[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 20 (Thursday, January 30, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 5310-5313]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-01634]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2019-1080; Product Identifier 2020-NM-002-AD; Amendment
39-19823; AD 2020-01-17]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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[[Page 5311]]
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319 series airplanes;
Model A320 series airplanes; and Model A321 series airplanes. This AD
was prompted by a report that during airplane boarding a loud bang was
heard. A subsequent inspection revealed that one emergency escape
slide/raft was found with zero reservoir pressure, due to a burst
rupture disk assembly in the inflation reservoir, which was probably
caused by a manufacturing defect. This AD requires repetitive checks of
the pressure gauges on the inflation reservoir of each emergency escape
slide/raft to determine the amount of pressure and, depending on
findings, accomplishment of applicable corrective actions, 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 becomes effective February 14, 2020.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 14,
2020.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 16, 2020.
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 https://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 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For the material incorporated by reference (IBR) in this AD,
contact the EASA, 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
https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2019-1080.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1080; 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 AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other
information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
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; email
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Discussion
The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0316, dated December 23, 2019
(``EASA AD 2019-0316'') (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe
condition for all Airbus SAS Model A318 series airplanes; Model A319-
111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -151N, -153N, and -171N
airplanes; Model A320-211, -212, -214, -215, -216, -231, -232, -233, -
251N, -252N, -253N, -271N, -272N and -273N airplanes; and Model A321
series airplanes. Model A319-153N and A320-215 airplanes are not
certified by the FAA and are not included on the U.S. type certificate
data sheet; this AD therefore does not include those airplanes in the
applicability.
This AD was prompted by a report that during airplane boarding a
loud bang was heard. A subsequent inspection revealed that one
emergency escape slide/raft was found with zero reservoir pressure, due
to a burst rupture disk assembly in the inflation reservoir, which was
probably caused by a manufacturing defect. The FAA is issuing this AD
to address insufficient reservoir pressure in an emergency escape
slide/raft, which would prevent the deployment of the emergency escape
slide/raft during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to the
occupants. See the MCAI for additional background information.
Related IBR Material Under 1 CFR Part 51
EASA AD 2019-0316 describes procedures for repetitive checks of the
pressure gauge on the inflation reservoir of each emergency escape
slide/slide raft to determine the amount of pressure, and applicable
corrective actions. The corrective actions include, among other things,
replacement of any affected emergency escape slide/raft or inflation
reservoir.
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.
FAA's Determination
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to the FAA's bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority,
the FAA has been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI
referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD because the FAA evaluated
all pertinent information and determined the unsafe condition exists
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type
design.
Requirements of This AD
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA AD
2019-0316 described previously, as incorporated by reference, except
for any differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of
this AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA initially worked with Airbus and EASA to develop a
process to use certain EASA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has
since coordinated with other manufacturers and civil aviation
authorities (CAAs) to use this process. As a result, EASA AD 2019-0316
will be incorporated by reference in the FAA final rule. This AD,
therefore, requires compliance with EASA AD 2019-0316 in its entirety,
through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as
exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that
are the same as the heading of a particular section in the EASA AD does
not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For
example, where the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and
compliance times,'' compliance with
[[Page 5312]]
this AD requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required
Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)'' in the EASA AD. Service information
specified in EASA AD 2019-0316 that is required for compliance with
EASA AD 2019-0316 will be available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2019-
1080 after the FAA final rule is published.
FAA's Justification and Determination of the Effective Date
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies waiving notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because if a rupture disk assembly in the inflation reservoir of an
emergency escape slide/slide raft burst it would result in a sudden
loss of reservoir pressure and prevent the deployment of the emergency
escape slide/raft during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to
the occupants. Due to the severity of this problem, the emergency
escape slide/slide raft must be inspected to ensure proper deployment
using a shorter compliance interval than is practical through the
notice and comment rulemaking process. Therefore, the FAA finds good
cause that notice and opportunity for prior public comment are
impracticable. In addition, for the reasons stated above, the FAA finds
that good cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than
30 days.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
The requirements of the RFA do not apply when an agency finds good
cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt a rule without prior notice and
comment. Because the FAA has determined that it has good cause to adopt
this rule without notice and comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Comments Invited
This AD is a final rule that involves requirements affecting flight
safety, and the FAA did not precede it by notice and opportunity for
public comment. The FAA invites 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-2019-1080;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-002-AD'' at the beginning of your comments.
The FAA specifically invites comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this AD. The FAA will
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
AD based on those comments.
The FAA will post all comments, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide.
The FAA will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact the agency receives about this AD.
Interim Action
The FAA considers this AD interim action. If final action is later
identified, the FAA might consider further rulemaking at that time.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 1,553 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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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85............................. $0 $85 $132,005
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The FAA has received no definitive data that would enable the
agency to provide cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified
in this 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.
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.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA 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, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
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):
2020-01-17 Airbus SAS: Amendment 39-19823; Docket No. FAA-2019-1080;
Product Identifier 2020-NM-002-AD.
(a) Effective Date
This AD becomes effective February 14, 2020.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies all Airbus SAS airplanes, certificated in any
category, as identified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (4) of this AD.
(1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
(2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, -133, -
151N and -171N airplanes.
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(3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -216, -231, -232, -233, -251N, -
252N, -253N,
-271N, -272N and -273N airplanes.
(4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, -232, -
251N, -252N,
-253N, -271N, -272N, -251NX, -252NX, -253NX, 271NX, and -272NX
airplanes.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/
furnishings.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by a report that during airplane boarding a
loud bang was heard. A subsequent inspection revealed that one
emergency escape slide/raft was found with zero reservoir pressure,
due to a burst rupture disk assembly in the inflation reservoir,
which was probably caused by a manufacturing defect. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address insufficient reservoir pressure in an
emergency escape slide/raft, which would prevent the deployment of
the emergency escape slide/raft during an emergency, possibly
resulting in injury to the occupants.
(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, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2019-0316, dated December 23, 2019 (``EASA AD 2019-0316'').
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2019-0316
(1) Where EASA AD 2019-0316 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD 2019-0316 does not apply
to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2019-0316 specifies to comply with ``the
instructions of the AOT,'' this AD requires compliance with the
procedures marked as required for compliance (RC) in the Alert
Operators Transmission (AOT).
(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 2019-0316 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; email [email protected].
(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 2019-0316,
dated December 23, 2019.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For information about EASA AD 2019-0316, contact the EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; 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 https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-
2019-1080.
(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: https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html.
Issued on January 21, 2020.
Gaetano A. Sciortino,
Deputy Director for Strategic Initiatives, Compliance & Airworthiness
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-01634 Filed 1-29-20; 8:45 am]
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