80_FR_50712 80 FR 50551 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

80 FR 50551 - Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 161 (August 20, 2015)

Page Range50551-50553
FR Document2015-20383

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that on airplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes (used to activate the load alleviation function) are connected on various flight computers using the same ground point. In these cases, the ground point segregation is no longer effective, and a single failure could lead to loss of sharklet identification by flight computers causing a return to the wing tip fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. This AD requires modification of the sharklet ground connection. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of sharklet identification by the flight computers and subsequent reduced control of the airplane.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 161 (Thursday, August 20, 2015) 
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 161 (Thursday, August 20, 2015)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 50551-50553]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20383]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2014-1051; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-171-AD; 
Amendment 39-18239; AD 2015-17-06]
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 certain 
Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was 
prompted by reports that on airplanes equipped

[[Page 50552]]

with sharklets, discretes (used to activate the load alleviation 
function) are connected on various flight computers using the same 
ground point. In these cases, the ground point segregation is no longer 
effective, and a single failure could lead to loss of sharklet 
identification by flight computers causing a return to the wing tip 
fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. This AD requires 
modification of the sharklet ground connection. We are issuing this AD 
to prevent loss of sharklet identification by the flight computers and 
subsequent reduced control of the airplane.

DATES: This AD becomes effective September 24, 2015.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of September 
24, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-1051 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 account.airworth eas@airbus.com; 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-
1051.

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 certain Airbus Model A319, 
A320, and A321 series airplanes. The NPRM published in the Federal 
Register on January 23, 2015 (80 FR 3520). The NPRM was prompted by 
reports that on airplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes (used to 
activate the load alleviation function) are connected on various flight 
computers using the same ground point. In these cases, the ground point 
segregation is no longer effective and a single failure could lead to 
loss of sharklet identification by flight computers causing a return to 
the wing tip fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. The NPRM 
proposed to require modification of the sharklet ground connection. We 
are issuing this AD to prevent loss of sharklet identification by the 
flight computers and subsequent reduced control of the airplane.
    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA 
Airworthiness Directive 2014-0186, dated August 19, 2014 (referred to 
after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or 
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model 
A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The MCAI states:

    During A320 Neo review, Airbus design office identified that on 
A320 family aeroplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes used to 
activate the load alleviation function are connected on various 
flight computers using the same ground point. In that case, the 
ground point segregation is no longer effective and a single failure 
could lead to loss of sharklet identification by the flight 
computers, inducing a return to the wing tip fence (no sharklet 
configuration) behaviour.
    This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced control 
of the aeroplane, depending on aeroplane configuration and flight 
phase.
    It has been determined that Airbus mod 156108 restores the 
correct segregation. However, since introduction of sharklet mod 
160500 and mod 160023, a number of aeroplanes equipped with 
sharklets have been delivered without incorporating mod 156108. In 
addition, mod 156108 was not included in certain SBs [service 
bulletins] that introduce the sharklet device in service onto 
aeroplanes with a reinforced wing, previously operated with a wing 
tip fence. Airbus mod 156108 has now been introduced into Airbus SB 
A320-57-1186 at Rev.03 and will be introduced at next revisions of 
SB A320-57-1173 and SB A320-57-1187.
    To address this potential unsafe condition, Airbus published SB 
A320-27-1240 for in-service installation of mod 156108.
    For the reasons described above, this AD requires modification 
of the sharklet ground connection.

    You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-1051-0002.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM (80 FR 3520, January 23, 
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 3520, January 23, 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 3520, January 23, 2015).

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    Airbus has issued Service Bulletin A320-27-1240, dated June 18, 
2014. The service information describes procedures for modification of 
the sharklet ground connection. 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 or AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD affects 46 airplanes of U.S. registry.
    We also estimate that it will take about 14 work-hours per product 
to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor 
rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts will cost about $347 per 
product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD on 
U.S. operators to be $70,702, or $1,537 per product.

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

[[Page 50553]]

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-2014-1051; 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):

2015-17-06 Airbus: Amendment 39-18239. Docket No. FAA-2014-1051; 
Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-171-AD.

(a) Effective Date

    This AD becomes effective September 24, 2015.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, certificated in any 
category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of 
this AD, all manufacturer serial numbers on which Airbus 
modification (mod) 160500 or mod 160023 has been embodied in 
production, and those that have been modified in service through the 
Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57-1173, A320-57-1186, or A320-57-1187, 
except those on which Airbus mod 156108 has been embodied in 
production.
    (1) Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 
airplanes.
    (2) Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes.
    (3) Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -212, -213, -231, and -232 
airplanes.

