,136 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Identification and modification or      6 work-hours x $85 per              $395            $905      $1,028,080
 replacement.                            hour = $510.
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    We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide 
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed 
AD.

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

[[Page 16801]]

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-2018-0297; Product Identifier 2017-NM-181-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by June 1, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    This AD affects AD 2001-15-10, Amendment 39-12344 (66 FR 39413, 
dated July 31, 2001) (``AD 2001-15-10''), and AD 2016-06-13, 
Amendment 39-18444 (81 FR 17365, dated March 29, 2016) (``AD 2016-
06-13'').

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) 
through (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers, except those on which Airbus 
Modification 26925 has been embodied in production, which introduces 
a modified alternate braking system that removes the brake dual 
distribution valve (BDDV).
    (1) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 
airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, 
and -232 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 32, Landing 
gear.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by investigations that revealed that the 
cover seal of the brake dual distribution valve (BDDV) was damaged 
and did not ensure efficient sealing. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent water ingestion in the BDDV, freezing of the BDDV in flight, 
and consequent loss of braking system function after landing. These 
conditions could possibly result in damage to the airplane and 
injury to occupants.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Identification and Modification or Replacement

    Within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, identify 
the BDDV part number installed on the airplane. For each affected 
BDDV part number specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of 
this AD, within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD. A review 
of airplane maintenance records is acceptable to identify the BDDV 
part number if the part number of the BDDV can be conclusively 
determined from that review.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP17AP18.012

    (1) Modify and re-identify the affected BDDV, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-
1203, Revision 02, dated February 9, 2001.
    (2) Modify and re-identify the affected BDDV, and do all 
applicable related investigative and corrective, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-
1415, Revision 02, dated December 10, 2015. Do all applicable 
related investigative and corrective actions before further flight.
    (3) Replace the affected BDDV with a BDDV having a part number 
not specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, or a 
part number specified as `new P/N' in figure 2 to paragraphs (g)(3) 
and (h)(2) of this AD. Do the replacement 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.

[[Page 16802]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP17AP18.013

(h) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(1) or 
(h)(2) of this AD, no person may install a BDDV having a part number 
specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, on any 
airplane.
    (1) For any airplane that, on the effective date of this AD, has 
a BDDV installed with a part number specified in figure 1 to 
paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD: After modification of the 
airplane, as required by paragraph (g) of this AD.
    (2) For any airplane that, on the effective date of this AD, has 
a BDDV installed with a part number specified as `new P/N' in figure 
2 to paragraphs (g)(3) and (h)(2) of this AD, or has a BDDV 
installed with a part number not specified in figure 1 to paragraphs 
(g) and (h) of this AD: As of the effective date of this AD.

(i) Terminating Action for Other ADs

    (1) Doing the actions in paragraph (g) of this AD terminates the 
requirements in paragraphs (e) and (f) of AD 2001-15-10.
    (2) Doing the actions in paragraph (g) of this AD terminates all 
of the requirements of AD 2016-06-13.

(j) Credit for Previous Actions

    (1) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the service information in 
paragraphs (j)(1)(i) and (j)(1)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1203, dated June 4, 1999, 
which was incorporated by reference in AD 2001-15-10.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1203, Revision 01, dated 
October 12, 2000.
    (2) This paragraph provides credit for actions required by 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, if those actions were performed before 
the effective date of this AD using the service information in 
paragraphs (j)(2)(i) and (j)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1415, dated September 2, 
2014, which was incorporated by reference in AD 2016-06-13.
    (ii) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-32-1415, Revision 01, dated 
April 23, 2015.

(k) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (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 (l)(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.

(l) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0119, dated July 11, 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-2018-0297.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards 
Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3223.
    (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, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call 206-231-3195.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on March 30, 2018.
Chris Spangenberg,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-07637 Filed 4-16-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P