[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 153 (Wednesday, August 8, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 38953-38957]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-16576]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2018-0640; Product Identifier 2018-NM-075-AD; Amendment 
39-19343; AD 2018-16-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus SAS Model A319-133 airplanes and Model A321-232 airplanes. This 
AD requires modification and re-identification, or replacement, of 
certain engine fan cowl doors (FCDs) and installation of a placard in 
the flight deck. This AD was prompted by reports of in-service engine 
FCD losses, and the development of a new FCD front latch and keeper 
assembly that addresses this unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD 
to address the unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective August 23, 2018.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 3, 
2017 (82 FR 29371, June 29, 2017).
    We must receive comments on this AD by September 24, 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: 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 service information identified in this final rule, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine No: 
2, 31700 Blagnac Cedex, France; telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 
61 93 44 51; email

[[Page 38954]]

[email protected]; internet http://www.airbus.com. You 
may view this referenced 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. It 
is also available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-0640.

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-
0640; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 
p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket 
contains this AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and 
other information. The street address for the Docket 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:

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 
2016-0053, dated March 14, 2016 (referred to after this as the 
Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to 
correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Model A319-131, -132, and -
133 airplanes, Model A320-231, -232, and -233 airplanes, and Model 
A321-131, -231, and -232 airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Fan Cowl Door (FCD) losses during take-off were reported on 
aeroplanes equipped with IAE V2500 engines. Prompted by these 
occurrences, DGAC [Direction G[eacute]n[eacute]rale de l'Aviation 
Civile] France issued AD 2000-444-156(B), mandating FCD latch 
improvements. This [DGAC] AD was later superseded by [DGAC] AD 2001-
381(B) [which corresponds to FAA AD 2003-18-06, Amendment 39-13297 
(68 FR 53501, September 11, 2003)], requiring installation of 
additional fan cowl latch improvement by installing a hold open 
device.
    Since that [DGAC] AD was issued, further FCD in flight losses 
were experienced in service. Investigations confirmed that in all 
cases, the fan cowls were opened prior to the flight and were not 
correctly re-secured. During the pre-flight inspection, it was then 
not detected that the FCD were not properly latched.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to in-flight loss 
of a FCD, possibly resulting in damage to the aeroplane and/or 
injury to persons on the ground.
    Prompted by these recent events, new FCD front latch and keeper 
assembly were developed, having a specific key necessary to un-latch 
the FCD. This key cannot be removed unless the FCD front latch is 
safely closed. The key, after removal, must be stowed in the flight 
deck at a specific location, as instructed in the applicable 
Aircraft Maintenance Manual. Applicable Flight Crew Operating Manual 
has been amended accordingly. After modification, the FCD is 
identified with a different Part Number (P/N).
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD retains the 
requirements of DGAC AD 2001-381(B), which is superseded, and 
requires modification and re-identification of FCD.

    You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2018-
0640.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-71-1069, Revision 01, 
including Appendix 01, dated April 28, 2016. This service information 
describes procedures for modifying the engine FCDs, installing 
placards, and re-identifying the FCDs with new part numbers. 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 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 issuing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these 
same type designs.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    The MCAI applies to Airbus SAS Model A319-131 and -132 airplanes; 
Model A320-231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-131 and -231 
airplanes, in addition to Model A319-133 airplanes and Model A321-232 
airplanes. The unsafe condition on Model A319-131 and -132 airplanes; 
Model A320-231, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-131 and -231 
airplanes is already addressed in AD 2017-13-10, Amendment 39-18940 (82 
FR 29371, June 29, 2017); therefore this AD only applies to Model A319-
133 airplanes and Model A321-232 airplanes.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    There are currently no domestic operators of this product. 
Therefore, we find that notice and opportunity for prior public comment 
are unnecessary and that good cause exists for making this amendment 
effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight 
safety, and we did not precede it by notice and opportunity for public 
comment. We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this AD. Send your comments to an address listed under 
the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2018-0640; Product 
Identifier 2018-NM-075-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We 
specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, 
environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. We will consider all 
comments received by the closing date and may amend this 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 AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Currently, there are no affected U.S.-registered airplanes. If an 
affected airplane is imported and placed on the U.S. Register in the 
future, we provide the following cost estimates to comply with this AD:

[[Page 38955]]



                  Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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                                                             Cost per
              Labor cost                   Parts cost        product
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6 work-hours x $85 per hour = $510....          $4,813           $5,323
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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.
    This 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 AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979);
    3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
    4. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Amendment