(d) Subject

    Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 27, Flight 
Controls.

(e) Reason

    This AD was prompted by reports that on airplanes equipped with 
sharklets, discretes (used to activate the load alleviation 
function) are connected on various flight computers using the same 
ground point. In these cases, the ground point segregation is no 
longer effective, and a single failure could lead to loss of 
sharklet identification by flight computers causing a return to the 
wing tip fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent loss of sharklet identification by the 
flight computers and subsequent reduced control of the airplane.

(f) Compliance

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

(g) Modification

    Within 24 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the 
sharklet ground connection, in accordance with the Accomplishment 
Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-27-1240, dated June 18, 
2014.

 (h) Other FAA AD Provisions

    The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, 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: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. 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.

(i) Related Information

    Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) 
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0186, dated August 19, 2014, for 
related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the 
Internet at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-
1051-0002.

(j) 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 A320-27-1240, dated June 18, 2014.
    (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 eas@airbus.com">account.airworth-eas@airbus.com; 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 August 10, 2015.
Michael Kaszycki,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-20383 Filed 8-19-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 161 / Thursday, August 20, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 50551 Section 106, describes the authority of FR 48535, September 21, 2001), and (2) For operations conducted under a 14 the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, adding the following new AD: CFR part 119 operating certificate or under Aviation Programs, describes in more 14 CFR part 91, subpart K, we suggest that 2015–17–02 Bell Helicopter Textron you notify your principal inspector, or detail the scope of the Agency’s Canada (Bell): Amendment 39–18235; lacking a principal inspector, the manager of authority. Docket No. FAA–2014–0643; Directorate the local flight standards district office or We are issuing this rulemaking under Identifier 2013–SW–059–AD. certificate holding district office before the authority described in Subtitle VII, (a) Applicability operating any aircraft complying with this Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, AD through an AMOC. ‘‘General requirements.’’ Under that This AD applies to Model 206L–4, 407, 427, and 429 helicopters with an engine-to- (i) Additional Information section, Congress charges the FAA with transmission driveshaft assembly promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in (1) Bell Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. (driveshaft), part number (P/N) 206–340– 206L–01–123, Revision A, dated February 22, air commerce by prescribing regulations 300–105, installed, certificated in any 2006; ASB No. 427–01–04, Revision A, dated for practices, methods, and procedures category. March 31, 2006; and ASB No. 407–01–45, the Administrator finds necessary for Revision B, dated April 23, 2013, which are (b) Unsafe Condition safety in air commerce. This regulation not incorporated by reference, contain is within the scope of that authority This AD defines the unsafe condition as additional information about the subject of because it addresses an unsafe condition failure of a driveshaft due to cracking of the this AD. For service information identified in flex frame on the forward end of the that is likely to exist or develop on driveshaft. This condition could result in loss this AD, contact Bell Helicopter Textron products identified in this rulemaking Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l’Avenir, of drive to the main rotor system and a action. Mirabel, Quebec J7J1R4; telephone (450) subsequent emergency forced landing. 