[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
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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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