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

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

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

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


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

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

2018-16-03 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19343; Docket No. FAA-2018-0640; 
Product Identifier 2018-NM-075-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective August 23, 2018.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A319-133 airplanes and Model 
A321-232 airplanes, certificated in any category, all manufacturer 
serial numbers.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 71, Powerplant.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports of in-service engine fan cowl 
door (FCD) losses, and the development of a new FCD front latch and 
keeper assembly that addresses this unsafe condition. We are issuing 
this AD to address in-flight loss of an engine FCD and possible 
consequent damage to the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    Within 36 months after the effective date of this AD, do the 
actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1), (g)(2), and (g)(3) of this 
AD, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus 
Service Bulletin A320-71-1069, Revision 01, including Appendix 01, 
dated April 28, 2016.
    (1) Modify the left-hand and right-hand engine FCDs on engines 1 
and 2.
    (2) Install a placard that specifies the FCD keys stowage 
location in the flight deck on the box located at the bottom of 
panel 120VU or at the bottom of the coat stowage, as applicable to 
airplane configuration.
    (3) Re-identify both engine FCDs with the new part numbers, as 
specified in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD.

[[Page 38956]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR08AU18.002

(h) Missing FCD Keys or Placard

    Flights with one or both FCD keys missing from the stowage 
location in the fight deck, or with the placard (that specifies the 
FCD keys stowage location) missing or damaged, are permitted for a 
period not to exceed 10 calendar days from the date of discovery.

(i) Alternative Location of FCD Keys and Placard

    As an option to paragraph (g)(2) of this AD, an alternative 
location for the key stowage in the flight deck and installation of 
a placard for identification of that stowage location are permitted 
as specified in the operator's FAA-accepted maintenance or 
inspection program, provided the keys can be retrieved from that 
flight deck location when needed and the placard installation is 
done within 36 months after the effective date of this AD.

(j) Optional Compliance by Replacement or Installation

    (1) Replacing an engine FCD having a part number listed as ``Old 
Part Number'' in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD 
with an FCD having the corresponding part number listed as ``New 
Part Number'' in figure 1 to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD 
is an acceptable method of compliance with the requirements of 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3) of this AD for that engine FCD only.
    (2) An airplane on which Airbus Modification 157516 has been 
embodied in production is compliant with the requirements of 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3) of this AD, provided no engine FCD 
having a part number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in figure 1 
to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD is installed on that 
airplane.
    (3) An airplane on which Airbus Modification 157718 has been 
embodied in production is compliant with the requirements of 
paragraph (g)(2) of this AD.
    (4) Installation on an engine of a right-hand and left-hand 
engine FCD having a part number approved after the effective date of 
this AD is a method of compliance with the requirements of 
paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(3) of this AD for that engine only, 
provided the part number is approved, and the installation is 
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.

(k) Parts Installation Limitations

    (1) For an airplane with an engine FCD installed having a part 
number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in figure 1 to paragraphs 
(g), (j), and (k) of this AD: After modification of that airplane as 
required by paragraph (g) of this AD, do not install an engine FCD, 
having a part number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in figure 1 
to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD.
    (2) For an airplane that does not have an engine FCD installed 
having a part number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in figure 1 
to paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD: On or after the 
effective date of this AD, do not install an engine FCD having a 
part number identified as ``Old Part Number'' in figure 1 to 
paragraphs (g), (j), and (k) of this AD.

(l) Credit for Previous Actions

    This paragraph provides credit for actions required by paragraph 
(g) of this AD, if those actions were performed before the effective 
date of this AD using Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1069, dated 
December 18, 2015.

(m) 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 (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 EASA; or Airbus's EASA 
DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-
authorized signature.

(n) Related Information

    (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information 
(MCAI) EASA AD 2016-0053, dated March 14, 2016, for related 
information. You may examine the MCAI on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2018-0640.
    (2) For more information about this AD, contact Sanjay Ralhan, 
Aerospace Engineer, International Section, Transport Standards

[[Page 38957]]

Branch, FAA, 2200 South 216th St., Des Moines, WA 98198; telephone 
and fax 206-231-3223.
    (3) Service information identified in this AD that is not 
incorporated by reference is available at the addresses specified in 
paragraphs (o)(4) and (o)(5) of this AD.

(o) Material Incorporated by Reference

    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference (IBR) of the service information listed 
in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) You must use this service information as applicable to do 
the actions required by this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise.
    (3) The following service information was approved for IBR on 
August 3, 2017 (82 FR 29371, June 29, 2017).
    (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-71-1069, Revision 01, including 
Appendix 01, dated April 28, 2016.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (4) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Airbus SAS, Airworthiness Office--EIAS, Rond-Point Emile Dewoitine 
No: 2, 31700 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.
    (5) 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.
    (6) You may view this service information that is incorporated 
by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration 
(NARA). For information on the availability of this material at 
NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.

    Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on July 23, 2018.
James Cashdollar,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2018-16576 Filed 8-7-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P