437–2862 or (800) 363–8023; fax (450) 433– Regulatory Findings (c) Affected ADs 0272; or at http://www.bellcustomer.com/ files/. You may review a copy of the service We have determined that this AD will This AD supersedes AD 2001–13–51, Amendment 39–12443, Docket No. 2001– information at the FAA, Office of the not have federalism implications under Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Executive Order 13132. This AD will SW–29–AD (66 FR 48535, September 21, 2001). Hillwood Pkwy, Room 6N–321, Fort Worth, not have a substantial direct effect on Texas 76177. the States, on the relationship between (d) Effective Date (2) The subject of this AD is addressed in the national government and the States, This AD becomes effective September 24, Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) AD or on the distribution of power and 2015. No. CF–2002–03R3, Revision 3, dated responsibilities among the various September 26, 2013. You may view the TCCA (e) Compliance AD on the Internet at http:// levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I You are responsible for performing each www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA– action required by this AD within the 2014–0643. certify that this AD: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory specified compliance time unless it has (j) Subject already been accomplished prior to that time. action’’ under Executive Order 12866, Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under (f) Required Actions Code: 6300 Main Rotor Drive System. DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (1) Within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 6, (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979), determine whether driveshaft, P/N 206–340– 2015. 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in 300–105, has ever been installed on a Bell Larry M. Kelly, Alaska to the extent that it justifies Model 407 helicopter, and record this on the component history card or equivalent record. Acting Directorate Manager, Rotorcraft making a regulatory distinction; and Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 4. Will not have a significant If driveshaft, P/N 206–340–300–105, has ever been installed on a Bell Model 407 [FR Doc. 2015–20509 Filed 8–19–15; 8:45 am] economic impact, positive or negative, helicopter: BILLING CODE 4910–13–P on a substantial number of small entities (i) For Bell Model 206L–4, 407, and 427 under the criteria of the Regulatory helicopters, within 25 hours TIS, inspect Flexibility Act. each driveshaft for a crack, a loose bolt or DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 nut, and red powder residue. If there is a crack, a loose bolt or nut, or red powder Federal Aviation Administration Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation residue, replace the driveshaft with an safety, Incorporation by reference, airworthy driveshaft before further flight. 14 CFR Part 39 Safety. (ii) For all affected Bell model helicopters, on or before accumulating 1,250 hours TIS, [Docket No. FAA–2014–1051; Directorate Adoption of the Amendment replace each driveshaft with an airworthy Identifier 2014–NM–171–AD; Amendment Accordingly, under the authority driveshaft. 39–18239; AD 2015–17–06] delegated to me by the Administrator, (2) Do not install driveshaft, P/N 206–340– 300–105, on any helicopter if it has ever been RIN 2120–AA64 the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as installed on a Bell Model 407 helicopter. follows: Airworthiness Directives; Airbus (g) Special Flight Permit Airplanes PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS Special flight permits are prohibited. DIRECTIVES AGENCY: Federal Aviation (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) Administration (FAA), Department of ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 Transportation (DOT). continues to read as follows: (1) The Manager, Safety Management rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES Group, FAA, may approve AMOCs for this ACTION: Final rule. Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. AD. Send your proposal to: Matthew Fuller, Aviation Safety Engineer, Safety Management SUMMARY: We are adopting a new § 39.13 [Amended] airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 10101 ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by Hillwood Pkwy, Fort Worth, Texas 76177; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 removing Airworthiness Directive (AD) telephone (817) 222–5110; email 9-ASW- series airplanes. This AD was prompted 2001–13–51, Amendment 39-12443 (66 FTW-AMOC-Requests@faa.gov. by reports that on airplanes equipped VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:15 Aug 19, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20AUR1.SGM 20AUR1

