[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 187 (Thursday, September 26, 2019)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50716-50719]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-20898]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-0486; Product Identifier 2019-NM-061-AD; Amendment
39-19733; AD 2019-18-06]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of
Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Airbus SAS Model A318-112, -121, and -122; A319-111, -112, -
115, -131, -132, and -133; A320-214, -216, -232, -233, -251N, and -
271N; and A321-211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, -271N, and -
272N airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of missing or loosened
fasteners on connecting brackets of overhead stowage compartments
(OHSC) and pivoting OHSC (POHSC). This AD requires modification of the
OHSC and POHSC attachments, as specified in a European Union Aviation
Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective October 31, 2019.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of October 31,
2019.
ADDRESSES: For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, at Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
telephone +49 221 89990 1000; email [email protected]; internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this IBR material on the EASA website
at https://ad.easa.europa.eu. You may view this IBR material 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 in the AD docket on the internet at
http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-0486.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for
[[Page 50717]]
and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-0486; or in person at Docket
Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this final rule, the
regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information.
The address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
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 FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Airbus SAS
Model A318-112, -121, and -122; A319-111, -112, -115, -131, -132, and -
133; A320-214, -216, -232, -233, -251N, and -271N; and A321-211, -212,
-213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, -271N, and -272N airplanes. The NPRM
published in the Federal Register on June 27, 2019 (84 FR 30637). The
NPRM was prompted by reports of missing or loosened fasteners on
connecting brackets of OHSC and pivoting POHSC. The NPRM proposed to
require modification of the OHSC and POHSC attachments.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address loosening of the OHSC or
POHSC fasteners. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to
detachment of OHSC or POHSC, possibly resulting in injury to airplane
occupants and/or impeding egress during an emergency evacuation.
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0069, dated March 28, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0069'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for certain Airbus SAS Model A318-112, -121, and -122; A319-
111, -112, -115, -131, -132, and -133; A320-214, -216, -232, -233, -
251N, and -271N; and A321-211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N, -253N, -
271N, and -272N airplanes. The MCAI states:
During routine inspections, several screws were found missing or
loose on the interconnecting brackets of certain overhead stowage
compartments (OHSC) and pivoting OHSC (POHSC). Investigations and a
sampling program have shown that loosening of fasteners can be
generated by a relative movement of the OHSC/POHSC and vibrations
inside the aeroplane, by elastic deformation of the aeroplane body
and by take-off and landing manoeuvres.
This condition, if not corrected, could lead to detachment of an
OHSC/POHSC, possibly resulting in injury to aeroplane occupants.
To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus issued the
original issue of the applicable SB [service bulletin], providing
modification instructions to improve the robustness of the OHSC and
POHSC. Prompted by new findings, the applicable SBs have been later
issued, including additional work and associated instructions.
For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires
modification of the OHSC and POHSC attachments.
Comments
The FAA gave the public the opportunity to participate in
developing this final rule. The FAA has considered the comment
received. Patrick Imperatrice indicated support for the NPRM.
Conclusion
The FAA reviewed the relevant data, considered the comment
received, and determined that air safety and the public interest
require adopting this final rule as proposed, except for minor
editorial changes. The FAA has determined that these minor changes:
Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the
NPRM for addressing the unsafe condition; and
Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was
already proposed in the NPRM.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0069 describes procedures for modification of the OHSC
and POHSC attachments. EASA AD 2019-0069 also describes an inspection
for discrepancies (additional work) and corrective actions. The
inspection includes checks of the dimensions of the threaded pins
against tolerances and checks for damage. Corrective actions include
replacing threaded pins and nuts and repairing damage. This material 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,464 airplanes of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs for Required Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Up to 42 work-hours x $85 per hour = Up $3,950 Up to $7,520.............. Up to $11,009,280
to $3,570.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any necessary on-
condition actions that would be required based on the results of any
required or optional actions. The FAA has no way of determining the
number of aircraft that might need these on-condition actions:
Estimated Costs of On-Condition Actions
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Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Up to 19 work-hours x $85 per [*] Up to $1,615 *
hour = Up to $1,615.
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* The FAA has received no definitive data for the on-condition parts
costs.
According to the manufacturer, some or all of the costs of this AD
may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage for
affected individuals. As a result, the FAA has included all known costs
in our cost estimate.
[[Page 50718]]
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.
The FAA is 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 and
associated appliances to the Director of the System Oversight Division.
Regulatory Findings
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) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) 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):
2019-18-06 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19733; Docket No. FAA-2019-0486;
Product Identifier 2019-NM-061-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD is effective October 31, 2019.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus SAS Model A318-112, -121, and -122;
A319-111, -112, -115, -131, -132, and -133; A320-214, -216, -232, -
233, -251N, and -271N; and A321-211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -251N,
-253N, -271N, and -272N airplanes, certificated in any category, as
identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-
0069, dated March 28, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0069'').
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of missing or loosened fasteners
on connecting brackets of overhead stowage compartments (OHSC) and
pivoting OHSC (POHSC). The FAA is issuing this AD to address
loosening of the OHSC or POHSC fasteners. This condition, if not
corrected, could lead to detachment of OHSC or POHSC, possibly
resulting in injury to airplane occupants and/or impeding egress
during an emergency evacuation.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, EASA AD 2019-0069.
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0069
(1) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Where EASA AD 2019-0069 refers to its effective date,
this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) For purposes of determining compliance with the requirements
of this AD: Paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2019-0069 applies to all
airplanes except for airplanes identified by paragraph (2) of EASA
AD 2019-0069.
(3) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0069 does not apply
to this AD.
(i) 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 (j) 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 instructions from a manufacturer, the instructions must be
accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International
Section, Transport Standards Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus SAS's
EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the
approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(3) Required for Compliance (RC): For any service information
referenced in EASA AD 2019-0069 that contains RC procedures and
tests: Except as required by paragraph (i)(2) of this AD, RC
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.
(j) Related Information
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.
(k) 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.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2019-0069,
dated March 28, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For information about EASA AD 2019-0069, contact the EASA,
at Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
[[Page 50719]]
telephone +49 221 89990 6017; email [email protected]; Internet
www.easa.europa.eu. You may find this EASA AD on the EASA website at
https://ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material 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. This
material may be found in the AD docket on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-0486.
(5) You may view this material that is incorporated by reference
at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, email
[email protected], or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued in Des Moines, Washington, on September 6, 2019.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Director, System Oversight Division, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-20898 Filed 9-25-19; 8:45 am]
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