| Page Range | 63134-63136 | |
| FR Document | 2015-26223 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 201 (Monday, October 19, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 63134-63136] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-26223] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA-2015-3990; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-255-AD] RIN 2120-AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain passenger service units (PSU), which could cause the passenger oxygen container to malfunction if the connector becomes disengaged during flight due to vibration. This proposed AD would require identification of the affected PSUs, and depending on findings, doing applicable related investigative and corrective actions. We are proposing this AD to prevent failure of the door of the passenger oxygen container to open in the event of airplane decompression, resulting in lack of oxygen supply and consequent injury to occupants. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 3, 2015. 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 http://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, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For Airbus service information identified in this proposed 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. For Airbus Operations GMBH service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Airbus Operations GMBH, Cabin Electronics, Lueneburger Schanze 30, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany; telephone +49 40 7437 46 32; telefax +49 40 7437 16 80; email [email protected]. 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. 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- 3990; 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 proposed 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. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. 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: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2015-3990; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM-255-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent [[Page 63135]] for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0256, dated November 26, 2014, (referred to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes. The MCAI states: A quality issue was reported regarding incorrect installation of jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain Passenger Service Units (PSU), which may lead to a malfunction of the passenger oxygen container in case of connector disengagement during flight due to vibrations. All the aeroplanes that had a potentially affected PSU installed were identified. Most of those aeroplanes were corrected during a specific quality inspection on the final assembly line prior to customer delivery. Unfortunately, a limited number of aeroplanes were delivered before the quality inspection was implemented. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to failure of the door of the passenger oxygen container and open in case of aeroplane decompression, possibly resulting in lack of oxygen supply and consequent injury to occupants. For the reasons described above, this [EASA] AD requires identification of the affected PSU and, depending on the findings, * * * related investigative and corrective actions. Related investigative actions include a detailed inspection to determine if the jiffy joint connector works properly. Corrective actions include rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015- 3990. Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51 Airbus has issued the following service information. Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, dated October 9, 2014. This service information describes procedures for inspecting for affected PSU part numbers and serial numbers, and depending on findings, doing applicable related investigative and corrective actions. Related investigative actions include a detailed inspection to determine if the jiffy joint connector works properly. Corrective actions include rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors. Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25- 004, dated September 26, 2014. This service information describes procedures for inspecting for the connection of the jiffy joint connectors, and depending on findings, doing rework or replacement of the jiffy joint connectors. 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 NPRM. FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these same type designs. Explanation of ``RC'' Procedures and Tests in Service Information The FAA worked in conjunction with industry, under the Airworthiness Directive Implementation Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), to enhance the AD system. One enhancement was a new process for annotating which procedures and tests in the service information are required for compliance with an AD. Differentiating these procedures and tests from other tasks in the service information is expected to improve an owner's/operator's understanding of crucial AD requirements and help provide consistent judgment in AD compliance. The procedures and tests identified as RC (required for compliance) in any service information have a direct effect on detecting, preventing, resolving, or eliminating an identified unsafe condition. As specified in a Note under the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, dated October 9, 2014, procedures and tests that are identified as RC in any service information must be done to comply with the proposed AD. However, procedures and 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 alternative method of compliance (AMOC), provided the procedures and tests identified as RC can be done and the airplane can be put back in a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC will require approval of an AMOC. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD affects 7 airplanes of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it would take about 5 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost $0 per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $2,975, or $425 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 products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 this proposed regulation: 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. [[Page 63136]] List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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): Airbus: Docket No. FAA-2015-3990; Directorate Identifier 2014-NM- 255-AD. (a) Comments Due Date We must receive comments by December 3, 2015. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Airbus Model A321-211 and -231 airplanes, certificated in any category, having manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) 5583, 5598, 5602, 5604, 5608, 5610, 5613 through 5622 inclusive, 5624 through 5627 inclusive, 5629 through 5632 inclusive, 5634 through 5636 inclusive, 5638, 5640 through 5644 inclusive, 5646 through 5649 inclusive, 5651 through 5653 inclusive, 5655, 5657 through 5661 inclusive, 5663, 5665, 5667, 5670, 5672, 5673, and 5675. (d) Subject Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25, Equipment/ Furnishings. (e) Reason This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect installation of jiffy joint connectors on cables connected to certain passenger service units (PSU), which could cause the passenger oxygen container to malfunction if the connector becomes disengaged during flight due to vibration. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the door of the passenger oxygen container to open in the event of airplane decompression, resulting in lack of oxygen supply and consequent injury to occupants. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspection and Related Investigative and Corrective Actions Within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, do an inspection to identify the part number and serial number of each PSU and if an affected part number or serial number is found, do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-25-1B20, dated October 9, 2014. Do all applicable related investigative and corrective actions within 7,500 flight hours or 26 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. An affected PSU part number or serial number is one listed in Appendix 1 of Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25-004, dated September 26, 2014. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the part number and serial number of the PSU can be conclusively determined from that review. (h) Clarification of Vendor Service Information Appendix 1 of Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H-25-004, dated September 26, 2014, identifies Attachment 1 as the list of affected PSU part numbers and serial numbers. Also, the ``List of Attachments'' in Appendix 1, specifies Attachment 1 as Table 4, however ``Attachment 1'' and ``Table 4'' do not appear on any of the pages of the list of affected PSU part numbers and serial numbers, nor does a date. Furthermore, the pagination of the list of affected PSU part numbers and serial numbers is independent of the pagination of Airbus Operations GmbH Vendor Service Bulletin Z315H- 25-004, dated September 26, 2014. (i) 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. (3) Required for Compliance (RC): If any service information contains procedures or tests that are identified as RC, those 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 a serviceable condition. Any substitutions or changes to procedures or tests identified as RC require approval of an AMOC. (j) Related Information (1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) EASA Airworthiness Directive 2014-0256, dated November 26, 2014, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2015-3990. (2) For Airbus 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. For Airbus Operations GMBH service information identified in this AD, contact Airbus Operations GMBH, Cabin Electronics, Lueneburger Schanze 30, 21614 Buxtehude, Germany; telephone +49 40 7437 46 32; telefax +49 40 7437 16 80; email [email protected]. 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. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 6, 2015. Jeffrey E. Duven, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2015-26223 Filed 10-16-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). | |
| Dates | We must receive comments on this proposed AD by December 3, 2015. | |
| 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. | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 63134 | |
| RIN Number | 2120-AA64 | |
| CFR Associated | Air Transportation; Aircraft; Aviation Safety; Incorporation by Reference and Safety |