50552 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 161 / Thursday, August 20, 2015 / Rules and Regulations with sharklets, discretes (used to sharklets, discretes (used to activate the received no comments on the NPRM (80 activate the load alleviation function) load alleviation function) are connected FR 3520, January 23, 2015) or on the are connected on various flight on various flight computers using the determination of the cost to the public. computers using the same ground point. same ground point. In these cases, the Conclusion In these cases, the ground point ground point segregation is no longer segregation is no longer effective, and a effective and a single failure could lead We reviewed the relevant data and single failure could lead to loss of to loss of sharklet identification by flight determined that air safety and the sharklet identification by flight computers causing a return to the wing public interest require adopting this AD computers causing a return to the wing tip fence (no sharklet configuration) as proposed except for minor editorial tip fence (no sharklet configuration) performance. The NPRM proposed to changes. We have determined that these performance. This AD requires require modification of the sharklet minor changes: modification of the sharklet ground ground connection. We are issuing this • Are consistent with the intent that connection. We are issuing this AD to AD to prevent loss of sharklet was proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 3520, prevent loss of sharklet identification by identification by the flight computers January 23, 2015) for correcting the the flight computers and subsequent and subsequent reduced control of the unsafe condition; and reduced control of the airplane. airplane. • Do not add any additional burden DATES: This AD becomes effective The European Aviation Safety Agency upon the public than was already September 24, 2015. (EASA), which is the Technical Agent proposed in the NPRM (80 FR 3520, The Director of the Federal Register for the Member States of the European January 23, 2015). approved the incorporation by reference Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Related Service Information Under 1 of a certain publication listed in this AD Directive 2014–0186, dated August 19, CFR Part 51 as of September 24, 2015. 2014 (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Airbus has issued Service Bulletin ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD Information, or ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct A320–27–1240, dated June 18, 2014. docket on the Internet at http:// The service information describes www.regulations.gov/ an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 series procedures for modification of the #!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-1051 or in sharklet ground connection. This person at the Docket Management airplanes. The MCAI states: service information is reasonably Facility, U.S. Department of During A320 Neo review, Airbus design available because the interested parties Transportation, Docket Operations, M– office identified that on A320 family aeroplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes have access to it through their normal 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room course of business or by the means W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., used to activate the load alleviation function are connected on various flight computers identified in the ADDRESSES section of Washington, DC. using the same ground point. In that case, the this or AD. For service information identified in ground point segregation is no longer this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness effective and a single failure could lead to Costs of Compliance Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice loss of sharklet identification by the flight We estimate that this AD affects 46 Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; computers, inducing a return to the wing tip airplanes of U.S. registry. telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 fence (no sharklet configuration) behaviour. We also estimate that it will take 61 93 44 51; email account.airworth This condition, if not corrected, could lead to reduced control of the aeroplane, about 14 work-hours per product to eas@airbus.com; Internet http:// comply with the basic requirements of depending on aeroplane configuration and www.airbus.com. You may view this flight phase. this AD. The average labor rate is $85 referenced service information at the It has been determined that Airbus mod per work-hour. Required parts will cost FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 156108 restores the correct segregation. about $347 per product. Based on these 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. However, since introduction of sharklet mod figures, we estimate the cost of this AD For information on the availability of 160500 and mod 160023, a number of on U.S. operators to be $70,702, or this material at the FAA, call 425–227– aeroplanes equipped with sharklets have been delivered without incorporating mod $1,537 per product. 1221. It is also available on the Internet 156108. In addition, mod 156108 was not Authority for This Rulemaking at http://www.regulations.gov by included in certain SBs [service bulletins] searching for and locating Docket No. that introduce the sharklet device in service Title 49 of the United States Code FAA–2014–1051. onto aeroplanes with a reinforced wing, specifies the FAA’s authority to issue FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: previously operated with a wing tip fence. rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, Airbus mod 156108 has now been introduced section 106, describes the authority of International Branch, ANM– into Airbus SB A320–57–1186 at Rev.03 and the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: 116,Transport Airplane Directorate, will be introduced at next revisions of SB Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more A320–57–1173 and SB A320–57–1187. FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, To address this potential unsafe condition, detail the scope of the Agency’s WA 98057–3356; telephone 425–227– Airbus published SB A320–27–1240 for in- authority. 1405; fax 425–227–1149. service installation of mod 156108. We are issuing this rulemaking under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For the reasons described above, this AD the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, requires modification of the sharklet ground Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: Discussion connection. General requirements.’’ Under that We issued a notice of proposed You may examine the MCAI in the section, Congress charges the FAA with rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR AD docket on the Internet at http:// promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES part 39 by adding an AD that would www.regulations.gov/ apply to certain Airbus Model A319, #!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-1051- for practices, methods, and procedures A320, and A321 series airplanes. The 0002. the Administrator finds necessary for NPRM published in the Federal safety in air commerce. This regulation Register on January 23, 2015 (80 FR Comments is within the scope of that authority 3520). The NPRM was prompted by We gave the public the opportunity to because it addresses an unsafe condition reports that on airplanes equipped with participate in developing this AD. We that is likely to exist or develop on VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:15 Aug 19, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\20AUR1.SGM 20AUR1

