80 FR 34262 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 115 (June 16, 2015)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found during the manufacturing process for some oxygen pipe assemblies that are used to supply oxygen to the flightcrew. This AD requires an inspection to determine the batch number or installation date of the oxygen pipe assembly that is installed at the end of the right-hand crew distribution line, and, if necessary, replacement of the pipe. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion, which could lead to blocked or reduced oxygen supply to a flightcrew member during a decompression event or a smoke/ fire event in the cockpit. Under certain conditions, corrosion particles could increase the risk of fire in the cockpit.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 115 (Tuesday, June 16, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 34262-34264]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-14395]



[[Page 34262]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-0585; Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-248-AD; 
Amendment 39-18182; AD 2015-12-08]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 
Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by a report of corrosion found during the manufacturing 
process for some oxygen pipe assemblies that are used to supply oxygen 
to the flightcrew. This AD requires an inspection to determine the 
batch number or installation date of the oxygen pipe assembly that is 
installed at the end of the right-hand crew distribution line, and, if 
necessary, replacement of the pipe. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct corrosion, which could lead to blocked or reduced oxygen 
supply to a flightcrew member during a decompression event or a smoke/
fire event in the cockpit. Under certain conditions, corrosion 
particles could increase the risk of fire in the cockpit.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 21, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 21, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0585 or in person at the 
Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC.
    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 referenced service information at the 
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. 
For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221. It is also available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2014-
0585.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1405; 
fax 425-227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Model A318, 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the 
Federal Register on August 26, 2014 (79 FR 50872).
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2013-0278, dated November 26, 2013 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition on all Airbus Model A318, 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    Some oxygen pipe assemblies, Part Number (P/N) D3511032000640, 
have been found corroded during manufacturing at supplier level. The 
affected pipe assembly is installed at the end of the right hand 
(RH) crew distribution line, just upstream of the First Officer and 
RH Observer oxygen mask boxes.
    The investigation showed that the affected pipes had been heat 
treated just 4 weeks before the summer factory closure and were only 
cleaned after re-opening of the factory. During this interruption, 
corrosion developed in these pipes.
    This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to 
blocked or reduced oxygen supply to one flight crew member in case 
of decompression or smoke/fire in the cockpit. In addition, the 
presence of particles in oxygen lines, under certain conditions, 
increases the risk of fire in the cockpit.
    The parts manufacturer identified the batch numbers of the 
potentially affected pipes that were manufactured in a specific 
period in 2011. Based on that information, Airbus has identified the 
aeroplanes on which those pipes have been installed on the 
production line and has issued Service Bulletin (SB) A320-35-1069, 
containing instructions to remove the affected pipes from service.
    For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires the 
identification of the affected oxygen pipes P/N D3511032000640, and 
for those included in the affected batches, replacement of the 
oxygen pipe. This [EASA] AD also prohibits installation of any of 
the affected pipes on other aeroplanes.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-0585-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We have considered the comments received. The following 
presents the comments received on the NPRM (79 FR 50872, August 26, 
2014) and the FAA's response to each comment.
    United Airlines stated that, while they appreciated the opportunity 
to comment, they had no comments on the NPRM (79 FR 50872, August 26, 
2014).

Request To Revise Language Allowing Use of a Records Check

    Delta Air Lines (DAL) requested that the second sentence in 
paragraph (h) of the NPRM (79 FR 50872, August 26, 2014) be revised to 
add a provision for when an operator can show compliance if the 
``review conclusively determined that the suspect part number and batch 
number was never installed on the aircraft.'' DAL contended that the 
additional provision would allow an operator with an airplane that was 
not identified in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 
2013, and on which the originally installed pipe was never replaced, to 
be in compliance with the proposed AD without knowing the part number 
(P/N) and installation date.
    We agree that if operators can conclusively determine that the crew 
oxygen pipes having P/N D3511032000640 have never been installed on an 
airplane after June 2011, then AD compliance can be demonstrated for 
paragraph (h) of this AD. However, we do not agree to revise paragraph 
(h) of this AD as the current language requires operators to either do 
the inspection for the part or verify that the part is not installed by 
reviewing their maintenance records. If an operator can verify through 
review of maintenance records that no crew oxygen pipe having P/N 
D3511032000640 was installed after June 2011, then compliance with 
paragraph (h) of this AD can be demonstrated. We have not changed this 
AD in this regard.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data, considered the comments received, 
and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting 
this AD as proposed except for minor editorial changes. We have 
determined that these minor changes:

