80 FR 45851 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 148 (August 3, 2015)

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes modified by a particular supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found during inspections of the in-flight entertainment system radome assembly. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in the radome assembly, and replacement of the radome if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the radome assembly, which could result in the radome (or pieces) separating from the airplane and striking the tail, consequently reducing the controllability of the airplane.

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 148 (Monday, August 3, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 45851-45853]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-18535]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2015-0826; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-221-AD; 
Amendment 39-18222; AD 2015-15-12]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 
Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes modified by a 
particular supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD was prompted by 
reports of cracks found during inspections of the in-flight 
entertainment system radome assembly. This AD requires repetitive 
detailed inspections for cracks in the radome assembly, and replacement 
of the radome if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and 
correct cracks in the radome assembly, which could result in the radome 
(or pieces) separating from the airplane and striking the tail, 
consequently reducing the controllability of the airplane.

DATES: This AD is effective September 8, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 8, 
2015.

ADDRESSES: For service information identified in this AD, contact Live 
TV, 7415 Emerald Dunes Drive, Orlando, FL 32822; telephone 407-812-
2643; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.LiveTV.net. 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-2015-
0826.

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-2015-
0826; 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 address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-
5527) is 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 20590.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barry Culler, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office 
(ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 30337; phone: 404-474-
5546; fax: 404-474-5605; email: [email protected].

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 certain Airbus Model A318, 
A319, and A320 series airplanes modified by a particular STC. The NPRM 
published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2015 (80 FR 20175). The 
NPRM was prompted by reports of cracks found during inspections of the 
in-flight entertainment system radome assembly that had in-flight 
entertainment systems installed using an STC issued to Live TV (STC 
ST00788SE, http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/6df40775b10ef09a86257ae200613cfe/$FILE/ST00788SE.pdf). 
Investigation of the cause of the cracks revealed that radome 
manufacturing variation, due to a lack of dimensional controls on the 
radome manufacturing drawings, can result in the introduction of 
preload stress on the radome during its assembly with the skirt 
fairing. Preload stress combined with flight or handling stress, such 
as maintenance personnel stepping on the radome fairing assembly, might 
initiate a crack. The radome manufacturing drawings were revised on 
September 13, 2010, to add a control dimension, which was incorporated 
into production at radome serial number 498. The NPRM proposed to 
require detailed inspections for cracks in the radome assembly, and 
replacement of the radome if necessary. We are issuing this AD to 
detect and correct cracks in the radome assembly, which could result in 
the radome (or pieces) separating from the airplane and striking the 
tail, consequently reducing the controllability of the airplane.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 20175, April 15, 
2015) or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the relevant data 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:
     Are consistent with the intent that was proposed in the 
NPRM (80 FR 20175, April 15, 2015) for correcting the unsafe condition; 
and
     Do not add any additional burden upon the public than was 
already proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 20175, April 15, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    We reviewed Live TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated 
September 10, 2014. The service information describes procedures for 
repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in the outer ply of the 
radome, and replacement of the radome with a new or serviceable radome 
if any crack is found. 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 120 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this AD:

[[Page 45852]]



                                                 Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Cost on U.S.
          Action                   Labor cost           Parts cost      Cost per product          operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inspections..............  1 work-hour x $85 per                 N/A  $85 per inspection    $10,200 per
                            hour = $85 per                             cycle.                inspection cycle.
                            inspection cycle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We estimate the following costs to do any necessary replacements 
that would be required based on the results of the inspections. We have 
no way of determining the number of aircraft that might need this 
replacement:

                                               On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replacement...................................  8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $               $0            $680
                                                 680.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Paperwork Reduction Act

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to penalty for 
failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the 
requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of 
information displays a current valid OMB control number. The control 
number for the collection of information required by this AD is 2120-
0056. The paperwork cost associated with this AD has been detailed in 
the Costs of Compliance section of this document and includes time for 
reviewing instructions, as well as completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. Therefore, all reporting associated with 
this AD is mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden 
and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to the FAA 
at 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591. ATTN: Information 
Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

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

    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 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):

2015-15-12 Airbus: Amendment 39-18222; Docket No. FAA-2015-0826; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-221-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD is effective September 8, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the airplane models identified in paragraphs 
(c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, certificated in any category, 
with Live TV radomes having part number (P/N) 5063-100-XX (XX 
designates the color option) and a serial number in the range of 001 
through 497 inclusive, and modified by supplemental type certificate 
(STC) ST00788SE, http://rgl.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/
rgstc.nsf/0/6df40775b10ef09a86257ae200613cfe/$FILE/ST00788SE.pdf.
    (1) Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes.
    (2) Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, 
and -133 airplanes.
    (3) Airbus Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -
233 airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53, Fuselage.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found during 
inspections of the in-flight entertainment system radome assembly. 
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the in-flight 
entertainment system radome assembly, which could result in the 
radome (or pieces) separating from the airplane and striking the 
tail, consequently reducing the controllability of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Repetitive Inspections and Corrective Actions

    Within 3,900 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: 
Perform a detailed inspection for cracks of the radome assembly, in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Live TV Service 
Bulletin

[[Page 45853]]

A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated September 10, 2014. Repeat the inspection 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3,900 flight hours. If any 
crack is found during any inspection required by this paragraph, 
before further flight, replace the radome with a new or serviceable 
radome, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Live 
TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated September 10, 2014.

(h) Reporting Requirement

    If any crack is found during any inspection required by 
paragraph (g) of this AD, submit a report of the findings to Live 
TV, Attn: Oscar Hernandez, email: 
[email protected]; at the applicable time 
specified in paragraph (h)(1) or (h)(2) of this AD. The report must 
include the information specified in the service bulletin reporting 
form provided in Live TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated 
September 10, 2014.
    (1) If the inspection was accomplished on or after the effective 
date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the 
inspection.
    (2) If the inspection was accomplished before the effective date 
of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective 
date of this AD.

(i) Special Flight Permit

    Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and 
Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 
and 21.199), are not allowed.

(j) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
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 manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD.
    (2) 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.
    (3) If any service information contains steps that are 
identified as RC (Required for Compliance), those steps must be done 
to comply with this AD; any steps that are not identified as RC are 
recommended. Those steps 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 steps identified as RC can be done 
and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition. Any 
substitutions or changes to steps identified as RC require approval 
of an AMOC.

(l) Related Information

    For more information about this AD, contact Barry Culler, 
Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1701 Columbia Avenue, College Park, GA 
30337; phone: 404-474-5546; fax: 404 474 5605; email: 
[email protected].

(m) 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 the AD specifies otherwise.
    (i) Live TV Service Bulletin A320-53-006, Rev 01, dated 
September 10, 2014.
    (ii) Reserved.
    (3) For service information identified in this AD, contact Live 
TV, 7415 Emerald Dunes Drive, Orlando, FL 32822; telephone 407-812-
2643; email: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.LiveTV.net.
    (4) 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.
    (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 July 17, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-18535 Filed 7-31-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P