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 161 / Thursday, August 20, 2015 / Rules and Regulations 50553 products identified in this rulemaking (a) Effective Date Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116- action. This AD becomes effective September 24, AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using 2015. any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate Regulatory Findings principal inspector, or lacking a principal (b) Affected ADs We determined that this AD will not inspector, the manager of the local flight have federalism implications under None. standards district office/certificate holding Executive Order 13132. This AD will (c) Applicability district office. The AMOC approval letter not have a substantial direct effect on This AD applies to the Airbus airplanes, must specifically reference this AD. the States, on the relationship between certificated in any category, identified in (2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any the national government and the States, paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this AD, requirement in this AD to obtain corrective or on the distribution of power and all manufacturer serial numbers on which actions from a manufacturer, the action must responsibilities among the various Airbus modification (mod) 160500 or mod be accomplished using a method approved levels of government. 160023 has been embodied in production, by the Manager, International Branch, ANM– For the reasons discussed above, I and those that have been modified in service 116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or through the Airbus Service Bulletin A320– the European Aviation Safety Agency certify that this AD: 57–1173, A320–57–1186, or A320–57–1187, 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory (EASA); or Airbus’s EASA Design except those on which Airbus mod 156108 action’’ under Executive Order 12866; Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by has been embodied in production. 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the (1) Model A319–111, –112, –113, –114, the DOA, the approval must include the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures –115, –131, –132, and –133 airplanes. DOA-authorized signature. (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); (2) Model A320–211, –212, –214, –231, (i) Related Information 3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in –232, and –233 airplanes. (3) Model A321–111, –112, –131, –211, Refer to Mandatory Continuing Alaska; and –212, –213, –231, and –232 airplanes. Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA 4. Will not have a significant Airworthiness Directive 2014–0186, dated economic impact, positive or negative, (d) Subject August 19, 2014, for related information. on a substantial number of small entities Air Transport Association (ATA) of This MCAI may be found in the AD docket under the criteria of the Regulatory America Code 27, Flight Controls. on the Internet at http:// Flexibility Act. (e) Reason www.regulations.gov/ Examining the AD Docket This AD was prompted by reports that on #!documentDetail;D=FAA-2014-1051-0002. You may examine the AD docket on airplanes equipped with sharklets, discretes (j) Material Incorporated by Reference the Internet at http:// (used to activate the load alleviation function) are connected on various flight (1) The Director of the Federal Register www.regulations.gov/ computers using the same ground point. In approved the incorporation by reference #!docketDetail;D=FAA-2014-1051; or in these cases, the ground point segregation is (IBR) of the service information listed in this person at the Docket Management no longer effective, and a single failure could paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., lead to loss of sharklet identification by flight part 51. Monday through Friday, except Federal computers causing a return to the wing tip (2) You must use this service information holidays. The AD docket contains this fence (no sharklet configuration) as applicable to do the actions required by AD, the regulatory evaluation, any performance. We are issuing this AD to this AD, unless this AD specifies otherwise. comments received, and other prevent loss of sharklet identification by the flight computers and subsequent reduced (i) Airbus Service Bulletin A320–27–1240, information. The street address for the dated June 18, 2014. control of the airplane. Docket Operations office (telephone (ii) Reserved. 800–647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES (f) Compliance (3) For service information identified in section. Comply with this AD within the this AD, contact Airbus, Airworthiness compliance times specified, unless already Office—EIAS, 1 Rond Point Maurice List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 done. Bellonte, 31707 Blagnac Cedex, France; Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation (g) Modification telephone +33 5 61 93 36 96; fax +33 5 61 safety, Incorporation by reference, 93 44 51; email account.airworth-eas@ Within 24 months after the effective date Safety. of this AD, modify the sharklet ground airbus.com; Internet http://www.airbus.com. Adoption of the Amendment connection, in accordance with the (4) You may view this service information Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, Accordingly, under the authority Service Bulletin A320–27–1240, dated June 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For delegated to me by the Administrator, 18, 2014. information on the availability of this the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (h) Other FAA AD Provisions follows: (5) You may view this service information The following provisions also apply to this that is incorporated by reference at the PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance National Archives and Records DIRECTIVES Administration (NARA). For information on (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, FAA, has the authority to the availability of this material at NARA, call ■ 1. The authority citation for part 39 approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 202–741–6030, or go to: http:// continues to read as follows: using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr- Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your locations.html. request to your principal inspector or local § 39.13 [Amended] Flight Standards District Office, as Issued in Renton, Washington, on August rmajette on DSK7SPTVN1PROD with RULES appropriate. If sending information directly 10, 2015. ■ 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Michael Kaszycki, Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane directive (AD): International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. 2015–17–06 Airbus: Amendment 39–18239. Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Docket No. FAA–2014–1051; Directorate Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356; [FR Doc. 2015–20383 Filed 8–19–15; 8:45 am] Identifier 2014–NM–171–AD. telephone 425–227–1405; fax 425–227–1149. BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:15 Aug 19, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\20AUR1.SGM 20AUR1


Document Created: 2015-12-15 11:08:47
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 11:08:47
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesThis AD becomes effective September 24, 2015.
ContactSanjay 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.
FR Citation80 FR 50551 
RIN Number2120-AA64
CFR AssociatedAir Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety
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