[[Page 34263]]

     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (79 FR 50872, August 26, 2014) for correcting the unsafe 
condition; and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (79 FR 50872, August 26, 2014).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 
2013. The service information describes procedures for inspecting the 
crew oxygen pipe to determine the batch number of the pipe, and 
replacing the crew oxygen pipe, as applicable. 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 of this AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 2 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 2 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost 
of this AD on U.S. operators to be $340, or $170 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions will 
take about 5 work-hours, for a cost of $425 per product. We have no way 
of determining the number of aircraft that might need this action.

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.

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.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-0585; 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 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.

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):

2015-12-08 Airbus: Amendment 39-18182. Docket No. FAA-2014-0585; 
Directorate Identifier 2013-NM-248-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective July 21, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD, certificated in any category, all 
manufacturer serial numbers.
    (1) Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes.
    (2) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (3) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
    (4) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 35, Oxygen.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found during the 
manufacturing process for some oxygen pipe assemblies that are used 
to supply oxygen to the flightcrew. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct corrosion, which could lead to blocked or reduced oxygen 
supply to a flightcrew member during a decompression event or a 
smoke/fire event in the cockpit. Under certain conditions, corrosion 
particles could increase the risk of fire in the cockpit.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Inspection for Batch Numbers and Replacement

    For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A. of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 2013: Within 7,500 flight 
hours or 26 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, inspect the crew oxygen pipe, having part number (P/N) 
D3511032000640, to determine the batch number of that pipe, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 2013. A review of airplane 
maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
batch number of the pipe can be conclusively determined from that 
review. If the batch number of the oxygen pipe is 19356252, 
40008586, 40076689, 40187414, 40292749, 40405164, 40649383, 
40724994, 40820410, or 40911832: Within 7,500 flight hours or 26 
months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, 
replace the oxygen pipe with a serviceable part, in accordance with 
the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-
1069, dated April 26, 2013.

(h) Inspection for Part Number and Installation Date of Crew Oxygen 
Pipe

    For airplanes not identified in paragraph 1.A. of Airbus Service 
Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 2013: Within 7,500 flight 
hours or 26 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs first, inspect the crew oxygen pipe to determine whether P/N 
D3511032000640 was installed after June 2011. A review of airplane

[[Page 34264]]

maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the 
part number and installation date of the pipe can be conclusively 
determined from that review. If the pipe was installed after June 
2011, or the date cannot be conclusively determined, before further 
flight, do the actions required in paragraph (g) of this AD.

(i) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, do not install, on any 
airplane, a crew oxygen pipe P/N D3511032000640, that is identified 
as belonging to batch number 19356252, 40008586, 40076689, 40187414, 
40292749, 40405164, 40649383, 40724994, 40820410, or 40911832.

(j) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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 Branch, send it to ATTN: Sanjay 
Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-
3356; telephone 425-227-1405; fax 425-227-1149. 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. The 
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (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 
Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, 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) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2013-0278, dated November 26, 2013, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-
0585-0002.

(l) 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) Airbus Service Bulletin A320-35-1069, dated April 26, 2013.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (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.
    (4) You may view this service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For 
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 
425-227-1221.
    (5) 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 Renton, Washington, on June 3, 2015.
Jeffrey E. Duven,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-14395 Filed 6-15-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P